3Space announce the finalists of ‘High Street Hijack’

A competition for social organisations to win use of a retail unit and up to £1,500 to facilitate a pop-up project

Having received a staggering number of entries from non-profit organisations across the UK, 3Space are excited to announce the shortlisted organisations in the running to become the winner of High Street Hijack! Chosen by a panel of regeneration, retail and third-sector experts, the top 5 entries now facing a public vote via the 3Space Facebook page are:

Tutti Music - a Manchester-based organisation planning to stage a series of unique pop-up music workshops, for example ‘Choral Quickies’ - a choir formed in a lunch-break, giving local residents the opportunity to sing and make new music together, supported by some of the city’s best musicians and workshops leaders.

Stitched Up - an organisation who plan to raise awareness of upcycling and ethical fashion through a series of community workshops and events staged in Manchester during London Fashion Week. Planned workshops include  a Sustainable Fashion Show and ‘Sweat Shop’ - a race to make a t-shirt in 10 minutes to highlight fashion ethics.

Petit Miracle - a London-based charity whose innovative ‘Design Bank’ project involves upcycling workshops for  both the public and disadvantaged groups, where participants earn credits which can then be used to purchase items from the project.

Mercurial Dance - who plan to stage a series of taster dance workshops for the community as part of their larger   public project ‘The Bubble Chamber’ in Coventry, celebrating urban space through dance.

Rhythmix - a youth music charity working in South East England, who plan to hold music workshops, and free public performances, providing a free event for the community and giving young people a chance to shine by showcasing their talents in a safe environment.

Not only will the winning project receive free use of an empty retail unit, but will also be awarded up to £1,500 to facilitate a project that is both memorable and will also provide a real benefit to the surrounding community as well as their organisation. The judges (which included Meanwhile Space's Eddie Bridgeman!) were amazed by both the quality and quantity of applications.

The overall winner of High Street Hijack will be decided by a public vote via the 3Space Facebook page, at http://www.facebook.com/3space - voting closes at 12pm on Thursday 1st December. Full details of the shortlisted projects can be seen on the 3Space website at http://3space.org/competition/shortlist