1mile² is a new programme, launched in 2009, that addresses the interrelation between culture and the environment within diverse societies, and provides creative learning opportunities through a process shaped by artistic practice.

1mile² asks communities to map their neighbourhood exploring the biodiversity, cultural diversity, and aesthetic diversity (buildings and open spaces) of their local square mile.  Working in collaboration with artists and ecologists, communities will participate in creative workshops and field sessions over a three-year period.  Communities are linked across the world through an internet platform that shares and challenges their findings, perceptions, ideas, experiences and creativity and encourages new connections between people.

Initially the project will connect communities in Bangladesh, China, India, Iran, Pakistan and the UK with further UK and worldwide communities added as the programme expands.  Each community will work with a local, an international artist and an ecologist over 10-12 weeks working with a range of art forms including storytelling, drama, photography, craft and digital arts.  During this time they will explore their neighbourhoods and share their stories and images online.  In subsequent years, emerging community leaders will take part in international exchanges and work with international artists to create local public events.