Never-Land
2019
In collaboration with Steve Pool aka The Poly-techinc, Never-Land was a European project involving many authors of different ages and experiences. It involved residencies and exhibitions at Yorkshire Artspace Sheffield and Liceo Artistico Guggenheim School in Venice, 4 writing commissions and presentation at Ruskin in Europe Conference at Ca’Foscari University.
Never-Land asked: What will Europe look like in 200 years? Can we imagine a place where national boundaries have evaporated, where everyone belongs, and nobody stands on the in or outside? The last 200 years has seen many wars, many struggles, many generations. Communism has risen and fallen; capitalism reaches its end stage; the impact of climate change becomes ever more urgent. At this point in time we want to think to a better time, challenge negative scripts and acknowledge the possibilities for a future that understands itself. A future not tied into the present state of things. Never-Land is a space of resistance.
In each site we tried to think forward, imagining and taking collage literally and metaphorically in considering a different Europe. Practically we set up spaces for people to share their visions through talking, debate, reflection and making. We utilised found European postcards, inviting people to add their vision on top. The project supported people to address what is scary or what has potential, what is urgent, what is not.
Partners and participants:
Students and staff at Liceo Artistico Guggenheim School
Dr Emma Sdegno at CaFoscari University Venice
Yorkshire Artspace. Sheffield
Steve Carley and King Edward V11 6th Form. Sheffield
Longley 6th form students and staff. Sheffield
Pitsmoor Adventure Playground staff, carers and young people
Emmie Morris
Monique Russell
Rhianna Lewis-Tottle
Funded by Yorkshire Artspace Sheffield
Ca’Foscari Venice
Making Ways. Sheffield
