Together we are powerful
2023
Together we are Powerful was a co–production between me, the Hub/National Centre for Craft and Design and their local community. It took objects, their stories and the comfort of things as its theme. Collaborations, exhibitions, gatherings, residencies, readings, talks, performances, meals, activities, discussions and events formed part of its program.
I was commissioned to facilitate, support and develop the co-production and to create new artworks.
The work began with an invitation by the Hub. Which I followed with a series of meals, where I used Commonware. The meals brought residents, curators, managers, staff, individuals from social care, the arts, local press, youth clubs, faith groups and sport together to slowly grow a program and a manifesto. A Young Person Task Force and a Critical Friends Group was also developed within these events, who, like the Manifesto, continue to support the Hub.
Working with co-production approaches we recognised where the power lay and forged new relationships to redistribute it. The Hubs ambition to explore the potential of their wider community, and how the responses could be brought together for the greater good, generated a challenge which has led to strategic organisational changeDuring the 5 month program the Hub showcased an ever growing collection of objects and their stories, all temporarily loaned by locals. Alongside which ran 6 commissioned visual artists in residence – 3 used materials and ideas of each iteration in a chain reaction process-led way, 3 others including a writer in residence and musician responded to the exhibition and the visitors. Community-led activity such as open mic nights, mindfull walks, specially designed meals brought overlooked voices and unexpressed views into the open. Workshops, talks, a death cafe, Tai Chi, dance, council meetings, theatre, family activity and a series of show and tells also added to the program.
I was commissioned to facilitate, support and develop the co-production and to create new artworks.
The work began with an invitation by the Hub. Which I followed with a series of meals, where I used Commonware. The meals brought residents, curators, managers, staff, individuals from social care, the arts, local press, youth clubs, faith groups and sport together to slowly grow a program and a manifesto. A Young Person Task Force and a Critical Friends Group was also developed within these events, who, like the Manifesto, continue to support the Hub.
Working with co-production approaches we recognised where the power lay and forged new relationships to redistribute it. The Hubs ambition to explore the potential of their wider community, and how the responses could be brought together for the greater good, generated a challenge which has led to strategic organisational changeDuring the 5 month program the Hub showcased an ever growing collection of objects and their stories, all temporarily loaned by locals. Alongside which ran 6 commissioned visual artists in residence – 3 used materials and ideas of each iteration in a chain reaction process-led way, 3 others including a writer in residence and musician responded to the exhibition and the visitors. Community-led activity such as open mic nights, mindfull walks, specially designed meals brought overlooked voices and unexpressed views into the open. Workshops, talks, a death cafe, Tai Chi, dance, council meetings, theatre, family activity and a series of show and tells also added to the program.
Funded by:
The Hub
Lincolnshire One Venues
