Together we are powerful

2023

Together we are Powerful was co-produced with the Hub/National Centre for Craft and Design and their local communities. It began as a way to celebrate their 20th year, by dedicating a whole season of 2023 to collectively designed ideas. Which included exhibitions, workshops, artists in residence, family activities, trails, readings, gatherings, events, talks, suppers, performances….

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. During the 5 month program we showcased an ever growing collection of objects and their stories, all temporarily loaned by locals. Alongside this ran 6 artists in residence – 3 used materials and ideas 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 Hubs ambition was to explore the potential of their wider community, and how the responses could be brought together for the greater good. 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. Which, like the projects co-authored Manifesto, continue to guide the Hub and has led to strategic and organisational change.

Funded by:
The Hub
Lincolnshire One Venues

Collaboration

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