A day of sharing, workshopping, discussion and eating together offering artists and arts workers time and space to reconnect to their practice, one another and consider collective wellbeing.
In ‘The Conquest of Bread’ Peter Kropotkin claims ‘Well-being for all is not a dream’ yet the hope for systemic change with economic and ecological progress during covid appears to have disappeared, and once again we are living a constant burn out.
Over the last three months Resident Artist Samantha Jones and Natalie Pace, Curator of Pier Projects, have been ‘ On_Convalescence. Together, they have explored how as cultural professionals, funders, commissioners and practitioners, we can create a caring ecology, that looks after the wellbeing of each other and along with our communities?
Their discussions have drawn out questions such as;
As artists, what do we need to continue to create social change?
How can we influence funders to enable this to continue to authentically happen?
What should a caring commissioning agency look like?’
Fred Brown, founding member of both Homebaked Co-operative Bakery and Community Land Trust in Liverpool once said ‘When the Bread Rises, We Rise’. With no abating in a continued cycle of crisis’s, do we, as Kropotkin writes, ‘have the temerity to declare that all have a right to bread, that there is bread enough for all… ‘ and find a way to rise together?
In this ‘post’ covid context, we want to share our thinking, make and break bread together and explore with you; How do we tackle our burn out, heal, come together and convalesce productively for us to continue to care? How can we claim ‘Right to Wellbeing’ (Kropotkin)? Can we together radicalize the concept of wellbeing? Can we bring co-creative practices into models of care and wellbeing? And what models of care are needed within our local context, to deal with immediate needs and how can this impact wider fields of practice?
Event Summary:
Date: Saturday 22nd July 11.00 -15.00 pm
Venue: Hamilton MAS - Bent Hill, Felixstowe
Lunch: A vegan picnic lunch will be provided for all participants. If you have any dietary requirements please let us know in advance.
Group Size: The number of participants has been limited to ensure ease of conversation and a relaxed atmosphere.
Structure: To reflect the slowness of convalescence, this event will allow plenty of time for rest and reflection. One hour has been allocated for lunch to take time to explore Felixstowe and being on the coast, connect with one another, eat and think about the morning’s activities and provocations.
Swim: After the event ends at 3pm, we warmly invite to join us for a sea dip. The more the merrier and please extend this invitation out to others. Don’t forget your swimming attire and a towel.
This event is free but booking is required.
This event is part of an ongoing programme of reflection and collaboration exploring the thematic of ‘convalescence’ . It is generously supported by Arts Council England.
Www.samanthajones.co. www.hamiltonmas.org.uk/homepage/