The Art of With is an action research project by Cornerhouse that aims to explore how a contemporary arts organisation should work with audiences, artists and curators at a time when technological development and web 2.0 means we live in a culture of openness, participation and collaboration.
The project was launched with the commission of two flagship essays, Charles Leadbeater’s The Art of With and Tom Fleming’s Embracing the Desire Lines. Published online, The Art of With launched a virtual debate which was then transposed in the physical world with a first seminar (which included talks by the two authors). New York based curator Michael Connor then contributed his essay, A Manual For the 21st Century Gatekeeper, which led to a second seminar specifically focusing on the contemporary visual arts. Both seminars were based on comments, feedback and suggestions from the audience (virtual and physical).
Here is the latest summary report on the project –