Evie Appleson is a Future 20 artist and recent drama graduate – we caught up about Last Place On Earth:
What’s your artistic background?
Theatre Making, Audio Features/ Podcasting.
Tell us about your practice now – what’s the most satisfying thing? The most challenging? How has it evolved?
As a recent drama graduate, I would not say I have a definitive practice yet. I have spent a lot of university trying my hand at a lot of things such as writing and directing. I particularly enjoyed producing several radio documentaries and it is this practice that I want to pursue.
What made you want to be a part of Future 20?
I really liked the idea of being involved with producing an event rather than just performing. I wanted to see how every aspect of putting together an exhibition works together. I have enjoyed being able to work with artists across many different disciplines to see how we can collaborate and help each other.
What’s the most exciting part of this brief for you?
That we can explore the last place on earth potentially being something hopeful rather than just desolate.
What do you think art brings to your life?
Creativity, inspiration and maybe a job (hopefully).
We’re living in very unusual times – how do you think art can help us deal with that?
I think art like watching films and television can bring us escapism which is a useful tool in times that feel increasingly scary and overwhelming. It doesn’t necessarily mean you’re running away from reality but being in a different world for a while can give you the strength and respite you need to come back and face the issues around you. In this time especially creating art can be therapeutic. It gives you something productive to do. Knowing you have the ability to create something that wasn’t there half an hour ago can offer a much-needed sense of purpose and achievement.
What’s your biggest artistic ambition?
To host a successful podcast.
Future 20 is a year-long project – how has that affected your practice?
I have been doing Future 20 alongside my final year of university which has meant I was not always as present as I would have liked to have been. It has taught me that I can’t always do everything and that the skills I have to offer in terms of my practice are valuable.
What role do you think the arts should play in building the future?
We need artists to bring to light issues that need to be addressed in the future. We need the arts to bring a sense of compassion and empathy into how we look at world issues. We need the arts to give people space to practice their skills, make a living and build a future full of culture and creativity. I don’t want the future to be grey, boring and full of bankers. (No offence).