CONTEXT
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 Art of With Seminar 1 – This started with the commission of two flagship essays, by Charles Leadbeater and Tom Fleming, and the organisation of a seminar in June 2009. The seminar was based on comments, feedback and suggestions inspired by the essays when they were published online.
WHAT NOW?
The first stage was aimed as a starting point to raise questions and identify topics that people want to explore further. A further essay by essay by Michael Connor – A Manual for the 21st Century Gatekeeper was commissioned and a second event concentrating on artists and curator took place at Cornerhouse in November. We will soon publish a report on the second event and further news on the direction the project will take. if you would like to add your thoughts, comments, feedback don’t hesitate to contact us on comments@cornerhouse.org
If you need to catch up, check out the Catch up / Resource page .
- Essays and reports: All related essays and reports are available in The Art of With resource page.
- Watch videos of the first seminar: Charles Leadbeater’s conclusion to the seminar is available below. Longer highlight of both part of the seminar are also available via streaming (you may need Windows media player 10 or the free VLC player to watch them)
Watch highlights of part 1 of the seminar here
Watch highlights of part 2 of the seminar here.
CONTEXT
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)
All essays, seminar reports and other resources can be downloaded on our resource page.
WHAT NOW?
The Art of With has had a huge impact on Cornerhouse’s organisational structure, culture and ongoing artistic vision. Cornerhouse now works with a wide set of curators, freelance producers, universities and organisations to create a unique and engaging environment and experience.
Participation as a theme of The Art of With has been explored through exhibitions such as Artur Zmijewski and film programme initiatives on facebook for example. The Art of With action research project continues as a series of exhibitions, projects and a platform for debating change in producer-consumer relationships.
- The Unrealised Potential exhibition had a unique take on The Art of With, blurring the lines between artist, curator, visitor and producer.
- Cornerhouse launched an innovative micro-commissioning scheme inspired by Michael Connor’s essay that will initially run for at least 2 years.