6-8.30pm
The Future is a Collective Project is a participatory research group, akin to a reading group but not limited to texts. It is grounded in the question: Are we carrying the right tools to shape the future we want and need?
Through collectively viewing, reading, talking and thinking about art works/texts/books/films/projects, that address the idea of the future from the position of ‘the other’, it is hoped that the group can begin to explore the following:
// Marginalised ideas and practices of the past being essential considerations in thinking about the future;
// The future as a tool of fiction for asserting our desires and articulating what is missing or ignored in the present;
// The possibilities of future thinking from the position of ‘the other’.
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In this session Verity Birt discussed her research exploring ‘anarcheology’ as art practice and showed work in progress from her Connect/Exchange residency at The Newbridge Project & Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art.
Together we read and discussed a chapter of Riddley Walker (Russell Hoban 1980); Simon O’Sullivan’s chapter ‘Myth-Science as Residual Culture and Magical Thinking’; and looking at prehistoric rock art in Northumberland.
Verity Birt is an artist based in London. She studied an MA in Moving Image at the Royal College of Art (2013–2015) and BA in Art Practice at Goldsmiths University, London (2008–2011). Previous exhibitions include: Relics From The De-Crypt, Gossamer Fog Gallery, London (2017); Altai in Residence, Experiments in Collective Practice, Dyson Gallery, London (2017); Chemhex Extract, PVA Gallery, Aberdeen (2016); Feeling Safer, IMT Gallery, London and Gallery North (Exchange Rates), New York (2016); Come to Dust, Generator Projects, Dundee (2016); X 308: Space, Site and the Screen, Focal Point Gallery Big Screen, Southend-on-Sea (2016); SUMP, Project Number Gallery, London (2016); Teleonomy, Cafe Oto, London (2016).
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The Future is a Collective Project began meeting in 2016 at Green Ray in Deptford, London. The current set of sessions for collaboratively generating discussion will feed into an upcoming exhibition at Res. London, called Our House of Common Weeds. The exhibition will consist of five artists’ work that has been developed through collaborative inquiry with different groups of people whose voices are usually absent in the art world: Verity Birt, Fourthland, Carl Gent, Anna FC Smith, Andrea Williamson.
Each of the artists will also be bringing their research and ideas to some of the The Future is a Collective Project sessions to enable a wider collaboration in the development of their work.The Future is a Collective Project and Our House of Common Weeds are projects by curator, Nathalie Boobis. All participants will be credited as researchers in her work and any participant that wishes to use the sessions for their own research is encouraged to do so.
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Practice Makes Practice is an artist development programme run by artists for artists. Practice makes Practice focuses on developing artistic talent and equipping artists with the necessary skills to manage their practice, bridging the gap between art school, studio practice, the gallery and beyond.
Verity Birt is undertaking the Connect/Exchange residency in partnership with BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art and Northern Film and Media.
Accessibility: NewBridge Studios has limited accessibility, this event will take place in the Co-Work space of NewBridge Studios. We regret, due to the age of our building and its change of use we do not have a functioning lift. Please contact us prior to visiting if you require additional information regarding access and facilities.
