As part of my current MA Module I have to become part of a group and deliver a Symposium, it is a chance to share theories, ideas and research on your topic. I originally started thinking about this early with many ideas on what I might do. Originally we had to find a venue to host the symposium, fortunately there is the Air gallery (which is a contemporary art gallery in Altrincham) which is pretty much on my doorstep.
Bellow is an account of my initial conversations with Rebecca Wild the founder and curator of Air gallery towards securing the venue for the symposium. Unfortunately due to the Covid 19 situation and the now enforced second lockdown, this option has now been shelved and our group Dis/connect will be doing our symposium on the university premises on December the 8th.
Friday 16.10.20
As I live within walking distance of Air Gallery I paid them visit to ask about the logistics of being able to use the gallery space for the upcoming group symposium. I spoke to Rebecca Wild the galleries founder and curator about this proposal .
The upshot of this enquiry was that in theory Rebekah would not be against us using the gallery space as December is a quiet month for them, unfortunately this is dictated by the constantly changeable Covid 19 situation and weather Manchester will go back into some form of lockdown.
So far we have agreed to keep in touch and review the situation.
Logistically as a space it could work as it is easily connected to the tram system
The space is big enough for at the most four people to present safely, again this would have to be assessed as only six people can be in a section at a time so would they have to go on a journey? It could also mean that presenters may have to present up to three times.
On a plus point they have equipment to present video pieces.
So what do I want to do for my presentation?
A video presentation?
A presentation filmed in my studio with a dig at the myth of the artist
Or an exhibition presentation?
Tuesday 20.10.20
Afternoon at University, the latter part of the lecture delivered today focused on the idea of the symposiums which are set for week 11 and 12 of this term. In some ways I’m one step ahead having proposed the idea of hosting an event at Air gallery.
Today we also found out about our fellow members on the course and what they are specialising in, this helps for creating a symposium group of likeminded thinkers to be able to present something that is cohesive and has a synergy to it.
So far our group consists of
• Jeffrey Knopf – Balance: life & death – Contemporary Fine Art
• Joseph Lee – Connection/Mental Health – Socially Engaged Photography
• Josephine Thomasen – LGBT+ – Creative Technology
• Elizabeth Thompson – Mental Health/Self-expression – Contemporary Fine Art
• David Warrington – Faith/Iconography – Contemporary Fine Art
• Samuel Howle – Migration/Protest Aesthetics – Graphic Design
This could change depending on the venue and how many people they feel is safe to show/ exhibit
What did come out of our discussion after the lecture was the tentative idea of taking the Audience on a journey around the premise of life under Covid restrictions.
Idea will there be a tourist guide ushering the audience around and presenting an introduction to each area?
Would my presentation be a balance sculpture that falls down and constantly collapses due to movement? a frustrating event that includes the strains on ones mental state.
Things to action discuss with the gallery more about what is roughly being proposed and whether this is viable?
Also if the venue is a no go a backup plan needs to be put in place .
A website or a collaborative zine ?
Saturday 24.10.2020
This morning I was able to have a catch up discussion with Rebecca from Air gallery, as regards holding the symposium on their premises. Under the current tier 3 ruling it should be able to go ahead as galleries, community spaces are exempt from closing.
Rebecca liked the idea of the symposium being a journey through the building, thus utilizing the front door entrance and the side door exit, this would hopefully ensure a steady stream of viewers throughout the building.
As for participants 8 people can show/exhibit comfortably maybe 9 at a push. It really all depends on how many will turn up on the day.
The gallery can also supply seating as well as hot drinks (we will have to provide milk, coffee and tea)
Next action points find out the actual date of when this will happen
Also arrange a site visit.
Finally Rebecca is wanting to work with us on this as it will hopefully be the first of many collaborations between the university and the gallery.
As I said above unfortunately this proposal has been unable to go any further.
So far the Dis/connect have had two group meetings, which I have attended the first was on the 3rd November and the second was on the 10th November
Here are the notes typed out by Sarah Hartley from the 10th November
Discussed 10th November
- Opening and Closing event to frame the proceedings.
Jo suggested a mindfulness exercise to commence – we agree this would be a quirky and fitting addition.
Action: Jo to work devise the video to be used at the start or end.
- Platform for our communications
We agreed Teams.
Action: Sam is going to help David with his technical issue with this platform.
- Q&A
David (tutor) confirmed that the allocated 15minutes each doesn’t included Q&A – so we need to factor time for this, so we are looking at 20min each
- Refreshments
Given the COVID pandemic, we are reluctant to provide these, but a suggestion of ‘grab bags’ maybe doable.
- Technical support
Jo & Sam, will support the group with technical kits.
Actions:
Sam will source the kit needed for in person symposiums and make a booking for items needed.
Jo will compile all of our finished presentations for us into a package so we have one master presentation on the day. (Wc30th Nov. to have items with him)
- Location
Adelphi building – a few suggested the performance spaces on the ground floor.
We need to make a booking?
Sarah has also typed up a timeline for what is needed
| Date | Activity |
| 10th Nov | Group conversation to get a sense of what each individual thinking is for the symposium to help with planning Consideration Tech needed Support and organisation of the components |
| 16th Nov | All descriptions (sentence) and picture To be shared with Sarah |
| 17th Nov | Sarah to share invite proof and group to sign off Run through confirming running order for the event |
| 18th / 19th | Invite to be sent out Each person to share on their networks Tim to share with Salford Uni |
| WC 23rd | Zoom catch up |
| WC 30th | All videos / presentations to be shared Jo and Sam – share individually to be compiled into one place ready for the event |
| 8th Dec | Symposium all day |
We have also gained two more members in our group taking us to a group of 10. The two new members are Vilija Skubute and Vincent Bernier.
So now I have to finalize what I am going to present for my part of the symposium.
The Art and musings of Jeffrey Knopf 