Symposium Event - Art Practice in a Social Context 

Judging by delegate feedback this event, which took place on 13th December at Knutton Road Studio Parson Cross, was a real success.  

There were 2 discussion sessions exploring the role that artists and buildings can play in a community setting and trying to unpick what 'socially engaged practice' means in practice.  There were also presentations from artists Steve Pool & Kate Genever, Rachael Dodd & Kate Dore, Yorkshire Artspace, Francis McKee, CCA Glasgow and Ian Drayton SOAR Works.  

Audio files of the presentations are now available to download or listen to by clicking on the following:

Rachael Dodd, Yorkshire Artspace

Steve Pool & Kate Genever, artists

Morning Discussion Session- 1

Francis McKee, CCA Glasgow

Kate Dore, Yorkshire Artspace

Ian Drayton, SOAR Works

Afternoon Discussion Session - 2 

Images from the day and the projection by Steve Pool & Kate Genever are available to view here.

Comments from delegates:>>>"The most valuable learning is when people share what was difficult."   >>>"I really valued the morning discussion about not trying to engage and affect everyone but trying to form a relationship with those that you do work with."   >>>"I valued most the range of perspectives [of the presentations] and the stimulation of thinking that resulted from considering how they co-exist, relate and even challenge each other."   >>>Will you do anything differently as a result of todays event? "Give artists freer briefs."   >>>"Congratulations [Yorkshire Artspace] on a brilliant partnership and for providing such excellent opportunities for artists, a great event."  

Questions/issues explored during the day >>>Can the arts and artists make a valuable contribution to a neighbourhood? >>>Should culture be used to assist with social agendas? >>>Can art be useful? >>>What drives artists to work in a community context? >>>What motivates people to engage with art/artists? >>>Is it better never to mention art? >>>What difference does it make? >>>Beyond Regeneration-how can we take our work forward? >>>In a harsh economic climate, how can engaged practice be made sustainable? Should it be expected to demonstrate a return on investment and if so, how? >>>Does the current financial climate and funding cuts present exciting possibilities in an imperfect world?

We would like to thank our supporters for this event: Turning Point Yorkshire and Humber.   

Yorkshire Artspace Parson Cross Programme funded through: Paul Hamlyn Foundation and Arts Council England-Yorkshire