Alternative Platform is the Art Plus 07 project by Jon Adams, Dyslexic disability Artist.
A bit of the history first: Encouraged by DaDa South and while on an AA2A residency at Portsmouth University, I decided in 2006 to apply for Art Plus 07. In June 06 I received a development award and in August started to work on the project by negotiating with rail companies to become partners and sponsors. I received the final award in March at Milton Keynes Gallery, not bad for someone who was told at school he was 'retarded', 'stupid' and would 'never amount to anything'. ometimes what you learn at school stays with you and can be a hard thing to shift.
July 3rd: Came home from London to find a rail pass from one of the major rail companies posted through the door. Very excited, so much so I couldn't sleep, starts to sink in that this is going to 'happen'. This has been a major development experience for my practice and for the direction my work has taken. Guess this means I can start traveling on the network, looking at Stations and getting a feel for the work I will be leaving at each of them. Looks like Brighton Station will be first.
July 4th: Project goes live. First journey, Fratton to Brighton. Head off to meet with PR company and then managers at the Station. So much to initiate now, from needing to attract travelers to accompany and interview, to presenting the project to the press. Took photographs to work with and talked with station staff. Think i will now need to find a gallery in Brighton to approach and involve and further sponsorship if i am to engage with the pieces I now envisioned making.
