I thought I would reflect on the Lincoln Art Programmes most recent event ‘Art Jacking’. As the Lincoln Art Programme is focusing on initiating a live art orientated programme, we decided to initiate a debate on the role of live art in public environments. We invited various speakers to be involved in an open debate with our audience, including Lois Keidan from the Liver Art Development Agency, and Laura Eldret from Collecting Live Art.
The discussion began with the various speakers talking about their own relationships with live art and how they feel it fits with unexpected audiences and public environments. With a-n review editor Hugh Dichmont getting a few laughs from the audience explaining his embarrassment and pity for live art performers an participants. Before the audience got the opportunity to explain their own thoughts and experiences on live art events.
The event was a great success, specifically in terms of the audience who attended, we understand that we are building new audiences in a city that has little other artistic activity, but the interest in the Lincoln Art Programme is really high, attracting both local audiences and arts professionals from across the country, its great that we had people travelling from London, Liverpool, Norwich and Manchester all to Lincoln, as well as people from East Midlands arts bodies who are interested to see the Lincoln art programme develop. I think people are excited to see the Lincoln art programme, and watch how it grows and develops.
There is always the worry when hosting a debate that the discussion will trial off and speakers will struggle to draw out a discussion. But this debate seemed to grow as the event went on, the audience became actively involved in the discussion, and with various conflicting opinions
We had one blunt comment from the audience which I quite like;
“Lincoln’s a pretty crusty place. Things like this is only going to make it better”
I was trying to think during the debate about how I’m meant to interpret the word ‘crusty’. But I think he meant crusty as in a ‘bit stale’, a bit behind maybe, and that this is only going to freshen things up, bringing innovative contemporary activity to the city.
A noticeable group absentee was students from the University. I’ve being told by other course leaders from other universities that they also have difficulties in raising enthusiasms from their students. and maybe when I was a student i was guilty of the same thing, this is something we at the Lincoln Art programme are going to have to re-address, and find better strategies for attracting their attention.
Next up, event number two out of three is Feng-Ru Lee’s performance on Saturady 7th November, Mille will underkae her alter ego, milee the sheep, and is bringing with her, her own ‘animal orchestra’ for a surreal musical performance. check out the website for more details.
