So after last week’s bombshell vote in favour of Brexit I feel slightly compelled to angle the project towards the issues that could potentially emerge from this for artists. This may be a knee jerk reaction on my part but it’s definitely something to consider referencing in some way. As a key part of my proposal is to explore a small town or village focusing on the geography, history and identity of the place and the cultural output or links that it has then it would make sense to try and make some connection to the Brexit situation. As yet I still haven’t chosen the location for the ‘residency’ but as I’m aiming to select a somewhere in the north of England it’s likely that the chosen area will have voted ‘Leave’ in the referendum.
I think the important thing is to try and address the issues without leaning too heavily towards negativity; the outlook appears bleak (and possibly will be) but as the result won’t be changing any time soon then it might be more productive to approach the issue by asking questions about how to positively move forward rather than simply highlighting the adverse effects of the British/EU divorce.
I may just be adding more weight to this bursary and the outcomes that I want it to have but I like to think of this blog as a pool for ideas so I want to put this one on the table. For now I need to begin planning exactly where the residency will be and take the project from there.
If any other members or anyone reading this (if anyone is!) has any thoughts or advice on how to approach these subjects or how to make new connections with an arts organisation in an EU country then please do get in touch and let me know – any input is more than welcome.
