Getting gritty today. We went to see an exhibition by Suzy Cremers and the sets for her interactive performance Underworld.  Afterwards we had a very ‘disciplined’ discussion using Liz Lerman’s Critical Response Process. It was a real pleasure to focus on the work of one member of the group. An intriguing, challenging, eye opening and brave day for all of us I think.

Finished off the Create performance resource today at Uillinn and reviewed some of the audio recordings made at the Rock during the Summer. Then went to see a plaque I had never noticed before on Bridge St. It commemorates the Clerke sisters who are described as astronomers, scientists and writers, an unusual occupation for their gender and times as they were born just before the famine in 1840 & 42. It was so easy being in the arts centre compared to the other places we have visited – a venue designed for purpose and with a great staff putting resources at our disposal.

We met in the Board Room on the top floor of the Sutherland Centre, currently the home of Cork ETB, formerly the site of West Cork Arts Centre & in previous times a Bank. Technology let me down and Michele O’Connor Connolly Digital Humanities Masters student & artist came to the rescue. Michele gave a presentation on Jesse Jones Prosperity Project. This was followed by a jaunt to the Rock via Doctors Lane (pictured above). Taking a break next week – back again at Uillinn West Cork Arts Centre on 29 October.

Reddy took this photo while we were in Skibbereen Courthouse – looks like we are in a church. As well as going through material related to Context and Audience in the pack, Mary Jordan came in to talk about Tania Bruguera the artist that she had selected to contribute to the Urban Explorer archive of favourite artists. It was a very apt contribution given Brugueras interest in social justice and previous tangles with the law. We enjoyed exploring the space and spent time some in discussion afterwards. Apparently the motto of Skibbereen is something like Everything You Seek Is Here but when I went looking on the Internet the only thing I could find was a reference to The Donkey Aters explained by Jim O’Keefe when he was a TD “The people of Skibbereen are known as the “donkey eaters” because in the last century the town of Skibbereen suffered more than any other part of the country from the Famine. It is still a folk memory there”. Interesting as a lot of our discussion had revolved around current refugee & housing crisis and the resonance with the 3,000 people sleeping on the streets of Skibbereen during the famine. Also discussed the arbitrariness of justice and the need for a school for judges – Judge Academy – what would that be like? There are other creative groups in Skibbereen, in particular the inclusive dance group with whom 3 of us have worked – these links are important and hopefully can be addressed later. Lots of ideas spilling out .. lots of experience in the room .. feels really great to be there.

Great buzz today – there was a real sense of excitement and anticipation. The technology – mostly worked and the conversation flowed. This post responds to a request for references to the work we looked at & discussed …enjoy!

Feidlim Cannon & Gary Keegan Brokentalkers & Sean Millar Silver Stars

Louise Lowe ANU Productions Laundry

Helene Hugel Helium Infant Imaginings

Dylan Tighe Stomach Box Productions The Trailer of Bridget Dinnegan

Bob Cilman & Jidith Sharpe Young@Heart Chorus The Road to Nowhere

Helgaard Haug, Stefan Kaegi, Daniel Wetzel Rimini Protokoll Call Cutta & 100% Cork

Suzi Wilson & Paul Clark Clod Ensemble An Anatomie in 4 Quarters

Lisa Goldman & Emma Schad The Red Room Hoxton Story

Comments are open below so feel free

*** MASONS HALL & SKIBBEREEN COURTHOUSE confirmed as venues *** Starting on 1st October there will be weekly discussion group to explore the possibilities for a community led arts project in Skibbereen next year. We will be considering contemporary art projects made by communities for communities. Each week we will meet in a different part of Skibbereen and discuss specific art projects.. We will talk about the very practical elements of making a community-led art project. The collaborative arts performance pack developed by Create will be used as a resource as well as the archive of favourite living artists developed during my Uillinn residency. This discussion group is an introduction to contemporary socially engaged arts practice for people who are not artists but who have curious minds and want to have some fun. No art skills necessary. We will meet on Thursdays – 1st/8th/15th October & 5th/12th November from 11-1. Starts in Skibbereen Community and Family Resource Centre but will move venue around the town. Please get in touch if you would like to join the conversation.

Taking down the provisional archive today and packing up my stuff. Its been a great experience here. I can only say good things about the studio and the staff. I have lots to think about after 6 weeks of research. Urban Explorer is still a work in progress – lots more to do yet.

Day 5 and last day for contributions to the Urban Explorer archive of favourite living artists. Todays selection is diverse ; Cindy Sherman, Damien Hirst, Charles Tyrell, Leonard Sheil, Andy Holden, Marie Cullen. Thanks to all the contributors, I enjoyed meeting you. The conversation we have started will continue … somehow, someplace, sometime.

Intense and lively conversations this morning and another 5 diverse living artists get added to the Urban Explorer archive; Carmel Madigan, Fujiko Nakaya, James Turrell, Peter Brook and Sarah Walker. Last day tomorrow 10am – 1pm in Studio 3 🙂