What would i be without everybody?
When faced with a healthy budget and the freedom to do whatever, I get that for us curators its an opportunity to realise a dream project, and trust me, I have notebooks from 2014 filled with dream curatorial projects. On this occasion, it was bigger than that. It wasn't just about my dreams, but thinking about the power of care and community in supporting the dreams of others, having conversations and lowering the ladder that was once lowered for me to climb. I've come to realise that the dream is about supporting others. The project I will briefly introduce in the article is a reminder of why I became a curator and supporter of artists in the first place. An example of that is being fresh off the plane from an enriching week at the Venice Biennale, where the thing I was buzzing about the most was the community of artists, curators, programmers, directors etc strengthened and renewed, demonstrative of the ecosystem that brings everything together.
I have spent a lot of time thinking about being a curator, and what that truly means for me. In doing so, I have frequently returned to the original definition of the word – the Latin word cura, which means ‘to take care of.’ This served as the foundation when thinking about a theme for this programme, with the intention of exploring how artists interpret and embody care within their practices. Through encounters and conversations with those within Nottingham’s creative community and beyond, I discovered a greater need for resources and platforms to support creatives.
The name of this season, What Would I Be Without Everybody? is taken from a book by performance artist and researcher Kye Grant, that I had come across during the conceptualisation period. The book contains a series of interviews conducted by Grant with people whose work, livelihood, artform, expertise, and spirit rely on people. Reading through the conversations and grasping an understanding of Kye’s motivation for the book got me thinking about human influence on one another, and how much we need other human beings to survive, directly and indirectly. Whilst care was still very much an important topic for this programme, the dominant theme became community.
The paintings in Kim Thompson’s Water into Wine exhibition have been made possible by the contributions of nine individuals who entrusted her with their time, sharing significant moments in their lives, along with personal photographs and treasured ephemera. Artist Jah Digga’s song, created in response to this programme’s title, speaks to the importance of supporting one another, with an emphasis on intergenerational support.
Filmmaker Jamal Sterrett’s accompanying video serves as a beautiful visual tribute to this message. Another powerful example of community-driven creativity is Baobab Pictures’ and Brownstone Studios’ new short film, Gugulethu. Whilst the film focuses on various interpretations of love, care and the power of human connection, the care practised by Baobab Pictures and Brownstone Studios in providing opportunities for fellow emerging filmmakers was just as important. It was humbling to observe the dedication and teamwork demonstrated during the process of completing the film by all involved. Care and collaborative efforts were also magnified through the critical and considerate feedback provided by a steering group of community members during a screening of an early edit of the film.
Zimbabwean musician Sekuru’s work is driven by a deep commitment to preserving the history and traditions of his ancestors. Through music and oral storytelling, he ensures that these vital cultural practices are not lost to future generations. Similarly, Jayson Wynters, an esteemed producer, and former MC, will demonstrate how music – reggae in particular can be a tool to transform everyday experiences into stories that reflect the complexities of our shared histories. Artist Lakwena Maciver’s large-scale indoor and outdoor works grace locations around the world, infusing these spaces with her unique blend of upliftment, and joy, which she will speak about in conversation during the programme.
Meanwhile, Mikhalis Webster-Ïacovou’s Each One, Teach One podcast conversations with creative leaders offers listeners a chance to gain insights and inspiration from four accomplished individuals who centre the key themes of this programme in their work. As Elijah’s lecture and Bounce Cinema’s workshop will demonstrate, pulling down the ladder and sharing knowledge and resources is the key to sustaining creativity and growth, and bringing up the next generation of leaders and pioneers within the sector. Ultimately, every aspect of this programme – from the exhibition, film, music and discussions – embodies care and community through different interpretations.
I invite you to engage in this programme, whether that’s through one event or more, digitally through the music and podcast episodes, or through social media.
What Would I Be Without Everybody?
23 April - 25 May
At New Art Exchange and online (click on the image below to access the programme brochure)
