EXERCISE 6. Mapping your communities of care
Reflecting on mapping out my communities of care: Networks
- Student/artist support groups. I am part of two active student support groups on WA, as well as monthly Zoom meet-ups, and I keep a Padlet to share work and comments. We talk daily, sometimes to critique work, discuss ideas, support when asked, share work and personal stories. This group has been going for over a year, and most students have met in person. I have collaborated with one student for an online exhibition, and we plan to meet in October this year for a short residency as well as to be part of a bigger group visiting the Venice Biennale.
- I need to contemplate my role in these interactions, how supportive am I in terms of listening and sharing?
- Community-based involvement. I am a volunteer at a children’s NGO that focuses on art. We are three volunteers who present weekly art classes. I also do a reading group, rotating with volunteers to read to young children weekly. I find my connectedness here feeds back into my own creative space.
- Building relationships with local artists—This group is less active and focuses on exhibitions and marketing. I do find support regarding materials to buy, framing, etc. I see myself as new in this group and hope to build stronger relationships over time.
- Social media – IG account as space where I share my student work
GAPS in terms of SKILL
I would like to learn more about basket weaving skills, as well as printing. I have connections with a local artist who do printing and must set up a first contact to discuss how I can work in her studio as well as learning the skill. I have only done intaglio printing a few years ago as a short course with a master printer, but have not worked at this skill again.
Local drawing group – I would like to set up a group of artists who join to draw/make together on a regular basis.
Becoming part of Solo Studios yearly – local exhibition which runs over a week-end for artist of this area as well as other invited artists whom the curators connect with. This is a much more commercial connection, but valuable in terms of staying part of a local community of artists.
I decided to copy the following ideas from The Checklist of Care by Sheila Ghelani to contemplate on (https://sheilaghelani.blogspot.com/2017/)
Others:
Who will my audience be?
Is what I’m doing accessible (in terms of language, non-arts audiences, for those who are visually impaired, are wheelchair users / have limited mobility, are D/deaf or hard of hearing)?
If not, why not? And how can I overcome this.
How can I be a good guest (reciprocity)?
What will I be leaving behind afterwards, both literally and in terms of legacy?
Are those I’m working with being looked after too (pay, accommodation, per diems, well being).
Do they have any special needs?
Could I employ local people instead of bringing others with me?
Who should I try to make contact with whilst I am in the area and what’s the mutual benefit?