Curators required - Collaborative Live 'Arts Trail' event.

In this climate of minimal competitive funding & lengthy applications to arts bodies that require artists & organisations to jump over multiple criteria hurdles...it is often better to create something out of nothing with the notion of attracting funding and publicity later. If it doesn't, that's ok too.

My intention is to create a collaborative event that utilises a unique area of Brighton that benefits from a large throughput of people (audience). It draws inspiration from events like 'Scupture by the Sea' in Sydney, yet is perhaps it's antithesis to this in that it requires minimal investment of funding and does not have aspirations to install landmark sculpture (!).

It asks the participating artists to exhibit works (of multiple variations and typologies), at a particular pre-defined place and time. I don't like to use the term Flashmob, but in this case it is partly relevant in that the event is synchronised, yet over larger distances.

The key to the success of this is curation and participation.

It also seeks to test the boundaries of what is possible to achieve in the public domain, whether permissions are granted by the council or not (!).

Groups like Extinction Rebellion are demonstrating how to utilise 'public space' to lobby for the environment. This project seeks to utilise it with minimal impact to the environment/public domain whilst also testing the limits of what is possible.

Viewed or experienced as a whole, my intention is that it will become a significant & surprising cultural annual event because of its content & context between location and artworks, which will attract publicity and future funding. 

It seeks to answer the question...

What impact can artists have if they are united in a common goal over short periods of time in response to a strong curatorial brief?

Once created & proven (with a growing network of participants), it is hoped the strategy can be used again to create dialogue around current socio-political themes in ways which most other arts organisations woud find difficult to match in speed and simplicity.

It can also be seen as a celebration of the artists and artist's practise that participate, forging new cultural bonds, critical debate & support networks. This could, in effect be one of the most important aspects of the project. 

If you are interested in hearing more about my ideas for this project or participating in a curatorial role please submit your details and I'll be in touch for a chat. 

Best wishes for the new year!

Robin