Desire lines symposium, 17 October
Desire lines: Art, Edgelands and the Urban Wilds
Thursday 17th October, 2013
10am – 4.30pm (registration 9.30am)
Unit 25, Manchester, M8 5BN
A day-long symposium organised by Buddleia, a newly formed commissioning agency based in Manchester whose name is taken from the persistent shrub that flourishes in every environment. Buddleia takes a collaborative approach to commissioning by shaping a process that allows artists, residents and agencies to work together.
The symposium will examine the significance of edgelands and other ‘wild’ urban spaces, as sites for artistic inquiry, intervention and social interaction. Drawing on Buddleia’s recent work in North Manchester, Desire lines will examine the ecological, social and cultural value of edgelands and urban wilds, and the motivations and methods of artists who work within them. Artist and writer, Joanne Lee will introduce the theme by discussing her research into artistic engagement with contemporary urban ‘terrains vagues‘. Case studies throughout the day will include Buddleia’s artist in residence, Andrew Dodds’ explorations of the post-industrial Irk River Valley, and the artist collective Public Works’ plans to transform a semi-neglected park in Cheetham Hill into a new type of common. Further examples will also be provided by Nottingham-based artist, Rebecca Beinart, who will discuss her involvement in the international Wasteland Twinning network, and her own engagement with the ‘urban wilds’.
The symposium will take place between 10am and 4.30pm (registration 9.30am) in Unit 25 – a shop in Cheetham Hill shopping centre, which Buddleia has transformed into a temporary community space. The day will include an opportunity to view the Desire lines exhibition, which features work by Andrew Dodds and Public Works; a bus trip to the Irk River Valley; and the launch of Public Works’ temporary community café in Cheetham Park.
Tickets cost £25 and include lunch, refreshments and bus travel.
Click here to book a place.
For more information, e-mail info@buddleia.co.uk, or phone Elaine on 07854894731.
