CASE STUDIES
Main outcomes:
Three key learning and network sessions took place in Manchester Central Library to share ideas, knowledge and bring artists and archivists together for the first time Ten pieces of new original art work were created in each of the ten local authorities A video documenting the process of the project was produced by Belle Vue Productions Key Learning:
84 artists applied for commissions of £1K. This highlighted the interest by artists to be involved in bringing to life archives and collections.
Artists and archivists would have benefited from more open conversations at the beginning of the project to choose archives that inspired both parties. Artists supported archivists to connect with emotions in the archive, deepening their understanding of their importance.
Archivists had to give over control to the artists in a fluid process that was unfamiliar for archivists.
The project management of the programme took much longer than expected, initially in terms of the recruitment of artists, but also in the on-going support of artists who changed their ideas as the project progressed.
Peterloo 2019 : Impact Report
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Legacy of project:
Artists created work that remain in the archives for future generation to enjoy and learn from
Artists went on to do more project work with collections based on their experience of being involved in Artivist GM
Aziz Ibrahim talked about his work at the British Textile Biennial Talks 2019: Sew What? which explored textiles as a vehicle for protest and cultural identity in installations, performances and art works that take a dynamic look at our relationship with that most basic and ancient of human creations, cloth
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Made me think more broadly about the use of our archives. Attendance figures are dropping – so to have potential new audiences opened my eyes a bit to see how we could engage more with the public. Archivist
