This is another variation on the documenting of artists‘ and performers‘ work, but here instead of completed objects, or performance pieces this is often commissioned to record artists working in school or community settings where there may be no lasting material objects to show. Instead, the outcomes may be an important set of experiences, acquisition of new skills or the discovery of new places. These type of projects are often delivered in a workshop format similar to the photography workshops I run myself. On a practical level, documenting these projects has often been used to demonstrate the value of the project to funders, to assess the progress of a group of people, or to record the process as a valuable activity in its own right. But, if it’s feasible, making something from the images that is visually engaging, such as a poster or small book, can also provide a pleasing memento both for the artists involved and the participants. The following images are examples of a wide range of projects across the West of England area over several years.
The 5x5x5 project placed artists in schools for a sustained period of time to work on specific topics agreed with teachers. At this nursery school in Coleford, dancer and movement specialist, Annabelle Macfadyen, had helped the children to build their confidence across all areas over several months through creative play and movement.
The arts organisation Changing Places created a week-long mixed arts festival in central Bristol called Stepping Out which included workshops, performances, giant sculpture challenge, mail art and an exhibition
Lantern making workshop for local families in rural Somerset as part of the River Parrett Trail project
Pre-digital photography record of “Videoactive”, an innovative mixed media workshop for young people held at the Kingswood Foundation, Bristol, investigating their relationships with cars. Activities were led by artists (Winnie Love, Clare Mitchell, Alan May, Fran Bossom and others) and included audio-mixing, video, sculpture, plaster-casting, performance and street dance sessions.
“The Body and Beyond”, a hands-on creative project for young people led by arts practitioners at the Kingswood Foundation, Bristol
Liz Milner 