Roundtable discussion... personal thoughts

The roundtable discussion went well. Naturally, it took a while for it to get started, for people to be comfortable enough to speak up.

 

Time was spent discussing individual roles and the logistics of the project as oppose to a critical analysis of it.

However, some interesting questions came up regarding the documentation of the project, and how we envisaging packaging the project up to the residents of Slateford Green, the Resident's Association, our tutors and an art gallery. That each different audience would require a different presentation of the project according to their interests in art and social engagement work.

It was suggested that we made publications, like a book, with some of the money left over £600

It was also suggested that we speak to the children themselves to gain their feedback and opinions of the project. This is a very valid response and something Alyssa and I had already considered. 

There was a little dispute as to whether our roles were as 'artists' or not. I believe our roles were as artists, Alyssa thinks otherwise.

I will make a full transcription of the discussion to recall specific issues up more clearly

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From a personal standpoint, what I really enjoyed and took from the discussion was the physical space of the conference room, that is never used for crits, but for far more corporate events. Initially, i think it gave a particularly serious and stiff atmosphere to the discussion, which was slightly ridiculous because I have never placed myself or my work up in that domain- it felt quite stiff-lipped and professional. This impression however was not permanent and people did feel comfortable- it was a purely superficial observation. It is surprising how easily one can assume another role of facade within a professional environment.  Professionalism is easily adopted or performed.

It is also interesting that that space, the conference room, is always there and probably hardly ever used. I am interested with my framing to continue to find spaces like this in the college to cultivate idea and exchange between people. Not only at the art school, but also from the wider public, as yesterday demonstrated.