With the 2015 general election in the UK drawing closer, we are looking to create a platform for anyone wishing to engage with any of the public debates the election throws up.
The platform we propose is called We and consists of an ‘object-based’ call for contributions – the below video and the ‘objects’ it contains – which we ask prospective participants to respond to imaginatively.
Given the short notice (see proposed process below), we are at this stage not really looking for new pieces, or pieces created especially for this initiative, although new pieces are of course always welcome. Instead, we are particularly interested in contributors referencing, recontextualising, adapting or recycling existing work. In keeping with the spirit of this initiative, contributors are thus invited to put forward (new or existing) pieces that exemplify, explore, question and/or transcend:
what a we-thing might be, could be or is,
how a we-thing might be constructed or deconstructed,
how we-things might be appropriated, reconfigured or destroyed, and,
if we-things have been misappropriated, how they might be reclaimed.
About we-things: We-things in our mind include anything from flags and anthems, to embraces and kisses, to guns and shackles. Indeed, almost any ‘thing’, good or bad, including ‘things’ like the National Health Service and Her Majesty’s Prison Service, can be seen and treated as we-things, if only we allow ourselves and others to do so.
Contributions could take any of the following forms:
Actions and interventions,
performances (theatre, life art, music and dance),
installations, exhibitions or displays, as well as
documentation, recordings and publications
Anything in other words that exemplifies, explores, questions or transcends we-things (and their we-spaces) however defined.
PROPOSED PROCESS: TWO I MAKE A WE
We utilises the forthcoming General Election in the UK as its launch pad and comes to life in three stages: initial call for contributions, UK launch and European roll-out.
Initial Call for Contributions: 01.03.2015 – 30.04.2015
We does not filter out or censor contributions in any way. Anyone wishing to contribute is strongly encouraged to do so. We does not have any capacity limits either: the more contributions We can attract the better. Hence absolutely everyone can contribute. Simply think of something that exemplifies, explores, questions or transcends we-things, their construction, reconfiguration, appropriation etc and let us know what you have in mind so that we get an idea of who is doing what and can prepare the ground accordingly (without giving anything away at this stage). To do so, please use the contact form provided here. When you do get in touch, we will also be able (and more than happy) to answer any questions you might have.
UK Launch: 01.05.2015
We intend to launch the initiative in London and/or across the UK on the 1st of May, one week before the General Election, which is set for Thursday the 7th. What form(s) this event/process will take depends largely on the contributions people make. Below we list some of the ideas currently under discussion:
A distributed ‘event’ with things happening across the country.
A large gathering (think flash mob) occurring in one spot.
Two or more venue-based events connected via video link.
A single event/gathering in a place yet to be decided.
Any combination of the above.
Any ideas prospective contributors might have are most welcome. To share your ideas please get in touch ASAP, using the contact form provided here.
European Roll-out: From 01.06.2015 Onward
If by the end of May we have still not lost interest, we will be initiating and/or contributing to similar We initiatives in other countries across the EU.
