Abi Gilchrist / Natasha Kidd: LivingArt

Pressetex:

While the Metropole goes under essential building work LivingArt will take up residence in the space. The Metropole Galleries remain closed to the public during this project.

Artists Natasha Kidd and Abi Gilchrist are working with the Metropole Galleries Education Co-ordinator to facilitate the project, which has been designed to enable young people from Folkestone to explore a variety of arts/leisure activities. An emphasis will be placed on taking a creative approach to everyday experience with a view to engendering life skills.

A purpose built project space will be designated to LivingArt between March and May 2007. Participants will be encouraged to take ownership of the space, using it both as a studio and a place in which to create an accumulative visual presentation of their involvement in the project; a living diary.

A primary aim of LivingArt is to promote confidence and raise self esteem. The project will enable participants to experience a variety of cultural leisure pursuits usually prohibited to them for various social-economic reasons. In engaging in these opportunities, which might include, visiting The London Eye, having a meal out or attending a practical workshop at a museum, individuals will encounter a diverse range of people and situations. Every element of each excursion will be equally important, from ordering lunch to travelling from A to B. In this way participants will be encouraged to develop new and transferable skills that might benefit their day to day lives. Back in the project space, groups will process their experiences and create work of their own. They will be encouraged to respond to the activities, voice opinions, formulate and share ideas and work collaboratively.

LivingArt will use contemporary art practices to explore unfamiliar experiences with a view to raising young people’s expectations and aspirations. Through working alongside professional artists, participants will challenge the world as they see it, asking questions and making discoveries at every step of the way.

Arc is an alternative curriculum provision working within the Kent County Council Attendance and Behaviour Service. LivingArt will work with 10 – 12 young people, aged 14 – 19.

LivingArt
Natasha Kidd and Abi Gilchrist