In collaboration with Clare Britton and Kenzee Patterson, we are using the concept of magnetic topographies as the basis for a twelve-month long collaborative reading and field trip working-group. This working-group brings together people and practitioners with diverse areas of interest and from varying fields, with an underlying focus on collective spatial practice.

Each month we will distribute a reading (text/film/sound work) - around themes of site, ecology, creative practice, learning etc. - and an associated provocation for practice, ahead of gathering online to discuss our shared outcomes. The provocation may take the form of an activity, exercise or question, and will prompt particular ways of working/possibilities for practice in an open and expansive fashion. Responses to the provocations are not prescribed, and may be visual, written, pedagogical, performative or ephemeral. Responses can embrace or challenge the provocations.

We will meet from 5.30-7pm on the first Wednesday of each month. This 90 minute gathering will be divided into two blocks: the first half an opportunity to share responses to the activities/provocations, and discuss how they relate to participants’ broader practices, the second half used to discuss the reading.

The regular gatherings of Magnetic Topographies build towards three collaborative field trips that will take place over the twelve-month period (exact dates and locations to be determined based on evolving COVID-19 situation). Each field trip will bring together key themes from the Magnetic Topographies reading and practice schedule, with participants, invited speakers/presenters, and local community members gathering physically onsite to learn from each other, share ideas, and listen to stories.

Links:

• Magnetic Topographies

• Clare Britton

• Kenzee Patterson