Images and text by Denise Ackerl, PhD Student, CCW
Photo credit: Denise Ackerl
The initiative Space for Failure just held its kick-off event for the coming term. First started in March 2016 supported by the UAL Postgraduate Student Communities of Practice Fund, the initiative was set up to promote experimentation with feminist/queer performance and moving image practices through informal monthly group crits. This was already the 4th session and it will continue with further crits in the coming months.
The participants who attend are always very mixed ranging from PhD students to postgrads, alumni and young practicing artists, all with different backgrounds/disciplines such as film making, interior and spatial design, fine art, fashion and performance.
The most recent session had a very strong focus on video, looking at the different narratives and places of circulation and presentation of each work. In a very relaxed environment including drinks and snacks, each member of the crit is invited to contribute either through work or feedback or both. The crit offers possibilities to discuss work in progress after graduating which is enabled through friendship and community networks. So far each session has taken place in a different location e.g. a dance studio or a private artist studio, with each space offering different qualities when presenting work. The sessions enable an exploration of the possibilities of cohabitation, looking into how to adapt to different spaces and how to use them for inspiration.
Space for Failure aims to activate a space independent of established contemporary art structures, enabling genuine critique and discussion. As the title indicates this setting should allow for trial and error, emphasizing the unfinished. The blog serves as an information platform but also provides starting points of discussion such as recent articles related to feminist/queer performance practices. Everyone passionate about performance and moving image work is welcome!
Space for Failure Blog
For more information contact: spaceforfailure@gmail.com