On November 29th, Quo Artis presented A Sea Change , as part of the panel “Curating Within Crises”, integrated by Irini Mirena Papadimitriou, from Future Everything, and Alice Sharp, from Invisible Dust, programmed as part of the Blue Futures Gathering , at The Word, National Centre for the Written Word , in South Shields.
The Blue Futures Gathering, organised as part of SeaScapes CoLab , was an event designed to bring together a diverse array of perspectives and experiences. The primary aim of the gathering was to facilitate the exchange of environmentally-conscious creative practices that contribute to a deeper understanding of humanity’s relationship with the natural world, particularly focusing on water and the sea.
Curated by Dr. Suzy O’Hara from the University of Sunderland, the event was set against the backdrop of the Blue Futures exhibition at The Word, scheduled to run from July 20 to December 1, 2023.
During the gathering, participants explored various aspects related to our connection with blue environments, including inherent value systems, evolving roles, and emerging working practices and protocols. A significant emphasis was be placed on foregrounding care and equity through art-making and curatorship.
The overarching goal was to foster a collective inquiry into how we can collaboratively develop common values and sustainable approaches to coexist with our blue environments. By engaging in discussions, sharing experiences, and exploring creative practices, participants hoped to contribute to a broader dialogue on environmental stewardship and the responsible management of our natural resources.
