Anchor Peoples, 2018
Commission by Cardiff University responding to their research about the closure and impacts of Communities First by Welsh Government.
PUBLIC EXHIBITION
Featuring a celebratory series of portraits, larger than life cut-out figures, accompanied by a compelling soundscape that captures the passionate and eloquent reflections of members of community organisations that played a pivotal role in Welsh Government’s 16 year old Communities First Programme. We present people from South Riverside Community Development Centre, and their friends and colleagues from the 3Gs in Gurnos, Merthyr Tydfil, whose stories reflect that of many other community organisations following the dramatic decision to bring the Wales-wide programme to an end. The work aims to bear witness to a period of reflection and seeks to raise questions about the hidden value of community anchor organisations and the durability of communities, given the fragile infrastructure and ecology that underpins sustainable community development in very difficult social and economic circumstances.
CREATIVE BACKSTORY
Fortunately with the help of a paper written by University researchers in 2018, much hard data has been collected about the behaviour of the Anchor Peoples. The scientists and anthropologists behind the research say that the data will change the way that we understand this ‘endangered species’ and provide new insights into the valuable work they carried out in their respective communities at the time and for future generations. It is too early in the process to discern workable outcomes at this moment in time, but we invite the public, and the political community, to use this wonderful opportunity — in our very own crucible of democratic power — to connect with the anchor peoples, and be amongst the lucky few to rub shoulders with this endangered group… with the opportunity even, to take a selfie..
Continued...
FIRST SHOWING
The exhibition of mixed media was presented at the Senedd opening 29th November it was sponsored by Mark Drakeford now leader of Welsh Government. The exhibition was open to the public, civil servants and politicians to view, and listen to, an extraordinary community spirit, enterprise and voice under threat. Members of the two communities visited during the exhibition, the artist, the creative and community team and academics were on hand to discuss the nature of the work and consider how we create productive outcomes for productive margins. Future opportunities during 2019 will be offered to see Anchor Peoples starting with 3GS in Gurnos in July and National Museum of Welsh Life St Fagans in November. The work will host special invited conversations for organisations as part of these on going events.
ART & RESEARCH
Productive Margins, a Connected Communities research programme that brings academics and communities together to explore new ways of engaging with decision-making, wishes to announce the commissioning and production of an ambitious new and immersive artwork ANCHOR PEOPLES from Artstation, led by artist Glenn Davidson and supported by curator Christopher Coppock.
