This is where I detail some of the things people have asked me to look at. This is where I talk about how this project inspires people to share. The connection I feel to performance and music is something felt by others. We are connecting.
The reaction I get from people when I tell them I’m researching the links between punk and contemporary performance is unlike anything else I’ve ever experienced. Everyone has something to say.
I want to document some of the things I’ve had shared with me. These things feel important.
While this does not have much to do with site, it has everything to do with an artists ability to make a living out of their practice. How can our practices be sustainable? How can we sustain our contribution to the arts communities we are a part of? I find this article really interesting in the sense that while it aims to support artists, it simultaneously supports the workings of a capitalist system. This goes against my understanding of punk and contemporary performance as being art forms that function best under DIY structures. How do we make niche art forms sustainable?
On that note, I find the Boiler Rooms to be a really exciting provocation. They shared this article, which feels like it speaks directly to the current climate of Glasgow. While the writer speaks of DJs and club culture on the whole, I think his point about the role venues have for local communities transcends any one specific art form. If venues were truly recognised for their contribution to culture and community, then surely there would be more designated spaces for the arts? This question hints that our councils and communities should band together to take responsibility for supporting the arts in general however, I do not see that happening.
Right now, my thoughts aren’t about contemporary performance or punk practices but arts practices on the whole. I repeat: How can we sustain our contribution to the arts communities we are a part of? How do we make niche art forms sustainable?
In a conversation with Claire Lamont, the Head of Performance in British Sign Language and English at the RCS, I speak about Goldie Fawn. Goldie is the creation of artist Katie Richardson from Belfast. Claire was keen to point me in Goldie’s/Katie’s direction due to the cross over’s in her practice.
In a conversation with the drummer of Cancer Bats I was recommended Fear and Clothing: Unbuckling American Fashion by Cintra Wilson. He told me that while the book speaks about fashion tastes and trends throughout America, the author continually references how the culture associated with these trends directly relates to the local venues. I’ve ordered the book and I’m waiting on its arrival.
After a brief conversation with lecturer and artist Steven Anderson about my research, he sent me the following email about a book he’d read. I’ve yet to get my hands on a copy but I’m keen to share his words with you.
Hi Steph,
Great to see you. The book details are below. It is great visually and interesting for how the method of communication of the flyers is integral to the wider aesthetic and meaning of the punk movement. Might be hard to locate if you wanted to see it but there is one in Edinburgh Central Library; that's where I saw it. Something that stood out for me was a quote from someone about how it was the form of Punk that was political rather than the content.
Your project sounds great, good luck with it.
Cheers,
Steven
Fucked Up and Photocopied: The Instant Art of the Punk Rock Movement
In particular, I’d like to draw out the reference he made. I’m wondering if the notion of form over content carries over to site. What does a site do to the work that it holds? What can a venue (or the people that run it) do to support or undermine performance that is being presented? I don’t have immediate answers but I’m hoping I do soon.
On top of the reading I am doing, I’ve sent emails to 5 venues that I regularly visit. I’m hoping to set up meetings with the managers of each of these spaces in an attempt to learn more about their interests in performance, supporting artists and running the day-to-day activities of their site.
What comes next?