ABOUT
This web site is a continuation of groupsandspaces.net.
Groups and Spaces is an online platform that gathers together information on people making art in groups and collaborative situations, groups that run art spaces, and independently run artist spaces and centres. The site serves as an opensource portal for artists, educators and citizens to learn more about these working methods and connect with resources in their area. The platform aims to facilitate dialogue about community engagement, collaborative practices and provide educational resources for new audiences. Concept
Groups and Spaces is framed as a dynamic learning resource, providing a unique visualization of how art spaces and groups engage communities. In so doing, the Groups and Spaces site provides an evolving database of techniques and strategies in which to draw from and potential partners to collaborate with. From organizations, collectives, collaboratives and projects to artist run spaces, the practices and inspiration these models provide are invaluable in addressing emerging social issues and the need for collective action. Groups and Spaces in this sense builds a bridge between aesthetics and community engagement by providing a platform for restorative social practice.
Why Participate?
Groups and Spaces is a collaborative tool and learning resource. The site helps to visualize a network of independent art spaces and groups around the world. Each entry adds to an evolving database for educators, artists and community members to draw from, encouraging collaboration and discourse about creative engagement. We think some potential benefits include:
- Organizational Development – Groups and Spaces provides an opportunity for groups and spaces to think clearly about what they do, how they do it and why.
- Networking/Collaboration – Groups and Spaces will provide an opportunity for groups, spaces and interested parties to collaborate and network.
- A Learning Resource – Groups and Spaces provides a dynamic learning resource for educators, artists and citizens.
- A Voice for Artist-Run Culture - Groups and Spaces provides a place to explore the innerworkings and multiple modes of cultural production independent art spaces and collaborative art groups engage in. It also provides a voice for underrepresented art movements, collaborative culture and independent spaces that may be temporary or under the radar.
A Quick History
The Groups and Spaces project was conceived by Temporary Services and has enjoyed many contributors and collaborators since (see our History section). This new site is currently coordinated by Scott Rigby of Basekamp and Christopher Kennedy of the Institute for Applied Aesthetics. Please contact us if you would like to help or add to the project!