We are delighted to announce that, with the lifting of covid restrictions, the rescheduled Meet Make Collaborate exhibition will now be opening at Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, Inverness on the 28 April 2021 running until the 19 June 2021.
Visiting is by pre booked slots through the museum website. The exhibition will also be available digitally on the AAS website from mid May, dates to be confirmed.
Meet Make Collaborate brings together Scottish makers with their counterparts in Mexico, Thailand and Canada. Through a programme of international exchange residencies the participants had space and time to expand the scope of their practice and create new works on the themes of identity, sustainability and collaboration.
The first stage of these residencies took place before the Covid-19 pandemic, and enabled makers to meet in person in Canada, Thailand, Mexico and Scotland.
During 2020 they adapted to the current circumstances and developed new ways to continue their collaborations digitally. Many participants have told us that their collaborations have been a lifeline during these challenging times and have provided comfort, support, focus, creative inspiration and reinforced the joy and sense of connection brought about through making. Additionally, throughout the lockdown situation they all shared, and in whatever country they live in, this time has made them all consider the project themes of identity, sustainability and collaboration from new perspectives.
An insight into the experiences of the makers and the inspiration behind the new works can be found in a series of blogs written by the Scottish makers taking part in Meet Make Collaborate – ceramicist Susan O’Byrne, weaver Cally Booker, textile maker Fiona Hall, basketmaker Sarah Paramor, textile designer Kate Davies, artist Louise Barrington, weaver Lynne Hocking-Mennie, jeweller Stefanie Cheong and ceramicist Carol Sinclair.
Collaboration has the power to be transformative as can be seen by these new works created in response to the projects.
The residency experience enables time for renewed inspiration and can act as a catalyst for new ideas, new ways of thinking, new processes and expanded approaches to making. Time spent together digitally or in person allows an understanding of different cultures through the power of making.
The work created for Meet Make Collaborate is a reflection of this creative process and the journey of trust and openness between the participants.
The Meet Make Collaborate exhibition is part of an international project by Applied Arts Scotland SCIO in partnership with Dr Sandra Alfoldy Craft Institute, Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, The British Council Crafting Futures programme including British Council Mexico, British Council Thailand and the British Council Scotland.
The exhibition is delivered in partnership with High Life Highland Exhibitions Unit and Museums Galleries Scotland.
The project is funded by Creative Scotland, Edinburgh College of Art and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
Image: Wings, detail, Carol Sinclair & Rebecca Hannon. Photo Carol Sinclair
