About

Drawing on James Baldwin’s adage of bearing witness via Mary Oliver’s instructional poetics of noticing, of paying attention, we work together to examine themes and ideas which emerged in the panel discussion, and in questions from the floor.

Via a series of short discussion and writing-based prompts, together, we’ll explore concepts of sensation, presence and reaction, moving through into ideas of manifesto and change. The concept of rewriting as a political act is ever-present; its metaphors are a guide as we reflect upon and engage with the meaning and message of resistance campaign slogans such as: “You Cannot Be What You Cannot See” and “Nothing About Us, Without Us, Is For Us.”

Concerns and topics discussed earlier in the day during the Platforms not compromise panel discussion will inform the content of this workshop, so it is recommended, but not essential that you attend the panel discussion taking place beforehand.

Please bring a pen and paper and a book/zine/piece of text/object which speaks to you in terms of resistance, democracy and positive social change.

All welcome, no prior writing experience required.

This event is part of Represented: Platforms not compromise, a programme of events and activities highlighting an urgency for equality in representation and critiquing misrepresentation, under-representation and misinterpretation. In conversation with artists, writers, curators, performers, activists and communities, the programme aims to welcome, acknowledge and present a growing plurality of voices.

Image credit: Rommi Smith, image by Lizzie Coombes aka Betty Lawless.

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