About

Dog walking is often a solitary experience, a time to be alone with one’s fur-coated companion in the park or when treading the pavements. It provides a chance to find clarity, composure and calm, and a space to think and connect with oneself, with nature and our chosen pet dog. Yet the experience additionally presents opportunities for connection with others, those who may equally be enjoying the same activity, or who may just like animals, interactions that would otherwise perhaps not take place. An open hand offered to a stranger in greeting is a familiar and acknowledged expression of warmth and conviviality, and dogs are often the recipients of such a tender and friendly gesture. For many it is difficult to resist a dog’s approach for affection, and the experience allows for pleasantries and informality between people. For a wet canine nose and wagging tail invites the welcoming touch of a stranger’s hand, and this contact initiates conversation with the humans present. The experience connects more than just human and canine strangers, as it allows people to meet and talk who may not otherwise have had the opportunity.

The intention of this project is to connect local communities through the activity of dog walking to allow informal conversations and to establish a focus group. The project intends to bring individuals and their dogs together to discuss the richness of culture within a diverse community and demographic and ways in which this can be supported. The aim is to open upon possibilities for collaboration and exploration by bringing a group of local artists and members of a community together to discuss issues pertinent to the region. Through the experience an informal and convivial atmosphere is encouraged to flourish, opening up opportunity for future collaboration and developments to emerge. Effectively, the opportunity for walking, talking, doggy pats and strokes will encourage all to participate and contribute with value. It is intended that after an initial session the focus group will become established for the generation of further activities.

We will initially meet for one session at New Art Exchange and take it from there. Come join us with your dog. Email: mail@angelabartram.com

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