Cornish Weekender

The Cornish weekender took place Between 13-16 April 2018 in partnership between UK Young Artists and Porthmeor Studios, St Ives. 11 artists across all art forms, selected from an open call, were invited to participate in the programme.

In addition to the core weekender programme facilitated by curator, Claudio Zecchi, supported by artists Chiara Dellerba and Andy Harper, the weekend provided ample time for artistic strangers to come together, connect through discovery and unveil unique collaborative ways to navigate their circumstances. Given the rich history and current developments of Porthmeor, the artists were able to bare witness to established artists such as Veronica Ryan in residence at the space and hear about varying processes of making work and developing as artists, including live collaborations between Jonathan Baldock and Florence Peake at Late at Tate.

A public invitation was extended to St Ives residents and artistic community as a way for artists being supported in Quick and reactive decision making to culminate in an exhibition/presentation of the series of events that the weekender afforded. Over 50 people attended this unknown outcome out of curiosity and to be investigative of each other and share ways of working.

At UKYA, we are constantly reflecting and assessing how we, in collaboration with artists, ensure we are providing platforms that challenge but nurture, afford time without expectation and sustain creative energy and connectivity for people who are experiencing the complexities of being an artist. The development of a programme such of this is strengthened through lack of direction in favour of an abundance of exploration. I am very grateful to the artists who apply for these opportunities and their openness and generosity of time to be involved in a fluid and progressive collaborative environment.

See pictures from the Cornish Weekender here: