open to national and international artists working in all media
"BASE ELEMENTS"
'The properties of elements often reflect the properties of life itself - volatile, inert, lustrous, precious, brittle…' Primo Levi
RESIDENCY BRIEF
Allenheads Contemporary Arts (ACA) would like to receive proposals from artists interested in following a line of research into the earth's base elements. The project aims to explore in broad terms, how we comprehend and relate to the matter of our planet.
About 'Base Elements'
It is for the artist to determine how they might approach the subject of the 'Base Elements '. ACA is looking for a range of projects that could derive from the scientific to the spiritual or mythical. Above all we are inviting artists to consider this subject in a way, which satisfies their own curiosity about the world while feeding into a broader understandings of it.
There is no universal definition or conclusive list of 'base elements'.
Ancient and traditional scholars looked/look at the characteristics of the four 'basic elements' of earth wind water and fire in an attempt to understand or engage with our planet (and the universe).
One could distinguish between the physical understanding of the universe, the cosmology of science and physics (e.g. the 'Big Bang' theory) or, the metaphysical or esoteric Cosmology which not only refers to the physical universe but also to psychic or spiritual realms of existence.
The atomic elements of modern science also offer much scope for debate. 'Each of the elements is vital for life to exist on Earth in a closed loop of cyclical changes' (Dr. Art's Guide to Planet Earth). Elements are the building blocks of all matter, with over 100 identified. The majority of scientists would probably agree that Carbon, Nitrogen, Oxygen, Phosphorus, Sulphur, Hydrogen and Silicon are central and make up most of the matter in the universe. However, this is very much a life scientist's list - geologists would probably include other peculiar elements in there and nuclear physicists would have a different list - e.g. uranium. (Includes extracts from the writing of project consultant Prof. Nick Owens, Director of the Plymouth Marine Laboratory.)
There are connections between specific elements and topical global issues or developments; silicon and artificial intelligence being one example with carbon and global warming another.
The examples given throughout this text are by no means conclusive but are used to demonstrate the potential of this project.About ACA:
ACA is an independent contemporary Arts venue established in 1995 by Helen Ratcliffe and Alan Smith. Over the last 11 years it has commissioned, presented and distributed a diverse collection of innovative work by national and international artists. It is situated in the North Pennines in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and at 1540 feet is England's highest village and is at the geographical centre of Britain. While based in a small rural village, its scope of interest and resources is much broader, connecting the local community and environment with geographical, political, personal and cultural concerns globally. Please visit ACA's other web pages for more information www.acart.org.uk
Allenheads village is accessible by car or by a train and bus connection. While artists entering this rural setting will need to demonstrate a personal desire and willingness to work in a remote area, their social, professional and creative networks will by no means be isolated.
Resident artists are treated as part of Alan and Helen's extended family often sharing meals and leisure time. Artists have their own private quarters for sleeping, cooking and working and there is an open policy that respects the need for both privacy and companionship. Allenheads has a welcoming community with a pub, café, heritage centre. Alan and Helen work and live in the building with their two young children. Professionally and socially they have regular contact with many regional and national artists and curators with whom they share ongoing projects and interests.