SWAY is a two week interactive community art project and exhibition in partnership with ONCA exploring identity, migration & borders.

It is an inclusive, creative response to Brexit, Trump and the wider political and environmental challenges we currently face. The main installation is a sway of paper swallows, designed by Solange Leon & Dirk Engels, suspended in the centre of the gallery which the public can add to over the course of the exhibition.

Visitors will also be invited to add their own ‘voice’ to a new dawn chorus arranged by Tonmeister John Warburton – the soundscape will also incorporate original songs from more than 24 different countries that Warburton produced for the British Council.

The exhibition will be supported by a vibrant programme of workshops, performance, film and talks about migration of fauna, flora, humans, ideas, and food from RSPB, Robin Gorna, Mick Taylor, Hummingbird, Elise Wach and Old Tree Brewery. Photos by Lilian Simonsson will also be on display.

SUPPORT OUR CROWDFUNDER

We feel more than ever that engaging people from a variety of backgrounds in a positive exploration of migration and borders is vital in tackling the rise of divisive stories in the mainstream media. You can join the sway by sponsoring your own bird which will be included in the installation and by spreading the word.

All of the other artists involved have already given a huge amount to get this project off the ground, but we need your help to bring it to the gallery so everyone can take part in the exhibition. The funds will be used to cover the basic costs of the exhibition but if we exceed our target we can reimburse the artists for their time, engage more audiences through the events programme and make the project even more accessible.

Events

Where’s my home now? Reframing the Migration Debate 

Wednesday 12th April, 6:30pm

Migration and human movement is massively complex and yet the stories we tell are often very simple. This evening is an exploration of some of the economic, environmental and social drivers of migration and asks if there is a better way of to frame the debate around one of the most divisive issues we face today. Talks by Dr Mick Taylor, Robin Gorna and Elaine Ortiz from Hummingbird. Tickets available here.

The Swallow – A Migrant’s Story

Thursday 13th April, 6:30pm

Steve Gilbert from the RSPB describes the migratory lifestyle of Swallows, drawing attention to their movements across the world; swallows that breed in the UK migrate 10,000 miles each autumn to spend the winter in southern Africa. Drawing parallels with the movements of people around the world, Steve will examine avian migration in relation to identity, borders and the ongoing refugee crisis. Tickets available here.

Nourish: An interactive meal exploring and discussing nourishment in the world of food and the food of our world by Elise Wach & Old Tree Brewery

Friday 21st April, 6:30pm
Join us for an evening to explore and experience the world of food, and the food of our world.  What nourishes us in our food? What foods nourish our wider local and global communities and what nourishes our earth?  Where are the frontiers or borders of local?  Who decides and does it matter?  In a time when there is so much choice and so much information (often conflicting), we will come together to discuss, dine and digest nourishing food. Tickets £15/£12 concessions, available here.

If you have any access requirements please contact / 01273 607101