Collaboration
- mccloskey201
- Feb 16, 2023
- 23 min read
“Collaboration can't happen without ideas, people, or things coming together..."
Ref :Vykky Howard - Red Hat Blog - https://www.redhat.com/en/blog/learning-bees
Image: https://trendland.com/nothing-separate-collaboration-nature-ellen-rutt/
"It's like when you go to a discotheque, its better when there are other people there. It's nice to dance alone at home, but the world opens up and there are more options when there are more people dancing. "
Ref: Gelatin Collective (Co-Art: Artists on Creative Collaboration - Ellen Mara De Wachter)
7 Sept 2021
Collaboration 1 Peers - Reflection
Description
The brief was to produce a visual response (in any medium) to an anonymous random sentence from a colleague. I got - “Do you like my sweater?” This initially felt very strange, but it was a very short sentence, and I didn’t want to overthink it.
Interpretation
The most logical way to approach this was to analyse the sentence. The sentence is a question, and the word “sweater” is the American version of the UK word “jumper”. I knew I wanted to reference this translation in my response. The meaning of the word sweater literally - is a knitted item to keep a part of the body warm – the chest and arms. Responding to this question required a gestural response….in the way you put your foot forward if you are asking someone if they like your shoes.
Breaking down the word sweater- I thought about the word “sweat” and stress and hot sauce came to mind. I had a few ideas, but they involved text (too obvious). I returned to the literal reference and came to the conclusion that gloves are often knitted and are also used to warm a part of the body – the hands. So, gloves are “sweaters” for the hands. At this point I thought 3D or photography might be an option.
Outcome
I posed for photos while wearing “the sweaters” and realised that gesturing was the right response and Union Jack gloves were ideal to reference the translation. However, my facial expressions looked ridiculous and didn’t convey the question. My stripy t-shirt detracted from the gloves and a white t-shirt was much better but still the same silly expressions. A 2D photo of only the gloves was meaningless and I realised that of course the gesture needed movement and video was the answer. I focused purely on my hands wearing the gloves with the idea of anticipation to begin and then flip to reveal the back of my hands to show the union jack motif. I have learned that analysing the question worked well and trial and error with different media helped define which elements were key. Below are some of the strange facial expressions trying to gesture the question - "Do you like?"
Final Work - Do you like my sweater? (2021)
28 Oct 2021
Research Portfolio - Reflection
Mohamad and Hanafi Stella Artois & Shepherd Fairey Scottish Dance Theatre & Tim Reid
Description
The brief was to research seven different examples of collaborative partnerships between artists – and also between artists and specialists from different fields. Critical analysis of each example was required along with an understanding of collaborative theory, concepts and terminology. Three examples are shown above (artist and artist, Brewery and artist and Dance company and video artist).
Interpretation
This seemed a daunting task initially as we were advised to avoid well documented collaborations. Searching online initially revealed the obvious artistic collaborations we were asked to avoid, but using different search words helped to dig deeper and this eventually led to some interesting collaborations with space, science agriculture etc. examples. Identifying the differences between a commission, a workshop and a collaboration was key and when I analysed some of my examples I planned to use, I realised some were not true collaborations. An example of this included an artist and a prison “collaboration” that was really a workshop with each artist creating their own work. Using a couple of examples that I had personal involvement was very useful as I had all the facts and I could determine whether or not the collaboration was successful. I looked for different examples that were inter, multi and trans-disciplinary and the diagram below helped with this. I feel I grasped the interdisciplinary and the multi but struggled with the trans and spent too much time trying to find any examples of this.
Outcome
Most of the examples I chose seemed successful collaborations in my opinion as it was difficult to find evidence otherwise. However, the Stella and Fairey collaboration seemed to focus on the Stella brand having overall ownership from evidence in the press headlines. This may have caused friction with the artist, but this doesn’t mean it was an unsuccessful collaboration (looking at the aims of the project), and I couldn’t find any evidence to determine the outcome of the project. I should have included some examples that were clearly not successful (with documented evidence), and I could have analysed why this was the case.
The research identified how collaborations can bring benefits to projects such as enhanced creativity or profile raising and brand awareness and use of innovative ways to get a message across or engage with a specific or new audience. Not all collaborations however are successful and sometimes egos get in the way with some artists needing to put their signature stamp on the work. These discussions/issues should take place at the start of the collaboration and not arise during or at the end, but this can be one of the pitfalls of a collaboration.
The collaboration examples I used questioned if they could be relevant to potential collaborations for me in the future, and most had some areas of interest such as audience and community engagement or public art projects.
18 Nov 2021
Collaboration 2 UHI Network - Weekly Reflection
(Image: istockphoto.com)
Introduction / The brief
To collaborate with a BA2 Music student from Perth UHI to produce a final work (with the theme COP26). The artwork can be in any form such as 2D, 3D, video, photography, installation etc and any size and music of a reasonable length. Music and art students attended a creative speed dating event at college where we had previously been asked to answer questions to help get to know each other better. We anonymously selected our preferred partners after this event.
2 Dec 2021
The creative speed dating session was a bit awkward and this may have been due to the fact that neither class has participated in this type of event before. Conversation was difficult with some people who hadn't filled in the information about themselves prior to the event. This was definitely an ice-breaker and easier with those people who had taken the time to provide the information.
Outcome
Following the session, I was delighted to be partnered up with my preferred partner (Dominic Choi) which was confirmed in an email on 29 Nov.
Reasons
Conversation flowed well and I liked that he said he was a listener and open -minded.
Plan
Now it was time to make further contact and determine a method of communication and a strategy.
I emailed Dominic with more information about me and sent a link to my artwork and asked him for a link to his music - as it is crucial that we know each others style. Initially there was no response to my email and I hoped to see him in person when we both in class - but I didn't want to rely on that option.
Issues /solution
We didn't meet at college so, I gave my number to one of his colleagues to asked him to WhatsApp message me to which he quickly responded. WhatsApp will be a better form of instant communication. Contact is key and it is hoped that we can prompt each other to look at emails for information that will be more difficult to share in WhatsApp.
9 Dec 2021
This week I created the relevant documents required for the project. This included a proposal, documentation plan with a record of all communication, a calendar to highlight key dates at a glance, and an action plan.
Subject
When I spoke to Dominic initially, he had the idea of air pollution as a subject for our collaboration which I liked. I mentioned that I could relate to air pollution in the far east and in particular as I worked in Hong Kong previously. Dominic was born in Hong Kong so this a nice connection and this subject matter will be an ideal starting point for the research.
Initial ideas
Thinking initially about air pollution, I had an idea of using an acrylic pour - as this fluidity could work well with music and video is coming to mind as the ideal media. When I discussed this with the lecturer it was agreed that this was a good idea but would be more relevant to water pollution (e.g. an oil slick). Particles are more appropriate and this could be using powder, bubbles, smoke etc. and still to be discussed with Dominic.
16 Dec 2021
This was our last day in college and I had deadlines to meet prior to the holidays so the focus was on other projects. I didn't hear from Dominic, but I also didn't make contact due to my own commitments.
6 Jan 2022
Festive break over and is time to get back to it!
Progress
Dominic contacted me on whatsApp and sent a 2 min piece of experimental music work based on air pollution. He has used factory chimney found sound which initially I though would be a bit clinical but the music is really soothing and builds in sections. I contacted him to mention a few ideas I have about filming smoke (coloured flames from a fire) and/or smoke filled bubbles. Dominic is forthcoming with conversation and mentioned that one of his objectives is to have a specific topic, so at this point we decided if we were going with the idea of factory and traffic air pollution. I will now focus my initial research and share this. I have some adventurous ideas of the smoke swirling around and becoming more intense or fast flowing as the tempo changes. This may be hard to achieve and will likely need editing in Adobe Premiere (which is not my strength), but at this stage I need to develop my idea and then determine the practicalities. Below are ideas that come to mind.
Images sources:
20 Jan 2022
Issues/solution
The break over the holiday lost a bit of momentum on the project and my commitments to meet other project deadlines over the last couple weeks has also interfered with my input to the project. I kept Dominic up to date about my delay and commitments and he is active in his communication responses. It is my responsibility now to re-connect with the project and revisit the general research I have carried out to focus on air pollution in Hong Kong.
Project update/feedback
This week I had an online project update with the lecturers. Progress so far - I’m up to date with all the docs created and the calendar is great to see at a glance and keep on track. Time is moving on and I need to develop ideas and begin experimentation.
From the review feedback, the initial idea of air pollution was well received, and advice was to keep the art abstract and enjoy experimenting with my ideas of smoke, flame, bubbles etc. Other suggested ideas to experiment with was to perhaps use a leaf blower to blow dust, bubbles etc and observe the light particles as in a projection cone of an old light projector. Another key piece of feedback was to involve my partner in the video edits to keep the work collaborative.
27Jan 2022
Art and Music Research
This week I began research about the connection between music and art. This proved interesting reading depending on whether the music has a fast tempo - potentially resulting in bold, fast mark-making or use of slow, ambient music that could prompt more subtle marks and perhaps muted colours. Many artists credit music as a muse to create their work, while musicians have often found that art or an artist is their inspiration. Kandinsky revealed the profound effect music had on him - “I saw all my colors in my mind, they stood before my eyes. Wild, almost crazy lines were sketched in front of me... It became quite clear to me that art in general was far more powerful than I had thought, and that painting could develop just such powers as music possesses.” Ref https://www.arthistorykids.com/blog/247
Connections
This artist and music connection links nicely with my research project where I am looking at colour - with one aspect of this focusing on the use of Mondrian's primary colours. As a lover of music Piet Mondrian translated the energy of New York and its Boogie Woogie music into his paintings. There is definitely a sense of movement in the work shown here in Broadway Boogie Woogie - almost as if the squares could all move around and bleep at any minute and reminiscent of an old computer game. Some art critics and musicians have indicated that this work is a visual form of music - with the grid lines denoting rhythm and the shapes representing the melody.
Themed research
Following this I focused on research on the project theme of air pollution to get a better understanding of the basics. I discovered some really useful info-graphics and charts which helped my understanding of this and clearly identified key information. From this point I looked at air pollution in Hong Kong and what causes this. Research identified one of the biggest culprits as sulphur dioxode (SO2). I carried out a bit of research on this gas and this is all helping to inform the concept.
Although the levels of SO2 in Hong Kong have improved considerably from 2010 to 2018, sulphur dioxide is still the worst air polluter with navigation becoming an increasingly bad contributor since 2010.
Artists
I also looked at some artists who have created work in response to air pollution. One that drew my attention was Kengo Kuma’s work Breath/ng (2018) - an attention-grabbing sculpture that claims to absorb the emissions of 90,000 cars per year! The structure is made with 120 hand-folded panels combining technology with origami and uses an innovative air-purifying fabric that captures pollution in the air. It cleans the particles and then generates clean air. Does the material need replaced when fully absorbed by the pollution (like a cooker hood filter)? Does it change colour? It reminds me of a stack of giant cup cake cases and I need to find out more.
Image https://www.designboom.com/architecture/kengo-kuma-breathing-sculpture-supershow-studio-04-26-2018/
Another area of interest was looking at dust and particles.
Idea development
The weather in the last week has been too windy to experiment with my fire and smoke ideas but I hope to achieve something soon. However, research has been inspiring and led to a few new thoughts regarding sulphur dioxide. Interesting search results led to the pictorial representation of the solid state structure of sulphur dioxide.
This got me thinking of using red and yellow balls and ideally in the air to represent the sulphur dioxide. I purchased confetti and tiny 3mm polystyrene balls as both are light enough to become airborne (maybe with some wind assistance).
Materials issues/solutions
Looking at my materials, I realised that the confetti is bio-degradable but the polystyrene is NOT! This is not an ideal solution to use in an environmental project - however I did look at ways to potentially recycle these and they could be reused in another craft projects or even as soil filler for house plants.
Further development/Issues
The idea to develop this further is to create a video of the yellow and red balls moving in the air outdoors or dropping on a surface - ideally in time with the 3 min music I have been provided with. The weather is still too windy so I opted for dropping the balls onto a black surface to created a test video. This was tricky to hold the camera and drop the balls at the same time and will need some refining and possibly a camera operator. I did manage to get some test footage and experimented in Premiere, but this will need a lot more experimentation time.
Peer feedback
Discussions with colleagues in class today resulted in more ideas and the possibility of placing the balls on top of a speaker to move with the vibration of the music! I'm very excited to try this out and will discuss these idea developments with Dominic. The vibration idea will create a more involved collaboration and as a music student, Dominic will have access to the necessary equipment.
10 Feb 2022
Partner project update
Today we met our collaborators in class and it was great to see Dominic again in person and we discussed where we were with the project. The ideas around the sulphur dioxide balls were well received and he was keen on the vibration idea and we have agreed to experiment with this. From the feedback session it was noted that a professional camera will be necessary to film the work whatever development route is chosen. The filming and editing process is out of my comfort zone and good to know that equipment and assistance will be given with the filming and editing if required. Some interesting ideas came out of the feedback session and these included dropping the balls to bounce on gelatine or mix with wallpaper paste?
Firming up ideas
With all these ideas and new experiments, thought needs to be given soon about how the project will take shape and the how the video will be shown. There was a suggestion of projecting the film on a building in Hong Kong which is really exciting and this brings back the initial connection with Hong Kong, as I feel this has been lost from the initial site-specific idea.
Connections
It was pointed out that the my ink dripping video experiments also resembled the Chinese new year celebration colours. Red is for good fortune and happiness together with Gold for wealth. Looking at the yellow and red splashes they actually resemble the Chinese dragon - a symbol of China, and it is an important part of Chinese culture. Chinese dragons symbolize wisdom, power, and wealth, and they are believed to bring good luck. The lanterns are also the same colour as the red and yellow sulphur balls which links nicely with the development idea and with the original of air pollution in Hong Kong.
Lantern Image: https://serviceback.com/blog/article/3-lucky-chinese-new-year-home-colour-inspirations
Partnership
While we were discussing the colours, we also discussed the animal we represented in the Chinese calendar and Dominic is a Tiger and I am a dragon. According to research - Dominic and I are a "perfect match" -" people with Chinese zodiac Tiger sign can get along well with people in signs of Dragon, Horse and Pig". This bodes well for our collaboration and we are working well together so far and hope that continues.
Video Development
Below are a series of video stills where I dropped the red and yellow balls onto the black paper and dripped ink in time with the music
Issues
This was really tricky to film on the phone while trying to create the actions and if this was a way forward it would need to be refined with a camera operator or a tripod.
17 Feb 2022
Deadline stage 1
Today is deadline day for the submission of Documentation and a 500 word evaluation. This involved finalising the required documents for the project. These include a Proposal with the project objectives, a calendar to highlight key dates and an action plan to determine roles and deadlines.
Evaluation
Usually an evaluation would be written at the end of the project, but as the final submission is not due until 28 Apr, the evaluation is where the project is currently at. Progress is going well and is on track with the submission stages and we are communicating well so far.
Issues /way forward
Writing the evaluation and pulling all the documents together has provided a clear picture of where the project is at. It has highlighted the need to carry out further experiments soon and determine the way forward to completion. Filming will be experimental and I need to start learning how to use the camera and brush up on Adobe Premiere skill and familiarise myself with Adobe After Effects.
3 March 2022
Project update/feedback
A presentation of what stage the project is at took place today in class with peers and lecturers. I realised that what I planned to present didn't include the test video footage which was supposed to be included in my submitted powerpoint last week. However, I decided to chat through my sketchbook showing progress so far and some experiments that did and didn't work and play the experimental video to the group. The feedback was positive and suggestions about using slo-mo to animate the video to work in time with the music and create a variety and more interest was very useful. I highlighted the need to refine the current test video and form a clear plan to create the vibration idea.
Next steps
Get in touch with Dominic and find out progresson his music piece and how near to completion he is with this. Meanwhile I will try to refine the test video, investigate using slo-mo, and make plans to co-ordinate the idea of the balls bouncing to the vibration from a speaker and think of the way forward for the projection on to the iconic Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong.
10 March 2022
Refining Development
This morning I met with Dominic at college and he brought in a guitar amp and hooked up his phone to play his music . He placed the speaker on its back with the speaker side up and I acquired a square perspex tray and placed this on top of the speaker. I added some orange and purple balls. (I used these colours to experiment with until the process is finalised and then will create the final work with the previously mentioned red and yellow balls to represent the sulphur dioxide).
Issues /solution
The tray was too thick for the vibrations to pass through and a colleague found a thin piece of perspex which worked much better. The music needed to be loud enough to create vibration and move the balls around.
Outcome
The effect was just what I had hoped would happen and I'm delighted with the results. Dominic confidently set it all up and was happy with the effect too . The little balls moved around to create changing patterns, synchronizing beautifully with the music as it changed tempo. Zooming in and out to focus on the movement detail creates some interest, as 3 mins is a bit long with the same view.
Next steps
Arrange to meet up again next week at college and try to film with a professional video camera. I love how the effect looks like a high rise building which is being surrounded by the sulphur dioxide in the air and the background also looks like a filter-which is a great connection with the project theme of air pollution. Maybe the projection idea is not required now and maybe we should create test films on a black background (thin paper) that would sit under the perspex to still allow the vibrations to get through...or try to film from the side to see the horizontal movement of the balls. Things feel like they have really progressed today and it's very exciting to have a way forward.
17 March 2022
Filming Equipment
We had a demo on some camera and video equipment in class this morning that was really useful for professionally capturing the footage required for the collaboration project. I noted which which equipment i would require and was curious how I would film at the angle I needed (looking at the floor). The top pole above the legs is detachable and can screw on at right angles to the tripod (as per the image). There are some things to consider with regard to safety and not to damage the equipment. I am still a little nervous to use this as there are many buttons and dials but I am keen to step out my comfort zone in the hope of obtaining professional results.
Issues /contingency plans
I had planned to do some test filming with Dominic today but unfortunately he is ill. However, it was much more useful to see what is required and familiarise myself with the equipment first before any filming. I will determine what I need to borrow for next week as I don't have my own equipment and will plan out the exact requirements and steps for filming.
24 March 2022
Practice
Today my partner was still unwell and I had booked out the filming equipment, but this worked very well as I had a practical session which was very much needed as i would have wasted a lot of time. This was not as scary as I had imagined and with a bit of colleague support I obtained some test footage using the purple and orange balls. I set the equipment up outside as it was a beautiful day and experimented with zooming in and out and manually moved the balls around to imitate them vibrating on the speaker. I also could blow gently and this moved them around a little too.
Time Management
I need to plan ahead now to allow for final filming and editing in Premiere. I am not in class next week and we are on Easter holidays for two weeks and unable to access the filming equipment. I will use the test footage I filmed today to experiment in Premiere over the holidays and on Thurs 21 April I hope to film the final work. Dominic should be finished his final composition this week and I will liaise with him to make a plan.
13 April 2022
Projection experimentation/Issues
Today I experimented with After effects and masked out the bank of China from an image sourced online as this will become the area for projecting the final film. Unfortunately this file became corrupt and I can no longer use this. This idea will need to be abandoned at this late stage of the project.
21 April 2022
Way forward/Refinement
Dominic has sent his final composition and there was some added traffic noises and some breathing which added more depth and connection to the topic of air pollution in Hong Kong. He had researched the most polluted area and this was Causeway Bay (exactly where the Bank of China is. The title of his work is Breathless in Causeway Bay and this connect nicely with all the elements and and is great that in the collaboration he has had this input.
Final filming /issues
We set up the equipment and it didn't seem as straightforward as in the practice session. The speaker was placed on a table and but this was to close to the video camera and didn't allow for zooming in and out. We tried the same small stool I used in the practice session but this wasn't ideal as the speaker was hanging off on all sided but there we no other options and we would need to make sure it was as secure as possible. Another issue with the stool was that it didn't provide a flat surface that was required for the balls, so when I placed them on top of the perspex on the speaker, they all moved to one side. It didn't help that the perspex has a smooth shiny surface, so removing the perspex allowed the balls to grip a bit better on the mesh surface of the speaker. The speaker continued to move on the stool with the vibrations as the volume was really loud and this was not an ideal set up so we had to film what we could. This resulted in footage of around 2mins and not the full 3mins of the track.
Outcome
This footage will become the final work after a bit of editing and with the added sounds of traffic the work has more depth and interest. The mesh of the speaker looks like a high rise building or a filter so the effect has worked wonderfully and we are both happy with the result.
Collaboration 3 External - Reflection
3 March 2022
Image : https://blog.planview.com/why-communication-and-collaboration-are-integrated-not-interchangeable/
Introduction / The brief
This project involves collaboration with an outside body.
Documents required for the project include a proposal, documentation plan, a calendar to highlight key dates at a glance, and an action plan. At this point I don't have an idea for the external collaboration as I had hoped to connect it with my placement but this doesn't feel like it it will work as I am already collaborating with the placement provider and bringing my own ideas and plans to the projects and not simply facilitating workshops.
17 March 2022
Idea
I have been struggling with an idea that will work and that is possible to achieve in the time-frame as there is often a lot of communication required before a project can take place. There is however a theme I have in mind as I work with the elderly as a digital volunteer supporter in Perth library.
That theme is about losing identity. I recognise this clearly with my elderly clients, as their role in life has changed and they no longer have employment. Most talk to me about their previous employment - as if to justify that they are not useless or stupid! After learning a few basic skills in technology, they quickly grow in confidence and adopt a sense of connection in the world of technology. I would like to celebrate their past professions and create an artwork in response to their answers.
24 March 2022
Today I discussed this collaboration idea with the lecturers and we discussed a potential way forward with the idea.
Developing the idea
I will print a selection of individual images of different coloured eyes (iris and pupil only). The skin around the eye ages, but the iris doesn't, which relates to how the elderly feel inside - they are still the same people. My collaborators will select an eye colour to match their own and cut the image into four quadrants and assemble on the grid in a way that doesn't match. On a square of their choice on the grid they will write their former profession and then position their cut-out eye quadrants. What I hope to achieve is a colourful pattern showing people are behind the eyes revealed by lifting a square. Further planning is required, such as permissions and not everyone may want to participate. Much more thought is required for this I feel. I have questions if there is anything to be gained from cutting the eye into quadrants and perhaps a simpler approach is required.
7 April 2022
Issues/ solution
It is the Easter holidays and I have tested positive for Covid! Thankfully I am not too unwell with it re-thinking my thoughts about the external collaboration. I am unable to get into the library and this leaves little time to get information from my collaborators for my previously planned idea.
I was chatting with my placement provider (Generating Opportunity - GO), and although I had dismissed the idea of a collaboration with them, there was an idea that came up in discussion. I understand their organisation and how they work and have previously researched the organisation.
Theme
GO have plans to buy a green screen with the idea of creating some fun for participants in care homes. This could be taking them to places they can no longer visit, or to see a famous landmark, or simply to fulfill a life long dream - virtually of course.
This is an idea I had discussed for a potential project in the future as I am keen to work with them after placement. They have funds to purchase the green screen equipment and would like me to bring artistic ideas.
My Role
This would be as creative director and would involve research, costing equipment, practicalities and art ideas and themes. I could also assist with editing footage, although they do have professional video equipment and expertise.
Image: https://www.kulturacollective.com/exhibitions_proper/seniors-on-the-green-screen/
Submission Issues/solution
The project will not come to fruition to meet my project deadline of 28 April due to widespread Covid, purchasing equipment and collection and editing of material. However, I will investigate this further and create documentation, research and a proposed outcome of how it could look -outlining how we plan to work as an external collaboration in project Live the Dream.
14 April 2022
Research
I carried out extensive research on green screen and there are a lot of things to consider before the projects gets underway.
This includes how it works, costings, portability, stock footage for backgrounds, additional equipment and suitability.
Issues/potential solution
The equipment can take up quite a bit of space and in care homes this can be limited. There is also the issue of health and safety to consider when people get up and move around. The stands for the lights and tripod could easily be tripped over. There is also the issue of confusion and the residents not knowing what is going on and also the participation element. They may not want to participate as it will be odd standing in front of the green screen and pretending to play out an action. Perhaps the use of a monitor showing a video of people on a rollercoaster would help the "actors" perform the actions of the experience as they sit together on two chairs. This will need careful thinking through and planning.
Ideas
This could include
Days out - Beach, countryside, museums, shopping
visit to famous landmarks - Pyramids, Eiffel tower
Themes - Disco, Space, underwater
Experiences - Rollercoaster, mountain climbing
21 April 2020
Summary Reflection on all 3 Collaborations
Collaboration 1 - Peers
Strengths
Artist completely in charge or artwork - no area for conflict, no communication to disrupt creativity
Weaknesses
No stimulation /discussion on idea development
Who has accountability as the outcome is subjective
Use of Theory
Call and response model
Remote collaboration
Interdisciplinary collaboration (but no benefit from knowledge sharing to create a holistic approach)
Lessons Learned
Don't overthink the brief - should be spontaneous response
Collaboration 2 - UHI Network
Strengths
Good continuity of communication
links between partners on subject matter
Professional conduct from both partners
Contingency plan
Input from both partners (subject, music equipment and song title came from partner
Weaknesses
Project length too long and focus lost at times - particularly over Christmas
Project ideas a bit adventurous - projection mapping After effects
Use of Theory
Call and response (music developed and provided for video to respond)
Face to face collaboration
Interdisciplinary collaboration between music and art
Artist and music collaborator have equal accountability
Artist led - wearing all the hats in Edward de Bono model, although music collaborator fed in to the information wearing the creativity, information and emotions hats
Lessons Learned
Communication is key
Planning/contingency plan and time management is essential
Collaboration 3
Strengths
Knowledge and experience of working on placement with organisation - both know how we work
Shared partner values and objectives
I have a wealth of experience to bring to the collaboration in addition to the artistic element - marketing, technical skills, volunteering with the elderly, communication, life experience etc.
Weaknesses
Participants may not want or know how to respond - element of confusion
Project will requires detailed planning and communication with myself, Generating Opportunity (the external collaborator) and the care home
Use of Theory
Network collaboration to create a holistic approach - enhance residents experience and the care home sector service
Multidisciplinary collaboration (GO is an inclusive arts organisation) - additive as the care home sector is drawing on artist and external body knowledge
Socially engaged art - assisting with enhancing the care home residents experience
The three organisations involved shared the "thinking hats" with GO (external collaborator) leading on the managing of the project. The artist wore the information, creativity and optimistic response hats and all three fed in to the emotions and discernment hats. According to Helguera's Education for Socially Engaged Art, this is actual practice as it creates social interaction and the level of participation is initially directed participation as the task is set -but his then becomes creative participation as the participant is part of the work. As for the attitude of the participant, this would be described as voluntary but in the case of a care home with dementia this is a difficult to categorise. And finally, who is the audience for the work? It is the participants themselves (and their famiiles). However, as art activities forms part of the care package, this creates positive feedback and will form part of reports for the care commission and other supporting organisations who can also be described as the audience.
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