The deadline for applications has now passed.
Building the Clay Commons w/c 27 November 2023
Schedule to be announced in October
SSW and Eva Masterman are calling out to people interested in or working with clay to join our weeklong immersive workshop set up to collectively build the Clay Commons. This weeklong workshop is open to people either from or based within the North East of Scotland or those who have strong connections to this area.
Together, through practical workshops and discussions in the studio, we want to build a co-created set of values and actions that look to reach beyond the ceramics studio, offering alternatives to traditional craft education systems in the UK. This week-long workshop is open to people with an interest in arts education, clay, and social justice.
Eva describes her work as:
‘I am interested in the ‘commons’ which can be generally summarised as a set of ‘common’ resources that are self-governed by a community of users. The development of the ‘Clay Commons’ focuses on the clay studio as a micro society, sharing resources but also creating a sense of belonging. I am interested in how the clay studio can become a site where community, creativity and nourishment are a driving force in how we work with this material.’
Eva is looking to support participants who are interested in radical forms of teaching and engagement within the field of ceramics and the arts more widely. The group will come together to imagine new futures for education that are grounded in practical means of enacting these visions in our spaces of work.
During the week Eva will also be creating a series of live recordings, discussions, and workshops as part of her current PhD research which will form part of the third series of her Clay Commons podcast.
The week-long workshop will be based in SSWs newly renovated clay studio in Lumsden Aberdeenshire and will bring together artists and participants from across the UK. The week will culminate in a clay weekend open to the public, to join in and make with us.
Deadline for application: 30 October, 12 midday.
Applicants will be notified shortly after the deadline.
About Eva Masterman
Eva has been working with clay for over 12 years, in both sculpture and collaborative participation. She was the Norma Lipman Fellow in Ceramics at Newcastle University 2018 – 2021, where her work explored intergenerational connections and relationships through embodied clay objects. She is currently undertaking a PhD that builds on this idea of clay as an agent in relationship building, by exploring clay studios as sites of queer futurity and abolitionist commoning. She is the host and creator of the Clay Commons podcast that looks at the potential of non-institutionalised engagement in clay, to create emancipatory, accessible education and wellbeing for all.
Practical information
Clay Commons will take place on the week beginning 27 November 2023 and happen over 5 days, it will involve a full schedule of activity each day taking place predominantly at SSW. We will also spend time outside and so you should be prepared for all weathers. Building the Clay Commons is free to attend and we will cover all meals and accommodation costs over the days of programme.
We have a small budget to cover some local travel within Aberdeenshire if this cost would otherwise be a barrier to your attendance in the Building the Clay Commons week.
If you have any access related questions and would like to discuss these in advance of submitting an application please email Programme Producer Joanne Matthews on arts@ssw.org.uk.
Applications
Before applying please take time to read the information above and submit a short expression of interest (EOI), no more than one page or 500 words (or 2 minutes of audio), outlining why you would like to take part in Clay Commons and why it is of interest to you.
EOI are to be submitted on our online form, where you will answer a series of questions including:
- Personal information
- Expression of interest (written or audio)
Along with the following additional information which will not be shared with the selection panel:
- Any dietary requirements or allergies you have
- Whether you require accommodation
- A link to our Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion monitoring form to be completed
Applications will be assessed by SSW and Eva Masterman.
