Making Space For Action and Thought
A selection of independent dance artists based in the South West and North West of England have joined together for peer support, research and performance.
The project, produced by artists Shelley Owen and Josh Slater came out of a need for a held space for independent artists when the country went into lockdown in March 2020. Since then, there have already been six virtual discussion sessions, sharing of updates and the creation of the new performance platform LATITUDE.
Shelley is a North West based performance artist and researcher who works with the body, womanhood and identity with an established practice in instant composition. Josh is a South West based dance theatre artist and lecturer who works with collaborative and choreographic practices. They have been collaborating since 2015, with projects spanning the touring of live performance, artistic research, teaching and facilitation.
Josh explained, ‘I think that ever since the end of that first project we just haven’t stopped talking. Discussing the arts, the dance industry, power structures, artist development and the landscapes that we exist in.’
The group of artists involved have all previously worked with Shelley and Josh on various research and performance projects. All at different stages in their careers, they bring their own experiences, perspectives and responses. Due to the way in which Shelley and Josh produce work nationally and internationally, before the virtual sessions many of these artists had not met.
In the weeks to come, the project will continue to develop and respond to the needs of those involved, as they collectively reimagine the context in which artistic work is produced. Shelley said, ‘We have received genuinely lovely messages of gratitude and excitement from those who are looking forward to future engagement. This makes us feel like we are doing something right. We’re not sure what it is, but it is working.’
The duo is now preparing for the second instalment of LATITUDE, which is shaping up to be an exciting evening featuring five new works. When asked about the project’s long-term plans they explained, ‘It is the possibility, post Covid-19, to bring all of the artists who have contributed to the discussions and performances together in the same space. The same physical space. Giving room for furthering those discussions and topics that emerged, as well as hosting our first LATITUDE performance platform in person.’
The project, produced by artists Shelley Owen and Josh Slater came out of a need for a held space for independent artists when the country went into lockdown in March 2020. Since then, there have already been six virtual discussion sessions, sharing of updates and the creation of the new performance platform LATITUDE.
Shelley is a North West based performance artist and researcher who works with the body, womanhood and identity with an established practice in instant composition. Josh is a South West based dance theatre artist and lecturer who works with collaborative and choreographic practices. They have been collaborating since 2015, with projects spanning the touring of live performance, artistic research, teaching and facilitation.
Josh explained, ‘I think that ever since the end of that first project we just haven’t stopped talking. Discussing the arts, the dance industry, power structures, artist development and the landscapes that we exist in.’
The group of artists involved have all previously worked with Shelley and Josh on various research and performance projects. All at different stages in their careers, they bring their own experiences, perspectives and responses. Due to the way in which Shelley and Josh produce work nationally and internationally, before the virtual sessions many of these artists had not met.
In the weeks to come, the project will continue to develop and respond to the needs of those involved, as they collectively reimagine the context in which artistic work is produced. Shelley said, ‘We have received genuinely lovely messages of gratitude and excitement from those who are looking forward to future engagement. This makes us feel like we are doing something right. We’re not sure what it is, but it is working.’
The duo is now preparing for the second instalment of LATITUDE, which is shaping up to be an exciting evening featuring five new works. When asked about the project’s long-term plans they explained, ‘It is the possibility, post Covid-19, to bring all of the artists who have contributed to the discussions and performances together in the same space. The same physical space. Giving room for furthering those discussions and topics that emerged, as well as hosting our first LATITUDE performance platform in person.’
Article published: May 2020
LATITUDE 0.02 via Zoom on Wednesday 6 May
Photographer: Matthew Harrison-Lord
LATITUDE 0.02 via Zoom on Wednesday 6 May
Photographer: Matthew Harrison-Lord