We are Commoners: Creative acts of commoning



Artist: Common Agency Projects (Shane Waltener & Laura Glaser)

Two people's hands twist long grass together, holding at each end.

Common Agency Projects, Rehearsing Commoning Actions At Wanstead Flats October 2020. (Photo: Felicity Crawshaw)

During COVID-19 restrictions, visual artist Shane and dance artist Laura met weekly in parks and commons. Public spaces developed a new function, more than safe spaces to socialise in, they became cultural centres where people went to be entertained, share ideas and experiences.

Witnessing this, the artists chose to work in green urban spaces and with nature: the weather, seasons, the site and all that grows in it. Through observation and play, they developed and rehearsed making and performance scores, exploring the idea of nature as a commons. They created work through movement improvisation, recording and discussing it with each other and interested park goers.

Common Agency Projects, Commoning Action #14: How to stand your ground generously

This video contains instructions to be re-enacted by visitors. Each time the works are remade, new knowledge is created amongst a growing community of performers. We ask ourselves how does this material feel? How does it behave? How do I connect with it and others? What can I do with it? How can it support me? How can I nurture it?

Film: Felicity Crawshaw

Common Agency Projects, Rehearsing Commoning Actions At Wanstead Flats October 2020.

(Photo: Felicity Crawshaw)

Rehearsing the dance. Two adults roll in the long grass, their legs and arms in the air.
The artist, a middle aged man, crouches in the very long grass.
Rehearsing. Two sets of legs lie across tree branches.



Where Next?

Fourthland: The new land we seek the new land we dream

Watch Fourthland’s new film.

a black and white photograph, exterior. Two large rocks with a person visible behind them holding up a bunch of grasses. The rocks are surrounded by trees.

Commoning Action 20

Take part in this immersive connection with Nature created by CAP

A man wearing a denim shirt and jeans in a park leaning on yellow strings which are tied around a tree. A woman with brown hair is opposite the man in the park, holding onto one of the strings to support the man leaning.

Artist: Fourthland

Rituals of making.

A close up of the exhibit, two rustic bowls on black stands and a large hanging decorated with small bundles of straw.

Artist: Gelawesh Waledkhani and Lise Bjørne Linnert

Collaborating with undocumented migrants in Norway.



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