What enables artists and activists to keep on making work that challenges the status quo? How can we sustain ourselves, our imaginations, and our communities while keeping on speaking truth to power? On 14 March 2012, I wrote this to some people I have been working with recently: "I'm giving a presentation called "Keeping on: sustainable…
Activism and audio art forms the core of this episode of Clear Spot first broadcast on March 22nd 2012. Controversy surrounding BP’s relationship with Tate appears to be reaching a new peak. This evening, three site-specific sound works have been released, all of which have been designed to be listened to inside Tate Modern, Tate…
BP’s environmental record is appalling yet many people are prepared to turn a blind eye to the fact that Tate is in bed with BP, one of the “ten worst corporations’’ based on its environmental and human rights record. A new series of artworks questioning Tate’s relationship with BP has been commissioned by three activist…
This article, by Kevin Smith of Platform and Clayton Thomas Muller of the Indigenous Environmental Network first appeared in the Winter 2011/12 issue of Fuse Magazine in Canada. At first glance, there might not seem to be an obvious common ground between indigenous activists in Canada, performance artists in the UK and climate activists in…
“Take the money and run? Some positions on ethics, business sponsorship and making art” Tuesdays 15 & 29 May; 12 & 26 June, 2012; 6.30 – 8.30pm; London. Booking essential. As part of our work critiquing corporate sponsorship of the arts, we have set up this Reading Group, and you’re invited! The sessions will be based on…
One of the co-editors of the groundbreaking Journal of Aesthetics & Protest is passing through town, and we're hosting him for an evening that will include a lecture/presentation and production/performance (group-research) elements. When – Thursday 15th March, 18.30 – 20.30 Where – The Platform office, 7, Horselydown Lane, Tower Bridge, SE1 2LN
18th February, London There were over a 100 artists, activists, community workers, young people, archivists & conservators, educators, parents, grandparents, policymakers. We were taking part in talks, creative “Groundings” sessions, a parallel youth conference, music & poetry performances, from the fabulous El Crisis, younger talented artists, and the more experienced, discussing race and power, creativity and…
Presentation by James Marriott on 'Artists & the Future Environment'* The first speaker was writer Jay Griffiths, author of 'Wild', followed by myself, James Marriott, speaking for Platform. You can watch an interview I did after the presentation at the bottom of the text. Thank you Jay for a beautiful exposition of the relationship between…