Wonderland

Wonderland was a research project investigating an artistic methodology into the design of conversation as an artistic practice. The project was launched at New Art Exchange 17 July 2013 to start the 15 month project. It had a specially developed session that considers the impact of modern day life.The public’s voice and ideas were used to provoke a series of events over the duration of 15 months hosted at New Art Exchange to discuss issues that need to be had, from war to politics to Social Cohesion and Restorative Justice. Wonderland: Investing in every part of our diverse heritage and community.The large scale community engaged project embraces learning and participation through the creative arts.Orchestrated by Rhiannon Jones, audience participation was at the heart of all the public events.

Key members of the public took part from a wide range of local communities, police force, social workers, academics, refugee organisation, local politicians, local resident and tenants group members, charity organisations, international community representatives, artists, residents, students and writers.Wonderland delivered a series of 90 workshops for diverse community and social groups from across Nottingham city and county.

It directly engaged with over 1500 members of the public who attended a range of workshops, live vocal events and pop up exhibitions hosted across the city of Nottingham. These voices and ideas were used to provoke a series of VOCAL events hosted at New Art Exchange to discuss issues that need to be had, from war to politics to Social Cohesion and Restorative Justice.

The large scale community engaged project embraces learning and participation through the creative arts, hosted by NAE until summer 2014. Wonderland commissioned 3 artist residences and other training opportunities for emerging artists and graduates. There was a public exhibition of work at Bromley House in 2014. Permanent totem pole sculptures have been installed across the Meadows area in the city.

Impact of the research has resulted in two permanent public art sculptures in the city of Nottingham.

The international paper delivered at Cumulus Portugal and the findings of the project fed into the PhD research The Artistry of Conversation (2016)

The hopes and dreams of Nottingham’s many voices were gathered, discussed and this project stimulated different perspectives through participation and engagement. Rhiannon said a key aspect to the project’s success was its inclusiveness.“ Everyone’s voice matters and can be shared through participating in workshops, vocal events, and large exhibition in summer 2014 at NAE. The project aims to bring people together who care about the impact of modern-day on the people from Nottingham and to give time for everyone to reflect and come together through art to share hopes and aspirations for the future.”
Having an honest discussion that challenges us to understand and rethink society in a safe place is an important moment.“As an art space we would encourage creative interventions including debates from diverse communities in order to stimulate new art that transcends and produces knowledge and understanding to create a better place for future generations,” Chief Executive, New Art Exchange, Skinder Hundal.

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