A SMALL EXPLORATION INTO SOME BIG ISSUES AROUND INCLUSION

What happens when a Rocket Artist and a graphic artist collaborate on an action research, arts based enquiry?

Kelvin Burke and Jo Offer worked for 15 sessions, navigating the design process with the intention of producing leaflet designs for a client. They called themselves HAPPY HOLIDAY, after an initial activity; juxtaposing words and pictures.

The wider context for the research project was to investigate what practices and strategies need to be in place to support an artist with a learning disability to engage with the design industry.

trustee_picThrough answering a ‘live’ brief for Cupp and using desk-space at Wall&Pleece, Design and Marketing, they explored many aspects of work and collaborative creativity. It was important that the realities of ‘work’ framed the project so there was a fee for the brief and a client and audience to satisfy. This added time-keeping and book-keeping to the professional development opportunities and created further avenues of enquiry around getting paid and what to do with the money.

A mutual respect for each others’ practice enabled sharing preferred ways of working and entry to their respective worlds; the designer in an art studio, the artist in a design studio. This, in turn, enabled reflection on creative possibilities, for both individual and collaborative professional practices.

staffvol_picThe brief required that the artists design an eye-catching information leaflet that targeted both academics and community groups who could potentially work together. During the project it was decided that two very distinct leaflets would serve to communicate to these separate audiences (see images for leaflet cover).

Two books document the collaboration, one titled ‘We drew things. They became other things’ shows artworks created while ‘Open-ended ponderings: a small exploration into some big issues around inclusion’ shows the processes followed to successfully answer a communication brief and the methods used to support an individual from a marginalized group to engage with the design industry and effectively reach a much wider audience for their work. Recommendations are included for anyone wishing to embark on a similar project.

Impact on the artists

Kelvin and Jo developed a working relationship which they are both keen to continue and progress. Discussions around how they could divide the fee and receive payment clarified that 'art' and 'opportunites' were key to them both. This helped them decide that part of their payment could be in the form of a promotional postcard to reach more people and potential clients. Cupp agreed to this.

When reflecting on the project Kelvin stated his ambitions were to continue to "make art, work and make money, having meetings and presenting”. He values opportunities to develop his practice and looks forward to his sessions in the studio as a Rocket Artist.

Jo wanted to push her professional skills to find a new way of working and feels she has achieved this. Working with Kelvin on this project enabled her to rigorously test a 'bag of tools' which she has collected though her MA studies and which she intends to apply to other projects, possibly with other partner organisations who also wish to pursue more inclusive working practices. In terms of her personal practice she now enjoys being more ambiguous with aesthetic outcomes as well as using diagrams to playfully explore and define ideas and has reconnected with mixed media – all as a result of making art alongside Kelvin.

Please see www.happyholidaydesign.co.uk for more details. If you are planning an art or design project and are interested in how inclusive processes could be applied, please contact Jo for details at info@jooffer.co.uk.