An Evolving People’s Palace of Possibility – Join us in Doncaster!

16 Nov An Evolving People’s Palace of Possibility – Join us in Doncaster!

Posted at 16:58h in The People's Palace of Possibility by

Back in the first lockdown of 2020, we adapted our project The People’s Palace of Possibility to take the form of an interactive story of rebellion told through the post. Over six hundred people across the country took part – participants contributed their own thoughts, images and reimaginings of how things could be done differently. These contributions built the foundations of the Palace Archive: a national digital archive of hopes and fears for the future.

One year later, the project has evolved into a series of residencies with different communities across the country, exploring different themes and building the ‘rooms’ of The People’s Palace of Possibility. Many of the rooms are being co-designed with participants from the postal project, and eventually all the rooms will find a home in a community-owned forest in South Yorkshire.

We’ve just finished our first residency in Caithness in the Highlands, hosted by Lyth Arts Centre as part of Creative Carbon Scotland’s Climate Beacons, in response to COP26 in Glasgow. We spent two weeks meeting crofters, growers, academics, young people, musicians and a film-maker. We spent time in local land – walking and exploring fields and beaches, and volunteering at a community-owned forest. We also learned about local folk tales, and wrote our own about the giants that shape the landscape: the absentee landowners, the green energy companies, even the weather and the wind. You can find out more about that project here.

We’re excited to share that our next residency will be in Doncaster! We’re going to spend two weeks creating community feasting spaces with our Palace Citizens from last summer, and some new recruits. We’re going to be exploring what a just food system looks, tastes and feels like: exploring food justice, hosting conversations and workshops with artists, bakers, foragers and growers, and sharing food and stories at community meals in the town. There may also be moments of protest – we urgently need a new approach to food.

Our work in Doncaster is supported by CanDo South Yorkshire, Arts Council England, Doncaster Creates, Right Up Our Street, Heritage Doncaster and CUSP. With thanks to Tom and Brigitta at the Doncaster Unitarian Church and Warren Draper from Bentley Urban Farm.

How to get involved

There are two different ways to get involved with the upcoming residency in Doncaster. The first is to join the public workshops – just one, or as many as you like! All workshops are pay-what-you-decide (we’ll be taking cash donations on the day) and they will all include a meal unless otherwise stated. Book via the links below:

 

We are also looking for a team of co-creators – an opportunity designed for Doncaster-based people who are food bank users or volunteers, and/or are aged 60+. Co-creators will work with professional artists from The Bare Project team, and will be involved in every aspect of the residency: from cooking, to storytelling performance skills, to learning how to design a space or compose a sound design. No experience is necessary – you will be taught all the skills you’ll need during the residency. This is a voluntary opportunity and is not paid, but we will cover travel costs and/or other barriers to participation e.g. childcare, and a meal will be provided every day.

Co-creators must be available for the majority of the following dates:
Tuesday 30 November: 6pm-8pm
Thursday 2 December: 1pm-4pm
Friday 3 December: 4pm-8pm (you are also welcome to join for an optional foraging walk 1.30pm-4pm on this day as well, if you like)
Saturday 4 December: 12pm-5pm (optional)
Wednesday 8 December: 11am-5pm
Friday 10 December: 11am-5pm
Saturday 11 December: 11am-5pm

If you’d like to find out more, or sign up to be a co-creator, please email palacecitizen@thebareproject.co.uk

We can’t wait to see you there!