Introduction

The programme for the 2017 Cornwall Workshop included discussions, excursions and activities led by the artist Christina Mackie, shaped by her interest in materials and processes, and in observing and activating the subtle chains of association through which things relate to one another – intuitively or formally. Writer Chris Fite-Wassilak was also invited to lead a writing workshop over two days.

The workshop provided a space for discussion, debate and the sharing of ideas around producing, exhibiting and experiencing art.

Participants were encouraged to contribute to the continuing legacy of the workshop by sharing debates and ideas with artists and arts practitioners in the region. The workshop contributed to the development of field trips as part of the Groundwork programme in 2018, as well as specific projects:

The Arts Council Collection agreed to lend Christina  Mackie’s The Judges II for inclusion in Groundwork and Mackie developed a new iteration of the work for the Kings Room at National Trust Godolphin, where it was installed from 5 May to 21 June 2018.

During his visit to Cornwall as a contributor to the Cornwall Workshop Chris Fite-Wassilak was invited to visit the Bickford-Smith Institute in Porthleven with a view to proposing a project for this iconic building. He subsequently developed the project To whom it was given with artist Sophie Mallett, shown in the Bickford-Smith Institute from 9 June to 1 July 2018.

Curator Gina Buenfeld, a participant in the Cornwall Workshop 2017, organised for José Roca, Artistic Director of FLORA ars+natura in Bogotá, Colombia, to come to Cornwall for Groundwork’s opening weekend. Roca gave a talk about Abel Rodriguez, whose work he has curated in numerous international exhibitions. A small selection of Rodriguez’s drawings was presented at Trebah Gardens from 5 to 7 May 2018.

In September 2018 Liam Jolly and Rosanna Martin, participants in the workshop, organised an exhibition as part of Groundwork, inaugurating Liam’s new project space, an old auction room near the train station in Redruth. Where it is, there it is invited participants from all the Cornwall Workshops held since 2011 to contribute.