Open Call to Participate in a Public Artwork

Photo: Sarah Pierce, Shelter Bread & Freedom (2021) Shelter readings: Eftychia Spyridaki reading from Oktana, Phoenix Park, Dublin, 2023. Photo: Louis Haugh

Have you  emigrated to Southampton or surrounding areas, are you studying here, visiting or awaiting resident status?

Do you speak a language other than  English?

Do you want to take part in a unique public artwork focused on emigration, language, and ideas of home?

We are seeking individuals to participate in a public artwork by Dublin-based artist Sarah Pierce as part of her current John Hansard Gallery exhibition, Scene of the Myth.

The Shelter readings are part of an artwork called Shelter Bread & Freedom. The group of readers are individuals who have emigrated to Southampton or are here temporarily. Each reader chooses a text to read in their “home” language. These include personal letters, diaries, books, manifestoes, poems, passages from books and song lyrics. The texts are read aloud in languages other than English, without translation. The audience is invited to gather, hear, and listen, without (necessarily) understanding.

Length of time per reader will be 2 minutes each.

All ages welcome. Please note, participation is on a voluntary basis.

When: Saturday 30 November, 2pm
Where: Edmund Kell Unitarian Church, Southampton, SO15 2AY

If you are interested in taking part, please contact: [email protected].

Closing date for applications: Monday 25 November.

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