Stretching New Boundaries

During the final week of the 2011 Folkestone Triennial, Strange Cargo hosted Stretching New Boundaries, a symposium focused on the Future of Participation in Visual Arts.

Chaired by Dr. Jonathan Vickery, Associate Professor and Director of Arts, Enterprise, and Development at the Centre for Cultural Policy Studies at Warwick University, the symposium explored contemporary community engagement through visual arts. Click here to read Dr. Vickery’s essay about Strange Cargo, where he delves into Strange Cargo's innovative approach.

Key figures in participatory art presented at the event, including international artist Jochen Gerz, keynote speaker and Director of NVA Angus Farquhar, Folkestone Triennial curator Dr. Andrea Schlieker, artists Frenchmottershead, and the Austrian collective Assocreation. Strange Cargo Artistic Director Brigitte Orasinski showcased a case study of the company, highlighting their extensive portfolio of participatory art projects and examining the interplay between celebratory and visual arts in public spaces.

The symposium featured a lively discussion with a packed audience of international delegates, facilitated by a panel of experts: Brigitte Orasinski, digital artists boredomresearch (Research Fellows at Southampton University), People United’s Director Tom Andrews, and international urbanist, researcher, and curator Mirjam Struppek. The debate eschewed the traditional Q&A format in favor of open, interactive dialogue, reflecting the diverse perspectives of the speakers.

Following the symposium, Andrea Schlieker and her team guided delegates on a tour of the Triennial, culminating in a participatory drinks reception at Georges House Gallery, where conversations continued.

The event offered an inspiring and thought-provoking exploration of collaborative and participatory art, providing valuable insights into the future of this dynamic cultural sector.