Inhabiting the Bageion

description

The Project:

This is an Irish-led collaborative arts/architectural exhibition (16-27 October), hosted by Athens Biennale, that presents architecture as a social and cultural practice. Four curated spaces within a beautiful four-storey derelict hotel in Athens explores architecture in different ways: Firstspace presents alternative models of teaching architectural practice as a mechanism of social inclusion and social engagement. Secondspace presents a series of visual-art films by prolific Irish/International artists (Anthony Haughey, Mark Curran, Lina Selander, Harun Farocki, Megs Morley and Tom Flanagan) where architecture appears to carry the burden of historic events in the absence of any human accountability. Thirdspace exhibition focuses on the relationship between an Activist Architecture group, Urban React, and the original inhabitants of a 1930s refugee housing block in Athens as a means of exploring the cultural value of habitation. Fourthspace offers an open creative space of workshops and events - led by artist Seamus Nolan collaborating with squatters, activists, artists, architects, musicians - that explores Squatting/Occupation as a means of cultural and social production. During the run of the exhibition they will design/produce/repair items from 'wanted lists' from occupations/squats and initiate long-term programmes with those who participate as well as run other open arts/architectural workshops.

Who we are:

This ambitious collective project emerged from people's goodwill and generous spirits through a developing relationship between Irish and Athenian-based artists/architects/activists. We come from multiple fields in the arts but all share an interest and passion in challenging the problematic nature of some architectural practices that serve only the interests of developers or misguided urban planners. Our intention is to present and explore alternative models of teaching, practice and processes within architecture through exhibition and workshops involving a wider public. So we are using Fund It to reach out to others who might appreciate what this project is attempting to achieve. Funding a project like this through a collective effort is very much in keeping with the ethos of the project.

Why we need your support:

Culture Ireland is generously covering our travel and transport costs to Athens but we still lack vital funds for costs like insurance and technical equipment. More specifically the funding raised through this campaign will supply materials and tools for workshops in the 'Fourthspace' where the intention is to donate the tools and everything produced to those that require them and help develop ongoing programmes once the exhibition itself has finished. Other workshops include Architectural model-making on 'ideal living spaces' between architects/designers and people living in precarious housing conditions and an Acoustic Sculpture workshop amongst others.

We really need your support to make this happen and we are offering some beautiful and unique rewards for your investment in this project that will be sent out to you by November 30th. So if you would like to be part of this exciting collective project please support us in getting over the final line in realizing this. Thank You!