Artists for Future Policy is a pilot programme empowering artists to become catalysts for social change by actively engaging in the policy making process. We’re seeking to break down conventional policy language to reconstruct and create accessible, creative and inclusive policies for cultural arts organisations dedicated to positive social change. At its core, this programme is artist and community-led, drawing inspiration from the pedagogical workings of Metal’s artistic programmes; GET A ROOM, The Unlonely City and our citizens-led assemblies.
Our approach is inspired by the collaborative efforts of partners such as Disability Consultancy for Creative Change (DC4CC) and The Other MA (TOMA), whose groundbreaking programmes have consistently made space and challenged traditional political dynamics within local contexts to rethink radical approaches, and experimental models of knowledge sharing to support civic change and programmes.
Metal Welcome
‘Metal Welcome’ is our commitment to being open and ensuring everyone is welcome at Metal. True to our role as a catalyst organisation, working within social engagement and practice-based research, our ways of working need to reflect the right conditions for us to be truly welcoming, open and inclusive.
Questions we want to ask ourselves (as a starting point):
– How do we hold space for openness?
– Who is not at the table?
– How do we look after and care for ourselves?
– How can the arts be a platform for challenging wider issues facing care in society?
– What does a welcoming environment look like?
– More…?
Artist Commission
Whilst in the pilot phase of the programme, we’re launching a national open call for an artist to creatively respond to how Metal can be more welcoming. This will be used to shape our policy ‘Metal Welcome’. We are open to ideas about what this could be; a visual policy, a poem or a poster. It might be a process, a ritual, a workshop, or a recipe. A game to play or a something that inspires us. This brief is open.
Get Involved
Our open call for an artist is now closed. Watch this space for further announcements.
We are looking for partners and funders to support this next phase. Learn more about this here.
