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Image. Unapologetic Coughing, Youngsook Choi,
Raven Row 2020, in support of Asia-Art-Activism. Photo Credit: Nurri Kim

With For About 2020

A slow conference for a fast evolving crisis

About.

With For About 2020 was Heart of Glass’ 5th annual conference, curated by ‘the vacuum cleaner‘ and Cecilia Wee. With For About 2020 responds to the additional challenges that Covid-19 creates for many marginalised people and communities, asking:

What creative solutions have marginalised people developed to survive before Covid-19?

What creative ways of being and organising are being made now in response to Covid-19?

How do we embed and share these solutions, ways of being and organising now and into the future?

With For About 2020 was presented as 4 episodes taking place from 27 May to 17 June 2020. These weekly presentations, performances and provocations brought together a range of voices and experience from across the world.

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Episode 1.

In episode 1, Cecilia and James take some time to explain the conference format, the safer spaces boundaries, chat about ‘why this, why now’ and some other random questions. 

Then they will introduce you to the work of world famous artists and activists Bamanya Brian, Cassie Thornton, Selina Thompson and Bella, Martin O’Brien, Migrants in Culture and Xinhao Cheng.

Migrants in Culture invite you to input into their new project Culture New Deal, shaping a cultural sector grounded in social justice. 

Easy read guide.

Broadcast May 27.

Episode 2.

This week on #WithForAbout2020 Cecilia and James share the work of international respected artists and activists Lois Weaver, Jamal Gerald, AM Kanngieser, Bella with Selina Thompson, Prof. Rita Giacaman and Dr. Weeam Hammoudeh with Dr. Hanna Kienzler and Black Power Naps (Fannie Sosa and Navild Acosta).

We made a special list of shout outs and links to Black, Indigenous and People of Colour organisations and resources to accompany this episode. Please support these brilliant folx, and keep doing the work!!

This episode is dedicated to all Black and Indigenous folx and people of colour who are fighting systemic and institutional racism.

#BlackLivesMatter 

Easy read guide.

Episode 2 Reading List

Broadcast June 3.

Episode 3.

Join us for more provocations than a fake troll bot twitter account, as we dive deep in to the minds, bodies and experiences of our wonderful selection of galaxy famous artists, activists and academics. This week we’re super happy to have Dr Emma Young,  Zwoisy Mears-Clarke, No White Saviors, Youngsook Choi, Fox Irving X Lois Kiedan, Neil Bartlett, STROLL PDX with Roya Amirsoleymani and Disabled Avant Garde

Cecilia and James will do some shout out, because it makes them happy. And ask some questions. 

And yes, That is to much to handle. 

Easy read guide.

Broadcast June 10.

Episode 4.

It’s the last episode of With For About 2020, shed not a tear. It means James and Cecilia and the rest of the team and have some days off.

Artists, activist and academics including…

Ahreum Woo x Hwa Young Jung x Youngju Kim. Alexis Maxwell. Bella (with Selina Thompson), Bobby Baker,  Cecilia Fofo Ashaley x Esenam Abra Drah x  Ursula Read, Delson Weekes (Blink Dance Theatre), Jess Thom founder of Touretteshero.  Jesse Presley Jones, Johanna Hedva, Marjorie H Morgan and Migrants in Culture

Addressing themes including Can you be a Covid Refugee? (get away from the white majority). Cats (as life support). Rebuilding the system/Wisdom of older women. Bottom up Mental Health activism in Ghana. Magic Shows with Beats. Disability, Labour, Biscuits, Cats, Lampposts. Badass Irish Feminist Pioneers. Sleep as radical resistance, dreams as possibilities. Self love in the age of Windrush. Culture New Deal, what next?

Easy read guide.

Broadcast June 17.