Williamson Tunnel SITE VISITS

Site visits on 26th/27th February and 3rd of March

As we all have our own timetable and cant make it on certain dates and times i have decided to do a number of site visits so everybody has the chance to go to the tunnels and get as much information as possible. I really wanted the group to go to the tunnel tour to get as much information on the history of the place as well as how the space was made, as i believe that could trigger the response they might create for the show. 

I wanted to go to the site visits with them as it is important for me to be present and always available to answer any questions. The site visits consisted of the group to go to the tour that is run by the volunteers of the Williamson Tunnels for 30 minutes. Really focusing on how the tunnels are made and the history of the space as well as Williamson himself. Following with another look around the tunnels but this time discussing what stood out to them the most and what are their initial impressions. Discussing our possibilities of where the work might be placed and what our limitations are in the space. Basically the second look around consisted us in discussing the use of the space in terms of placing work in it and what they might like to focus on or what kind of work they already thinking of creating in response. 

We are going to show in the tunnels themselves as i believe that if we show in the hiring space just at the end of the tunnels it will be unfair. As the whole history and the importance of the space lies in the tunnels. So we need to use them and create work in response to them. The hiring space will be used for the private view for 2 hours, where when people come in they will have to make a donation to the Williamson Tunnels (as it is run by volunteers only) then they will through the tunnels to see the work the group has made, followed by drinks and socialising in the hiring space at the end. Where we will possibly have some entertainment in the form of a cardboard bar or games. All comes down to what Jon (one of the group members) decides to do. 

So far some are thinking of creating a sound piece to show in the tunnels. Some are thinking about projecting. Some are thinking about sculpture out of moss. Performance where the artist is the tour guide. Some are thinking of using the dampness of the tunnels to produce work or using it to their advantage. Some idea was to use fairy lights to highlight the space. Many interesting ideas. 

My next goal would be to talk to the Williamson Tunnels finance manager to discuss the price and the dates of the show. I would have preferred to do it earlier, however the person responsible for finance wasn't available. So i will be going to the tunnels tomorrow to discuss the dates and prices and really make it concrete, so the group would know what deadline they are working towards. Preferably it would be on Friday 15th April. 

I have added 4 more people to the group, this time from 3rd year. 

-Raphaella Davies

-Philippa Hulse

-Catherine Cox-Field

-Devon Forrester-Jones

~Ev