The Art of Gathering

What You’ll Find in This Issue

• The Art of Gathering

• Tips For Connecting IRL

• This Week's Opportunity Listing

• ARTiculate Subscriber Survey

• Closing Remarks & What's Next

The Art of Gathering

In recent newsletters, I’ve written about self-promotion mainly from a digital lens: building an online presence, being visible on social media, etc. and whilst I will continue to encourage that, this edition of the newsletter reinforces the importance of in-person experiences. In person, people get to see you, hear you, and truly experience who you are beyond a screen. Real-life interactions offer a depth of connection that can’t be replicated online, where body language, energy, and the nuances of conversation create bonds that are far more effective than over the screen.

Madonna wasn’t lying when she sang, “Music makes the people come together.” But if there’s anything that brings people together even more, it’s food. It’s not just about filling our stomachs; food is a love language, care, and a tool for connection, collaboration, and community. Back in March, I had the pleasure of attending the first anniversary of Who’s Hungry? Gatherings, a bi-monthly event for artists and creatives founded by artist Savannah du Quercy. The gathering is inspired by relational aesthetics and the 1960s Happenings movement, where art and life blend, and the audience becomes part of the work. I’d been following the project online through a friend and as someone who has been recently been thinking a bit about the intersection of art and food, I was eager not to miss out on this edition.

The menu itself was a sensory feast. From petal-garnished welcome drinks to delicate tea and dessert, the entire meal felt like a work of art designed to stimulate all the senses. The vibrant colour palettes, textures to touch, and fresh ingredients nourished us in ways that went far beyond the physical. The experience was enhanced by thoughtful details—wine glasses with our names on tags, a beautifully arranged table, and disposable cameras laid out on the table for us attendees to capture the night for the developing archive. A short artist film installation created especially for the night in collaboration with artist Chloi Kountouridou, played in the background, which included archival imagery from the past year’s events, and a photo album at the welcome table presented photographs from those events too.

We were encouraged to sit with someone we didn’t already know. At first, I stuck with those I did know, out of shyness and introvertness, but as the night wore on, I found myself opening up to new connections. A gallery worker, an educator, an artist, a filmmaker, an aspiring artist figuring it all out—each conversation added something unique, and by the end of the evening, many of us had exchanged contact details with each other. I connected with people who were doing things I hadn’t yet explored, people whose paths and practices might open up new opportunities, collaborations, or even just fresh perspectives. I meet people from all walks of life throughout the work that I do, and through friendship groups, volunteering, my hobbies, and travels — so much so that I take the importance and life impact of this for granted. I sometimes forget the value of just sitting, sharing, and listening, just because. But this night reminded me to notice, savour, and honour the moment. It was grounding, affirming, and nourishing in ways that are hard to put into words. It’s enriching to engage with people outside our usual circles when we can. Doing so builds our confidence in how we speak about ourselves and our work, and it also expands our understanding of others and the creative world we’re part of.

Thank you so much to the Who’s Hungry? team for their hospitality and such a wonderful night. I look forward to attending future event.

The full collaboration team for the one-year anniversary included: Savannah du Quercy, Alexa Wilkie Dove, Chloi Kountouridou, Paris Veazey, Natasha Henson, and Gian Maitelli

Connect with Who’s Hungry? Gatherings on Instagram

Tips For Connecting IRL

1. Attend Events With Intention to Connect
   Whether it’s an exhibition opening, performance, an artist talk, you never know who you’ll bump into an strike a conversation with.

2. Host Your Own Creative Gatherings
   Think about putting on your own thing—a studio opening or a hands-on workshop.

3. Apply for Residencies and Collabs
   Look out for chances to work with others or join a residency. Being in the same space with like-minded creatives can help with building connections.

4. Show Up for Your Fellow Creative
   Support your fellow artists at their events. It’s a great way to keep the creative community buzzing.

Opportunity Listing

ARTiculate Subscriber Survey

ARTiculate is now 6 months old – I truly appreciate every one of you for subscribing, reading and taking the time to send over your feedback.

As the newsletter reaches this milestone, I’d love to hear a little bit more about your thoughts on how you’re finding it and where I could make improvements. If you have a few minutes to spare, please do complete this short survey. Responses are anonymous.

Closing Remarks & What’s Next

If you have made it this far, thank you for reading. If you know anyone who you think would benefit form these newsletters, forward this to them, and encourage them to subscribe.

I’ll be sending out the final bonus newsletter regarding funding support, especially for those applying for Arts Council England’s Developing Your Creative Practice Grant. Look out for it in your inbox towards the end of the week.

This newsletter is independently-led. If you are ever moved to support this work, you can make a one-time or monthly donation through Ko-fi or PayPal for the price of a coffee. Every bit of support goes directly toward the time, energy, and resources it takes to keep this newsletter going. It helps me show up more fully for you. Thanks to all who have and continue to support.