And so it's started - what I believe to be a response (albeit a possible subconscious one in some cases - masked by a volatile, frustrated and hyperactive and careless exterior), to poverty, repression,that ever expanding gap between the stinking rich and the poor and various other social injustices. It goes without saying that this whole episode of rioting speaks volumes about the deepening cracks in British society.
I won't overindulge you with the details of these events, we are bombarded with that already.
I guess I've been wondering how participatory arts can be of any help now? Has it gone too far? Will being invited to engage in art making be too patronising to this group of clearly angry and disadvantaged people? Will it just help to tick criteria boxes and attempt to cover the cracks? I've been joking with friends that maybe a course like mine would chill these people out, make them less confrontational and more able to express themselves in a 'positive' manner? On the surface, that's a lovely idea. But it would surely allow the corruption and injustice at the higher end of the social scale to continue because those at the top would still be none the wiser about the daily struggles of those who do not mix in their elite circles (either that or would continue to not give a f*ck as long as they live in comfort, but I'm trying not to be cynical here because I know fully well there is good and bad in ALL factions of our society).
So, do we take the art making to the top? Do we design workshops that aim to promote stronger empathy among our police and politicians with the people they are seemingly failing to govern using the arts as a tool?
Politicians and police officers blowing the budget on graffiti classes, singing groups, finger painting and film making. Now, wouldn't that be a lovely idea?! The Daily Mail readers of Britain would implode in their armchairs, no doubt.
