For Creative Constellations we asked a number of artists from our past, present and future programmes to share their thoughts on what it is like to work with Fermynwoods Contemporary Art. We’re sharing these conversations to celebrate these relationships, to inform future working practices and to demystify the experience for other artists.
Existing as a project funded organisation often necessitates new relationships and as an artist led organisation we can be excited by new themes and new lines of enquiry. However, we recognise the value of our deep roots and have established a rhythmical and intentional process of developing ongoing relationships with artists to work in new capacities across multiple programmes, nurturing practices in a mutually beneficent manner whilst growing the Fermynwoods family.
The next in our series sees insight from Chiara Dellerba.
Can you provide a brief overview of your artistic practice?
I’m an artist based in Nottingham and my work focuses on ecology, slow down and collective-care practices and their civic impact on society. I makes installations, interactive performances, collaborative-based works and books as toolkits to investigate the city, the environment and the future of our society. In 2017 I co-founded F-L-A-T-5, an interdisciplinary research space which explores domestic narratives and place making dynamics. In 2019, I founded Zona Planetaria, a research-based residency programme which promotes slowing down and contemplation as practices in which caring, resting and suspending can be reclaimed as political acts by and for everyone.
My current work is focused on the development of the Chimera Plantarium, a multidisciplinary investigation program on urban spontaneous plants and their contribution in rethinking and redesign public places.
What were your impressions of Fermynwoods Contemporary Art before working with us?
I knew of Fermynwoods from artists that had previously collaborated with the organisation and the feedback received was positive and encouraging.
How did you first become involved with Fermynwoods?
I saw an open call for collaboration and proposed the Chimera Plantarium which was commissioned as part of the organisation’s Xylophobia programme.
How did Fermynwoods support you in the first instance?
Fermynwoods supported me to develop this work in Corby, which resulted in two public murals, a public engagement programme in the form of a weekend of activities across the town and a series of schools workshops culminating in an artist book.
Both the public murals and the book were co-produced with the pupils from Exeter – A Learning Community Academy, in Corby. Since the beginning of the collaboration with Fermynwoods, I received a great support from the Director James Steventon both in terms of production and artist development. I very much appreciate the long term relationships that Fermynwoods seems to have with artists involved in programmes, which is very unique and precious as a cultural organisation.
How has Fermynwoods contributed to your artistic growth and development since then?
After the Chimera Plantarium in Corby, Fermynwoods has continued to build a long term artistic relationship with me as practitioner, supporting my research and commissioning another project culminating in a public sharing event and publication. I do feel very supported by the organisation on different levels, from curatorial support to ideas development to commissions. It has been absolutely brilliant to work with so far.
Were there any specific skills or knowledge that you gained through working with the organisation?
More than knowledge and skills, Fermynwoods has been a good example of an organisation that cares for artists and that practices meaningful and long term relationship with them, nurturing artistic practice and research.
How else have you worked with Fermynwoods since the original commission?
Most recently I worked with students from across Northamptonshire Schools to explore issues around climate change and contribute artwork to a Climate Action Toolkit. The artwork also featured in an informative animation that was screened via a bicycle powered cinema to launch the toolkit.
What advice would you give to other artists considering working with Fermynwoods?
I will advocate and support them in working with Fermynwoods.
How would you like to work with Fermynwoods in future?
I would like to keep the collaboration open and if there will be the chance in the future, I would like to be on the organisations Board of Trustees to support it further.