The Theatre Museum
Russell Street
Covent Garden
London WC2E 7PR

The words ‘work’, ‘working’, ‘play’ and ‘playing’ have occurred in numerous ResCen discussions, seminars and at the Nightwalking conference.  These words have been used to denote various aspects of artistic processes. In this seminar ‘The Artist: working?…playing?’ the Research Associate Artists discussed their own experiences and notions of the artist ‘working’ and ‘playing’.  They addressed how the use of these words can present difficulties to the perception of artmaking as a serious endeavour and to the status of the artist themselves.

The seminar attendees were encouraged to participate in the discussion. Strips of paper with words that arose in the Research Associate Artists’ internal discussions on this topic were placed on each of the seats in the seminar room. These words were used to stimulate musings and debate amongst the seminar attendees, as well as the Research Associates.

Participating ResCen artists: Richard Layzell, Rosemary Lee, Graeme Miller, Ghislaine Boddington
Chair: Chris Bannerman, Head of ResCen

This event was supported by NESTA

Full seminar transcription