Artists’ Lab: From Film Collectives to Community Journalism

Hosted by Newcastle-based artist Andrew Wilson this film lab invites you to explore the limitations of our existing media and experiment with collective alternatives and identify the potential for a ‘do it yourself’ media eco-system.

Looking at existing and historical models, from film collectives to community journalism, this film lab will introduce a range of examples from the UK, the US, and elsewhere (including: film-makers, journalists, artists, and active citizens) before inviting participants to identify possibilities from within our own communities or lived experience.

Who is this for?

This Artist Film Lab is for anyone interested in working with others to develop and sustain media ecosystems with a collaborative ethos and a commitment to marginalised or unheard voices. No prior experience is necessary.

About the Artist:

Andrew Wilson is an artist based in Newcastle upon Tyne. Working both individually and in collaboration with many others. Andrew’s work tends to result in collective projects with a specific interest in peer-led models of education, alternative political possibilities, and the collective experience of joy. www.iamandrewwilson.co.uk

Related Projects:

100 People: A Portrait of Co-existence (2023) is a documentary feature film that demonstrates the complex web of interconnected relationships between ordinary people who live or work in Shieldfield, a small inner suburb of Newcastle upon Tyne.

Dwellbeing Shieldfield Community Archive (2022-present) is an ethical framework for the common ownership of all unedited recordings from the 100 People project. Held by the community co-operative Dwellbeing Shieldfield the archive is co-owned by its members.

We are Our Media (2016-19) was a people-led alternative to mainstream tabloid journalism which delivered two free-to-access and peer-led courses, several workshops, and produced two tabloid newspapers, distributing more than 28,000 copies across the north-east.

About the Artists' Film Labs:

Artists’ Film Labs are regular meet-ups and workshops exploring what film could be. Drawing from the experimental spirit of artist film and hosted by multi-disciplinary creatives, the Labs are an opportunity to test new ideas and approaches to filmmaking. 

Labs are an invitation to share skills and ideas outside the boundaries of established filmmaking. Whether you are a practicing artist, a filmmaker, or someone looking to explore a new interest, the Artists’ Film Labs are open to all.

Across the spectrum of film, join an exploration of the medium through writing, DIY animation, community work and more.