Held at the new venue Zero, a vibrant public space in Guildford, we have a fascinating evening of site-specific film and networking. Starting with the screening of 'And in the Soil, There be Mirrors' a site-responsive film by Hollie Miller and Sam Williams set across a selection of historical locations in the English landscape including Waverley Abbey, Coalhouse Fort, Epping Forest and Asylum Chapel. This work responds not only to the architecture and former life of these sites but also counteracts a heritage version of the landscape with a Gothic and mythological vision. A series of figures whose traits are drawn from nature and English folklore inhabit the site, possessing a sense of the uncanny and discarding the pastoral, nostalgic images of the countryside that people hold on to.

Following this will be short excerpts from a range of site-responsive films followed by a Q&A with the artists. These include 'The Moth Effect' by Amanda Loomes made in the sand quarries of the Surrey Hills and 'Insect Hands' by Second Hand Dance where dancer Takeshi joins his animated minibeast friends for a dance in the great outdoors. A dance that invites you to look a little more closely at the world around you. We will also see a sneak preview of 'Beyond the Waves' a collaboration between choreographer Chris Pavia and Watts Gallery as part of the DAISY (Disability Arts in Surrey) Programme.

There will be refreshments and lots of networking opportunity with local artists across the art forms. A perfect place to start new, exciting collaborations in the new year!

This event will follow all the latest Covid guidance.

Photo Credit: Temitope Ajose-Cutting performing in 'And In The Soil, There Be Mirrors' - Hollie Miller and Sam Williams