This session will provide an open space to discuss the role of collectives, working groups and friendship as essential support structures in our lives as artists. How do they allow us to create and strengthen worlds in which our lives and work can be seen, witnessed and held? How do they allow us to move through institutions and navigate the power dynamics that might not have our best interests at heart, or have the capacity to see our work in its full complexity and richness beyond gestures of tokenisation.

Christopher will speak from personal experience about different groups that they have either been a part of, or have been connected to through friendships.

*You may only book onto one session in the Support Network series*

Christopher Kirubi is a London-based poet and artist who uses the mutability and promiscuity of images, objects and text to negotiate the limits of sexuality, gender, race and desire.

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Support Network is part of Deptford X Online. Early career BAME artists are invited to apply to join a 2 hour session in a small closed group led by an artist or art professional who will share advice and experience on establishing a career as a BAME artist in the UK.

24 Jun. Hew Locke – How to present yourself and your work

1 July. Christopher Kirubi – Support structures

8 July. Shawanda Corbett – On galleries

15 July. Sahra Hersi – Learning from failure

22 July. Harold Offeh – Soft power in the art world

29 July. Teresa Cisneros – Supporting an artistic practice

5 Aug. Michelle Williams Gamaker – PoCumentation

12 Aug. Jamila Prowse - Practicing care for ourselves and others.

26 Aug. Chila Kumari Burman – Navigating artistic ambitions and cultural expectations

Participants for each session are limited to 6 and applicants will be selected based on their need for support.