Bidston Observatory Artistic Research Centre

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24–26 March 2023

SCHEDULE (tbc)

Foraging Workshop

Tincture Making

Nettle Tea Ferments & Offering

Communal Meals

Spellcraft & Poetry Weekend 2023

Poetry, ritual and magical practices have long histories which intertwine. The language or symbols, which call particular existences into being, are treated differently in every time period, some with reverence, some with disrespect: that which names itself as 'spell' changes accordingly.

Quickly approaching is the next gathering for the Spellcraft & Poetry group, which takes place on the 24th-26th March. This is a working weekend that takes place at the onset of Spring, as we celebrate the entanglement of poetry, ritual and magical practices. This year we will spend time with our bellies and the surrounding landscape, engaging with local foraging and forestry techniques on Bidston Hill. This shared knowledge and newfound wisdom will frame tincture making and the rituals associated with them - notably our consumption of foraged things, and the relationships we have with food (that is to say, lots of communal meals and cooking will be done!)

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PRACTICALITIES

The weekend rate is £85 per person, which includes two nights catered stay, along with material contributions for tincture and tea making activities.

If you are able to pay more, or an institution/funding body is paying for your stay, the rate is £105. If you are on low income, and to improve access to the space, we also have a subsidised rate of £65.

Rooms are allocated on a first come, first served basis, and most rooms are shared.

For those not sleeping over: the rate is £45 for the weekend.

This event is communal cooking rather than self-catering.

Please let us know any dietary requirements when booking.

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BOOKING ESSENTIAL

To book your spot, or for any questions,
please email:
enquiries@bidstonobservatory.org

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an artistic research centre?

In the arts, just like in the sciences, research is conducted in the process of making or experimenting. Practitioners take time, and focus attention on the way that they conduct their practice – however it fits into a discipline, or sits outside many. The process of doing research in the arts varies greatly, and there is no one methodology which applies to all. This artistic research centre is a space where people can come to explore different methods of working, have time for reflection, and get feedback from other practitioners.

What do you mean by self-organising?

The stewards are here to support the building and its resources. The building and its resources are here to support you and your work. While the project is all about trying to make things possible, stewards are already fully occupied with administration and practicalities and can not be expected to support the needs of your personal practice too.

Why is it only possible to stay for a minimum of two nights?

It’s not possible for people to stay for one night only, as this tends to take away from the community’s resources rather than add to it - not to mention the extra laundry costs!

Why is it only possible to stay for a maximum of one month?

In order for this resource to be shared by multiple different groups and individuals, stay is capped at one month. This keeps the space flowing and stops areas becoming territorialised unintentionally. As this is a study site, it is not possible to just live here, though we understand study takes many different forms and doesn’t always appear “productive”.

Why is there a sliding scale?

Many of the decisions we make here at BOARC focus on keeping this resource available for practitioners. The sliding scale helps us to offer a subsidised rate to people who would benefit.

Why is it important to read the values?

through the values carefully and make a decision for themselves about whether they feel aligned. It is not important to share all of these values exactly as they are written, but you should be aware that this is an actively anti-racist, anti-ableist, intersectional feminist site, and there are accountability guidelines in place here for users, stayers, stewards and organisers alike.[Link to values here]