That being said, I spent most of my time out there wanting to move into the British overseas colony known as Gibraltar. Living so close to the area, I was jealous of those being able to live the foreign experience with the added familiarity of home, Britain. And so when I finally got the chance to move into the area to study A Levels, as my school was only able to provide International Baccalaureate and my family were worried at how recognised the curriculum was, I was extremely happy.
The School I studied at before moving to Gibraltar, Sotogrande International School, promoted and celebrated art as if it were the most important subject. We were constantly encouraged to create, be it musically, technologically, or dramatically. It was intimate and raw: forever being challenged to reach into our imagination, and it is something I believe directly influenced my decision to study Design.
My studies in Gibraltar were a different story. The arts were not celebrated as consciously, and they lacked a contemporary and modern pull. Art was studied mainly through the more traditional methods.
Despite this, Gibraltars education system is well balanced and passionate: the government offer students the opportunity to progress through university free of charge, which is valuable. After completing a degree many return home to the area and try to begin a career. Unfortunately, there is a lack of opportunity in the creative industries within the area, and there is little support.
Recently, a group, dissatisfied with the current situation, have began to take matters into their own hands. Patrizia Imossi, Christopher Tavares and Stefano Blanca Sciacaluga have created a living, breathing workspace for young artists in Gibraltar. With the lack of studio space to facilitate the exploration and experimentation involved in the creative arts, the group set up the place as a blank canvas for all artists of every media. The Listen to the Sirens Space for Contemporary Art concept is simple: an exhibition in the form of a communal studio, allowing curation to occur and culminate into a final show of the achievements within the initiative.
I absolutely love this idea. Like many, I find it difficult to separate my home life to my working life, especially when lacking a space dedicated to such. Though I now have my own workspace within my home, the creation of a studio allowing creatives to collaborate, learn and appreciate each others work will truly aid the design industry in Gibraltar, or rather the lack of one.
Part of the Listen to the Sirens project is Kitchen, a space for "experimenting and trying new recipes." The project is extremely important for many reasons: for creating an arts hub in an area that does not currently possess one, for providing activities, workshops, communication and discussion, and for being a collaboration between the Ministry of Culture of the Government of Gibraltar, and Little Constellation, a Network for Contemporary Arts within small states and micro areas of Europe, based within the Republic of San Marino. It's great to see the government acknowledge the need for a creative space, backing the creative industries and taking on board the need for such a program. The interest and research being currently conducted into contemporary visual cultures within all micro areas of Europe is great news for the trade, and the marriage between different territories allows the project to be more diverse.
As someone who has lived abroad, I can understand the importance of gaining experience within different cultures, especially in an industry which relies heavily on a connection with the audience, therefore it's great to see smaller communities getting involved and opening doors to a better cultural experience: and possibly allowing the opportunity for creatives to have a place and career in the area.
Though the installation will only be operating between the 30th of April until the 5th of June, I hope this is the start of a new direction within Gibraltar. I hope for future students and creatives, myself included should I choose to return to the area following finishing my degree, that the creative arts are more open and easily accessible, and there are more opportunities to explore such. The installation is a great platform, open to all and transforming into something the country can be proud of: building up from the artistry within the area, showing all kinds of different skills and experiences within an area of self study. I truly wish there had been something similar whilst I had been living there, and also wish there was something of this nature within my current location, Newcastle Upon Tyne. The idea of constructing a space from a blank page into a collaboration between so many is beautiful, and a perfect example of the support within the industry, and also community spirit. I can't wait to follow the story and see the final outcome.
You can find out more about the installation here, here.
