Gypsy Makers Tour - 2024 Artists

This dossier comprises an overview of The Romani Cultural and Arts Company’s Gypsy Maker project to date. The document begins with a brief history of the Gypsy Maker initiative and the factors which have necessitated the need for such a programme. The rationale goes on to underpin the value of the project both for the artists involved, the communities that they represent, as well as the benefits for partnered arts venues and contemporary art discourse, and for local and wider communities. The content of the Gypsy Maker programme is then summarised and its impact assessed as a whole before discussing the envisioned future of the project. The report ends with examples of artworks produced during the Gypsy Maker programme plus biographies of the artists.

Background

The Romani Cultural and Arts Company (RCAC) was formed by its Director, Isaac Blake, in September 2009 as a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee (No. 07005660) and is a registered charity (No.1138150). Working through the arts the RCAC raises funds to take community development and arts and educational projects onto Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) sites and into wider non-GRT communities across Wales.

The RCAC began the Gypsy Maker project in 2014 having been formulated in response to the lack of any significant and sustainable programme of support for GRT artists throughout Wales and the UK. The main objective of Gypsy Maker continues to be to facilitate the development of innovative works by established and emerging GRT artists in order to stimulate dialogue across communities about GRT lives and the ways in which art continues to inform all our lives today. Through this work the project employs artistic excellence and experimentation to challenge racism and discrimination. The idea was developed after two very successful RCAC commissioned exhibitions that took place in 2012 and 2013 during Gypsy, Roma and Traveller history month by Delaine Le Bas and Daniel Baker. The high quality of the work of the RCAC is well documented and is continued in the ground-breaking Gypsy Maker programme1

Gypsy Maker, with the support of Arts Council Wales, has over the past nine years created a platform for GRT artists to develop their artistic practice over a defined period of time culminating in a presentation of works in an appropriate form (exhibition, performance, publication etc.). The resulting presentations (exhibitions, artworks, performances) have then been made available to the wider public, accompanied by open-access workshops and forums to allow the public to gain deeper understanding of the processes and themes of the artworks and the wider Gypsy Maker initiative.

Racism and discrimination are legislated against by national government (Race Relations Act and the Amended 2000 Act) and are now widely recognised as anti-social and detrimental to community cohesion. However, there remains much evidence in the everyday lives of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people, as well as in academic reports, that racism against these communities is still perceived as socially acceptable. The Gypsy Maker project is designed to challenge and overcome widespread ignorance and prejudice relating to Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people living in Wales by raising the profile of GRT artists and engaging the wider public in celebrating GRT artistic practice and the personalities behind it in order to present a counter narrative to that which is commonly perceived.

Arts Council of Wales (ACW) recognises that there remains a regrettable shortage of knowledge about this exciting but overlooked community. By commissioning new works by GRT artists the Gypsy Maker project generates new knowledge relating to Gypsy, Roma & Traveller arts and culture and the related communities in Wales and beyond. In commissioning GRT artists, Gypsy Maker also leads the way in the UK and beyond by adding to the bank of GRT artworks available to the public. This is reflected real terms in the building of the RCAC art collection, the focus of which is to reflect the climate of GRT arts in Wales today.

The RCAC remains convinced of the need for showcasing current GRT cultural and artistic innovation for the benefit both of members of GRT communities and the wider population. GRT artists state very firmly that there remains very little support for the production of new artwork besides that which the RCAC has made available with its Gypsy Maker programme. The value of this unique and innovative project is that it creates a space of reflection for GRT artists to utilise their individual skills and expertise to produce artworks that draw upon the contemporary GRT experience in order to illuminate common societal concerns thereby constituting a valuable asset for both the international Roma community and wider society.

Editions

Since its first edition in 2014 the Romani Cultural and Arts Company has presented five editions of The Gypsy Maker project with a sixth edition in process for 2024. Gypsy Maker 1 commissioned exhibitions of new artwork from the Romani artist Daniel Baker and the Scottish Gypsy Traveller artist Shamus McPhee. Gypsy Maker 2 commissioned exhibitions of new artwork from the Roma artist Artur Conka and the Romani artist Billy Kerry. Gypsy Maker 3 acted as a retrospective in presenting a group show of selected works created by the four Gypsy Maker artists during their original commissions plus newly commissioned works to provide a glimpse of the professional and artistic development of these artists since their original commission thereby exhibiting the impact of Gypsy Maker upon their work and their lives. This group exhibition, titled Shiftwork was curated in collaboration with Anthony Shapland, Creative Director of g39. Gypsy Maker 4 invited the production new works from the Romani artists Cas Holmes and Dan Turner whilst the fifth edition saw the commissioning of three Romani artists, Corrina Eastwood, Imogen Bright Moon and Rosa Kostic Cisneros, to produce new bodies of work for exhibition. All exhibitions have been accompanied by workshops enthusiastically attended by people of all ages and abilities.

The Gypsy Maker exhibitions have comprised a variety of media and subject matter from the abstract to the highly figurative. Media have include sculpture, painting, drawing, weaving, textiles, filmmaking, photography conceptual works and installation. With the financial support of the commission each artist had the opportunity to develop and expand their ideas in real terms through the provision of materials and time as well as the opportunity to exhibit to a wide public made available through the Gypsy Maker initiative. The subject matter chosen by the artists varied according to their individual practices with each building upon the current concerns within their work.

Daniel Baker’s work focused upon questions of mobility, both physical and social, by invoking elements of the Roma aesthetic through his elaborate and highly finished sculptural installations. Artur Conka continued his thought provoking exploration of Roma life through photography and film by focusing on the inclusive practices of food preparation in the Roma home. The intricate collage and sculptural works by Billy Kerry considered themes of identity, gender, ethnicity and sexuality and the ways in which these fluctuating positions are performed in our day to day lives. Shamus McPhee’s paintings focused upon portraits of family and the lives they continue to lead on their encampment in Bobbin Mill, Scotland—his artworks operating as integral to his pursuit of cultural visibility and recognition for his community. Cas Holmes interest in the commonalities that we share as people, and the places and landscapes that we navigate inform much of the content of her work. Dan Turner used transactional objects such as pegs and wooden flowers which are significant to both cultures, and which reflect themes of commercial interchange in Romani life. Corrina Eastwood’s installation focused on self-reflexivity and explorations of Romani identity, ethnicity, culture and trans and inter- generational trauma, whilst Imogen Bright Moon’s art practice combines hand-weaving with storytelling, folklore and heritage crafts, intersecting the areas of therapeutic arts, maternal mental health and storytelling. Rosa Kostic Cisneros LifeStrings screendance film investigated climate justice and motherhood using a contemporary flamenco dance vocabulary to reflecting upon traditional Flamenco dance rhythms, techniques, gestures and modes of transmission.Not only do the works of these artists draw our attention to the role of the artist both within the Gypsy community and wider society, they also exhibit the value of art as vehicle for cross-community dialog and social comment.

The venues partnered with the Gypsy Maker programme have ranged from community galleries to high profile contemporary art spaces. The variety of venue reflects the intention of the broader project to cover as wide a demographic as possible and to challenge hierarchies of practice and exhibiting within the contemporary art world as representative of wider societal discrimination. The geographic scope of the exhibitions throughout Wales has also reflected the project’s aim to reach as wide a public gaze as possible. Venues include; Riverfront in Newport, Art Central in Barry, Taliesin in Swansea, g39 and Cardiff Story in Cardiff, Ty Pawb in Wrexham and The Factory in Porth.

In line with the core aims of the project the intention has been to gain high profile exposure for the artworks in as many contexts as possible thereby expanding not only the reach of the artworks, artists and exhibitions but also furthering the main objective which underpins the whole project—to challenge racism and discrimination and raise the perceived value of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller culture through artistic experimentation and excellence. This is reflected in the ways in which the project has developed to impact upon local communities, both GRT and wider, as well as contemporary art audiences and international discourse, with feedback and opportunities regularly exceeding expectations.

The Gypsy Maker project also generated three Gypsy Roma and Traveller International Arts and Culture Symposia, the first taking place at g39 in Cardiff and the second and third at the Taliesin Arts Centre in Swansea. These events were staged to coincide with the exhibitions of newly commissioned artworks by the Gypsy Maker artists and drew renowned academics, artists and cultural actors from around the world with the aim of stimulating dialogue across communities about the ways in which art continues to inform the lives of individuals and communities today.

Outcomes

The ongoing objective of Gypsy Maker has been to commission established and emerging Gypsy, Roma and Traveller artists to develop innovative works while engaging GRT communities and the wider public in dialogue about contemporary art and its impact upon cultural perspectives. The Gypsy Maker project has seen the creation of thought-provoking works that challenge pre-conceptions regarding Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people, their past, their present and their future.

Press coverage has appeared in local, national and international media including print, radio and television. a-n The Artist Information Company listed the Gypsy Maker 3 exhibition ‘Shiftwork’ in their top five exhibitions to see in March 2018 alongside high profile contemporary art shows in London and Glasgow: https://www.a-n.co.uk/news/now-showing-235-weeks-top-exhibitions/. In April 2022 Gypsy Maker 5 saw was featured in national television news coverage on ITV News: https://www.itv.com/news/wales/2022-04-12/welsh-art-exhibition-celebrates-gypsy-roma-and- traveller-cultures

Gypsy Maker has brought together artists who through their work tease out a number of aesthetic and political issues concerning Gypsy, Roma and Traveller lives through cultural representation. The role of the artist within GRT communities and as wider social commentator has also been explored throughout the project along with questions of how art might enable new ways of tackling long- standing questions. Each of the artists commissioned by Gypsy Maker have taken a different approach and their unique and complex renderings of contemporary Romani culture have drawn people together by highlighting the links between communities and at the same time recognising and celebrating difference.

The Gypsy Maker project has also strengthened relationships between GRT artists and contemporary art spaces thereby increasing the reach of the work of these artists and that of the RCAC. As well as forging new dialog between GRT communities and the art world, this has led to greater exposure of the work of the RCAC and its core values of challenging prejudice and promoting equality and opportunity for all. The wide exposure of the Gypsy Maker exhibitions has also greatly enhanced the audience demographic of the venues involved and the awareness of the staff and boards of those venues. It has also greatly enhanced the professional development of the artists.

The Arts Council Wales Quality Appraisal carried out in 2017 by Mandy Fowler stated: ‘... these artists’ works present a compelling way to create an insight and understanding of these GRT communities through art and culture... it was clear that the experience of working with the RCAC through the Gypsy Maker programme and the subsequent opportunity to exhibit the outcomes has had an impact on their practice and has the potential to impact on their career trajectory.’ (P9)

As well as opening GRT culture to wider audiences through contemporary art the impact upon individual careers in terms of professional development has also been a key factor within the Gypsy Maker concept. Three of the artists from the Gypsy Maker programme appeared at The International Art Exhibition at the Venice Biennale 2019, in FUTUROMA, an curated by Daniel Baker, which exhibits the work of Billy Kerry and Dan Turner as well as Delaine Le Bas, a pre-Gypsy Maker artist commissioned by the RCAC in 2012. This exhibition transferred to the renowned contemporary art space Villa Romana in Florence, Italy in 2020. In 2022 work commissioned from Daniel Baker for Gypsy Maker 1 also featured at Documenta 15 in Kassel, Germany. The extent of the GM project’s reach exhibits the wide vision of the Gypsy Maker programme and its impact upon international contemporary art and social discourse.

Selected Quotes

Gypsy Maker artists, partners and attendees

“It’s been fantastic having the opportunity to work with The Romani Cultural and Arts Company. The RCAC has supported and guided me at the same time as allowing me to be very free with my work. As an artist and educator I am overjoyed to be asked to hold workshops with schools as I see creative education as important in creating richer individuals from all walks of life.” Billy Kerry, GM artist

?Working with the Romani Cultural and Arts Company has been a relationship to cherish. The RCAC gives a platform that so few do not, especially to Gypsy, Roma and Traveller groups. Its approach to tirelessly establishing ground breaking understanding about GRT communities has helped change people’s lives.” Artur Conka, GM artist

"The Gypsy Maker project represented an exciting opportunity to promote artistic exchange between participants from diverse geographical locations throughout the United Kingdom. Working with Isaac Blake, Director of the Romani Cultural and Arts Company is a rewarding experience, as he continues to push the boundaries and challenge entrenched attitudes toward Gypsy art.” Shamus McPhee, GM artist

“The groundbreaking work of the Romani Cultural and Arts Company in supporting Gypsy, Roma and Traveller artists is unparalleled. The Gypsy Maker project is unique worldwide in commissioning new bodies of work by GRT artists thus enabling the production of significant new knowledge from an underrepresented group and making a valuable contribution to international contemporary art and cultural discourse.” Daniel Baker, GM artist

“We are very excited indeed to be working with the Romani Cultural & Arts Company. The Gypsy Maker Project makes a significant contribution to contemporary art discourse and its practice in the context of GRT communities. It's an honour to be hosting such a high profile event at g39 and we are looking forward to a continuing partnership between the two organisations and their respective communities.” Chris Brown, co-director of the artist-led gallery g39

“I’m delighted that Taliesin is hosting RCAC’s Gypsy Maker and helping to break down the ignorance and prejudice that persists about GRT communities. Artists are again at the forefront of busting stereotypes and bringing light and understanding to what remains a serious problem in our society “–Sybil Crouch, Head of Cultural Services, Taliesin Arts Centre

‘“I am pleased to support the latest instalment of the ground-breaking Gypsy Maker project. The exhibition offers a much needed insight into the sometimes misunderstood GRT community and allows their distinct culture and heritage to be enjoyed by the wider population.” Julie James AM

“It is good to see an exhibition of Gypsy/Traveller art planned for Newport in the prestigious Riverfront venue. As well as allowing the public to enjoy the works of art it will encourage greater understanding of Gypsy/Traveller culture and lifestyle – fostering better community relations for the benefit of all. I hope very many people take the opportunity to view this important exhibition.” John Griffiths AM

The Future

There remain many negative pre-conceptions relating to Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities. The Gypsy Maker programme has continued to challenge these pre-conceptions by significantly increasing knowledge and public awareness of the dynamic, long-standing (yet often hidden) heritage of artistic endeavour and creativity within Gypsy, Roma & Traveller communities. As an organisation the RCAC remains excited about this project and its scope for adding value to the cultural and artistic landscape of Wales and beyond.

The Gypsy Maker programme has stimulated many important questions and seen audiences engage with the vibrancy and depth of artistic practice within GRT communities. This benefit has increased with each incarnation of the Gypsy Maker project as exhibition durations have extended along with the number and variety of host venues. This expansion of the programme has allowed greater access to new knowledge and objects created by the Gypsy Maker artists and their work—some of which have entered the RCAC’s own art collection to establish a tangible and permanent representation of work by GRT artists that continues to be built upon to create a legacy for future generations.

In her 2017 Quality Appraisal for ACW, Mandy fowler stated: ‘This innovative project also has the potential to be developed into a further and bigger project and to introduce the work and voices of marginalised GRT artists into mainstream venues and the visual arts sector and has the potential to present curatorial dialogues between artist’s works. This would also enable RCAC to build further upon their object to promote knowledge and understanding of the GRT communities and guide and impart knowledge to other mainstream organisations.’ (P10).

The RCAC is continuing our ground-breaking work with the upcoming Gypsy Makers tour across Wales during 2024. The exhibition will present work from Romani artists that have been previously commissioned by the RCAC, alongside newly commissioned artworks. By building upon the enormous success already achieved by the Gypsy Maker project the RCAC aims to expand its contemporary arts initiative through further and enhanced collaboration with new and existing partners in order to continue and increase its significant benefit for both for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities and the wider population in the future.