AGA Discussions London

“I knew that creating opportunities for discussion and debate between artists was to be a central element of Metal’s work and I was interested in the informality and generosity that cooking and eating together brought to conversation.  I explained my idea to AGA and they gave me an AGA oven which I installed at the heart of Metal’s building - and its philosophy.”  Jude Kelly, Founder of Metal

Invited artists of all kinds gather, cook and eat together at breakfasts, lunches and suppers to provoke debate, partnerships, new relationships and shared knowledge and expertise.

Below are a series of images of Metal dinners, quotes and feedback from guests to provide some insight into the huge variety of gatherings, discussions, debates and their value to the invited participants.

 

“There was a palpable sense of good will, humanity, sharing, respect and honesty in the unfolding dialogue…..I think what you’re doing is very important – an artistic, cultural cross-roads where journey women and journey men can pause to mingle, eat and congregate.” 

Roger Chamberlain, artist / educator

 

 

 

“An invaluable resource for independent spirits to collaborate.”

Alan Rickman, actor

 

“It’s a luxury to have this kind of rare ‘time out’ with other artists – and in such a fantastic space.  Please can I come again?” 

Kenneth Tharp, Artistic Director, National Youth Dance Company

 

 

“This is an incredible experience bringing together a superb and eclectic group of people.  This is deeply inspiring.  It spawns fresh ideas and is profoundly motivating.” 

David Dunkley Gyimah, senior lecturer, Westminster University and Television Producer

 

 

 

“I never imagined that a phone call would take me to a mysterious and warm London, and even less that I would find people like you with strength and conviction to believe that the spirit of freedom lives in art.  When I speak with my grand sons I will say to them:  A long time ago when I went to London, I found people with soul, tactile and dreams.” 

Hugo Zapata, sculptor, Colombia

 

“It was so refreshing to meet people in more diverse areas of media, who aren't tied to specific creative forms. So thanks so much for being such a fascinating, generous, and non-judgemental collective, and allowing me to have a taste of it!”  

Natasha Manley, Independent Producer

 

 

 

“It was a full experience - and nourished something in me. I was a bit shy in the beginning, but you were sensitively encouraging and driving the evening beyond surface introductions which made for very interesting connections and debate. What I take away with me is a complex and personal experience - quite impossible to share in an email - and will stay with me a long time.” 

Liv Lorent, dancer and choreographer

 

“The Metal 'formula' works - both pragmatic and subtle at the same time.”  

Vong Phaophonit, visual artist and Claire Oboussier, writer and visual artist

 

 

 

 

 

“The time I spent with you all at Metal, convinced me even further that the Arts can and should be central to public policy.”

Ilona Kish, European Forum for Arts and Humanity

 

 

 

 

“Somehow if you meet at Metal you have to raise your game, you can't stick to you own viewpoint, you have to think big and brave and somehow, most strangely, the place makes you feel when you leave that you can go out and achieve those great things.” 

Julia Middleton, Chief Executive, Common Purpose

 

“I have now been to a number of Metal AGA dinners, the coversations are always lively, interesting and challenging and the atmosphere of friendship, warmth and generosity strengthens the spirit of comradeship among artists of all kinds.”

Stephen Frears, film director

 

 

 

“Every time I am there it pulls up my thinking, makes me consider my own progress or lack of it, gives me great creative companionship and an unspoken renewed energy which I know is the gift of that place. It is a place that questions me, there are very few of them!” 

Helen Storey, artist

 

 

“Metal could become the salon of our times, only with food and the making of food which bring their own flavours and connections and ideas.” 

Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, columnist on the Independent

 

 

 

“Metal's dinner parties are truly exhilarating - so many artistic people from all walks of life gathered there to discuss their work and comment on Metal's activities. And how wonderful, too, to have an artist in residence who has come from overseas, even as far away as China or Colombia, so that they can work and exhibit there, within that extraordinary space, literally with trains passing-by just outside the windows and adding their own dynamic dimension. No question that Metal is doing superb work to bring art fair and square into the social arena.” 

Peter Bunyard, Ecologist