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AGA Discussions North East During 2005 Metal hosted six dinners throughout the North East region, in the following venues:- Sassari’s restaurant, Middlesbrough; Workplace Gallery, Gateshead; Artist’s studio, Haydon Bridge, Northumberland; The National Glass Centre, Sunderland; St Chad’s College, Durham; The Hole in the Wall Pub, Darlington At each dinner, we invited an artist to begin the conversation by talking about ideas that they were thinking about and beginning to develop. Below are some images and feedback from the guests who attended.
“I found it a very exciting and thought provoking evening spent amongst people who largely I don't know or only know for particular things. I loved it that some very emotional things were said and understood by people who normally sit at opposite sides of the table.” Christian Barnes, Penrith, Cumbria
“It was great that that kind of serious debate could take place between courses, and that there really was the possibility for getting into a meaningful conversation about artists and their practice, and how you keep control over that practice, in such a very convivial atmosphere.” Alessandro Vincentelli, Curator, BALTIC, Gateshead
“I came away inspired by great food, a great space and your great project which has set me thinking about topics I haven’t considered before.” Mark Dobson, Tyneside Cinema, Newcastle
“It was a thought provoking evening - made me realise how easy it is to get onto a treadmill and not really stop and think about what and why we are doing what we do.” Sarah Kemp, director, Theatre Sans Frontieres, Hexham, Northumberland
“I think that such events are very important and would love to see them continue. There is a need for open and honest discussion, across the disciplines, which does not resort to platitudes, the defence of entrenched positions, and the presentation of CVs in the guise of debate. I hope the event will stimulate further such gatherings.” David Napthine, musician, Durham
“It is easy to live a virtual life and so it is good to attend real events and actually meet people. I was fascinated by the work of the artist who gave the talk and have been thinking about it ever since. I now have lots of food for thought to report back for our next project.” Alice Highet, designer, Durham
“Thank you for such an enjoyable and engaging evening at Workplace. Both Eric and myself found it very beneficial.” Keith Whittle, Slab, Sunderland | |
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“I Wanted to thank you for your hospitality and inspiration last night. I think that it was an interesting way of releasing the artistic tensions that really do exist in what is quite an insular community.” Mike McGruther, musician, Middlesbrough
“I think the Tees Valley artists (myself included) would like to thank you for giving us the opportunity to air one or two problems. I would also like to congratulate Metal on a truly progressive and inclusive project. It was a pleasure to be a part of it. With very best wishes for the future of Metal and may there be many more Aga dinners.” Leslie Simpson, actor, Middlesbrough
“It was an interesting opportunity to meet some new people and chew the cud a little (and even be inspired by the potential of sim city). I do hope Metal continues to have some interactions in the North East as I'm sure there is a place for these sort of gatherings.” Gayle Sutherland, arts consultant, Durham
“I really enjoyed myself. I had some very interesting conversations with people that I had heard of, but not met.” Judith King, arts manager, Berwick
“I just wanted to say thank you for inviting me to the meal at Workplace the other night. It was a great evening, and incredibly valuable for me to experience it in terms of the events that I am hoping to organise with Paul and Miles at Workplace over the next few months.” Catherine Bertola, artist, Newcastle