Evaluation of Social Knitwork, June 2021
Here is a video essay of Social Knitwork, made by Kat for The Harbutt Fund.
25.5.21 My evaluation of Social knitwork, for Kat's report
The responses to Social Knitwork have been touching and very varied. We've had laughter, tears and so many thoughtful conversations. People of all ages have joined in enthusiastically, making something to add to the installation, either in the exhibition space as they sit and chat, or using our 'Imagination Station'. Some people have made something at home and brought it add. Others have written labels and many people are interested in the project and are keen to talk.
Some visitors have come specially to take part, having seen it publicised either on social media or in the press; others have seen the installation as they pass by and curiosity has drawn them in. Many parents have come back with their children so that they could join in and we’ve had plenty of adults of all ages adding to the installation too, predominantly women.
The contributions have been very imaginative. Many people have knitted small pieces of knitting, some in one colour, some with multiple strands; others have used the strips of cloth to plait, wrap or tie; others still have drawn or written on a label with coloured pens. One person brought in a small sculpture which she wrapped with strips of cloth and added, with a label.
The messages have been varied too; many are motivating and meaningful, some are humorous and some are very poignant.
We’ve also been sent some messages via social media and email, which we’ve added on behalf of each participant. One person sent a photo of her knitting, which we printed and tied on.
The indoor installation has definitely been growing day by day, as we hoped. I have enjoyed seeing how each interaction changes the form of the installation as well as the aesthetics. I have knitted in the space for a couple of hours most weekdays but I haven’t knitted as many pieces as I thought I would. This might be because I have also been talking to visitors, ripping cloth and winding wool. We also did an Instagram Live tour of the Walking Trail one day and I did a talk another day.
The outdoor installations haven’t changed as much as I imagined they would. The tree in Royal Victoria Park has had the most added to it so far, and the others have all had just one or two contributions. This might be because lockdown restrictions have eased or because there is the choice of adding to the indoor installation. The weather has also been appalling! One young woman told me that her father had stumbled upon one of the trees and had come home ‘bursting with excitement’. I think it will be impossible to quantify the impact of these installations and the Walking Trail generally.
I am also conscious that I haven’t visited them as often as I had hoped, so, consequently, I haven’t added as much to them as I might have done, or photographed them and posted about them on social media. It’s hard to know whether this would have made a difference, but it has made me realise that the reality of juggling time in the indoor installation and walking the trail with the rest of my MA - and life - was ambitious.
Although we have counted the visitors who have responded to Social Knitwork at The Art Cohort, I think that it’s impossible to quantify the impact of a project like this. We can recount anecdotes of the heartwarming conversations we have had in the space, share images of participants making, talking and adding their contributions and take videos and photos of the growing installations. This evidence, I think, shows high levels of engagement amongst the people who have chosen to participate. We specifically highlighted two communities to invite their engagement- the University and 20 families via The Nest Project- but, again, we have no way of telling whether people from these communities have visited, or been involved.
It’s also hard to quantify the impact the project has had on the virtual community. We have had a few messages sent through Instagram and a couple of posts about the project, but again, fewer than I imagined.
Personally, I have found the project heart warming and hopeful. I am always very touched that complete strangers will talk openly about very personal things to me in a situation like this. I have also thoroughly appreciated and enjoyed working with Kat, Raina and Lotte at The Art Cohort. They already have a large following of regulars in their local community with whom they make connections daily through the work they do and because they are warm and welcoming.
Overall, I think that through Social Knitwork we have done what we set out to do; we have provided place, space, materials and connectors to enable a significant number of people to reflect on ways we can make connections as we emerge from lockdown… and while doing this we have made connections with those who have been involved. I think the project has also brought joy to a significant number of people– through colour, creativity and conversation – and it’s helped people to make connections and begin to rebuild a sense of community in the local area.
And here is Kat's report on Social Knitwork for her MA Curatorial Practice 'Reaching audiences' module:
| reaching_audiences_report_social_knitwork_final_version.pdf |
