Proposal – Amy Cham.
Statement.
British Born Chinese Lesbian is an attempt to make visible the Chinese lesbian community. More than that it is an attempt to establish a ‘community’. Within the UK there is a lack of visibility, of voice, for Chinese lesbians, both within the lesbian, bisexual and gay world, the heterosexual world, and also the Chinese world. This project seeks to address this imbalance using art as a collaborative process. Therefore, at the same time this project is also exploring how art can be used innovatively within the realms of social aesthetics, with a firm social agenda and function.
Aims.
To seek out other Chinese lesbians (mainly within the UK but this is not prescriptive) using social links, internet posting, notices in the lesbian and gay village etcetera, with the aim of establishing a network. Once established this network will continue to have an identity independent of this project.
To form a group/forum to explore how BBC Lesbian can evolve, brain-storming ‘programme’ ideas, about Chinese lesbians, playing on the ‘BBC’ link.
To compile a research pack of Chinese lesbian history, culture etc.
To collaboratively put together a BBC Lesbian series of programmes.
To document all of the above stages.
To exhibit the ‘programmes’ in an installation whereby all four walls, floor and ceiling, will have the images and sound projected onto them, emphasising the new visibility of these previously hidden faces and voices.
To exhibit alongside the installation/projections the research and documentation produced.
To make certain that through the links developed during the project, the group will continue to be active as a social network and resource point.
Requirements.
To establish links with relevant agencies (e.g. the Lesbian Community Project and the Chinese Arts Centre).
To actively engage with other Chinese lesbians.
To liaise with a web designer in setting up a web page for the network, and then possibly for the project itself.
To organise a space to meet once the group is established.
To procure an exhibition space.
To liaise with media arts people to help accomplish the technical know-how (and equipment) to produce the ‘programmes’.
To liaise with a graphic designer in the design of publicity for project and exhibition paraphernalia.
At the end of the project to ensure that the group and network is equipped to continue independently.
Considerations.
Whilst being an active attempt to give voice to an invisible community, at the same time to be aware of possible hostilities to the project. This does not mean however, for example, that it will not be stated clearly in the exhibition what it is about, but that safety and common sense will be adhered to throughout.
To ensure that people’s privacy will be respected if needed (e.g., in final exhibition of documentation).
To ensure that there will be no pressure to produce ‘programmes’ of high quality. This is to emphasise the importance of the process, working together as a group, to produce a work of art giving voice to Chinese lesbians.
To remember to enjoy interacting with other Chinese lesbians and have fun!
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