The Erotic Power of F= Conduit Tour
- Submitting institution
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Leeds Beckett University
- Unit of assessment
- 32 - Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory
- Output identifier
- 50
- Type
- I - Performance
- Venue(s)
- The Chemic Tavern, Leeds; Inkwell Arts, Leeds; Sheffield Lead Mill
- Open access status
- -
- Month of first performance
- -
- Year of first performance
- 2018
- URL
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- Supplementary information
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- Request cross-referral to
- -
- Output has been delayed by COVID-19
- No
- COVID-19 affected output statement
- -
- Forensic science
- No
- Criminology
- No
- Interdisciplinary
- No
- Number of additional authors
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3
- Research group(s)
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- Proposed double-weighted
- No
- Reserve for an output with double weighting
- No
- Additional information
- Originating from an interest in the history of Leeds-based feminist organisations, The Erotic Power of F= Conduit Tour proposes the importance of walking as a conduit for change, empowerment and connectivity amongst women and their supporters, and an antidote for gender and social oppression. The ‘walk’ is a space, place or time where communication occurs, bonds are created, and social liberation is initiated. This research question explores how historical solutions to oppression can be revisited by fusing new methodologies with longstanding practices.
The methods used include non-rational, performative walks, collaborative artworks, presentations and publications. Referencing the Dada and Punk movements, absurdity, spectacle and humour become conductors for discussion, inclusion and accessibility to political debate and empowerment. To achieve these aims, F= collaborated with Feminist Archive North, Arts In Situ and The Armitt Museum.
In 2018, findings were shared during participatory walks in Leeds, Pendle and Ambleside; presentations at Leeds Beckett University and Slung Low Cultural Community College; in three publications Deeds Not Words (200 copies), Live Your Best (50 copies), The Erotic Power of F= Conduit Tour (250 copies); an exhibition at The Chemic Tavern, Leeds, 2019. The project received £14,573 ACE funding and was exhibited at Inkwell Arts, Leeds, 2019, supported Cud at Sheffield Leadmill; and produced as a vinyl EP, played by Steve Lamacq on Radio 6.
Whilst the Conduit Tour references the historical work of Pavilion, Leeds Animation Workshop and Leeds Revolutionary Feminist Group, including the first Reclaim the Night marches, its original and significant contribution to the field manifests itself in a metamorphosis between performative aspects of 1970s and 80s feminist artwork, creative activist methods of Fourth Wave Feminism, and more non-rational, playful aspects of Dadaism. It serves as a valuable document recording the viewpoints of northern women during the current unique political climate.
- Author contribution statement
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- Non-English
- No
- English abstract
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