Curiosity was the steady current inspiring first the workshop in Liverpool L8. From cholera histories to unruly water refusing to follow straight lines, our L8 co-creators brought such rich experiences to our discussions about water access, migration, aging and sewage systems.
Thanks @rebeesnaps for capturing these moments!
Our Flow.Walk.Drag. co-creators gathered on a cold Saturday afternoon at Margate’s People Dem Collective HQ. Sharing ginger tea and vegan buns, we dipped our toes into deep conversations about our relationships with the sea, the everydayness of sewage pollution, local ecologies and activist strategies.
The workshop began with an introduction from the Flow.Walk.Drag team. They spoke about the purpose of the project, pointed co-creators towards the live ethics document and offered recent (shocking) data about sewage releases by Southern Water. They introduced E. coli – describing the microbe’s key characteristics, its impact on human bodies (positive and negative) and contributions to science and ecology and asked questions like ‘is E. coli misunderstood?’
The group took some time to imagine ourselves as microbes, playfully imagining what our microbial characteristics would be and the conditions we would need to thrive. One co-creator would be a mossy multi-tasker with multiple hands, thriving in the freshness of the lungs. Another would be a hot, sweaty, shy little microbe, always the last to leave the party. Others were characterised by their faith in collective action, inspired by mycelium and collective care. Rest, recharging and hibernation were important for some, and some would be catalysts for action. Life spans ranged from 2-3 weeks (short and sweet) to forever. One microbe was actually ‘the oldest.’
(more…)A ripple of excitement at the H2O Symposium, where our project made waves with our participatory water quiz! From Panama Canal histories to cholera cabaret, speakers and artists dove deep into Liverpool’s complex relationship with water. Such a joy to see students, academics, and community members swimming in ideas together – from invisible waterways to contemporary ecological activism. We were happy to reveal a teaser of our Cholera Cabaret.
We are looking for local collaborators to participate in three 2-hour workshops to bring Liverpool & Margate water stories to life. No pre-existing knowledge necessary!
Are you?
• Local to Liverpool L8 or Margate
• Over 18 years of age
• Curious
What’s in it for you?