Summer Solstice Earth Artisan Gathering

Proposal

Consider for a moment the Japanese practice of Kintsugi: A broken pot is mended with gold, rendering the repaired object more beautiful than its original state. With respect to Earth and Culture, we propose a similar process.  We are setting out to discover what a Kintsugi inspired approach to earth and culture repair might articulate.

For this reason we are calling for a week long, 12 person investigation into the enculturation of regenerative work. We will bring together ecosystem regeneration practitioners and artists to undergo a collaborative inquiry into arts and ecology. From this investigation we will produce artistic work, utilizing local materials and workshops to further extend this work to our larger community. 

This event will take place in the Western Sierra Foothills at Concow Meadows Research Station- an off the grid, citizen science initiative dedicated to ecological stewardship and fire resilience. Concow was effected by the 2018 Campfire, the deadliest and most destructive fire in recorded California history, which decimated the ridge community of Paradise. We are dedicated to a bioregional approach to living on the land.    

Event Structure:

The Structure of this week-long, 12 person investigation will be based on Open Space Technology, and will allow for participatory event co-creation. We welcome the sharing of exercises, workshops, artistic practices, ecosystem work and ceremony.  

Economy:

In putting on this event we are invoking the spirit of the gift. Participants are asked to give what you can and to ask for what you need. All participants are expected to take creative responsibility for this emerging space. This means bringing ample food and materials to share, and contributing to the programs throughout the week.  

Accommodations:

Concow Meadows Research Station is completely off the grid. We enjoy delicious water from our well, electricity straight from the sun and recycling our waste. There is a camping site available to guests, an outdoor kitchen, composting toilets and a shower. There is ample wood on site for creative uses as well as earth and plants.