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Artist Interview: Ania Bas
This month we’ve the pleasure to introduce Ania Bas who is will be running a workshop for us in August. Her work has been commissioned by the Tate, Whitechapel Gallery, Art on the Underground, Radar and Yorkshire Artspace. We hope that you find her interview inspirational!
Hello Ania! Tell us a bit about yourself and your artistic medium
I’m an artist, writer and arts project programmer. I enjoy the mix. I work across text, performance, publishing and social engagement and I create situations that support dialogue and exchange. I’m interested in exploring ways of working, making and thinking together that can prod at forms of participation, bring together people from diverse communities and make art relevant in everyday life.
I co-founded and co-run The Walking Reading Group, I’m Open School East Alumni (2013- 2014) and Faber Academy Alumni (2018).I work nationally. Currently I’m working on a commission with Whitstable Biennale in Kent, I’m developing a resource for families at Tate in London and I’m also ESP [Extra Special Person] and Public Programmer atEastside Projects in Birmingham.
What project/s are you currently working on with Creativity Works?
I’m working with Creativity Works on an artists training and development session as part of co|Create dedicated to question of care in ones practice. It’s going to be an afternoon workshop filled with opportunities to read, listen, walk, talk and write and reflect on artistic practice situated within the field of social engagement.
Who inspires you and why?
Boundless amounts of inspiration come from my Grandma who is 97 and incredibly active. She taught me to treat each day like a gift and appreciate small, daily wonders. She is open-minded and curious, and always ready to have a laugh.
What book or exhibition has inspired you recently?
I couldn’t part with Cygnet by Season Butler. It is a coming-of-age story set on a crumbling island. A place where youth and old age collide in the landscape determined by environmental collapse. This book is like an emotional bullet, it pierces through you.
What’s been your biggest professional, personal or creative achievement to date?
I consider my biggest professional achievement to develop practice that is sustaining me, that acknowledges my limits and is constantly shifting to accommodate me, changing.
What are your creative aspirations with or without Creativity Works?
Make good work.
What advice would you give an emerging socially engaged artist?
Make things happen. Don’t expect things to be done for you. Seek allies. Build connections. Spend time with people who grow you. Trust your gut. Be motivated by critique not praise.
Where to connect with Ania
Website: http://www.aniabas.com/
Twitter: @ania_bas
Meet and work with Ania at her workshop – Care and Practice: How to nurture oneself and make work that mattersis running in Bath on Monday 19th August – click here for the full details and to book your place