CG: We
make the final touches and we are ready in good time. The local
press arrive - Joanne Jamieson from the Shetland
Post interviews several of us, and Shetland Times photographer
takes group shots. The 'allies' arrive. The presentation
begins with an introduction by Maggie to the Maakin project.
Susan then talks about PAL and how Pal has worked within the Maakin
Lab. Heather and I make a short presentation about On the Edge
research
in a much more formal way than earlier in the Lab. This is followed
by the studio presentation of the projects and the map, connecting
individual collaborations with the whole process.
The buzz is good.
There are lots of questions and some bemused looks. Many projects
are seen as challenging. It would appear that
the local knitters have done unexpected things. Several feedback
luggage labels are completed by our guests - many are complementary.
"Inspirational work from
all. Fantastic to see creative developments for the future"
"Hope some final products eventually
reach the market place – great
ideas"
"How great it has been to
bridge the gap between education, industry, craft and art
and to see what happens when creative risks are taken
with such enthusiasm"
"Fantastic! Some great ideas
for us to take into our work!"
HD: The major disappointment was that few of the local funders
came to the Allies day. Were they at some other
event? Did
we give them too short notice? We need to let them see
what’s happened
in some other way. This can be real problem in rural remote.
I remember when I worked in publishing it was difficult
in Lewis
too.
We have a final brief group meeting
and agree that to continue the Lab in some form and the project
ideas
are a must.
Susan notes that in her experience of PAL Labs across a
range of
disciplines and sectors, it is the spaces in between which
are interesting,
in this case, between education and industry. The analogy
of 'seams' is
suggested - a kind of liminal space where the labs
and OTE exist!
CG: We have
to pack up. The work needs to stay on the island with the knitters
and we agree to make
a plan to carry
on some of the
ideas remotely. The goodbyes are genuinely difficult – we
have bonded and it's difficult to leave. Everyone
is exhausted but excited and looking forward to future
collaborations.
SB: The next stage is critical. Everyone
is exhausted and goes back into their lives with the usual
pressures of
survival, deadlines, routines etc… The strongest
projects will demand further development. Others will need
encouragement. All activities on
the island need the active support of people living on
the island to lead them from now on. The Lab has an unpredictable
life of
its own now.
A pre-planned 4 day mini-lab in September/October
could consolidate much project planning for the future;
including
an event
to gain support of stakeholders (who would have ideally
been more
directly
engaged in the project by now), the development of the
web design/management team (all of which we spoke of
well before
the Lab). Solid funding
possibilities for the future are a part of all of this.
I am not sure who will take the lead here. New patterns
will
emerge
through
Hazel in her role as indigenous crafts officer, I think.
others will join in too if they are a part of the process
of overall
development.
Time for reflection over the next few weeks
after the Lab will lead to some feedback from participants,
which
will
be useful.
The real test of reality determining the next phase
will be what happens over the next 3 months leading into some
kind
of an autumn
meeting of Lab participants who have formed active
projects
with committed collaborators to take them forward.
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