GCDN Annual Convening – Athens 2024

In this immersive workshop South African artist Io Makandal will guide participants in engaging with tactile soil materials as earth medicine towards soil remediation in the Stavros Niarchos Park park. Numerous studies show that working with soil is beneficial for mental health and well-being. In acts of caring for soil Makandal will facilitate a process of re-membering and mending a connection to Earth - relationship building as a form of artistic activism. The workshop is an opportunity to tacitly engage in the ethos and methodology of The Global Co-commission 'A Feral Commons' presenting a framework for social and sustainable public art, fit for purpose in 2024 and beyond.

Helmed by Alserkal Advisory in partnership with the Global Cultural Districts Network (GCDN), the Global Co-commission is an initiative to commission site-specific public art that responds to local environmental imperatives whilst documenting principles of responsible commissioning in an era of escalating climate crisis.
Curator: Tairone Bastien
Districts: Alserkal Avenue (Dubai, UAE), Kingston Creative (Kingston, Jamaica), Victoria Yards (Johannesburg, South Africa)
Artists: Muhannad Shono, Camille Chedda, Io Makandal
Supported by: UAP - Urban Art Projects