Performing Idea

Performance Matters presents

Performing Idea is a programme of events at Whitechapel Gallery and Toynbee Studios that investigate the shifting relations between performance practice and discourse, event and writing.

It comprises a set of workshops led by three internationally acclaimed artists; a five day symposium with leading writers, thinkers and artists; a sound and video archive of seminal performance lectures; and a series of new performance lectures and redos by UK and international artists.

With contributions from: Janine Antoni, Ron Athey, Anne Bean, Wafaa Bilal, Maaike Bleeker, Silvia Bottiroli, Jonathan Burrows, Gavin Butt, Cabula 6, Augusto Corrieri, Robin Deacon, Rose English, Tim Etchells, Matthew Goulish, Adrian Heathfield, Hannah Hurtzig, Shannon Jackson, Janez Janša, Joe Kelleher, Tellervo Kalleinen, Lois Keidan, Ong Keng Sen, Bojana Kunst, Boyan Manchev, Fred Moten, Rabih Mroué, Giulia Palladini, Owen Parry, Peggy Phelan, Heike Roms, Lara Shalson, and Julie Tolentino.

Performing Idea is the first year of Performance Matters, a three-year creative research project rethinking why performance matters through the matter of performance. At a time when performance and live art have increased visibility in the worlds of art, theatre, dance and the academy, Performing Idea asks how such experimental performance forms signal changes in understandings of both art and the world beyond through a set of critical and creative exchanges and research processes.

For full details of the Performing Idea public programme and information about the Performance Matters project, see their website.

• The Performing Idea Symposium (5 to 9 October, 3pm to 7.30pm) and evening programme of performance lectures and redos (4 to 9 October, 8.30pm) take place at Toynbee Studios.
• Performing Idea Archive events take place at Whitechapel Gallery.
• Download a copy of the Performing Idea programme freesheet here.

Performance Matters is a collaboration between the Live Art Development Agency; Goldsmiths, University of London; and Roehampton University. Supported by Visiting Arts and funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council.

To register your interest and keep up to date with Performance Matters, send an email with the subject heading ‘Register me’.

The call for participants is now closed for the Performing Idea artist’s workshops (Creative Spaces).