Artist : Sally Barton
Website: Sally-barton.com
Instagram: @bartonmade
– How has the Artist Accelerator programme benefited your artistic development?
The best part of the Artist Accelerator programme has been connecting with other socially engaged artists in my East London community. I have learnt so much from them and have created life long friends. The programme has also helped me develop my confidence as both an artist and freelancer. I have had mentorship from leading industry experts such as Jeremy Deller, Craig Oldham, Rosemary Cronin and Elizabeth Wewiora.
– What do you hope the audience will take away from the talk?
I hope it is a moment to honour the communities affected by the miners’ strike in 1984-85. Honoring and remembering their resistance, protest, solidarity and creativity. I also hope the audience learns of the powerful women who were vital to the campaign and strike.
– How does the talk connect with your practice?
My practice explores the industrial and social history of the UK. My work has been shaped by my home in Yorkshire, from the legacies of industry to its breathtaking landscape, I explore the relationship between land, labour and gender. Through sharing these important stories and collective memories in my work, I aim to make an alternative archive for industrial history. I have made a body of work about the 1984-85 miners’ strike and specifically the events at the Battle of Orgreave.
– How does it feel to be sharing the stage with Jeremy Deller and Craig Oldham?
It is very exciting to be in conversation with these two legends! I am looking forward to it.
