To mark the release of Dark Mountain: Issue 12 (SANCTUM), we will be holding a day of workshops, followed by an evening of music, moving images and performance, at the beautiful Dartington Estate in Devon.
The Dark Mountain Project was founded in 2009 as a home for writing, art and music that was not afraid to address the convergent political, cultural and ecological crises of our age. It has published two albums of music and 12 anthologies of new writing and art.
Issue12 is perhaps Dark Mountain’s strangest and most beautiful creation yet – a hardback collection of 12 pieces of non-fiction addressing the role of the sacred in our lives and environments, illustrated with breathtaking art and woven together by a singular story.
The afternoon’s workshops will be led by two of Issue 12‘s editors, writer Steve Wheeler and artist Thomas Keyes. Using the Dark Mountain Project’s ‘8 Principles of Uncivilisation’ as a starting point, participants will explore the connections between art, ecology and spirituality, discussing ideas with the group, and then creating work of their own.
Weather permitting, we will also make use of the beautiful grounds of the Dartington Estate to discover what it really means to create art ‘with dirt under your fingernails’. Participants are advised to bring stout footwear and the courage to confront the urgent issues of our time. These workshops will be held in the Upper gatehouse and the Ship studio in the main courtyard from 1pm to 5pm.
At 6pm we will gather outside for a guided candlelit walk of strange encounters, unlikely inhabitants and moments of shadowed beauty. The walk will last around 45 minutes and will end back at the venue for the evening book launch.
Finally, we will be hosting an evening of shared food, drink and entertainment, in the upper Gatehouse featuring readings from Issue 12, short talks from some of its contributors, live music and art, and moving images. You are encouraged to bring food and drink to share with your fellow attendee.
To ensure you get a place, please book your ticket here.