The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
Introduction
United Cowboys has been thriving through artistic collaboration for 30 years.
Ever evolving and ongoing investigations question the conventional understanding of performance and the mentality of both, the performer and the audience in various ways.
The artistic interventions supported the main objective of Future—Repair—Machine - they created a web of research- and creative interventions to develop an awareness-movement across the EU - by building a local hub for investigation and collective presentation; beyond that by supporting interaction, exchange and by ultimately creating a manifesto in 2024 in form of a signature performance piece: Repair Biotope.
The collaborations supported the investigation of mutual challenges in todays societies and created room for debates on international issues all around societal changes, cultural impact, climate change, in the attempt to repair social, economical, cultural and ecological challenges.
The questions of sustainability, human interaction and repair of structures have never been more urgent.
Artistic Interventions - Repair Seasoning – Set Up
Local Level: United Cowboys curated and organised Repair Seasoning in October 2023 - as special edition of Seasoning.
Presented during Seasoning.
- The research outcome created by the local collaborators were presented to the public during a Seasoning Special hosted at the United Cowboys Art House in Eindhoven.
- Local and international artists presented artwork on the topic “repair”, by inviting a variety of local artists and cultural organisations representing different art fields and focus points, United Cowboys encouraged cross-disciplinary discourse throughout these collaborations.
Artistic Interventions - Repair Seasoning – Outcome
In 2023, United Cowboys initiated and executed:
1.) A workshop and presentation during the ‘Art Week Eindhoven’ at van Abbehuis; consisting of a workshop, a performance and one-on-one interviews about environment and most desirable spaces – local partner : van Abbehuis Eindhoven
2.) A two-day Hacketon* with the focus topic of ‘Future Repair’, consisting of a competition between 3 selected groups of ‘inventors’; local interested people from different fields. that investigate possible solutions and outcome on urgent subjects – local partner: Makers Fair / Stadslab Eindhoven
* Hackathon — an event in which participants competitively develop
a technical prototype or concept within a limited time frame of no more
than a few days.
3.) An installation and performance during the ‘Dutch Design Week 2023’ in Eindhoven; this edition of Seasoning was put within the frame of ‘Future Repair Machine’, with contributions of:
- an participatory sound installation by designer Lucien Nicou – using collected (sound) loops during the day in compositions and concerts during the evenings
- artist Inez van Vuren, making – actual and political - collages of original magazines and publications
- Wijnand Driessen, card board sculptures out of recycled material, the vulnerability of a structure
- local partners: Dutch Design Foundation – New Order of Fashion.
4.) In addition, United Cowboys completed the Artistic Interventions by creating a contemplating installation and then a performance during ‘Seasoning Future Repair Machine’; a circular environment, to be seen as a roof of clouds, a cycle, a world to reflect. The input from the partner meeting in August and the lectures and all the preparing intervention came together in this installation and performance series.
(c) photo Jean Philipse
