Theory Club - Radical Abundance

In collaboration with and The Other MA (), (TOW) is hosting a series of reading groups aimed at artists and creatives who want to support their practice with up to date ideas about the world around us and how they influence our work.

Theory Club continues with new Pluto publication; Radical Abundance by Kai Heron, Kier Milburn and Bertie Russell

Sunday 8 March 12 - 3pm

Tea and Coffee and vegan, vegetarian and GF snacks provided

We have dyslexia friendly colour overlays available

Whilst we have ramp access to our building we regret that we do not offer fully disabled accessible toilets due to limitations with our building and lease.

We charge a minimal fee as we have found people book spaces but don't attend. Please email if you need a free place and they are all taken.

About the book

Capitalism has created a world of bullsh*t abundance, where we have too much of what we don’t need and too little of what we do. Through this system’s pursuit of profits, we have been put on a collision course with social and ecological limits that can no longer be ignored.

We need an alternative. We need radical abundance. A world of human and non-human flourishing made possible by democratically planned production. But radical abundance can’t just be voted into existence through parliamentary means, it must be made by taking control of our collective reproduction in the here and now.

Packed with fascinating research and real-life examples of communal planning and resistance, this book will convince you that a better future is possible, if we want it.

About the session

In this session, Dr. David Watkins will guide the group through an overview of the chapters of the book and welcome attendees to discuss the ideas in the text and share their insights. The day will round up with group discussion about ways the book might be used to support attendees creative practice.

Attendees will each receive a copy of the text in advance. No prior reading is necessary, but any advance reading will help make for a more in depth conversation.

Once you have booked your place you will receive an email with information about collecting your free copy of the book.

Discussion of the content of this book may cause difficult and differing opinions to arise. Please be respectful of other attendees as we navigate possibly contentious topics.

Code of Conduct

Please be aware that TOW operates a code of conduct that we require all attendees to respect. If you feel you are not able to adhere to this code of conduct we respectfully request you opt out of attending:

• Be kind and welcoming to others. Harassment and sexist, ableist and racist, transphobic or other prejudicial comments or behaviours are not welcome;
• Being respectful of differing viewpoints and experiences;
• Respect personal space and ask before entering it;
• Be mindful of language that may exclude or alienate. Please do not disparage others.

We may ask you to leave if you fail to adhere to this code of conduct, with any agreement you have with TOW being terminated with immediate effect.

Further Information

Dr. David Watkins is a visual artist working predominantly in painting and installation. He is a trustee of The Old Waterworks. Watkins investigates networks and connections from global supply chain infrastructure to the Wood Wide Web.

The Old Waterworks is an artist-led charity in Southend-on-Sea that provides studios, facilities, and research and development opportunities for artists as well as quality arts events and experiences for our surrounding community. TOW addresses the need for spaces for artists, a venue for cultural activities and workshops to take place, and a site for research and development.

The Other MA is an 18-month artist-run learning programme based in Southend-on-Sea supporting artists who have faced barriers accessing art education and the ‘art world’. TOMA was set up in 2016 to offer affordable, accessible and responsive art education to artists and we are the only postgraduate level art programme in Essex after all others were stopped by their host universities.

The Reading Room is a new collaborative project where people can read, learn, listen, and share ideas. Through linking up with other spaces across the country, Pluto Press and the Left Book Club have created libraries stocked with thought provoking books, where reading groups and opportunities to meet authors are being established, providing resources and activities that hope to catalyse creativity, collaboration and conversation.

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Host or Publisher The Old Waterworks