Nine rather disconnected paragraphs : on mental health, capitalism, creative education and the politics of friendship

An essay contribution to a publication appearing as part of the 37 pieces of flair project. 37 pieces of flair is a 3 part season of arts and cinema starting in September with 4 film screenings at The Star and Shadow Cinema, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, followed by a publication launch in early October and concluding with an exhibition and events programme at The NewBridge Project, Newcastle-upon-Tyne throughout November. Unlike countless other mental health themed Film Seasons or exhibitions, 37 pieces of flair will focus its attention less upon the individual stories of enduring mental health problems and rather take a step back in an attempt to grasp a broader look at, or investigation of, the society and its culture from which they emerge. Curated by Andrew Wilson and Toby Lloyd for the NewBridge Project the exhibition features John Smith, Graham Dolphin, David Foggo, Dave Sherry and Roy Andersson, and continues until 17 January 2015. The publication will be launched at The NewBridge Project, 12 NewBridge St. West, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8AW from 6 – 9pm, Friday 21 November as part of the exhibition preview. It includes a diverse collection of writing and artworks by Alisdair Cameron, Joanne Lee, David Korowicz, Chris Erskine, Mark Fisher, Harry Palmer, Andrew Wilson, Sneha Solanki, Amy Mackeldon, Tom Walker, Pauline Sallis, Topsy Qu’ret, Nick Malyan, Joe Posset and Francis Mckee. I spoke about the political dimensions of friendship at the closing event for the ‘37 pieces of flair’ exhibition at The NewBridge Project, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Disconnected Paragraphs: Friends reunited & a daily dose of democratic material or sweetshop toxicity, also involved Harry Palmer and took place in the NewBridge Project Space on Friday 16th January.