Abstract

This is a case study-based paper concerning the ‘Encountering’ project developed by Arantxa Echarte and Hilary Ramsden, two active artists and Researchers based in Bristol, UK. ‘Encountering’ is an artist-led international collaborative proposal with the aim of creating a dialogue between artists, their art practices and audiences across international borders, disciplines and ideologies. Arantxa Echarte and Hilary Ramsden investigate elements in their practice-led research through the initiation of an open-ended, site-specific dialogue employing the notion of ‘encountering’. In their research, and through Encountering, both Echarte and Ramsden explore Bourriaud’s concept of relational or participatory art, and expand upon it, considering different contemporary debates. The project ‘Encountering’ investigates and develops its own meaning and potential for international creativity and conversational focus through practice, challenging contemporary ideas about current art policy, artistic methodologies, and international participation and collaboration. This paper will explore issues of transnationality, human interaction, communication, activism, plurality and inclusion, and production of collective consciousness.