As a newly appointed Peilot Associate Artist at Chapter Arts Centre I embarked on a study period supported by Arts Council Wales, Creative Wales Award Project

Ways of Being Together is a series of workshops, discussions and performances centred around the idea of Belonging – A Sense of Belonging

The studio time has been part of a larger conversation about community, participation, inclusivity and rather than sustaining something, a body, a practice, a career… thinking about what it is to thrive both individually and as a community. Embedded in the all the gatherings have been the notion of Belonging. A sense of belonging is intimate and powerful, connected, optimitstic, unknown and curious making.

The work in development is called Ways of Being Together to be presented on 19th Nov 2017 to mark the closing night of Cardiff Dance Festival.

Performed by between 40 and 50 people who like to move.

A great deal of the project is about meeting people well. As a language I have been working on a self generating score, simple instructions / games that play out, encouraging awareness, listening, range, presence and also simple acts like noticing.

The performance and research projects that are in development are focused on creating experiences for both participant and audience member. The project acts as a pathway to celebrate a resilient arts community that potentially inspires and takes action.

“At the heart of the work are the people – their skills, instincts, their aptitude for excellence, collaboration, sharing and together creating a dialogue that embraces creativity, integrity and learning.” Jo Fong

Jo would like to thank everyone who has been involved and alongside this project. This free event has become possible through support from Arts Council Wales, Coreo Cymru, Barry Memo, SE Dance, University of South Wales, Chapter Arts Centre, Fieldwork, Xintiandi Arts Festival and Hull Dance.