British Council Romania and the Romanian Cultural Institute in London are excited to present to UK audiences Circular Catalysts, a documentary photography exhibition exploring themes of sustainability, craft, contemporary design, and local heritage.
The exhibition presents objects, texts, sound and photographs captured by Ioana Cîrlig during five creative residencies where contemporary UK artisans were hosted by local organisations working with traditional craftspeople in rural Romania. Through design and interdisciplinary collaboration, the programme, initiated by the British Council Romania and supported by the Romanian Cultural Institute, explores the intersections between rural and urban and the potential of craft practices for individual and community well-being.
The exhibiton will take place in 1 Belgrave Square, London SW1X8PH and will be open to vistors Monday to Friday form 11 AM to 5PM, between 9 - 19 November. Join us in the first three days of the exhibition for a special public programme:
6 November: 6 PM - 9 PM - opening of the exhibition and a special performance by Marlene Herberth entitled "Romanian Tea Ceremony: How to Get Through the Day". Free entry, please register your presence HERE.
7 November: 6 PM - 9 PM -| Public presentation | Introduction to Natural Rural Development: Rewriting the Peasant Culture Narrative in Romania | Speakers: Monica Bota Moisin – Why We Craft/ Cultural Intellectual Property Rights Initiative, Oana Costinaș - Patzaikin - Presentation of Ivan Patzaichin's Delta Project, Crina Mareș - Presentation of Remarkable Romania & Artist's tour of the exhibition. Free entry, please register your presence HERE.
8 November: 6 PM - 8 PM -Botanical
print workshop for adults with Pro Patrimonio & Anoushka Cole. Free entry, please register your presence HERE.
Based on the idea that a pragmatic relationship between people and natural resources in rural Romania can provide a fertile ground for local resilience and sustainability, five UK designers and artists were invited to collaborate with organisations working in rural Romania to explore the intersections between rural and urban, and the role and migration of local materials and crafts in social, economic and environmental sustainability.
Circular Catalysts aims to provide both local and UK models of good practice and develop a European network of people and initiatives that share a set of values aligned with the principles of the circular economy. The programme started with a series of creative residencies in March–April and will continue throughout 2023 with complementary activities for both professionals and the wider public.
