Shedonism
SHEDONISM
Takes place annually, usually in January
101 Outdoor Arts Creation Space
Taking place for the last five years, Shedonism is our annual residential for makers in the outdoor arts. It's a gathering of the brilliant minds behind the inventions and sculptures that make the UK’s outdoor arts scene so exciting.
What happens at Shedonism?
Shedonism is a chance for the folk that are normally in the workshop and may not tour or go to industry events, to get together in the deep of winter and have fun, share ideas and skills.
The event is a great chance to make something that isn't a commission for someone else, and to experiment with that idea that’s been on your mind or on the workshop shelf for a while.
Makers can use our fully equipped workshop for the weekend along with our large spaces for 'test driving' their inventions.
The workshop is open from before breakfast until late and you can bring along a project that you have been developing to jam it out with everyone - or see what inspires you.
Shedonism turns into a free flowing marathon of making, eating and after work socialising. You can make the things that you’d never be let loose on the street with. The key is sharing your skills. People often share tools and some bring their own, others use what's on offer in the workshop.
Maker’s Jumble
Each year people bring objects that they don’t need and puts them in a pile on the floor to swap or sell. There’s usually a mix of old machinery, and interesting bits and bobs.
In the past we've made a leaf blower hovercraft, a chainsaw scooter, a rubber band Gatling gun and a motorised shed that took all the makers out to the local Indian restaurant one night.
"There is a lot of freedom at the event – it’s very laid back, people are let loose with a huge building and a lot of tools and junk – there are no restrictions on what can be made."
Olivia, Shedonism Participant
Who is Shedonism for?
Shedonism is for experienced makers who spend at least part of their lives making inventions, instruments, structures, gadgets, sculptures and ideas for outdoor arts companies. The folk who we’ve all heard of but who don’t normally go to conferences and may well not tour with the work they make.
We aim to make it a diverse group each year and there are many regulars. You'll find a mix of old hands who’ve been making for outdoor arts for years, people who are more theatre and gallery based, and a few younger makers. You'll meet people who work with electrics and people who work with fire.
Young makers
There are limited places at Shedonism and we usually make sure that one space is kept for a young maker (under 30 years of age) who is new to the field and keen to get stuck in, learn and network. This place is given by application process, and applicants are usually asked to send: a CV, 500 words about themselves, experience so far and what you hope to do in the future.
"One year someone brought lots of tiny ballerinas from the top of music boxes – no music box, just the ballerinas and the clockwork turning device. We challenged each other to each try and use one in our inventions, and quite a few people did. It’s a lot of fun."
Jess Kay Maker, Writer and Filmmaker