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For over a decade Ben has initiated, curated and
produced a diverse range of imaginative events that demonstrate unique and
inventive approaches toward collectively platforming the arts.
Festivals - In 2004 Ben had co-found
Utrophia's legendary annual festival CWM. These events are prime examples of
how a network can benefit through working together to achieve a creatively rich, diverse event. The debut CWM festival was deep in the welsh mountainous
Snowdonia region. From an organisational perspective this had been a great achievement. Every car was considered a vessel to carry equipment. From P.A to mini
jack, Bin bags to marshmallow sticks, everything had to be considered
beforehand, as the location was miles from from a village with no land or mobile
phone reception. The three day event was ramp packed with delights and was the
initial spark that inspired many more to this day.
Public events - Ben is
the inventor of the worlds two most successful 'flash mobs' mobile-clubbing (founded 2003) and Pillow Fight Club (founded 2004). He is also a member of the
international organisation urban
playground who collectively activate public events (ie: 'world pillow fight
day') in over 76 worldwide locations.
Curation Ben has devised a series of Lectures on curation for
the 'Performance and Visual art' course at The University of Brighton. Lectures
explore Sonic arts and curation, Flash mobbing as well as (and most
importantly) inspiring students to create their own events. In 2007 Ben had
Coined the phrase 'Dot to Dot' in order to convey a format of an
event that platforms a rich diversity of art within a wide variety of locations
within an area.
See Ben Cummins - Workshops & Lectures for more details
Currently – Ben has observed the nature and collective
functionality of various social networks that have produced collaboratively
powered events and projects. Such events include festivals, performances, exhibitions,
flash mobs, art pieces and rural land projects. He has become increasingly
aware of the many difficulties and struggles that arise when networks attempt
to sing from the same hymn sheet.
Seedsprout seeks solutions through visual mapping.
see link. SeedSprout
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