CAMPUS

CAMPUS

Modernist pranksters confer guerilla conservation status on endangered sixties campus.

Founders of the Manchester Modernist Society, Jack Hale & Maureen Ward will together position themselves as uninvited artists in residence of the University of Manchester and will autonomously declare the former UMIST campus as Manchester's first Modernist Conservation Area, much against the inclinations of the Manchester City Council and the University Estates department. The campus, much of which was recently under threat of sale by the University, is not only judged by the artists to be of significance due to its architectural and sculptural qualities but also because of its place within scientific and mathematical modern history. It is this legacy that the artists seek to rescue from disregard and neglect.

Although CAMPUS is being supported as a Cornerhouse MicroCommission, financial support is still needed for the production costs and materials for the celebrations and activities occuring on CAMPUS Day.

THE PROPOSAL

The artists will spend two weeks in residence around the university site collaborating with their many partners (writers, illustrators, photographers, architects, historians, geographers) in a truly collaborative exercise to reveal and highlight this great and varied heritage. This research will ultimately be disseminated through a series of participatory events in celebration of the University’s new ‘Conservation Area’ status.

Follow the modernists progress on their online 'sketchbook' here

CAMPUS DAY

On a given date, in a given month, the artists will declare CAMPUS DAY - a day of celebration and activites - and unilaterally proclaim and define the former UMIST campus as Manchester's first and only post-war Conservation Area in keeping with its unique Architectural, Scientific and Cultural significance. 

In line with the initial premise of the ‘uninvited artist-in-residence’ the celebratory events will play with ideas around conviviality, protest and social activism with the artists assuming this tone to evade capture, eviction and create a trail of documentary evidence (both ephemeral and material) in place of the traditional blue plaque. Back the project and you will be invited to take part in this Celebration Day and you will receive your Special Invitation as the day draws closer.

We need YOU to make this happen. Support this project and we will bestow upon you Honorary Membership of the Manchester Modernist Society, an Honorary Degree, Masters or Doctorate of Modernism.