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Control Point: A Temporary Facility
Plymouth Arts Centre, Plymouth
21 November - 10 January
When artists, writers and curators responded to an open call to join 'Control Point' they probably knew they were part of Plymouth Arts Centre's agenda to develop more opportunities for local artists, but what form did they expect the project to take? My first impression is of a group enthusiastically using the galleries as a temporary work and exhibition space, benefiting from an intensive period of support, networking and visibility. But there's another element here - this is an exhibition and it has an audience. They are being observed. Describing itself as "a facility that is activated by the Operatives who work within it", the exhibition also categorises the visitor as a "user" and interprets content via a manual", rather than a guide or catalogue. This coldly bureaucratic language implies social experiment more than creative opportunity and is an indication that we shouldn't be wholly seduced by the project's apparently benevolent intentions. While in residence, the Operatives have been asked to address a number of "tasks, missions, goals and outcomes" themed around the idea of artistic survival. These turn out to be everything from exchanges with artists at the Royal...
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