Local industrial heritage inspires Eva’s work

Eva Sajovic, artist in residence at In-Situ, has been actively working with local community members and researching the local area for the last six months to produce her project called #end_of_empire.

The project features four large-scale machine knitted columns which include touch sensitive AI generated sounds taken from interviews and sound files provided by residents. Audience members are encouraged to interact and ‘play’ the textiles.

Exhibited upstairs in the 3B Technology Centre in Carr Road, Nelson, this incredible space is open to the public for the first time in many years.

The installation also includes a one-off performance on the opening weekend and a series of free workshops every weekend of the festival.

The project is a co-commission between In-Situ and the British Textile Biennial 2023, supported by Nelson Town Deal funding, under the banner ‘This is Nelson’.

#end_of_empire explores themes of colonialism, the climate, and ecological crises and the role of the artist in imagining alternative futures.

The community can experience this project in three ways:

Visit the exhibition, 29 September to 29 October, 10am – 4pm

Enjoy the interactive installation of machine knitted columns with touch sensors and AI generated sound.

Attend a free workshop, Saturdays and Sundays - 29 September to 29 October, 10am – 4pm

These family-friendly workshops, led by Eva, are a chance to contribute your own machine knitted words responding to the exhibition’s themes of climate change, community and colonialism.

Attend a free public performance, Saturday, 30 October, 4pm to 4.30pm

During this performance, the textiles will transform into a complex musical instrument controlled by participants’ touch and gestures. The event includes a Q&A with Eva Sajovic and AI collaborator Nicola Privato.

Paul Hartley, Organisation and Engagement lead at In-Situ, said: “Eva has a wealth of experience in creating collaborative art projects which support personal and community resilience.

“She has done a lot of work researching Lancashire’s rich industrial heritage as well as collaborating with local participants to inform the work and embed found soundscapes for the AI in #end_of_empire. We really think visitors of all ages will be blown away.”

Stephen Barnes, Chair of the Nelson Town Deal, said: “It will be fascinating to see how Eva has brought together our area’s proud industrial history with modern day concerns through her art and I will certainly be going along to view her work.

Councillor Asjad Mahmood, Leader of Pendle Borough Council, added: “We really do encourage anyone who lives in and around Nelson to come along and engage with Eva and experience her work.”

This is Nelson is one of seven projects backed by the Nelson Town Deal Board as part of a £25m Government Towns Fund.

The project is being spearheaded by In-Situ, a Pendle organisation involved in the arts, community engagement and ecology, who will be working closely with community partners Building Bridges and Super Slow Way.

Like and follow the This is Nelson Facebook and Instagram pages for updates - or email direct calum@in-situ.org.uk to find out more.