Reflections on Cloudspotting at Horizon 2023
Image: Lesley Martin
“I couldn’t stop crying the whole time. From now on, when I rest (in public or private) I will think of my light coming on. ”
In late August, we were back at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, welcoming presenters and programmers from all over the world to experience the work of nine incredible artists and companies as part of this year’s Horizon Showcase. Horizon is one of four showcase programmes of work from UK nations at the Edinburgh Festivals, featuring exceptional pieces ready for international touring and commissioning, alongside artist development activity including a rich residency programme.
This year we were wearing two hats – as both a member of the Horizon consortium and the producer of Raquel Meseguer Zafe’s A Crash Course in Cloudspotting.
Most recently presented at Mayfest 2022, A Crash Course in Cloudspotting features the stories of people living with invisible disabilities and chronic illnesses. The installation and performance invites audiences into the heart of these experiences, guiding participants through an intimate audio journey within a beautifully designed space. Patterns of rest unfolding in real time, transcending the limits of locality.
“Thank you for a powerful exercise in empathy. ”
Sited within the beautiful surroundings of the Institut Français d’Ecosse over the course of the week, we were struck by the way Raquel’s work carved out a quiet, still space within the busy and sometimes overwhelming environment of Edinburgh Fringe, inviting participants to pause, to be present, and to engage with the subversive act of lying down.
A huge thank you to everyone who attended over the course of the week, and to those who left kind words in the feedback book. Lastly, a massive thank you to our fellow consortium partners – Battersea Arts Centre, FABRIC, Fierce, Gift, and Transform Leeds – and the Horizon team for making the showcase possible.
“Wish there were more shows like this so that I could have the confidence to rest in public”
Touring Information
A Crash Course in Cloudspotting is a tourable installation, audio, and performance piece that can be experienced as an immersive audio installation lasting 25 minutes or as a combined installation and performance experience lasting 55 minutes.
There are lots of engagement opportunities surrounding A Crash Course in Cloudspotting, from resting spaces, creative writing workshops with local chronically ill communities and interaction with the story archive. We are very open to new dialogues about creating bespoke offers that respond to specific places and are looking to have conversations with potential partners about presenting this very special project throughout 2024/2025.
Discover the Story Archive here and watch the trailer below.
If you would like to find out more about programming opportunities, email kate@mayk.org.uk.