Creative Outlet 1 — The Works International Visual Arts Society Creative Outlet Part 1

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''Creative Outlet: Why is Writing About Art So Hard?'' Creative Outlet is a text-based, interactive, anonymous art writing game. You will choose your own path through critical perspectives and practical advice on why we dislike writing (or talking!) about art and why we do it anyways, interspersed with opportunities for practice. [[Next->Time]]

Each part of the program will take approximately 30 minutes. Creative Outlet is designed to be completed over an evening or similar time frame. There is no way to save your progress within each part. We recommend completing each part in one sitting. [[Next->Who Are We?]]

This program is written and hosted by The Works Art & Design Festival. The Works is based out of amiskwacîwâskahikan ᐊᒥᐢᑿᒌᐚᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ (Edmonton), on Treaty 6 Territory and the homeland of the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 4. Read more about the physical and digital space The Works occupies <a href="https://www.theworks.ab.ca/about-us#land-acknowledgement" target="_blank" style="color:#FF69B4;" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>. (link:"Next")[(show:?Us)]|Us)[This session is written by settlers with post-secondary arts education. We accordingly acknowledge our academic language and institutional biases, and commit to critiquing and unlearning colonial understandings of art and the land we're on with you. [[Next->How it Works]]]

The mechanics of this program are as simple as clicking and typing. You will progress the session by clicking on the text in blue, and can go back by clicking the arrow on the top left. Engage with the program at your own pace. The program will alternate between critical analyses, writing practice, and a role play adventure drawing parallels between outlet malls and art institutions. [[Next->Participation]]

At some points in the program, you will be asked to type and submit responses to prompts. These are opportunities for sharing and judgement-free writing practice, where there are no wrong answers. Please note that the responses you submit will be visible to all participants of Creative Outlet. (link:"Next")[(show:?Optional)]|Optional)[That being said, written participation is entirely optional. If you prefer to keep your writing practice to yourself or to only read and watch, just click ahead in the program. [[Next->Privacy]]]

Statement on Privacy and Information Collection Creative Outlet, a program created by The Works and hosted on theworks.ab.ca, collects some information from participants. This statement outlines how Creative Outlet collects and uses information. Information you provide to us: * Screen name: You will be prompted by the form service we use, Poll Everwhere, to enter an optional screen name to associate with your responses. You do not have to share your real name or any personally identifiable information, though you may do so if you would like. * Submitted Content: Creative Outlet collects written content submitted through Poll Everywhere. For the purpose of fostering a collaborative learning experience, some written content will be published in the Creative Outlet game platform and viewable by all participants, unless the content violates <a href="https://www.theworks.ab.ca/creativeoutlet" target="_blank" style="color:#FF69B4;" rel="noopener noreferrer">Creative Outlet's Safe(r) Spaces Guidelines</a>. The Works will save submitted form content for program evaluation and archival purposes. With your permission collected through a survey at the end of the game, The Works may quote your submissions for the purpose of promoting Creative Outlet and similar programs in the future. The Works will not publish submitted content outside of the Creative Outlet game platform unless you give The Works permission to do so. * Survey Data: At the end of this game, you will be asked to complete a brief exit survey. The information collected through this survey will help us track engagement. Log and Usage Data Creative Outlet is hosted on theworks.ab.ca, which collects IP addresses; browser and network information; device information; activity such as page visits, clicks, and search terms; and cookies required for analytics and website functionality. The Works refers to and shares this information through Squarespace’s analytics services. The Works does not associate log and usage data with individuals’ identities. For more information on how theworks.ab.ca manages visitors’ privacy, click <a href="https://www.theworks.ab.ca/privacy-statement" target="_blank" style="color:#FF69B4;" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>. Third Party Information Collection * Poll Everywhere: Creative Outlet incorporates embedded interactive activities hosted by Poll Everywhere. Poll Everywhere only collects technical information, such as device and browser type, and information submitted through certain activities. To read Poll Everywhere's privacy policy, click <a href="https://www.polleverywhere.com/privacy-policy" target="_blank" style="color:#FF69B4;" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>. * Wufoo: Creative Outlet includes an exit survey hosted by Wufoo. Wufoo collects information including usage information and device data. To read Wufoo’s privacy policy, click <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/mp/legal/privacy/ " target="_blank" style="color:#FF69B4;" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>. * Squarespace: The Works’ website is hosted on Squarespace. We access and share visitor information through Squarespace’s analytics and tracking tools. For more information on how Squarespace collects information, click <a href="https://www.squarespace.com/privacy" target="_blank" style="color:#FF69B4;" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>. Please direct questions and concerns around privacy and Creative Outlet's collection of information to The Works' Curatorial Department: curatorial@theworks.ab.ca 780-426-2122 (ext. 228) [[I understand and I'm ready to begin!->Have you ever put off writing about art?]]

Have you ever put off writing about art? [[Yes->Are you avoiding writing about art right now?]] [[No->Are you avoiding writing about art right now?]]

Are you avoiding writing about art right now? [[Maybe->Yes! I knew it!]]

Yes! I knew it! You're probably procrastinating on that exhibit text you said you'd write, or artist statement, or essay, or blog post... (link:"Next")[(show:?Like)]|Like)[Do you like writing about art? [[Yes->Yes write]] [[No->No write]]]

Why? <iframe src="https://pollev-embeds.com/free_text_polls/Nk51NqO3dcLhoLdWnp1L3/respond" width="800px" height="600px"></iframe> [[Next->What factors]]

Why not? <iframe src="https://pollev-embeds.com/free_text_polls/Yt0de0MuSRbauDkT12NpB/respond" width="800px" height="600px"></iframe> [[Next->Negative cloud of responses]]

''Why do people hate writing about art so much?'' [[Next->If you are engaging]]

If you are engaging in this session, art is likely of some importance to you. Maybe you are an artist, a writer, a student or an appreciator. (link:"Next")[(show:?Weareinvested)]|Weareinvested)[We are invested in the art we create and witness, yet putting our thoughts about art into text can feel like a risk! [[Next->Writing anxiety]]]

Writing anxiety can dissipate with experience, but what if you don't yet have this experience? What if there are barriers to you gaining writing experience? What if you have writing experience, but still experience anxiety? (link:"Next")[(show:?Formidablechallenge)]|Formidablechallenge)[ This seems like a formidable challenge of personal and systemic proportions, and frankly, a little overwhelming. [[Next->First options]]]

What do you do? (link:"Next")[(show:?Freshdocument)]|Freshdocument)[Do you open a fresh document and just start typing? (link:"No")[(show:?Writerfriend)]|Writerfriend)[Do you contact a writer friend to see what they’re working on? (link:"No")[(show:?Favouriteartpublications)]|Favouriteartpublications)[Do you read your favourite art publications for inspiration? (link:"No")[(show:?Lament)]|Lament)[Do you lament that you ever agreed to write about art? (link:"No")[(show:?Gotothemall)]|Gotothemall)[Do you go to the mall? [[Okay->First mall entry]] [[Why the mall?]]]]]]]

After a brief commute, you approach the imposing glass doors of the Creative Outlet Mall. They open automatically with a resounding (text-style:"sway")[slide.] (link:"Next")[(show:?Air)]|Air)[It has been a while since you’ve been to a mall, and while you know it’s not supposed to feel like home, you are still struck by the extent to which it doesn’t. [[Next->The mall has changed]]]

Why the mall? Well, you have errands to run. Plus, department stores and art museums historically developed concurrent display sensibilities^^1^^—maybe some apt writing inspiration will strike. [[Fair enough->First mall entry]] 1. Harris, Neil. "Museums, Merchandising, and Popular Taste: The Struggle for Influence.” In Material Culture and the Study of American Life, edited by Ian M.G. Quimby, 140-72. W.W Norton & Co., 1978.

The mall has changed a lot since it first opened. After taking the elevator to the second floor, you are immediately faced with rows upon rows of luxury stores, interjected only by a chain coffee shop. Institutions have always been like this: updating themselves out of obsolescence, alluring with a fresh coat of paint. (link:"Look closer")[(show:?Lookcloser)]|Lookcloser)[One store immediately catches your eye. Pillars of sumptuous white marble flank the entrance instead of conventional display windows. You can’t see into the store from the outside—what kind of store is this? What do they sell? There isn’t even a sign! (link:"Next")[(show:?Facade)]|Facade)[Nonetheless, you are compelled by the facade. Do you dare enter just to browse? You take a deep breath. [[Enter the store]]]]

The store is even brighter white on the inside, and absolutely pristine. Garments drape on faceless mannequins as though frozen in motion. Articles hang with perfect, intentional space on their spotless chrome racks, not one too many nor too few. (link:"Look around")[(show:?Customersandsales)]|Customersandsales)[Customers and salespeople in uniform black garb quietly glide around the store, but the store retains a stillness that heightens your awareness of every move you make. [[Head to the racks]]]

<img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/523b539be4b0a75330f9c8ce/1621983268272-O7V5GNI3499KQ72SDI7B/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kGfiFqkITS6axXxhYYUCnlRZw-zPPgdn4jUwVcJE1ZvWQUxwkmyExglNqGp0IvTJZUJFbgE-7XRK3dMEBRBhUpx1B3uKuIxKkeNobmVrkfsvhi7vfNIYPwuNoe0YQqN5qRcQyCP0lZkCSDZ8KLElTzs/CreativeOutlet_BlackGarment.jpeg?format=1000w" height="300" width="300" alt="an AI-generated image of an amorphous black shirt"><img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/523b539be4b0a75330f9c8ce/1621983270739-159M52ED6PQT1BAKLNVE/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kGfiFqkITS6axXxhYYUCnlRZw-zPPgdn4jUwVcJE1ZvWQUxwkmyExglNqGp0IvTJZUJFbgE-7XRK3dMEBRBhUpx1B3uKuIxKkeNobmVrkfsvhi7vfNIYPwuNoe0YQqN5qRcQyCP0lZkCSDZ8KLElTzs/CreativeOutlet_WhiteGarment.jpeg?format=1000w" height="300" width="300" alt="an AI-generated image of an amorphous white shirt"> (link:"Hm...")[(show:?Whatarethese)]|Whatarethese)[What //are// these garments? Describe them in less than fifty words. <iframe src="https://pollev-embeds.com/free_text_polls/T9ep6tMg6eO7dggIwAbsa/respond" width="800px" height="600px"></iframe> [[Next->Garment responses]]]

Anxious, you busy yourself looking at the price tags to blend in. [[Look at the tag on the black amorphous garment]] [[Look at the tag on the white amorphous garment]]

“55, 09283721929, 99” (link:"What number is the price?")[(show:?Blackprice)]|Blackprice)[Is any number the price? It's a compelling garment, but you are concerned by that which you don’t understand. What if you put it on incorrectly? What a faux pas that would be! [[Next->Ask for help]]]

“60, 65 39320392984” (link:"What number is the price?")[(show:?Whiteprice)]|Whiteprice)[Is any number the price? It's a compelling garment, but you are concerned by that which you don’t understand. What if you put it on incorrectly? What a faux pas that would be! [[Next->Ask for help]]]

Better swallow your pride and ask a salesperson for help. [[Do I have to?]]

Yes! How else are you supposed to learn about the garment? The tag isn’t doing you any favours. [[But if I ask for help, they'll know I don't "get" their clothes!]]

Well, you don’t! What are you gonna do about it? [[Fine->Approach the salesperson]]

You approach the salesperson at the till, busy behind the counter. “Excuse me,” you ask: [[“How much does this garment cost?”]] [[“How do you wear this garment”]]

“Oh! It should be whatever’s listed on the tag. Can I start a fitting room for you?” [[Next->No insight]]

“Oh! You wear it just like you wear the one in the inverse colour. Can I start a fitting room for you?" [[Next->No insight]]

With little insight, nor the insight you were looking for, you manage a quick “no thanks” before the salesperson swipes your amorphous garment. (link:"Cut your losses")[(show:?Cutlosses)]|Cutlosses)[You turn for the exit. Maybe a mall pretzel will— "Excuse me?" [[Whip around]]]

You turn to face another customer. They cradle the black amorphous garment in their arms like an infant. “Did you change this fabric from last season’s collection?” (link:"Freeze")[(show:?Whyask)]|Whyask)[Why is this stranger asking you this? You catch their gaze on the all-black ensemble you wore into the store—just like that of the salespeople. //They think I work here!// [[Next->Prove yourself]]]

Now, it would be easy to reply to this test with “I don’t work here,” but after this bevy of misunderstanding, you could really use a connection. You want to know if this store changed the fabric from last season’s collection, and you want to be able to share that with this customer! "Um... oh, it's..." The customer waits on bated breath. "I'm sorry, I have to go!" [[Hightail it]]

Why did that dissonance feel awful? Misunderstandings are inevitable, but why do they feel so personal? (link:"Next")[(show:?Fearofmisunderstanding)]|Fearofmisunderstanding)[Fear of misunderstanding, misrepresenting or otherwise getting an artwork “wrong” when interpreting art is based in noble concerns: * We want to understand artists’ processes and visions. * We want to represent artistic modes and traditions justly. * We want to ground our critiques. * We want to contribute something meaningful to the conversation. * We want to pass the art history course we’re taking. [[Next->Sense of responsibility]]]

Add to this sense of responsibility the gravity that writing is itself intimately personal—bearing our own names, assertions and experiences—and it is unsurprising that putting our interpretations into words feels like we are placing our own integrity on the line. What is it about words that does that? <a href="https://www.theworks.ab.ca/creativeoutlet" target="_blank" style="color:#FF69B4;" rel="noopener noreferrer">END OF PART ONE</a>

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Creative Outlet: Why is Writing About Art So Hard?

Creative Outlet is a text-based, interactive, anonymous art writing game. You will choose your own path through critical perspectives and practical advice on why we dislike writing (or talking!) about art and why we do it anyways, interspersed with opportunities for practice.