This is an introductory session for ‘Spelunking‘, an 8-week video-making project led by artist Benedict Drew and is free and open to all.

Spelunking Intro Session Schedule:

11:00 – 11:20 Introductory Film – Benedict Drew
11:20 – 12:00 Film and sound equipment workshop
12:00 – 12:30 Heather Newton – Canterbury Crypt and St Gabriel’s Chapel
12:30 -12:45 Discussion / Associate Presentation
12:45 – 1:15 Simon Gregory – Smuggling in Deal
1:15 – 1:30 Discussion / Associate Presentation
1:30 – 2:45 Cave Dwellers / Smugglers Lunch
2:45 – 3:15 Dr. Dunstan Lowe – Sub Terra: Descending among the Dead in Greek and Roman Myth
3:15 – 3:30 Discussion / Associate Presentation
3:30 – 4:00 Dr. Ada Nifosi – The Womb in Ancient Egypt
4:00 – 4:15 Discussion / Associate Presentation
4:15 – 4:30 Break
4:30 – 5:00 Dan Hind – Plato’s cave
5:00 – 6:00 Discussion / Associate Presentations

Taking Margate’s caves and tunnels as a starting point, we will embark on an imaginary exploration of the subterranean and create a fictional underground space; a place of myth, retreat, contemplation, meditation or even a place to party.

This is a chance to escape and regroup. We’ll meet weekly – come every week if you can but don’t worry if you can’t – for an adventure in making; we will explore sculpture, video, oral history, movement, and discussion.

To guide this journey into the subterranean, each week will have a theme; from the underworld of the Ancient Greeks to contemporary smuggling. You are invited to contribute, learn a new skill, or even just share a memory, inspired by the underground or a reimagining of it.

The end result will be a video made by leading artist Benedict, fresh from his solo show at London’s Whitechapel Gallery to be screened in a Margate venue later this year.

Benedict invites participants to join him on this spelunking journey. Leave behind the world as you know it and venture to a place where anything is possible.

This week’s theme: Myths – Free and open to all. No need to book. Lunch will be provided.

Heather Newton, Simon Gregory, Simon Hinds, guest and Dr. Dunstan Lowe

Locally sourced Black Cheddar and Goats Cheese from Quex Park

Plasticine creation