the ambition of art to intervene in social life and political thinking

We're neighbours of the National Sculpture Factory, and sometimes they buy a few bottles when there's an occasion, such as the re-launch of the Cork Caucus book and accompanying discussions this Saturday. This is the kind of event that needs support, and a bit of bloggers' petrol on the embers of debate wouldn't go amiss.

who_is_the_caucus?

So, on Saturday, you can scoot along to the Granary Theatre at the Mardyke between 5 - 6pm for
a pre-discussion drink to celebrate the publication of Cork Caucus: on art, possibility & democracy, now widely available. Commissioned by the National Sculpture Factory, it contains newly commissioned critical and theoretical essays as well as original transcripts of presentations and discussions on thematic and dialogical issues that emerged from the National Sculpture Factory's project Cork Caucus during 2005 in Ireland. Although published in 2006, the book has only now become available for purchase. Editors: Shepherd Steiner and Trevor Joyce Visual Editors: Can Altay and Dobz O'Brien Books available at discounted price of €25 at the launch (RRP: €35)
and straight away after that, between 6-7.45pm, you can artic-u-late your views at the discussion:
Idealism and reality in the context of the Cork 2005 project Cork Caucus: on art, possibility & democracy, three years on. With Aislinn O'Donnell, Becky Shaw and original Caucus co-curators Charles Esche, Annie Fletcher, Art/not art, and the National Sculpture Factory. The aim of the discussion is to look at the impact of discursive/conversational practices and models (similar to Cork Caucus) on public life, and also to ask the question: could the Cork Caucus happen/have happened without artists? Aislinn O'Donnell, Becky Shaw, Charles Esche and Annie Fletcher will each give their opinion on these questions, followed by a discussion between the speakers and the audience, chaired by Sarah Pierce. 6pm prompt start expected. All welcome.
If you hurry, you'll be just in time to catch Dolly Parton at the Marquee afterwards, for art of another kind.