[matilda] Detilding Mafina

[Helen and Nick]

I am at a lost to really understand the problems that PGA hallmarks cause. Yes it is written in fairly non poetic language in stark statements, and not something I would envisage as the first piece of paper that you give some one as they come through the door. Yes you could find the most dodgy interpretation of every word written. But its hard to see what is wrong with being a space that brings together people who are AGAINST systems that force people to live aweful lives and and FOR taking action to create liberating alternatives and FOR doing this by tearing up power up into something we all have a bit of.  It is not something that will make matilda hypicritical, but even at this early stage already reflects where the space came from, and as already has been said, matilda being there and the way we work continues to reflects this. Even if people don't want to use this PGA  'tool' that exists to visibly cooperate within a global movement, there is value in its essence as a framework
 for one no may yesses type thing that shouldn't be rejected out of hand with the face pulling and snorts of derision you get at matilda meetings.
 
For every person that has misconcieved ideas about DA, there are equally likley to be some that might become inspired and empowered by others taking action and making alternatives happen around them to join in and get off their arse and make something happen. Worked for me. If back then I had been able to see one space with so much going on that encompassed DA, and how it becomes part of your day to day life, that would have rocked my world.
 
People aren't going to be won over to us by what they read in a leaflet. Hopefully people's first contact with us will be to experience the place when they come to an event etc. and talk to people there - this is how we can really tell our story. But even if they do read stuff on us, it can be, as Ben suggested and Chris, quite a bit of stuff in there - vision, practical stuff about what the centre does, and our underlying principles of action, alternatives and concensus - or whatever they end up being. Hx

gavin at cyber-rights.net wrote:
"The long and short of it is that we should ask ourselves, 'Will 
the PGA Hallmarks change how we act', and if we say no, then we are 
as 
hypocritical as the WB if we adopt them."

This is assuming we're acting in contradiction to them now, but the 
principles will change us. Neither of which is the case. I think 
it's whether they reflect how we already act that is important, and 
the ideals already in operation here. I'd say they do. For example, 
regarding the art collective as 'political'...

"there was no requirement on artists asking for space that their 
work or intent should coincide with other members' political aims."

That's right, what was political is not the artworks themselves 
(permitting only earnest 'political' works of art would be really 
deathly dull. And also, I'd say, contrary to a principle of 
inclusivity and openeness). What IS political is offering a space 
to artists who are excluded by the CTI's slick, high price, 
capitalist-orientated approach to providing space for cultural 
expression.



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