The Co-operative is one of the world’s largest co-operatives with over 6 million members. This year they are welcoming the world back to Manchester as the city hosts the global culmination event of the United Nations International Year of Co-operatives 2012.
http://www.co-operative.coop/2012
With the support of The Co-operative, artist Lawrence Epps has created 8,000 little clay men which will appear at various surprise locations in the city centre as part of FutureEverything Festival, 2012. The idea of the project, entitled “Human Resources”, is to encourage engagement with the city, spark conversation and for people to view and think about things from a different angle.
The public are encouraged to pick up and take away the miniature ceramic figures for their own enjoyment and, to send photos, videos, links or thoughts to the project by emailing contact@sykey.org or by twitter at #littleclaymen.
The little clay men are part of the artist’s practice of exploring the world of work and the rise of corporate culture including ideas around scale, group dynamics and conflicting feelings of love, hate and need for employment. Placing the work around the city is intended to provide an unexpected and unusual opportunity for members of the public to encounter and engage with art as part of their daily lives.
Cambridge based artist Lawrence Epps, said: “The little clay men will be found in various locations around Manchester and once loose in the city, I hope the figures will be a catalyst for conversation and find their way into the lives of the local community.”
Mark Robinson-Field, National Co-operative and Membership Manager for The Co-operative Group, said: “This work encourages people to think differently and, the co-operative business model itself is an alternative approach to enterprise with members co-owning the business and having a real voice it is the antithesis of the corporate world.
With 2012 designated as the International Year of Co-operatives – recognising co-operative impact on poverty reduction, employment generation and social integration – we were keen to support a local arts initiative that fits with the aims of the year and, we felt that the “Human Resources” project does just that. Especially as later this year the worldwide co-operative movement comes to Manchester to share ideas and explore ways to further unlock the enormous potential that co-operation can bring.”