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o r i en tat i o n pa c k e t 2011

Elsewhere Orientation Packet 2011

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Materials for new artists in residence and collaborators with Elsewhere.

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Page 1: Elsewhere Orientation Packet 2011

o r i e n tat i o n pa c k e t2011

Page 2: Elsewhere Orientation Packet 2011

c o n t e n t selsewhere expeditions

606SouthElmStreet|Greensboro,NC27406

2ElsewhereConditionsElsewhere is a living museum in a former thrift store.

an introduction to elsewhere

606 South Elm StreetGreensboro, NC 27406

(336) 549 - 5555www.elsewhereelsewhere.org

MissionElsewhere instigates creative collaborations through things. Our living museum, created from the contents and architectures of a former thrift store, platforms site-specific creative projects, an international arts residency program, and collaborative education and research. We utilize a process-based practice to respond to cultural surplus, exchange stories, reorient learning, and invent new ways of enacting art in everyday and extraordinary contexts.

1937 Joe and Sylvia Gray

import depression era furniture from NYC stockhouses, repairing and selling the second-hand wares at 607 South Elm Street in downtown Greensboro

1939 The Furniture company expands, moving across the street to 606 and 608 South Elm Street as Carolina Sales Co.

1945 After WWII, Carolina Sales transitions to an army surplus store and catalog sales company, selling repaired wares to Boy Scout troops and hospitals across the country. The second floor of the building operates as a boarding house, and the third a large warehouse for mending surplus.

1955 Joe dies unexpectedly, leaving Sylvia with three children to raise. Sylvia buys textile cast-offs--the end of bolts of upholstry fabric from local mills, second hand womens wear, and heaps of finishing ribbons. The boarding house and warehouse are dissolved.

1975 Sylvia expands her inventory to general thrift, shopping and collecting daily. Her collection surpasses shelves to become piles, heaps, mountains.

1980 David Gray, Sylvia’s son, produces a series of injection molding designs and a line of fine glass and metal furniture fashioned for national brands.

1997 Sylvia runs the store until the day before she passes away. The store is boarded up filled to the brink with objects and materials, without destination or foreseeable future.

2003 George Scheer, Sylvia’s grandson, and a group of writers and artists rediscover the space, declare nothing for sale, and start reorganizing the materials to build a space for creative collaboration across media.

2004 They declare the space a living museum, organize an artist residency program to bring artists from across the globe to the site, and become a 501(c)3 non-profit.

2005 35 artists per year make works in the museum, while public projects help downtown Greensboro evolve into a creative space to live, work, and play.

2011 Elsewhere is a living, interactive work in progress that flourishes with national support, hundreds of volunteers, and layered artistic visions.

Elsewhere constructs a more collaborative world through resourceful art practices and connective actions. Our living museum and projects create exampless for artistic possibilities for civic participation, cultural production, and aesthetic experience.

vision

brought to you by elsewhere expeditions

visit usWednesday - Saturday 1pm-10pm

Museum + Event Admission only $1tours $10 (group rates available)

To schedule your Tour Guide call (336) 549-5555

who we areElsewherians include a fulltime staff of 2 dirctors+co-founders, 4 curators, 4 apprentices, high school and college interns, a board of directors, a national advisory board, an ever-expanding network of artists across the globe, members, and creative participants.

1ElsewhereCityzenshipBrochure

aField Guide to

c u s t o m s & C u lt u r e

of the elsewhere commonwealth

elsewhere parks & creation services

606 South Elm Street | Greensboro, NC 27406

c o n d i t i o n sof the elsewhere

environment

Travel & TransportG o E ls E w h E r E

d r i V E If you have a car, we recommend that you bring it with you to Greensboro. Street Parking is typically a piece of cake. Greensboro is an auto-oriented city, so you will have much more flexibility for resource acquisition and side trips if your car is handy.

F lY The closest airport to us is Piedmont Triad International (GSO), a 15 minute drive from Elsewhere (the GO ELSEWHERE taxi is $5). If you are coming from afar, it is probably more cost effective to fly into Raleigh / Durham International (RDU), an 80-minute drive away (the GO ELSEWHERE taxi is $35). We will happily provide rides to and from your flight, just let us know in plenty of time.

t r A i n Greensboro’s rail depot is only a few blocks from Elsewhere and Amtrak offers trains connecting to major U.S. cities daily. We can pick you up. No charge.

B U s There is a Greyhound Station here in Greensboro, as well as other towns near-by. If you are coming from New York City, there is a $30 Chinatown bus that travels overnight to Greensboro daily. (http://www.skyexpressbus.com/)

b a g g a g erestrictions & suggestions

While packing your belongings, please keep in mind that even though you will be at Elsewhere for a while, space amongst the millions of things is at a premium. You will probably be happy with less as you live amongst the multitudes.

= CLOTHINGSpring & Fall (cold): Come prepared for all sorts of weather, because it can take a bit of time before the cold NC winter kicks into spring. Bring warm layers, sweaters, long underwears. Summer (hot hot hot): cool cotton, jeans are too hot ) keep in mind we have a giant giant wardrobe full of wearablesSturdy shoes / work boots

YMCA KIT: Towel(s), Combination lock,

shower flops, Swimsuit [if you like the pool],

backpack for biking to and fro

CAMP BATHKIT Toiletries [please bring a small sized bag or container for storage in public bathroom]

Allergy medication/ Air purifying device [if you have problems with dust]

TECHNOLOGY

Computer (we have wireless, and please bring your own personal computer if you have one)

Digital camera / video camera

Mini speakers and boom boxes are enjoyedAny special art supplies, tools, or technology that you’ll need to make your work. Be aware that your shared room is also your only private storage studio.CAMPING

Flashlight or headlamp (just in case the apocalypse comes early)Bed Blankets or sleeping bag (only if convenient)

=

=

=

=

Greensboro is located in the central part of North Carolina, three hours from the ocean and three hours from the mountains, approximately 68 miles west of Raleigh and 82 miles northeast of Charlotte, at the intersection of major interstate highways I-85 and I-40. Elsewhere is in the South Elm neighborhood, just a few blocks south of central downtown Greensboro. Please email [email protected] at least one week prior to your arrival with full travel information.

3FieldGuidetoCustomsandCulture

Page 3: Elsewhere Orientation Packet 2011
Page 4: Elsewhere Orientation Packet 2011

Elsewhere is a living museum in a former thrift store.

an introduction to elsewhere

606 South Elm StreetGreensboro, NC 27406

(336) 549 - 5555www.elsewhereelsewhere.org

MissionElsewhere instigates creative collaborations through things. Our living museum, created from the contents and architectures of a former thrift store, platforms site-specific creative projects, an international arts residency program, and collaborative education and research. We utilize a process-based practice to respond to cultural surplus, exchange stories, reorient learning, and invent new ways of enacting art in everyday and extraordinary contexts.

1937 Joe and Sylvia Gray

import depression era furniture from NYC stockhouses, repairing and selling the second-hand wares at 607 South Elm Street in downtown Greensboro

1939 The Furniture company expands, moving across the street to 606 and 608 South Elm Street as Carolina Sales Co.

1945 After WWII, Carolina Sales transitions to an army surplus store and catalog sales company, selling repaired wares to Boy Scout troops and hospitals across the country. The second floor of the building operates as a boarding house, and the third a large warehouse for mending surplus.

1955 Joe dies unexpectedly, leaving Sylvia with three children to raise. Sylvia buys textile cast-offs--the end of bolts of upholstry fabric from local mills, second hand womens wear, and heaps of finishing ribbons. The boarding house and warehouse are dissolved.

1975 Sylvia expands her inventory to general thrift, shopping and collecting daily. Her collection surpasses shelves to become piles, heaps, mountains.

1980 David Gray, Sylvia’s son, produces a series of injection molding designs and a line of fine glass and metal furniture fashioned for national brands.

1997 Sylvia runs the store until the day before she passes away. The store is boarded up filled to the brink with objects and materials, without destination or foreseeable future.

2003 George Scheer, Sylvia’s grandson, and a group of writers and artists rediscover the space, declare nothing for sale, and start reorganizing the materials to build a space for creative collaboration across media.

2004 They declare the space a living museum, organize an artist residency program to bring artists from across the globe to the site, and become a 501(c)3 non-profit.

2005 35 artists per year make works in the museum, while public projects help downtown Greensboro evolve into a creative space to live, work, and play.

2011 Elsewhere is a living, interactive work in progress that flourishes with national support, hundreds of volunteers, and layered artistic visions.

Elsewhere constructs a more collaborative world through resourceful art practices and connective actions. Our living museum and projects create exampless for artistic possibilities for civic participation, cultural production, and aesthetic experience.

vision

brought to you by elsewhere expeditions

visit usWednesday - Saturday 1pm-10pm

Museum + Event Admission only $1tours $10 (group rates available)

To schedule your Tour Guide call (336) 549-5555

who we areElsewherians include a fulltime staff of 2 dirctors+co-founders, 4 curators, 4 apprentices, high school and college interns, a board of directors, a national advisory board, an ever-expanding network of artists across the globe, members, and creative participants.

Page 5: Elsewhere Orientation Packet 2011

an introduction to elsewhere

brought to you by the cityzenship bureau

M U S E U M (open WED-SAT 1-10pm) Elswhere’s living museum features a 58-year collection of thrift in endless transformation. Visitors are invited to touch, play, and engage the collection and interact with artists and projects in process. TOurS + TEA ($10 or free with membership) story the living installation for groups large and small.

R E S I D E N CY Elsewhere invites 35 local, national, and international artists per year to create new projects with and within Elsewhere’s site, collection, and community. Visual artists, musicians scholars, and creators of all kinds perform investigations, create projects, and host exchanges with audiences in downtown Greensboro and across the globe.

E D U CAT I O N Elsewhere hosts education programs for children of all ages. We offer internships for college and high schoolers, educational tours, playful workshops, and creative retreats. Our artists are available for classroom visits, lectures, and conversations. Elsewhere’s interactive archive of cultural surplus provides a platform for ongoing explorations of collaborative process and creative practice.

E L S E W H E R E E L S E W H E R E Elsewhere takes Elsewhere Elsewhere through interactive art works, commissions, project partnerships, and services to institutions and venues worldwide through its. expanding network of artists: ETC. (Elsewhere Tenured Collaborators).

S P E C I A L P R O J E C T S Each year, Elsewhere special projects advance our living museum and deepen our engagement with local communities.

P R O g R A M S E v E N T S

$ U P P O RT

S E Rv I C E S

o p e n h o u s e | 1st Fridays, 8pm-10pm Featuring new work by visiting artists.

L i v i n g r o o m L E C T U R E S | 2nd Fridays , 8pm-10pmPresenting mini-lectures organized by a guest curator.

P L AY C I T Y | 3rd Fridays, 8pm-10pm Improvising Elsewhere as an urban metropolis.

D I N N E R pa r t y | 4th Fridays, 8pm-10pmHosting flavorful events by guest artists and chefs.($10 members, $20 non-members)

p l ays h o p s | Saturdays, 2pm-4pmExploring new ways to learn, create and imagine.

S C R E E N I N g S | Saturdays, 9pm-10pmShowing films and episodes, homemade and replayed.

Elsewhere offers its magical museum for special events, weddings, parties, movie shoots, and corporate retreats. We also provide consulting for public art projects, object rentals for business members, creative production support, and re-arrangement services.

Elsewhere is a 501(c)3 non-profit supported through national, state and local grants, private contributions, commissions, services, and friends like you. Help us instigate creative collaborations in downtown Greensboro and around the world with your kind (tax-deductible) $upport.

Elsewhere is funded in part by The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, The North Carolina Arts Council, The NC Humanities Council, and the United Arts Council of Greater Greensboro.

C O M M U N I T Y PA RT I C I PAT I O N

Elsewhere inspires, beautifies, and excites creative connections in our downtown neighborhood, state, and region through public projects. You can contribute to Elsewhere’s evolution as a volunteer, intern or docent. Please join us as a collaborator!

KITCHEN projects featuring J Morgan Puett of Mildred’s Lane.

STOrEFrONT THEATEr opens with puppeteer Laurencio ruiz.

FuNDrAISEr Extravaganza.

SPRING

SUMMER

FALL

2 0 1 1

General | [email protected] | [email protected] | [email protected] | [email protected]

c o n ta c t

Page 6: Elsewhere Orientation Packet 2011

E LS E W H E R E C O M M O N W E A LT H

An Application for Cityzenship

elsewhere department of travel

in the

become a TRUSTEE OF Good Fortune

Enjoy countless opportunities for creative connection with innovative global artists and creative Greensborians within a wonderful world of things. Your passport can be used for events, happenings, and access to the museum whenever we are open and much more.

Fill out the passport application below to secure your membership.

become a cityzen:support, participate, collaborate

Free 3-floor tour for you and a friendOngoing sewing, kitchen, and garden access$10 Dinner Parties ($20/value)Discount tickets to the Extravaganza20% off items in the Elsewhere Artifactuary

$20 - Cityzenship$60 - Household Cityzenship$100, $250, $500, $1000, or $5000 - Trustee of Good Fortune

membership rates

Donate $100+ and recieve a treasury of experiences for your generosity including studio visits with artists, collectible artifacts, late night tours with exquisite spirits, and an invitation to the Fortune Tellers Tribunal.

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Page 7: Elsewhere Orientation Packet 2011

1. Basic info:name(s):

address:

email:

2. Artistic Interstsperformance/theater music dance video/film sculpture/painting

puppeteering drawing mapping writing cooking

sewing education research carpentry photography

PAS S P O RT A P P L I CAT I O N

phone:

4. How would you like to connect? (circle one or more)

emails phone facebook

twitter blog in-person

3. Events of interest: (circle one

or more)

art openings lectures

city dinners

playshops screenings

5. How would you like to participate? (circle one or more)

volunteer docent

intern art residency

playshops event productions

gardening cooking

sewing cleaning

6. What skills can you share?

7. What do you want to learn?

8. Are there communities you think we should connect with?

$upport:Become a Cityzenr $20 individual r $50 premier cityzen r $60 household

Become a Trustee of Good Fortuner $100 r $250 r $500 r $1000 r $5000

Credit card No. Exp. Date Security Code

Please make checks payable to Elsewhere Inc. or donate online:http://elsewhereelsewhere.org/about/contribute/

Page 8: Elsewhere Orientation Packet 2011
Page 9: Elsewhere Orientation Packet 2011

elsewhere parks & creation services

606SouthElmStreet|Greensboro,NC27406

c o n d i t i o n sof the elsewhere

environment

Travel&TransportG o E ls E w h E r E

d r i V E If you have a car, we recommend that you bring it with you to Greensboro. Street Parking is typically a piece of cake. Greensboro is an auto-oriented city, so you will have much more flexibility for resource acquisition and side trips if your car is handy.

F lY The closest airport to us is Piedmont Triad International (GSO), a 15 minute drive from Elsewhere (the GO ELSEWHERE taxi is $5). If you are coming from afar, it is probably more cost effective to fly into Raleigh / Durham International (RDU), an 80-minute drive away (the GO ELSEWHERE taxi is $35). We will happily provide rides to and from your flight, just let us know in plenty of time.

t r A i n Greensboro’s rail depot is only a few blocks from Elsewhere and Amtrak offers trains connecting to major U.S. cities daily. We can pick you up. No charge.

B U s There is a Greyhound Station here in Greensboro, as well as other towns near-by. If you are coming from New York City, there is a $30 Chinatown bus that travels overnight to Greensboro daily. (http://www.skyexpressbus.com/)

b a g g a g erestrictions & suggestions

While packing your belongings, please keep in mind that even though you will be at Elsewhere for a while, space amongst the millions of things is at a premium. You will probably be happy with less as you live amongst the multitudes.

= CLOTHINGSpring & Fall (cold): Come prepared for all sorts of weather, because it can take a bit of time before the cold NC winter kicks into spring. Bring warm layers, sweaters, long underwears. Summer (hot hot hot): cool cotton, jeans are too hot ) keep in mind we have a giant giant wardrobe full of wearablesSturdy shoes / work boots

YMCA KIT: Towel(s), Combination lock,

shower flops, Swimsuit [if you like the pool],

backpack for biking to and fro

CAMP BATHKIT Toiletries [please bring a small sized bag or container for storage in public bathroom]

Allergy medication/ Air purifying device [if you have problems with dust]

TECHNOLOGY

Computer (we have wireless, and please bring your own personal computer if you have one)

Digital camera / video camera

Mini speakers and boom boxes are enjoyedAny special art supplies, tools, or technology that you’ll need to make your work. Be aware that your shared room is also your only private storage studio.CAMPING

Flashlight or headlamp (just in case the apocalypse comes early)Bed Blankets or sleeping bag (only if convenient)

=

=

=

=

Greensboro is located in the central part of North Carolina, three hours from the ocean and three hours from the mountains, approximately 68 miles west of Raleigh and 82 miles northeast of Charlotte, at the intersection of major interstate highways I-85 and I-40. Elsewhere is in the South Elm neighborhood, just a few blocks south of central downtown Greensboro. Please email [email protected] at least one week prior to your arrival with full travel information.

Page 10: Elsewhere Orientation Packet 2011

elsewhere parks & creation services

606SouthElmStreet|Greensboro,NC27406

c o n d i t i o n sCamping

Elsewhereisaruggedcollaborativeenvironmentdesignedasaconfrontationandexperimentwitheverydaylivingandworking.Campersareexpectedtoparticipatefullyincollaborativecareforourcollectivecommons.

i n d o o r c A M P i n G

Shorter term visitors (1 week or less) recieve campsites on the 1st floor that must be vacated by 10AM each morning. Longterm visitors (1 week or more) are provided 2nd floor campsites in converted (not renovated) 1950s boarding house. The rooms are on the second floor of Elsewhere, which is open to the public via tour and special event. You will share a room with one other Elsewherian and bedrolls will be provided. Some rooms do not have windows in them, but we do our best to circulate lights and breezes.

d U s t A n d d i r t

Elsewhere is a dusty and dirty old store that we work hard to keep extremely clean and organized with everyone’s help. Our vaccuum warriors work to keep the dust down to a very manageable level, but we fight an ongoing battle with dirt, dust, and crumbling stuff. If you have asthma or allergies, please evaluate potential discomfort when considering the Elsehwere experience. Our site is not a white walled, state-of-the-art building but a responsive, evolving old architecture that is growing increasingly hospitable under our shared stewardship, maintenance, upfit, and care.

24 h o U r s t U d i o

Elsewhere is a 24 hour studio. We are not zoned for living or occupancy, which is why we camp in the museum. It is your job to maintain your indoor campsite at the highest level of artistic quality at all times. Please ensure you are comfortable with this arrangement.

P r E V E n t i o n

Please make sure that you have had a tetanus shot within the last 10 years. You never know where old rusty objects linger. Also, please please please ensure that you do not bring bed bugs into our environment.

t E M P E r At U r E s

North Carolina winters can be cold and summers can be extremely hot and humid. We have no AC or heat. Please make sure you are comfortable adjusting to a variety of temperatures.

s h o w E r s

There is one public bathroom for the downstairs museum and one private shower and bathroom for campers (completed May 1, 2011), and one bathroom for the museum downstairs. Long-term campers are provided YMCA access to shower, sauna, gym, and pool one walkable, bikable mile away from Elsewhere with your stay.

B i K E s

Bikes are available for your use, including a six person beach bike surrey.

l A U n d rY

There are several Laundromats nearby, but none are walkable – laundry trips will be organized every other week for those without cars.

c o l l E c t i V E c o M M o n s

All overnighters at Elsewhere are expected to participate in cooking and cleaning chores. We cleanup thoroughly after each meal and every preparation. Be ready to participate in a Tuesday morning brunch and two hour mandatory museum beautification (10am-1pm). Food is $5/day.

V i s i t o r s

Long-term campers are welcome to host over-night visitors from 1-3 nights. All overnight visitors are encouraged to become members of Elsewhere. Visitors are expected to participate in various projects and daily chores, and must contribute for food. No pets or children please.

Page 11: Elsewhere Orientation Packet 2011

elsewhere parks & creation services

606SouthElmStreet|Greensboro,NC27406

cA rt o G r A P h i E softheElsewhereCommonwealth

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Public Library

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Burton’s Pharmacy

Page 12: Elsewhere Orientation Packet 2011
Page 13: Elsewhere Orientation Packet 2011

aField Guide to

c u s t o m s & C u lt u r e

of the elsewhere commonwealth

Page 14: Elsewhere Orientation Packet 2011

culture & customs of the commonwealth

brought to you by elsewhere expeditions

Elsewhere always there and here, here and there, somewhere. Elsewhere is a paradox, an illusion, possibility. Herein lies the experiment...this place proposes a re-arrangement of things--our assumptions, diversions, responses, timings, visions--a re-arrangement of our objects and our selves.

Welcome to another place. Elsewhere on South Elm Street, in Greensboro, set in a former store containing Sylvia’s vast collection of things. Elsewhere is a museum and a home. It’s a life on display, intimate life, unusual life, sometimes

impossible life, an utter fantasy living squarely within the really real. So too, Elsewhere is in-between this and that...you’ll see what we mean when you get here. As you will come to know, a careful calibration of intention and chance, order and chaos, sanity and madness, public and private, reorients our most basic presumptions about mind and matter, things and meaning, suggestion and referent, process and practice, and the whole ecological systems of art, ideas, life, what it is to be human, after all, as in, to keep a history alive as you invent new ones.

f o l kwaysof the

Elsewhere Commonwealth

Where is Elsewhere?

Page 15: Elsewhere Orientation Packet 2011

culture & customs of the commonwealth

brought to you by elsewhere expeditions

C o n t e x t1 . U n i v e r s e

We’ve been hurtling through this world for eons, expanding, while our purpose remains undecided. The big bang was a great work of art.

2. Globe

The world is a constellation of things. From wonders to monuments, intricate treasures to everyday vestiges, things are tools, functions, forms, memories, symbols, and devices. They are reflections of our actions, operations, & style. Meanwhile, leftovers from eras, detritus of systems, pillaged knowledge and residues -- some preserved in reliquaries, some in the earth and soil, some in store, things hold the places of things that came before and will also come to pass. All is interpretable, a sign of a larger system. Nowhere is neutral. As the western global economy nears collapse, the art market gleefully cradles its own objecthood.As a reaching, blindfolded phoenix, it presents mumified objects as representations for the struggles of our shared purpose. Instead we draw from public interests to invent designed solutions for the common good.

3. AmericaAn American aesthetic of the new obliterates histories traceable through old things. We’ve produced ceaselessly, developing excess and surplus as a standard. On one hand, we duplicate and re-produce images of our similarities: sunday circus, tide, bananas, coppertone, keebler. In those surplus capital objects worn by the world, things contain childhood fantasies, dreams, desires, invented needs, and fractured stories. In this abundance, there are other possible economies of use: potential, resource, play, interaction, convergence.

4 . s o u t h

Here we treasure things just a bit more, invest a magical faith in their future. There is copious compiling of antiques, surplus, junk in attics, basements, yards, on porches and in stores. People are searching for connection, redefinition. The south is a sunny, dark literature of long sentences...

5 . G r e e n s b o r o

A town inches its way towards becoming a city. As the century turns again, basic needs are once again realized without the automobile--re-humanizing the stroll. In re-condensing, we advance a concern for rehabilitating architecture, preserving communities of inhabitants, and exploring history should be of utmost priority. At the Woolworth’s down the street, sit down for equivalence...

6. Neighborhood he south elm district of downtown Greensboro on the other side of the tracks is a family of shopkeepers, residents, and passer-bys who keep watch over the block and and look out for one another. The typical misadventures in an extraordinarily ordinary town happen regularly. Neighbors support neighbors.

7. elsewhere Realize a place to experiment with praxis--or ideas in action. Find somewhere to rethink, repurpose, recreate, reimagine, realize, reinstill, rectify, amplify, pretend, process, experiment. Live in a thing-tank for material concepts, change habits of inhabitance. Elsewhere is a collaborative fiction, a story of the times played with others. Everything can

Page 16: Elsewhere Orientation Packet 2011

culture & customs of the commonwealth

brought to you by elsewhere expeditions

C U lt U r e

1. Collaboration Elsewhere explores and embraces collaboration. Collaboration is a working with, working through, and working upon. Collaboration happens not only from person to person, but with things, over time. It requires only more than one thing present, and begins from those two presences, or millions of presences colliding. At that point, said collaborators remain open at their most fundamental level. They are oriented to the gift (as in giving ourselves away), in the presumption of an initial generosity. This position towards care for the other (animal, vegetable, mineral, plastic, wood, or any other composite) enables listening, issues attention and demonstrates the ultimate respect for the time-space at hand. Include the past. Evolve the present. Enact a future.

2 . e n v i r o n m e n t

An environment of refuse becomes an ecology of things. Weather patterns develop, things rise and fall as the tides, there are winds and waves. There is no distance, separation, space for metaphors; the place absorbs the art as the art makes the place. Patterns and propositions compose atmospheres. Each place is a geography, history, resource, an aggregation and a sensibility. Adapting to conditions and reconstructing our actions, we transform our presumptions, assumptions and habits. We till, tend to, cultivate these places. We see our responsibility towards what things can be. Surroundings are beautiful. Help them echo..

3. ResourcesResources are limited. We acknowledge their restrictions. We incorporate parameters as possibilities. There are infinite combinations and potentials within our limits through re-arrangement. How can we re-purpose what we have already? How can we activate what is close, immediate, at-hand, available, and possible? How can we share? Never underestimate technology, technicalities, technique. Consider how art works, materiality as meaning.

4. Virtual - Global Elsewhere’s collection of the 58-years of cultural surplus is a puzzle, game, and hyper-archive limited by unusual material constraints. This inventory becomes virtual in its alternative closed system, while possibilities for specific local productions emerge from global perspectives applied to a particular, peculiar set. This expresses the physical metaphysically and materially, by nature.

Page 17: Elsewhere Orientation Packet 2011

culture & customs of the commonwealth

brought to you by elsewhere expeditions

5 . P l ay

Even at our most serious, the world is a stage, its things a set, and its furniture a philosophy. Play frees our escapes. While we are a social body, a communing entity, connections to others happen through work and play. Working and playing meet in doing, as to live is to communicate, exchange, participate, which is to story, as a matter of fact and fiction, as a creation and re-enactment. When we act together, life is transmitted, valued is sensed and dispersed. By doing together I learn your way--I see your action, I learn your ‘hereness’, I absorb your consistencies. By playing together, I learn to play attention to what is embedded within us as a reconstruction and reinvention.

6. ApproAch We draw from what is within us, parts and pieces of culture. Experience building upon, collaboration, responsive ideas. Hear things speaking.Take other perspectives, try them on. The intrepid traveler is curious, open, gentle, brave, persistent, kind, patient, believing. inclusive, reciprocal, generous in object and spirit, careful, open, functional, resolute, neighborly, conscious, and conscientious. Seek iterations and generations. To pass along is to transform, which is to awaken again and again to what is before us.

7. ResearchKnowledge is coming to know what things are becoming. Our research is:

Investigatory, Navigatory, Archaeological, Haptical, Invenstoryesque, Anthropo-morphological, Catalogicical, Farcical, Re-searching, Experimental, Re-Collective, Herstorical, Fascinating, Traipsing, Reminding, Remainding, Metaphysiological, Whetherous, Infra-departmental, Thing-tank, Transisting, Illuminating, Playful, Ever After.

Page 18: Elsewhere Orientation Packet 2011

culture & customs of the commonwealth

brought to you by elsewhere expeditions

C U s t o m s

s a f e t y The safety of the building and its contents is a shared lookout responsibility. Be full of care! Look out! Protect our space, its resources, your and our possessions. If you see something that looks hazardous or needs fixing, please alert staff immediately. Notify someone is there is unsafe activities present. Wear goggles, hard-hats, dust-masks, gloves, sturdy shoes as appropriate and necessary. Listen to your gut if you feel like something is wrong with a visitor, participant, or situation. Tell someone you trust immediately. You are ultimately responsible for your own personal safety, security, and comfort.

s e C U r I t yElsewhere is a public environment. People will walk in off of the street and through alley doors, looking to snatch up your beautiful Macintosh computer and ruin your Elsewhere experience. For these reasons, your personal equipment and valuables should be kept locked both upstairs and downstairs at all times. We cannot emphasize enough how important it is to never leave your valuables unattended, just as you wouldn’t at a cafe or public library. Lock it up well or keep things on your person. Elsewhere is not responsible for your personal equipment.

f I r eFamiliarize yourself with the location of fire extinguishers upon arrival. Absolutely NO FIRE of any kind within Elsewhere (no candles, incense, or flicking of lighters). There is no smoking allowed in the building. No smoking on the upstairs fire escape. Electric fires are the enemy. Lights and lamps should be on only when in immediate use in accordance with eco-ethics. All extension cords must be secured immediately when in use. Absolutely no ad-hoc or fabric lampshades.

1. Rules 2. Routines

Low TimeBecause our space is live/work, we have quieter hours: Sunday to Thursday 11pm-8am and Friday-Saturday 12:30pm-9am. Our team and crew operates Tuesday-Saturday from 10am through dinner. On Sunday and Monday, while staff + team are present as comrades living in the space, they are not available for project support.

KitchenDuring your time at Elsewhere, you will participate community houspitality. This includes cooking for the at least once a week, group cleaning-up every night after dinner, one or two museum chores, and attending our weekly house brunch and museum spruce (Tuesday 10am - 1pm). The kitchen commons is a public park and must be kept perfectly clean, so be precisely attentive after preparing meals throughout the day - dishes, counters, tables.

Page 19: Elsewhere Orientation Packet 2011

culture & customs of the commonwealth

brought to you by elsewhere expeditions

3 . h a b i t sDO EASY Make life easier for you and others by leaving a wake of a museum exhibit as you move about. By collecting your belongings and nearly arranging the world around you, you perform an easy stride with the world about you, operating in harmony with the movement of things.

HABITATS You live in a museum. Exhibit a clean desk, process space, and living quarters throughout your stay. Advance integrity by leaving spaces and places better than you found them.

w I t H yo U r s e l f It begins as a relation with yourself that presumes that you are many, that you are multiple, that you are your own friend, that you are endlessly improving and being remade. Everything you do works towards your integrity, your pride and dedication to what you put forth from yourselves.

w I t H o t H e r s Openness and inclusivity are particularly important positions for our organizational ethos. This means forthwriteness, openness, and engagment with publics as a performance of yourself and your ideas. You should wear your public presence, make new friends, very very regularly. This also means being conscienscious to include new people in the conversation, reaching out through generosity and hospitality to new participants and guests. Instead of presuming and judging, create spaces for open and honest exchanges that become conversational landscapes. You realize everyone is traversing with you. People are buildings. Art is politics. You are a public work.

4. Relations

Wardrobe Clothing is available for wear to suite ongoing museum fashions. To keep happy garmets, neatly return all items to hangers, shelves, and drawers immediately. After wear, wash clothing and facilitate the repair of items that require any attention. Be careful not to spill, extend, or abuse materials. For adjustments, consult with the house tailor. Never leave a messy closet. If you steal clothing items, their ghosts will haunt you indeterminately.

t o o l s & t e C H n o l o Gy

Our tools and equipments are available for use by residents. Always check-out through the appropriate system. Lock up things after each and every use. Sorry, but you break it you buy it.

LiBRARY

We boast an extensive library of vintage information. You will need to check-out all books and return them to the library or explore periodicals with care.

Archives

We care for our virtual information as we care for our resources. Please share your information with us and contribute to our expanding public archive of the history of Elsewhere.

5. collections

Page 20: Elsewhere Orientation Packet 2011

606 south elm streetGreensboro, nC 27406

www.elsewhereelsewhere.org(336) 549 - 5555

Page 21: Elsewhere Orientation Packet 2011

606 South Elm StreetGreensboro, NC 27406

www.elsewhereelsewhere.org(336) 549 - 5555