What Artists Bring to the Table examined the wide range of narratives that food offers us. The program, which ran from July to November, centred around a statement by Rarámuri Nation ethnoecologist Enrique Salmón: “Eating is a political act, it is more than just eating. We choose what we eat, and therefore support a process….But eating it also a cultural act that reaffirms one’s identity and worldview each time one sits down with a plate….We eat both memories and knowledge.” The program gave participants a chance to each work directly with an artist to cook a meal or learn a food-related skill, and then sit down to discuss how the workshop related to a bigger food topic, all while enjoying their delicious creation.

The workshops begin on Saturday, July 6th with Vancouver-based artist Amanda Huynh, who taught how to make Chinese-style dumplings and discussing migration through exploring territory and resiliency. On Sunday, August 4th, Victoria-based artist Alexis Hogan created food and discussion around food as a site of connecting, both through healing and rupture. On Sunday, September 1st, Vancouver-based collective Derya Akay, Vivienne Bessette, and Kurtis Wilson investigated ideas of (self)sustainability and implementing alternative means of food production through their workshop and discussion. On Sunday, October 6th, Salt Spring Island-based artist Elisa Rathje made apple cider using a century-old cider press, while discussing how to transition to simply living in an era of ecological crisis.

What Artists Bring to the Table gave individuals a chance to actually take part in non-traditional art practices, and explored how art can intersect with all forms of life. Participants were brought together through the shared interest of eating food, but learned more about important topics like food security, sustainability, and food colonization.

Photos: Adrian Paradis