Neoliberalism, the system that governs all our lives, is dying, and it’s trying to take us all down with it. But we are in what Gramsci called an interregnum. We are between the old world and the new one, and a great variety of morbid fuckery has appeared as the new world struggles to be born. Plymouth Social Club is part of a network of similar efforts that are exploring new socio-economic ways of being, and how we can bring them about. We take our cue from The World Transformed; maximum inclusion, diversity, creativity and radicalism. We want to address the future – through book talks, workshops, artistic practice, roleplaying strategy sessions, music and film – and how we can get there together.
Q & A with Jack
What do you love about showing and/or making work in Plymouth?
There’s an incredible density of networked individuals in Plymouth right now, all sparking off each other and collaborating. That can have its downsides but I think the positives majorly outweigh them. It feels that after years of neglect the city is making a go of it, so it’s an exciting time to be here and share in that.
What can you tell us about this project, and why is now a good time to share it?
Plymouth Social Club is part of regional network of inclusive political education, you could say. It started with The World Transformed, which itself came out of things like Brick Lane Debates. Now we have Bristol Transformed (which I helped organise), Derby Social Club and others. There’s a groundswell of activity right now that’s trying to bring tools to light for getting beyond the crisis we’re all in, as everything crumbles around us. In a different context, Neoliberalism had its own version of this moment historically, with the Mont Pelerin Society. And I should say we couldn’t have done this without the support of Real Ideas Organisation and Ocean Studios, who’ve been incredibly generous and supportive, and I must name drop Claire Honey in particular.
What are you excited to see at this year’s PAW, and why?
Isn’t this just where people name drop their mates? Which I am about to do! I’m looking forward to Elena Brake’s Playground session. I don’t know much about NOTOPIA but it sounds great and in my age bracket. New Economic Models, naturally. The Alternative Blue Plaque project. North Star Study Group’s Monument walk. But there’s so much good stuff this year so check as much of it as you can!
25, 26 & 27 Sept 2020 