[off/track is a collective of artists, facilitators, creative producers and researchers]
Learn about our work with East African Soul Train, a journey of creative rebirth on historic train tracks
learn about our work with lost+found, a hybrid artist residency born from the pandemic
we consult on a wide range of topics and offer experience design, creative production or research services for clients in the cultural and social impact fields drawing on our extensive experience and expertise in cultural management, social innovation, research, creative production and artistic practice within the collective
Why we do what we do [wwdwwd]
We believe that connected, courageous and [diverse][inverse][versed] culture-makers
are needed to evolve and unlock our humanity's potential
In a time of change, when hegemonic perspectives that have dominated social, political and economic thought are unravelling and revealing their dysfunction, we believe in the power of connecting creatives, inspiring risk-taking and reimagining old narratives, pushing the boundaries of artistic practice, and expanding the impact of our work through collaborations and smart, inclusive networks. Systems level change requires a change in mindsets, beliefs and consciousness - and culture holds the keys to these.
Unique, intense atmospheres and environments impact how we come together, how we perceive, think and create. In our work they hold a critical part in all of our designs and experiments.
The real impact of our work lies in the creative re-birth we experience through [the journeys] and the collaborations and connections that emerge based on the trust we have built through our shared experiences. It speaks to the potency of process vs output-oriented residencies and to the power of atmospheres, unique environments and shared adventures that allow us to re-imagine and re-invent ourselves and our worlds.
off/track is a creative collective [not a legal entity] founded by Geraldine Hepp and Poppy Spowage. We create work in collaboration with partners and individuals.
EAST16 collaborated with Distant Relatives Eco-Lodge and Creatives Garage and was supported by British Council and powered by What's Good Live.
EAST17 collaborated with Distant Relatives Eco-Lodge, Creatives Garage, and was supported by Africalia and the British Council.
EAST19 collaborated with CDEA, Tasuba Arts College in Tanzania, and was supported by individual patrons, Burning Man Global Arts Grant and the Arts and Humanities Research Council UK.
LOST+FOUND 2021 was a collaboration between the EAST collective, MeshWorks, Freehand Studios, Positively African and Ugly Duck, supported by Africa Culture Fund, Goethe Institute Tanzania and Goethe Zentrum Kampala.
Lost+Found 2023 is a collaboration between the EAST collective, MeshWorks, Freehand Studios, Ugly Duck and Nafasi Arts with the support of British Council #SSAArts and Pro Helvetia, the Swiss Arts Council. In 2023, EAST is supported by Miller-Zillmer Foundation.
Photos by Lena Giovanazzi, Jude Clark, Bwette Photography, Christina Thompson, Danny Msirikale, Martin Kharumwa, Geraldine Hepp, Rohini Das or by courtesy of the artists and as indicated on Instagram.
Videos by Emily McCartney, Anna Cardovillis and Ali Musoke
© 2023