What does it mean to participate in a PLAYshop?
I’m asking you to be a participant in an intimacy workshop!
There will be a series of these from now until the end of March 2019. Led by myself or other folks in the community, they will vary in levels of intimacy, sexual content, nudity and vulnerability – but will all have the intention of being filmed for this art project.
PLAYshop examples?
A boundary practice circle for saying "no" in sexual contexts / An intentional eye contact evening / A group practice of being seen in nudity / A naked dance party / A group for vocalizing empowerment / Orgasmic group massages / etc!
Stay tuned!
What exactly would we be filming?
I would be filming most of the workshop.
That being said, your boundaries are important! There will be an opening circle to discuss what you want and do not want on camera. You decide what you’re comfortable with and excited about - and we’ll work together to film something that is empowering for you and visually artistic for me.
Location will vary based on the workshop.
These will happen at different times from now until the end of March 2019.
Details for each workshop will be posted in the events made on Facebook.
Potential benefits of participating in the project include feeling proud, empowered, connected and sexy. You might feel like you’ve contributed to something important. You might learn about yourself. You might enjoy what you see on screen. You might meet folks you really connect with.
Being on screen isn’t always glamorous. Although it can be empowering and fun, it can also be difficult. You might not like what you see on screen. You might feel shame from having participated in pornography for the first time. You might not click with other members in the group. You might worry about your reputation. There are risks this work – and although I can be available to talk through them – you need to decide if this is something you want.
There is no shame in feeling like this isn't right for you.
Your participation in this project is not confidential. As we are working with moving image, audio and lived experience, there is potential for your person to be identified.
That being said, I can use a pseudonym of your choice for credits.
Your participation is yours to decide.
It's important that you feel a FUCK YES! if you want to join the project.
Your participation is voluntary. You are in full control. If, at any point in the process (pre-, during-, post-workshop) you change your mind, I will fully honor that. If you decide to withdraw from the project, we will work together to decide what is best to do with the footage of you. For the purposes of my editing timeline, I ask that this ideally be done before November 23rd OR March 29th. However, you have the agency to withdrawal at any point after these dates.
SafetyFirst.
Your physical and emotional safety matter to me. Each PLAYshop will begin with a check-in circle to discuss the group itinerary and individual boundaries (including safer sex, filming and emotional needs). Something I will particularly be helping you with is an after-care plan, to make sure you’re supported after your filming experience.
Where is the final project going?
If we’re lucky, the project will be shown at art shows, screenings and festivals worldwide! This will include pornography festivals. As it is a course assignment, a midterm version will be shown at OCAD University on November 30th and the final on (date TBD) of April 2019. You will be invited to all screenings of the project. The film will also be available on my website and Vimeo. Finally, there is a possibility of the film being added to PWYC feminist pornography sites. When any of these opportunities arise, you will be notified.