In September, a thought-provoking exhibition titled The Machine: Chapter 1 – Manufacturing Consent will open its doors at Peer Studios in Ventnor — and artists are now being invited to submit their proposals for work to be included.
The pervasive influence of media on society
This exhibition will delve into the pervasive influence of corporate-owned media on society, inspired by the groundbreaking work of Edward S. Herman and Noam Chomsky.
Their 1988 book, Manufacturing Consent, outlined five filters that shape the news we consume, effectively controlling the narrative presented to the public.
How media shapes our perceptions
The exhibition aims to shed light on how mainstream media, whether corporate or state-owned, can shape our perceptions and impact our daily lives.
This influence extends from tabloid newspapers to local and global media, encompassing radio, television, and even advertising. The content, or sometimes the lack thereof, affects individuals, groups, and entire communities in various ways.
The role of independent, investigative journalism
One of the key focuses of the exhibition is the rhetoric propagated by these media outlets. Often, the narratives presented can influence public opinion, societal norms, and even government policies. The absence of reporting on certain issues can be just as significant as the stories that are covered, creating a skewed perception of reality.
The exhibition will explore the role of independent, investigative journalism in challenging the dominance of these unaccountable media corporations. Independent journalists often bring to light the stories that the mainstream media overlooks or deliberately ignores, highlighting the importance of a free and diverse press.
Challenging the Status Quo
Through various artistic interpretations, The Machine: Chapter 1 – Manufacturing Consent will engage visitors in a critical examination of how corporate-owned media shapes our world.
The artworks will reflect on the mechanisms of control and the subtle ways in which consent is manufactured among the public. This chapter of the exhibition series serves as a starting point for a broader conversation about media ownership, control, and the need for accountability.
Submit your proposal
Artists wishing to take part are invited to submit their proposals by noon on Friday 16th August.
They are encouraged to first watch this video below about the seminal work of Noam Chomsky and Edward S Herman.
The Media Reform Coalition is one of the groups that challenge unaccountable media corporations. There are also many independent, investigative journalism that shine the spotlight on how corporate owned, mainstream media isn’t covering the stories they should, some examples include;
– Democracy Now
– Declassified UK
– Byline Times
– Double Down News
– Unredacted
What to provide
Please outline your proposal (emailed to [email protected]), detailing information of mediums and the size of your work, how it will need to be displayed.
A panel of artists, writers, activists and independent journalists will review all applications. Applicants will be notified by email.
Costs
The cost to exhibit will be £20 if you wish to sell your work. If work is not for sale, there will be no cost to exhibit.
It is intended that this exhibition will not be cost prohibitive, to encourage more people to participate.
Once costs are deducted, all proceeds will go to support independent journalism in the UK.
Printed leaflet
Organisers are also collating a leaflet to promote artists who are submitting work, if you would like to be included please submit your name, social media links, a brief synopsis of your work.
If you would like to perform spoken word, please submit your ideas and detail when you would
like to perform this (times and dates). We will have an opening event on Friday 6th September.
If selected
If selected, all work must be received in Ventnor by Wednesday 4th September at Peer Studios.
Please ensure you have enough time to make new work and have it ready by this date.
The exhibition itself will take place at Pier Studios on Friday 6th September and will run until
Thursday 12th September inclusive.
Email [email protected] with your proposal.
