ACTION SPACE Huw Wahl, UK 2016, 86 mins

Founded by the filmmaker’s father Ken Turner and Mary Turner in 1968, Action Space used large interactive inflatable structures to create interventions into public spaces. By bringing together artists, performers, dancers, painters and musicians, the movement sought to produce cultural democratic spaces for art, education and creative play outside of the restrictive gallery system arena. This film looks at the years between ‘68 and ‘78, exploring contemporary and pertinent issues around public / private space, individual / collective creativity, community and responsibility, emancipation and play. Featuring archive footage alongside discussions with key members of the movement, present-day writers and theorists, it uses the construction of a new inflatable to bring these arguments into the contemporary realm. This is the story of a radical artist-led art movement told through a personal lens.

Part of our Air Draft weekend programme exploring the interaction of self and space through public art and pneumatics. Full programme here.