This week's homework is to continue with conversation. We are to think about what it is the other participants gain from being involved. And to introduce an element of exchange. We noted in our class discussion that participants were probably already gaining from the conversations. Examples of this were:

food,
mental stimulation,
an opportunity to discuss something of interest,
hanging out with like-minded people.

I love being provided with a framework in which to act. The brief to think about a formal aspect of exchange has helped me to plan my next conversation. I will base it around public art and introduce an element of making. Which I hope the participants will feel rewarded by doing, and get something to take away. I hope the conversation will help me to develop skills in listening, openness to others ideas and contributing clearly.

The other element we will be introducing is recording. This led me to remember facilitation techniques I came across when working in environmental education 'Open Space Technology' is one I will look up. There must be lots of parallels to the techniques that we are developing in this course and disciplines such as community development, environmental education. Is there a distinction that makes the techniques we are learning unique to the art arena?