Welcome to the first meeting of Microdose Art Collective!

This session will include discussion, art making and creative writing in celebration of non-ordinary states of consciousness. Microdose is an art collective and discussion group that focuses on psychedelia in everyday contexts.

It treats the psychedelic state as something that can be accessed through substances but that ultimately exists independently of them—a dimension or experience of reality that is carried back to this one in various ways. The intention is to collectively and creatively explore how we might stay connected to love, truth and unity in all states of consciousness.

Using prompts, we will begin by contemplating our individual understanding of ‘psychedelia’ and exploring common themes. Participants will then be invited to make art based on their definitions. The intention is to create a space for free expression—no art skills are required. With this understanding, participants will be invited to share an artefact related to their personal experience of non-ordinary states of consciousness (see ‘what you will need’ section!).

We will then do a creative writing exercise to tell the story of the artefact. The idea is to create a living museum of psychedelia, where symbols are explored through images and language. We will conclude the session by creating collaborative poetry, compiled of lines from the writing exercise, like an exquisite corpse art game.

We hope the surreal, fragmented poetry will mimic the qualities of the psychedelic experience! With the permission of participants, we will compile the artwork from the session into a zine, which will be distributed to the group when completed.

The cost of the ticket includes the use of art supplies, a vegan (non-psychedelic!) beverage, and a copy of the zine. We really hope to see you there!!

What you will need:

An artefact related to your individual experience of an altered state of consciousness. This could be a song that you like or have written, an object, a poem or piece of writing, artwork, a photograph, or anything else that holds meaning for you.

Artefacts related to dreams, meditation, childhood or similar experiences, or just associated with psychedelia/consciousness more broadly, are welcome too. Art supplies will be provided, but if you like to work in specific mediums or with specific tools, then please bring these along.

Disclaimer

Please note: We do not facilitate psychedelic experiences and do not actually microdose during sessions! The intention is to engage with psychedelia beyond the psychedelic state. There is also no requirement to have experience with psychedelic states. Only curiosity and the desire to create are necessary!!

About the facilitators:

Leonie and Adam are both writers, artists and academics living together in Manchester. Adam teaches yoga and tattoos, while Leonie teaches meditation and therapeutic writing. Dinner table conversations include: dream states, weirdness, love.

@microdoseartcollective @adammdcadeillustration @leoniearowland