ABSTRACT
PLATFORM brings together the arts and activism to create projects which address issues of social and ecological justice. Founded in 1983, we have worked consistently in this manner, mainly in London and the Tidal Thames Valley, our home. Deep and radical political shifts often require long time scales in order to be even partially realized, but to sustain engagement in challenging issues individuals need the support and encouragement that comes from community. The driving force behind many social practice artists and arts groups such as PLATFORM is the desire to pursue and realize radical political change. Building communities around these intents is, in our experience, key to maintaining the input of energy necessary for achieving—and indeed pursuing—these goals. However, building communities is difficult and full of pitfalls.
