I’m homeless and have no money –
Where can I go for something to eat and drink?
Where can I find shelter when it is raining or snowing?
Where can I go to the toilet during the day?
Where can I go to the toilet during the night?
Where can I get a bath or a shower?
Where can I get clothes, footwear and a blanket?
Where can I sleep during the night that is safe?
Where can I go to use a computer?
Where can I go to use a telephone?
Where can I go to see a doctor?
Where can I go to see a dentist?
Frequently Asked Questions was first presented in 2014 as part of Assembly, a larger body of work made with over 50 homeless people living in Brighton and Hove, commissioned by Brighton Photo Fringe. Seeking a way to present research about support and services available to homeless people, I struck up a collaboration with a participant called Gerald Mclaverty. This involved sending email correspondence to council representatives in cities and towns across the UK, written from Gerald’s experience of homelessness, requesting information about services provided in each locality. At the heart of Frequently Asked Questions is a number of questions that enquire about a homeless individual’s right to access to basic living provisions such as shelter, personal safety, health, food, and communication. It is Gerald’s firm belief that councils around the UK do not always have adequate answers to these questions.
Throughout 2017 Gerald and I undertook further research with a new round of enquires sent to 61 local authorities. Frequently Asked Questions is presented at Tate Liverpool as a 13-meter wall installation in the Tate Exchange space accompanied by a programme of events, as part of State of the Nation with the Museum of Homelessness. The work invites audiences to contemplate the information and range of responses provided by the local authorities. It provides a picture of how services both help and hinder people, and gives insight into the challenges and realities faced by the most marginalised individuals in society as they attempt to access systems of care.
Anthony Luvera, 2017
Talks and workshops
Tuesday 23rd January
Rough Justice (2pm – 4pm): A public discussion exploring the broader picture for homelessness. The number of people sleeping rough is rising across the UK with more than 6000 people asking for help and advice in Liverpool alone last year. This event will be delivered in partnership with Liverpool Salon and speakers include housing and policy experts Julie Fadden (South Liverpool Homes) and Dave Clements (Social Policy Forum), Ruth Patrick (University of Liverpool), Rob Farnos (The Whitechapel Centre), artist Anthony Luvera, and Liverpool Salon director Pauline Hadaway.
Thursday 25th January
A Soldier’s Story Workshop (2pm-3.30pm): David Tovey will be running a workshop that will introduce the public to his installation, A Soldier’s Story, also presented as part of State of the Nation by the Museum of Homelessness at Tate Liverpool. Attendees will hear about the work and learn about how homelessness affects the lives of many ex-servicemen. There will also be opportunities to contribute stories to this powerful and moving artwork.
Friday 26th January
State of the Nation Conversations (2pm-5pm): Activists and artists will discuss the major issues for homelessness in 2017 and 2018 through a series of creative presentations. Speakers include representatives from Greater Manchester Housing Action, and artists Anthony Luvera, and Tony Mallon.
Performances and screenings
Saturday 27th January
Choir with No Name (4pm-4.30pm): Join the Choir with No Name for an afternoon of singing and music on Saturday 27 January. The Choir with No Name is a choir for people affected by homelessness and other adults who may be at risk due to mental health, addiction, recovery, or otherwise socially isolated and marginalised.
Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th January
Exchanges (12noon-4pm): Exchanges is a collection of objects and stories from across the UK offering a snapshot of what’s happening in people’s lives and homelessness throughout the UK. Testimonies will be shared by our actors throughout the weekend.
All events are free and some are bookable. To get tickets visit the Tate website here.
About the Museum of Homelessness
The Museum of Homelessness (MoH) is the first of its kind in the UK and is being developed by people from all walks of life, including those who have been homeless. The community explores the art, history and culture of homelessness to make a difference for homeless people today. The MoH make the invisible visible through collecting, research, events and exhibitions. The organisation does not yet have a building, so works with partners to produce public programmes. State of the Nation is a year-long creative exploration into the homelessness crisis that grips the UK. Launched on 8th April with a two day event at Tate Exchange at Tate Modern, this year’s worth of activity is a campaign that shines a light on the realities of homelessness today and one that is pushing for change. It includes major events, displays, intimate talks, video blogs, articles and much more.
www.museumofhomelessness.org