Artists often use unusual materials â sharks, diamonds, elephant dung - you know the kind of thing.
But for a new commission, Manchester-based theatre and performance group, Quarantine are taking advantage of something more down to earth.
Their new project offers members of the public the chance to enjoy a free meal at Kabana curry house in the Northern Quarter in exchange for conversation.
This event is part of a series of artistic âinterventionsâ called Seven Sites, which aim to to make us look again at everyday situations, like meals and conversations by âframingâ or drawing attention to them.
This particular project is also a chance to tuck in for free at one of the cityâs most respected curry houses.
Conversation menu
You have to book your place in advance (see below for more info) but food is free, and each slot is around 45 minutes long.
Participants can choose from a âmenuâ of conversation topics. This includes starters (relating to things that have happened in the past), mains (current events or concerns) and afters (things which relate to the future).
Quaratineâs artisitc co-director, Richard Gregory points out that âconversation topics go as far as you want them to go. They are not hugely intrusive or personalâ.
The project also follows a trend, evident in Quarantineâs other projects; âWe aim to create the site for a conversationâ, Richard explains. âMost of our work acts towards this goal. This project, in particular, reduces it down to its barest bones: food as an excuse for conversation between strangers.â
Other Quarantine projects include âSoldierâs Songâ, an installation which allows you to sing a karaoke duet with a video of a British solider currently in service. The company often work with non-actors, and created the critically acclaimed touring theatre piece, âSusan and Darrenâ.
Slots are available Wed 6- Sat 9 June between noon and 3.30pm at Kabana, 52 Back Turner Street, Northern Quarter. Email [email protected] with your name, a contact phone number and details of availability.