Common Place Apology
Published:
February 24, 2011 18:10
by
The Common Place
Neighbourhoods: leeds
Here is a statment from the Common Place regarding events around this article.
The CommonPlace would like to apologise for not acting earlier with regard to the racist implications of this event. We are happy to see an apology and explanation from the promoters, and see this as a sincere willingness to make amends.
The promoters have responded to complaints and concerns they have received regarding the way the event is represented on their advertising. They have recognised, as have we, how it could give the wrong, and wholly unintended, impression. They are also considering splitting the funds raised from the event with a traveller support group, as suggested by one person who raised a complaint.
The name of the event has been changed and there is a meeting tonight (8pm) to try and decide what else needs to be done.
Those currently involved in running The Common Place take very seriously any accusations of racism perpetrated by individuals, or racist intent of any events. We are a fundamentally proactive anti-racist organisation. History resoundingly shows that The Common Place has been over the years a much-needed home to multiple groups which partake in pro-active anti-racist activity, for example No Borders, United Refugee Organisation and Common Conversation. To call The Common Place racist is a clear smear.
We give space to a relative variety of groups, and when it comes to meetings or events, we believe that people should be empowered. Consequently, organisers of events at the CommonPlace have significant autonomy, and we trust them to make good decisions with the minimum of interference, but sometimes things fall through the cracks. We have always strived to ensure that any groups, events and meetings fit with our ethos.
However – it all comes down to whether this fundraiser for RPCC does in fact embody or represent racist humour. The event is essentially a couple of cabaret acts, and also some bands who play music in the ‘gypsy style’, not the most helpful of names, but one which will convey the type of music on offer to people who read reviews. The name is misleading as to the intent of the night, and thus should have been queried earlier. This was an omission which we deeply regret and hope to rectify as soon as possible, and hopefully move on.
The following is a message from the promoters, which has been posted widely.
We are really sorry for offending the Gypsy and Traveller community and everyone else who has been offended by the event title and event 'A Gypsy Nightmare'. The title or night has nothing to do with targeting the gypsy and traveller community. It's called a 'gypsy nightmare' because it's trying to describe the music we play and the other bands at the event. In the past we have been described as Gypsy Music many times in reviews and so have the other bands.
When we named the night we just thought about this musical link and I suppose the Romanticism of Eastern Europe back in 1400's. It is a one off event to raise funds for Royal Park School to stay open. An event we were hoping would make people enjoy the music we play and have some fun. Some fun at nobody else's expense. I know it's at a very late stage but we want to change the name to 'Madam Laycock presents...' and apologise for any offence caused to anyone. We have been in contact with GATE apologising and explaining why we chose the name.
Sincerely Sorry,
Madam Laycock and her Dabeno Pleasures
Additions
response to above
Published: February 24, 2011 23:53
by
Rebecca
I have no problems leaving my name to my comment. This is in response to the previous comment - have you actually seen this band, or know anyone in it? I have and do, and trust me the organisers fully engage with gypsy culture in its richness, they know the musical history and diversity of the gypsy traditions and this is incorporated into the music. For the traveller community to be on the defensive is one thing, they've suffered and its not surprising that such a reaction would come about, but for people in Leeds' alternative scene to assume that this is racist or stereotyped cultural appropriation is ridiculous. Don't work on the assumption that everyone involved is part of an appropriating culture - there are people in the scene who are not White British - or is mindlessly rehashing some vaguely eastern tune they heard once on the radio. This is a fundraiser for a good cause put on by good, knowledgable, respectful musicians.
Really..
Published: February 24, 2011 23:54
by
K
This is really silly..this night has nothing to do with the gypsy/traveller community so why should the promoters or the common place have a "history lesson" on the travellers/gypsy community. Over time cetain bands(not just this one) have been given the name of a "gypsy band" through review purposes so people could connect to what style of music it is.Have you (as the complaintant) actually been to a Madam Laycock gig?Have you read anything about the Royal Park School? Are you a gypsy/traveller?Are you chasing other "Gypsy bands" for being racist? These people are obviously trying to do something good in a community which desperately needs help raising the money to grt the Royal Park School building. How about you Stop with this silly critisism and get down the Council and critise them to give the Community the Royal Park School building it desperately needs.. you're good at making a point so use your skills to help make a better community.. ultimately that's what you're trying to do right?
It's all in the learning
Published: February 25, 2011 01:16
by
John the plummer
If we consider everything that has been said, is there a racist organisation putting on events at the Common Place?
The answer appears to be no.
Speaking as an urban dweller, an anarchist, and a supporter of the traveller struggle, i understand the obvious antagonism that has come from the night in Leeds named 'Gypsy Nightmare'.
Many people have expressed their dissatisfaction from hearing of this event. What is important, in my mind, is that we can recognise these disagreements and build more bonds that make us stronger. Together.
The event organisers have clearly seen the implications of their branding and made amends to redifine their image.
I support the Common Place, and i support all those who wish to use it for posive endeavours.
Lets not make enemies but find a common to.....Destroy Capitalism!!!
(Mmm...destructive creation...burn everything)
Enough already
Published: February 25, 2011 12:12
by
I don't like Eric Pickles
The name's been changed,an apologies been made, the bands are definitely not racists. Now lets start writing letters of complaint to the local papers like the YEP and Metro when they churn out their truly racist stereotypes and attacks on the travellers.
Let this be an end to all false speculation.
Published: February 25, 2011 18:36
by
Mildred
To clarify re: GATEFriday, 25 February, 2011 15:23
From: "Madam Laycock" <madam_laycock>View contact details
To: cpbookings@yahoo.co.uk, jess@qw6.net
Cc: Claire@leedsgate.co.uk
Hello,
Please could we just clarify that following a comment left on Indymedia which claimed GATE are fully backing this event and planning future events with Madam Laycock,
Madam Laycock did not post this comment. GATE do not back this event.
GATE will be represented by Claire on Saturday evening, who is welcome at the event where she will have literature about the organisation and happy to discuss any issues with anyone attending.
No future plans have been discussed or made between Madam Laycock and GATE. However, both are looking to take the positives from this situation, and will encourage others to do so.
Many thanks,
Madam Laycock
Event planned for Saturday 26th February
Published: February 25, 2011 21:23
by
proc
This event has been cancelled.
Serious complications have arisen at the last minute which we feel cannot be dealt with in the time available.
We hope to work closely with the promoters in the future on an exciting and inclusive event.
We also hope to be able to help raise funds for Royal Park Consortium, and be in more frequent contact from now on with Leeds Gypsy and Traveller Exchange (GATE).
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Subtleties missed...
Appreciate a response. That said -
"However – it all comes down to whether this fundraiser for RPCC does in fact embody or represent racist humour."
I don't think this is quite accurate. My objection to the night (and the basis for my complaint) was regarding cultural appropriation rather than racist humour. I feel like the night, and others like it, exploits stereotyped 'fun' parts of gypsy culture without engaging with the rest of it. It's a subtler matter than racist humour, and something that could do to be discussed.