The Art of Releasing Control: A Family Workshop on Food and Connection
“The workshop demonstrated to parents the inherent creativity they possess in guiding their children, and encouraged a shift towards openness.”
Text／Wendy Tai
Images／Rooftop Institute
As I reflect on my role as the artist-facilitator for Rooftop Institute’s Family Workshop, "Eat-it: Family Recipes in the Making," I am filled with gratitude and inspiration. This was my second collaboration with Rooftop, following our initial venture into co-designing Family Day workshops for Tai Kwun Contemporary. The joy and creativity of our first experience left a positive impression, highlighting my anticipation for this new opportunity.
Rooftop’s invitation came with a thoughtfully drafted vision document, outlining their commitment to engaging families through the transformative power of art. Their approach, reminiscent of the experiences found in their Event-Scores books, resonated deeply with me. I was happy to contribute my artistic voice to this creative and socially proactive endeavour.
We began with the design of the workshop, a collaborative process enriched by multiple discussions with Rooftop’s team. Through both in-person and virtual meetings, I received invaluable feedback, particularly on weaving my artistic practice into the workshop. Insights from guest consultant Janet, a Waldorf early childhood educator, were instrumental, ensuring our concepts were accessible and engaging for families with young children. This co-creation process allowed us to draw from the diverse perspectives of every team member, bringing together our collective experience.
I received a lot of logistical support from the Rooftop team. Their interns played a crucial role in preparing materials and food, ensuring a seamless experience for our participants. Throughout the facilitation, there was effective communication among team members, families, and myself, creating an atmosphere of collaboration and connection. After our first session, we dedicated time to reflect and refine our approach in preparation for the next one.
The workshop demonstrated to parents the inherent creativity they possess in guiding their children towards a balanced diet. It encouraged a shift towards openness, inviting families to explore how their children prefer to engage with food—an exercise in releasing control that proved to be both challenging and insightful. Participants were guided to savor their meals mindfully, fostering meaningful dialogues about food and the rituals surrounding it. This workshop became a rare space for nurturing the parent-child relationship, especially in the bustling context of Hong Kong’s busy families.
I envision this workshop as a continuation of the playful explorations undertaken by fellow artists such as Rirkrit Tiravanija, the People’s Kitchen Collective, Gudskul, and 1983, who address social concerns through the communal act of cooking and sharing meals. Together with the Rooftop team and Janet, I see the potential for this workshop to evolve, reaching a wider audience and enriching our collective journey. My heartfelt thanks to the Rooftop Institute team for their support, feedback, and commitment to this meaningful initiative.