SET 91 continues the Open Series with a Crit Circle led by Elida Silvey, a writer, editor and artist whose practice explores visual culture, identity and memory. This session offers a structured yet informal space for artists and writers to share work in progress and receive feedback through collective discussion.
Crit circles have often been shaped by institutional or academic settings. This session reimagines that format as a more open, collaborative environment, where participants can engage critically while supporting one another’s development. The focus is on creating a space that is welcoming, constructive and grounded in mutual respect.
This crit-circle will run for 1 hour and 30 minutes, with participants joining as either ‘readers’, sharing their work, or ‘listeners’, contributing to the discussion. Each reader will have a set amount of time to present, followed by group feedback and conversation, with timing managed to ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate.
Who’s it for?
This session is open to artists, writers and practitioners working across disciplines.
It will be particularly relevant for those:
- Developing new or in-progress work independently
- Interested in sharing and receiving constructive feedback
- Looking to engage with others in a supportive, discussion-led setting
What to expect
The session will include:
- A facilitated crit circle led by Elida Silvey
- Opportunities for selected participants (‘readers’) to share work
- Group feedback and discussion
- A collaborative and informal format
Reader guidelines
- Up to 1,000 words of text, or
- Up to 5 minutes of video or moving image work
Our aim is to build a community of artists that build each other up. Participants are encouraged to approach both giving and receiving feedback with care and consideration, contributing to a respectful and supportive environment. Any abuse will not be tolerated.
What you'll takeaway
Participants will leave with:
- Constructive feedback on their work (for readers)
- Insight into different approaches to critique and discussion
- Greater confidence in sharing and articulating ideas
- Opportunities to connect with other practitioners
Event details
Date: 9 April
Arrival: 6pm
Session time: 6:30-9pm
Location: SET 91, 91 Tabernacle Street, Old Street, London, EC2A 4JN
Capacity: 15 participants
- 7 reader slots (bringing work to critique)
- 8 listener slots
This event is run on a pay-what-you-can basis, with a suggested donation of £5.
As places are limited, we kindly ask that you only book if you are able to attend so that others who would benefit from the session are able to take part.
If you can no longer attend, please cancel your ticket so the space can be offered to someone else.
About the facilitator
Elida Silvey is a self-taught Mexican-American writer, editor and artist based in London. Her work explores visual theory and its relationship to identity, time and the construction of the self through (collective) memory.
She is an Editor at Montez Press and one half of Dream Sequence, an experimental film club dedicated to non-linear and hybrid cinematic practices. Her writing spans personal essays, poetry, criticism and experimental forms that explore how visual culture mediates lived experience. Her debut novel will be published by Montez Press in 2027.
About SET 91 and the Open Series
This session is part of the SET 91 Open Series, a programme of talks, workshops and discussions supporting artists in navigating, developing and contextualising contemporary practice.
SET 91 is SET’s contemporary arts gallery on Tabernacle Street in Old Street, providing a non-profit platform for early-career and underrepresented artists to develop and present new work through exhibitions, performances and public events.
Learn more: https://setspace.uk/set-91/