Make Yourself Comfortable is a live exhibition of a negotiation between two strangers. We watch as they work out how to build something together: a piece of flat pack furniture.

It’s not for either of them, it’s for somebody else in the community who has asked for it.

They have a conversation whilst they’re building it, responding to provocations written into the step-by-step instructions.

The whole thing happens in a public. Some people will watch, others will walk by; some people will offer to lend a hand. Once the furniture is built it’s packed up and taken to its new home, its primary aim to make somebody else a little bit more comfortable in the world.

Early next year there will be a call out both online and on the streets of Stockton on Tees. The final event will take place in the town centre at the end of April 2025.

Artist – Kate Daley

Designer & Collaborator – Lisa Mattocks

About Kate Daley

Kate is a freelance artist and producer. She is also a member Quarantine’s ensemble and has collaborated with the company for the last 10 years. Based primarily in Manchester, Kate also works across Leeds with Transform Festival as a freelance producer.  She graduated from Salford University with a BA in Contemporary Theatre Practice, and an MA in Art & Design: Creative Technology.

As an artist Kate’s work is rooted in how people shape a place and how a place shapes its people, often making the making of the thing visible as part of the work.

Her most recent works include Building of spines, The people of, I am the space where I am Ark and Vista Privilegiada/Privileged view.

Kate is currently working with Culture Co-op and Middleton Co Operating to open a new community art space in Middleton, Manchester.

Make Yourself Comfortable is part of ARC’s Make New Work Programme and was made in response to the provocations of Kindness and Lifelines.

As part of ARC’s Make New Work Programme Make Yourself Comfortable is supported by funding from Paul Hamlyn Foundation.

Paul Hamlyn Foundation logo showing name of organisation and letters phf