S1 Ep1: Make Your Own Entertainment | Coping Mechanisms

Somerset House Podcast

How do we cope when our world is unexpectedly turned upside down?

When lockdown was imposed on the UK, almost all of Iain & Jane's projects came to a grinding halt. With unexpected time on their hands, they discussed starting an online project… but then, like many of us, did nothing else about it.

Fortunately, some did bother, and these online lockdown projects have helped many of us feel a little less isolated. For some, especially performers, it has been about finding ways to carry on regardless. With a new album and tour postponed because of the pandemic, Jarvis Cocker begun hosting a Domestic Disco on Instagram. Here, he discusses spinning records from his living room and inviting viewers to join him for a socially-distanced dance.

For others, the priority has been keeping platforms open and ensuring voices are still heard. Alain ‘Fusion’ Clapham is the founder of Black Man’s Time. At the start of lockdown he was about to launch a new live project, Black Love Stories, an immersive mix of spoken word, art, film and conversation. Determined to create something positive out of the moment, Black Love Stories was swiftly reassembled online, and now airs every Friday night on Instagram Live.

These illuminating and amusing conversations traverse the collective importance of such initiatives; and why we turn to the arts in time of crisis; as well as looking closer at the individuals behind these ventures and learning more about their creative drive.

Coping Mechanisms is a Somerset House podcast.

Created by Iain Forsyth & Jane Pollard

Produced by Eleanor Scott & Daniel Breuer

Music by Bernholtz.

Thank you to all the artists who have contributed to the series.