KEMENETH – the Cornish word for community – is an artist’s project by Adam James in collaboration with St Ives communities and Tate. Developed through social practice, James presents an installation at Tate St Ives and an online larp (live action role play) workshop in a virtual reality environment, alongside ‘augmented reality’ (AR) sculptures that can be discovered in public spaces around St Ives.
These AR encounters are experienced by using the KEMENETH app at two sites in St Ives, where you’ll discover relics of KEMENETH’s fictional alternative communities and invitations to respond to the ‘sculptures’ through play.
At St Ives Community Orchard and Nature Reserve uncover the imagined site of The Fiery Foraging Warriors, a fire community modelled on equality, early foraging, and witches’ covens. Devised as a family, they stand against the unnecessary hoarding of wealth. They model the change they want to see through a simpler, more spiritually harmonious life, with a focus on learning together and sharing skills and resources.
On The Island, St Ives, find the home of The Inclusive Isolationists Society, a creative community who have inhabited a fictional ‘island of strange events’. Responding to the risk of pandemics and a weariness from using technology, they have sought refuge in a magical and secluded location. Making connections through an interest in creative practices, this community is event-focused, placing renewed significance on collective play, discussion, and new forms of creativity.
The Island, St Ives, TR26 1SZ
St Ives Community Orchard and Nature Reserve, Penbeagle Lane, St Ives, TR26 2HS
Please look after the natural environment as you enjoy exploring. The Island, Community Orchard and Nature Reserve are natural spaces with mixed terrain and uneven ground.
Find more information on car parks and public toilets around St Ives.
Stay safe. Please take care exploring KEMENETH sites with this app. Playing with AR is fun, so it is important not to lose sight of your real environment and any risks it poses.
We recommend children are accompanied by a responsible adult.
Both sites have steep hills, steps and natural footpaths including those made from mud, grass and rock, and as such are not fully accessible. The Island is on a peninsular partially surrounded with steep rocks and sea. The Nature Reserve is in a remote location, so please note the recommended route identified within the app. We recommend you take care while moving around and pay attention to where you are walking, particularly if you are looking at your smartphone screen. Tate St Ives cannot be held legally responsible for damage caused to your health, safety and personal property whilst in these locations.
Plan your visit for daylight hours and consider the weather. Wear appropriate clothing for exploring outdoor environments and sensible footwear for walking on uneven ground.
The app uses mobile data to make the AR appear. If your mobile phone signal is weak, it may impact your experience in viewing the AR.
