Follow us

 

FLOI Origins

The Annual Gathering

The gatherings are informal and fun, relaxed and creative. Everyone who comes along is invited to participate – give a talk, make a presentation, share a skill, run a workshop, help with the cooking, present part of a show or a work-in-progress.

It all happens in 48 hours spent together. Key to this is that we eat and drink together. As with all outdoor events people are free to vote with their feet. We programme several sessions to run simultaneously, one or two practical sessions alongside more talky / listeny ones.

The schedule is literally comprised of attendees, with one or two special guest artists and speakers.

See our Videos page to catch up on some of these. 

The Annual Gathering

The gatherings are informal and fun, relaxed and creative. Everyone who comes along is invited to participate – give a talk, make a presentation, share a skill, run a workshop, help with the cooking, present part of a show or a work-in-progress.

It all happens in 48 hours spent together. Key to this is that we eat and drink together. As with all outdoor events people are free to vote with their feet. We programme several sessions to run simultaneously, one or two practical sessions alongside more talky / listeny ones.

The schedule is literally comprised of attendees, with one or two special guest artists and speakers.

See our Videos page to catch up on some of these. 

The AGM

As part of FLOI we run the NASA UK Annual Congregation + General Meeting. This is where we hear from our members about the situation on the ground, the wider sector and what their needs are in the context of making outdoor art work. It also where our Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary briefly update members and guests on our ongoing projects, governance and finances. Members get to nominate and vote Steering Group members on (and off if leaving – a constitutional requirement) and into particular job roles. If you are keen to read AGM minutes or find out who it was who said that thing last time then drop us a line. Got any snaps or memories of FLOI you’d like to share? Do get in touch. floi@nasauk.org

The origins of For the Love Of It

FLOI was started by Chris Squire (Impossible Arts) and Pete Gunson (PifPaf). After their first two events they started working with NASA UK to develop the event, idea, and concept. The NASA UK annual AGM and congress for example is held at FLOI where members and attendees can feedback and be heard. Garth Williams (Safety Catch) stepped in to fill Pete’s steel toe boots in 2015 on behalf of the NASA steering group. Chris Squire since joined the steering group in 2017. We continue to evolve the FLOI format, which is now run by all the steering group members. In 2021 we held FLOI as an online event during lockdown alongside numerous Zoom gatherings and discussions. In 2022 we were at a new venue at Out There Arts’ Drill Hall. In 2023 we were back in our nominal home at 101 Outdoor Arts Creation Space. 2024 was at Walk the Plank again in Manchester. For 2025 we are returning to 101 Outdoor Arts Creation Space. Join us there!

FLOI Themes and Locations

  • 2024 –  – Cobden Works, Salford 
  • 2023 – The Bizarre – 101 Outdoor Arts, Newbury
  • 2022 –  – Out There Arts, Yarmouth
  • 2021  – Yes, And – Held online during lockdown
  • 2020  – Boundary – Cobden Works, Salford
  • 2019  – Located – 101 Outdoor Arts, Newbury
  • 2018  – Method –  Cobden Works, Salford
  • 2017  – Opposition – 101 Outdoor Arts, Newbury
  • 2016  – Inspiration – The Watershed, Slaithwaite
  • 2015  – Magic Marvel Mystery – 101 Outdoor Arts
  • 2014 – Public Realm – Appetite in Stoke-on-Trent
  • 2013  – The Love Of It – The College Project, Bristol
  • 2012 – Cooking Up Ideas –The Lanternhouse, Ulverston
  • 2011 – Ambition – The Watershed, Slaithwaite
  • 2010 – Collaboration –The Watershed, Slaithwaite

FLOI Themes and Locations

  • 2020  – Boundary – Cobden Works, Salford 
  • 2019  – Located – 101 Outdoor Arts, Newbury
  • 2018  – Method –  Cobden Works, Salford
  • 2017  – Opposition – 101 Outdoor Arts, Newbury
  • 2016  – Inspiration – The Watershed, Slaithwaite
  • 2015  – Magic Marvel Mystery – 101 Outdoor Arts, Newbury
  • 2014 – Public Realm – Appetite in Stoke-on-Trent
  • 2013  – The Love Of It – The College Project, Bristol
  • 2012 – Cooking up Ideas –The Lanternhouse, Cumbria
  • 2011 – Ambition – The Watershed, Slaithwaite
  • 2010 – Collaboration –The Watershed, Slaithwaite
Highlights from For the Love Of It, including Hilary Westlake’s guest artist talk from 2020. There’s more on our Videos page. 

The cost of FLOI

FLOI is kept very low in price (£45 early bird NASA member – to £60 late bird non member) at a point in the season when people often have little in the bank. Costs include all workshops, food and refreshments (other than bar), but not accommodation. We endeavour to make accommodation afforable and to pool travel and accommodation to reduce costs wherever possible. There is a £10 discount for NASA members, making NASA membership worth half its weight in FLOI. FLOI 21 is pay what you like / or a donation – we suggest you just join us if you haven’t yet… so it’s as cheap as the price of membership, for all the fun you can eat and more.