“The artwork on the cover of this program guide offers the possibility for multiple and layered interpretations. Karen Bell, visual artist, chose to work in broad strokes and wild colour that might be experienced as whimsical. In contrast, the central image of a woman working at a computer, wearing what appears to be a gas-mask or face guard, is disturbing; conjuring representations of the future from popular culture of mechanized people disconnected from the body and its limitations. She is flanked by two clocks; her day at work without apparent end or beginning. The number 1886 introduces another layer, a window into the past. In Chicago on May 1st, 1886 workers went on strike for an eight-hour work day. The striking workers were regarded as ‘radical anarchist rioters! In many history texts, that day is commonly referred to as ‘The Haymarket Riot’ where, in 1889, a 9-foot bronze of a Chicago police officer was erected on the original ‘riot’ site. Today, May 1st 1886 is widely recognized as the beginning of the labour movement as we now know it.” – Anna Camilleri, Festival 2003 Coordinator
This 18th Mayworks Festival was a call to action—a call for art to action—to all activists and unionists to respond to the deterioration of public infrastructures both locally and on a global political level.