The manner in which individual subjectivities come together to form another unique single identity is transformative, creative, dynamic and multifaceted. Artists working together develop a collective imaginary, another entity. This process varies from collective to collective: within the collectives involved in Making It Work, there is diversity in structure, location, as well as chosen media and approach and these factors all impact the creative process in one way or another.

But in spite (or because) of these complex interpersonal dynamics, collectives are able to produce work which none of the members would necessarily be able to make on their own. There is a shared roster of skills, experiences, references, personalities and energy that together can take projects to ambitious and unexpected places. Collaboration can provide an extra level of confidence, thoroughness and, conversely, a level of spontaneity that a lone artist might not allow him or herself. In this sense, collectives function as heterotopian bubbles – invented communal spaces of both engagement and retreat. The process of being in a collective is sometimes where the most interesting work arises. Indeed, by combining their strengths collectives are in their own way making it work.