We finally have the keys – despite the solicitors inflicting torture for nearly 6 months. And what a buliding! It's actually the first floor of a lace factory with red bricks, turrets and lots of natural light. Furthermore it's in fantastic condition and has the dimensions to set up 18 studios which are approx 200 sq ft.
And the pitfalls? Well, there are no artists' studios in Long Eaton. Nottingham and Derby are a good 20 minutes away. On the plus side, the public transport is excellent with trains & buses and the occasional barges. Only joking – they don't offer passenger services!
We've had a big push this week to get the partitions made. My partner Jem has taken a week off work to crack on. Sheila and Kristian Ravnkilde have also been stars and sacrificed a lot of time to help.
We've had to do it ourselves because Mr Peabody quoted £25,000. Funny money! We did think about going to the Arts Council for funding but it takes 12 weeks for an application to be processed. As everyone knows there are no guarantees. In the meantime you have loans, service charges and other bill racking up – and an empty building. This way we are able to get artists in as the partitions are erected.
We have 8 studios ready, with 6 occupied so 2 are up for grabs. We have other artists signed up later on, including a couple of students who are taking a space over the summer.
There is also the strong possibility that will be able to offer a bursary for a residency for a graduate, with support for exhibitions etc. Watch this space.
Been cutting wood all day today to create 3 partitions. That's a lot of timber and a lot of cutting. 78ft x 6ft of studding. Quite boring, but necesary. Have pre-drilled the holes for the studding and they are now ready for assembly.
