Just been discussing next years graduate residency with the ADO from Erewash Council. The pot which funded Polly's space has diminished, but apparently this doesn't mean the money can't come from another purse. Also there are a few hoops to jump through in terms of evaluation and public benefit etc. Fair enough because this is public money.
We have a waiting list so support from the council is not quite so critical this year, though I have to say, the partnership helps to raise the profile of HMS… and I'm sure we also tick a few boxes in relation to Arts and Culture in the borough too. The successful applicant works in the community, so the public have the benefit of working with a professional artist. All good!
The residency poses a slight problem for the beneficiary. A year comes round very quickly and the artist maybe left homeless at the end of the term. Even if they are prioritised on the waiting list, the timing may be rubbish.
Anyway, we are meeting in a few weeks when funding will be clearer, to discuss all these issues.
