I thought i’d go into more detail on our development weekend, and the benefits of using some of our Arts Council budget to employ a mentor.
The 11-12 of September saw us reside in Lincoln for 2 days to work on developing the organisational side of the Lincoln Art Programmes well as looking forward to our future plans / projects.
When writing the ACE application for this period of activity we decided it would be beneficial for us to use some of the funding to employ a mentor that would guide us in things we have limited experience on, such as organisational development, and financial planning. we took the decision to ask Lincolnshire based artist and curator John Plowman, head of Lincoln universities MA course and co-director of lincolnshire based art organisation Beacon Art project, we felt his experience of developing an organisation in the region and dealing with audience development in low engagement areas was a resource we felt we could tap into.
In the first meeting we had with him, during our development weekend, it soon became clear that his advice was invaluable, he was able to advise us on the decisions we had already made in relation to where we want to take the Lincoln Art Programme, as well as giving us advice on things we hadnt thought about or considered. If i could give any advice to other new art organisations, it would be to think about utilising other people experience who are willing to help your own organization grow, in a mentor role.
As myself and Anneka attended the Lincoln MA Show we have spent some time thinking about the possibility of commissioning some of the MA graduates to develop their practice further through a Lincoln Art Programme project. It seems odd planning for future events next year, even tho we haven’t started the upcoming events, but to develop projects and work with artists there is a need to start somewhat in advance, i think this is an important lesson learnt, as the planning time for the art jacking event has being a bit short.
Other news to report, My Dads Strip Club have sent through their publicity material, titled ‘Bite The Hand’ we have commissioned them to create a comedy Esq evening at the dog and bone pub, in Lincoln on the 26th Nov. here’s a bit of info on the event.
Bite The Hand
Enjoy an evening at the Dog and Bone with My Dads Strip Club as they demonstrate to you ‘the art of reclaiming space’. Putting embarrassment aside, they will address the delicate subject of carnal knowledge of Coke machines. The comedy in the work runs very close to anger, and excites all kinds of stuff in on-lookers.
My Dads Strip Club has mostly shunned traditional arts spaces, preferring to operate in the public realm with a focus on criticising consumer culture. Working with others they are known to carry out un-authorised, issue-based urban interventions.
Art jacking debate is only 12 days away….
