We’re off to London tomorrow. Not to see the queen this time, but to attend an annual conference of art-studio providers. I’m expecting to glean huge amounts of useful, practical and inspirational material form this day, and although I’m still typing well past my bedtime, I can’t seem to switch off from all the possibilities that are starting to show themselves with the Chapel Arts project. Each day uncovers something new. Another path to follow, a new lead. We now have a plethora of what-if’s .
For when I come back from the conference with yet another bag stuffed full of yet more of the plethoric what-if’s, I have got myself booked into an advice session. With so much to plan, (and most of it completely new ground for me) I’ve chosen a very clever man called Jonathan. He’s an advisor for ARC in Portsmouth, and yea verily, he shall dispenseth of the wisdom. Or I’ll want my money back. Or at least the biscuits I intend to feed him.
Just a little over 24 hours to the opening now, and the non-stop info-gather and plan-hatching of the last couple of weeks is really coming together. We have a coalescing, I do believe!
Speaking at last weeks Café Culture to a small, but well-listened audience, I began to see the studios at a genetic level. We have a wonderful opportunity to build something into existence, and the genes we provide it with will go a long way in determining the life-form that evolves over the next few months (and hopefully years).
What if the studios evolved into a base of operations? It’s beautifully formed, but too small to be a dedicated venue. I think what we have here, in viewing it as a base, is more of a creative think-tank: an ideas machine that people will come to, meet, speak, react and respond. This building needs to be an engine that churns out these ideas and inspiration, feeding the local community and drawing people in from a wider field.
So, the question is, what are the ingredients that will yield this rich harvest that is so desired?
Good question.
