Mark Devereux Projects Launches New Space for Artists in Manchester
In July 2012 Mark and I worked as a team to put together my first major solo exhibition ‘Chroma’ at BLANKSPACE, Manchester. After the show came down he left Blank Media Collective (BMC) as their director, head curator, technician, producer, etc… basically he was the backbone to the organisation, keeping it standing up. It was always going to be interesting to see what he was going to do after BMC.
It took two months for Mark to get itchy feet again and the desire to be at the helm of an arts organisation once more. As his soon-to-be-wife (8 months till I become a Devereux), I could see this itch burn until he just had to have a scratch. Over the summer and autumn of 2012 we talked together about the possibilities and what was needed within the arts sector. What was it crying out for?
The idea of Mark Devereux Projects finally came about, after months of deliberation and discussion. It was decided that by supporting three inaugural artists; Nicola Dale, David Ogle and Nicola Ellis (yes, of course their were debates as to whether I should be one of them!), alongside an associate member programme open to any early-career artist. Mark would provide a bespoke, critically engaged and nurturing support mechanism on a one-to-one basis in each of the artist’s studios or via Skype. Through this individual approach, he is able to find out more about each of the artist’s ambitions and requirements and provide directed knowledge and experience to enable the growth of their careers. Mark Devereux Projects was officially launched at CUBE in Manchester in July with an exhibition, book and website of Nicola Dale, David Ogle and Nicola Ellis’ work.
I set house rules from the beginning: Mark wasn’t to make himself ill from overworking this time, I insisted he ‘down-tools’ at 6pm daily except in the days of exhibition install (where I always donned a paint-suit and got stuck in anyway), I insisted he pay himself a wage for the work he was doing instead of being voluntary like when at BMC and I promised I would help him as much as I psychically and mentally could. I urged Mark to use his own name for the organisation so people/artists recognized it as him; quality, hardworking and supportive.
Mark launches his new HQ Projects: Manchester at Federation house with his Associate Members exhibition Beyond Merely Assembling. Projects: Manchester is part of Castlefield Gallery’s New Art Space initiative on Friday 8th November… 2 days to go! See you there?
More info: http://markdevereuxprojects.com/
