Awesome news this afternoon: I got a phone call offering me a place on A Foundation’s A Curriculum studio residency, starting in March for 2 months. It magically falls in the two months I have off YSP and as my exhibition in Milan has been moved back to September (Curator has a baby on the way) it is perfect. I am very very very very very pleased as I am dying to work hard in the studio during that time away from YSP, but also feel a need for some research/pressure/discussion/engaged peers/big kicks along with it. It also comes with a £500/month bursary so it takes off a huge amount of bill-related stress.
Tonight (in my travelodge room near Doncaster somewere..) I have been watching video footage from the State of the Arts Conference.
1. Observations on Jeremy Hunt’s speech:
Liz and Matthew seem to be keen tories.
He was incredibly nervous (who wouldn’t be!?).
Points for their plans to cut admin costs.
In my horribly cynical way of reading things – he seems to be saying he will cut funding for the arts upon Tories getting into power, and attempt to maintain levels through other sources, He mainly cites US philanthropy and endowments as a model; this seems like passing the buck? I don’t know if I have this all right, but it’s worrying anyway.
His chat about the UK having loads of money (comparative to the US) may be true, but surely that money is split between a tiny percentage of the population. Are we to depend on their generosity?
He made a confusing critisicm of targets in funding agencies, whilst stressing the need for more engagement as a result of funded projects. I would like to see less ticking boxes/more independent choice making, but would have been nice to hear how he plans to go about it.
Is it just me being too bloody northern, or does his comment about holding the event outside London next time – to step back and get perspective – imply that they are mainly stepping back from and therefore talking about London?
Bacially at this point I am suspicious.
Everyone who asks questions is a director of something. Generally the twitching audience is very enjoyable to watch, especially the staring woman at 25.40 ish.
Lastly, what are Liz and Matthew whispering about?
