Tomorrow I am giving a talk at Angel Row Gallery about setting up HMS. As I am naturally shy this may be a bigger ordeal for me than some. I haven’t got the answers to DIY studios – all I can do is share my experiences. The project is still ongoing and by no means established. In some ways it is harder because organisations actually think we are up and running and sorted. We had an enquiry from a school about work-shops to that effect. We are supposed to become experts in DDA, health and safety, fire safety, accountancy and legal issues to name a few.
Fantastic news! The letter I thought I would never receive, arrived today. The Arts Council have awarded us £5000 towards upgrading the electrics. We can sort out the lighting and power points before the winter. Not a glamourous project but so necessary.
I’ve had 3 enquiries today about spaces. I thought activity might slow down during the holiday period, but I think a lot of teachers and lecturers have broken up and starting to think about their own practice.
I am expecting the verdict of the arts council application any day now. I’m really nervous about it because I’ve heard so many organisations have had their funding cut. My meetings with the officers have always been encouraging, but they have been careful to stress the competition for grants and there are no guarantees. BUT I’m sure our cause is the worthiest!!!
We have come to the conclusion we need to set up a cooperative or similar within the studios. We need to draw up a constitution and sort out a bank account. It would mean we can spread the load a bit. The meetings to date have been v informal with no real minutes etc. We need a bit of order so I think it makes sense. The only thing that worries me is the politics…
I am still having an issue with the post. We aren’t getting any, even bills. Emailed the post office – will see if this makes any difference. I will post myself a letter to test it.
Printed off a mile and a half of grant applications. There is a a meeting tomorrow and hopefully we will have a good turn-out. We are hoping to blitz it because we need to raise money for plumbing, a kitchen area and marketing for the OctoberFest. We also want to run some work-shops with physically disabled adults and children who won't be able to physically access HMS during the Open Studios. There is a good mix of experienced work-shop leaders and those who have never done it before, but really want to develop this aspect of their arts practice.
This week we are interviewing for the graduate space. I was involved in sorting out the questions with the ADO. This was a new experience for me. I am rubbish at interviews, and so this gave me an insight on how I could improve my techniques. But I had better not give too much away…
When I was setting up the studios, I never thought about the detail. There is so much stuff that is tedious but necessary. Like fire safety and bt and plumbing…etc etc. It doesn't make interesting reading, but this is what it's really like.
The fire safety inspectors came yesterday – they visited a number of factories in the complex. Apparently, the responsiblity for risk assessment has shifted from the inspectors to business owners. The purpose of the visits is to look at buildings for future reference in case of fire. They don't issue certificates any more and they don't comment on potential problems – which would be v helpful. I need advice on risk assessment and the extinguishers, but I've been given the name of someone who might be able to help.
Creative Launchpad contacted me to assure me that HMS was covered by their Derbyshire office. Any notion that Long Eaton was outside their patch was a mistake. They are keen to help and we will be mentioned in their newsletter which is great news.
Some interesting artists and curators have contacted Kat about the Standing Room. She is also exploring some interesting ideas for the space and looking at various grants to fund them. She is developing so many contacts and working v hard – that things are bound to happen.
Broadband was installed yestrday. Lori has been sorting out the wi-fi network, but only half of HMS is receiving a signal. Another router is needed to connect the rest of the studios.
