Had a meeting yesterday with Stella to hand over the keys for Standing Room. She is v experienced in administration and the practical side of exhibiting, curating etc – so we are really fortunate to have her on board. We went through the induction process as she has offered to help (as well as being treasurer and hosting our meetings).
We also have a number of volunteers who are willing to develop the space. Kat is still leading the project from afar, but it is good to have local support, especially as I don't live on the door step either.
It looks like there will be a Nottingham wide open studio event in October, which is great because we can join in for the 1st anniversary of the launch. I'm going to be pretty busy that month because I am also taking part in the Southwell Artists' open studios (I am also creating a studio at home).
The HMS website has developed enormously since it was set up last year. I've had lots of positive comments, but there is also the perception we are a bigger organisation than we actually are. In the last few days, visitors have dropped in unnanounced in the belief we are council run – with staff on hand to show people round. Whilst I am happy to help out, I also get a bit annoyed by the number of paid consultants picking my brains for free. I did a fag-packet calculation in 2 mins for one guy which showed that 'affordable' studios one council had in mind. would be out the price range of uncommercial artists. Not sure it was what he wanted to hear.
But I am more than happy to help artists – whether it's to look round HMS or for research. Though I think I will have to make it clearer on the web that we aren't a big publicly funded organisation. Also appointments are a good idea as I don't go in every day, and to be honest, I don't always want to be interrupted.
The meeting to discuss the shortlist for the graduate residency was held at HMS last week. As a share-holder of the Harrington Factory Company I have access to the board room, so I booked it. It proved to be such a good meeting place we have decided to hold the interviews there. We will arrange for candidates to look round the studios first and then interview later.
We are holding an open studio event on the 1st anniversary of the launch of HMS which will take place on the last weekend in October. We have sponsorship for a hosting a hospitality event on the Friday 24th October from a firm of surveyors. However, I can't face more admin to raise more revenue for marketing. My own practice has suffered enormously this year so I want to make sure I have something new to show in 2008. It will be a case of everyone chipping in rather than relying on individuals submitting applications to various organisations. Unless someone volunteers of course :)
The exhibition space is currently free for that month and we have decided either to invite an artist to show work or advertise. I think we need to make a decision.
I am meeting the ADO and a lecturer form Derby next week to decide on a short-list for the graduate residency. I am hopeful we will have more applicants this year. I have had a few enquiries – and looking at the web stats it appears there is much activity on the pdf appilcation form. It's all v exciting. I appreciate Erewash Borough Council's and Derby Uni's support in the project. I know it's not always easy to raise the revenue and I certainly don't take it for granted.
Polly, last year's graduate is at the top of the waiting list for a space, but I'm not sure how long it will be before one becomes available. It is one of the issues which the reisdency raises.
Amelia has handed over the keys for HMS after an ambitious and exhausting programme. The project will carry on after her involvement at the mill because she has asked participants to write a few words for a publication. This includes me. I think Amelia is definitely going places. She is very professional, thoughtful, creative and organised. When I looked at her proposal I thought, 'Wow!'… but she pulled it off. It will be good to see it documented.
I have been away for a week and I'm still playing catch-up. One show came down and another went up last week so there was a PV and a talk to go to last night. Fortunately the artists are organising marketing and the events themselves which is great. The talk went really well. We had a mix of artists as well as the general public – Louise was great – she managed to strike a good balance by making the work accessible without being patronising.
Things have settled down a bit as far as politics are concerned. Communication is good thing… I realise sometimes I can get on with things without necessarily letting everyone know what's going on. We are sorting out a notice board and Kat has organised some volunteers within the studio who will be involved with the 'nut's and bolts' of Standing Room. I was shadowed by Sarah today when I gave the induction to the latest curator, Anna Roebuck. I'm a bit scatty and informal, so Ihope I didn't leave anything out :)
