The car park is full of fancy cars at the Harrington Mills belonging to visitors of the exhibition by furniture manufacturers. It’s a shame there can’t be some dialogue between us and the directors because I am sure there is potential for something really special. A handful of artists at HMS are particpating in the Derbyshire Open Studios. I prefer to open my space once a year but I’m happy to encourage others :)
We have a case management conference meeting with a circuit judge for an hour in July. Apparently this is unusual as 1/4 an hour with a lower ranking judge is the norm. People keep asking me if I don’t feel like giving up. the answer is always no. It is our belief that the service charge is not being administered according to the terms of the lease. Our claim is about the right of challenge. This isssue has been ongoing since 2007 when we asked for discussions etc. We are defending a counter-claim which questions the very definition and administration of studios. Our licenses are based on one forwarded by the Arts Council. Licenses are not leases but the Factory Company is arguing that we are giving artists the right of possession. Licenses offer only rights of occupation and represent a subtle but important difference to leases which offer more substantial rights of possession. How can we give up?
It’s a minefield dealing with solicitor’s letters – some are open and others are privileged. To mention the latter in open correspondence is also a no no. It’s like living in a parallel universe.
Most weeks I have enquiries about spaces but not all callers are suitable for HMS. Take someone who called yesterday. He photographs machines. I explained we were full but that the spaces were for non commercial artists with an emphasis on creativity. “But I will be bringing in friends who will be photographed with the machines”. His ambition was to make money this way. He was “starting at the bottom” and “everyone had to start somewhere”. I’ve had quite a lot of interest from commercial photographers so I think there is definitely a gap in the market – especially for those who are part-time. But not at HMS! My review on AN Interface of the ‘At Play 2’ exhibition has been spotted by the curators at South Hill Park. They are v pleased and have even supplied photos to upload onto the page. They have linked it onto Facebook.
Installed my show on Friday at the Millgate Museum. I have to eat my words as the press turned up – and as I wasn’t expecting them I wasn’t prepared. However, the young journalist was really patient and hopefully she will piece my words together in something that’s a little bit coherant.
