As a result of the AN blog I receive quite a few enquiries from artists interested in the process of setting up HMS and asking for tips. Here is a reply today…
"We are probably a little different to most set-ups because my husband and I have invested money in a 99 yr lease as well as financing the refurbishment.
To keep down costs we also spent holidays, bank holidays and weekends in 2007 erecting partitions and sorting the floors. Evenings were spent on the web site, business and marketing.
Many studios are set up by groups which has many advantages in terms of time and resources. One of the drawbacks is achieving consensus. We were able to act quickly and we didn't need to seek permission to move things forward – e g buying the property, choosing the name, designing the layout etc, etc, etc.
We did apply for Arts Council funding but the process is so slow and risky in terms of successful outcomes that we had to budget on going it alone. In the end we applied for a contribution of £5k towards upgrading the electrics ( the limit for grants taking less than 6 weeks to process). We were successful and v grateful for the help.
As a commercial enterprise, it wouldn't appeal to someone who isn't a practicing artist. However, that said, I don't regret investing both time and money in HMS. I am v proud of the achievement and pleased to have set up studios which are both viable and sustainable."
Setting up studios requires enormous committment, however it is achieved – but the rewards are massive. We have a great community at HMS and I've also learnt loads on the way :)
Just returned from a talk by Tom Down at the Wasp Room, Tether 'A Far Sunset'. Excellent company, critical discussion, contemporary art.
You can't help but be uplifted when you walk into HMS. Bernard's paintings provide the tonic you need when emerging from a dark period. With the Spring weather and colours that dance before your eyes, yesterday heralded a new, optimistic period for me.
The pv was a friendly and relaxed affair with many of the Airspace artists making the trip from Stoke.
And Bernard has installed the show perfectly. As an established artist, his experienced eye guides the viewer round the space …using the canvases and framed pieces like elements in a painting.
He extended the HMS boards to hang a 3m+ work that stands at the bottom of the walkway. I hadn't thought of doing that – but it works. It is a very physical painting. The layers of colours, marks, textures and forms ("Instability of Grids") just ooze the joy of paint. Pixilating work like this for the web reduces the experience to well – pixels!
I would like the house to hang this painting, but maybe I will consider the little framed works punctuating the space like jewels.
Bernard tells me he splashed out on expensive oil paints (which have a higher density of pigment) for the small paintings. It is easy to be precious with expensive gear, but Bernard's small pieces have the freshness and vibrancy which show no evidence of caution.
Bernard wanted to leave a couple of bottles of left over wine for the artists at HMS, but I said no – he was already leaving a feast. (He left a bottle anyway). Thank you Bernard!
To see the show by appointment –
Tel 07891 262 202
I'm back in the swim. Since last Wednesday I've been to 3 evening meetings (only one was local). I quite like event focused ones, but I'm not a fan of those boring admin meetings where the only achievement is to programme another meeting to discuss redrafted documents – again.
Last night was the first meeting at Derby University to discuss the role of the new committee. Rolls Royce, Quad, The National Trust and various public bodies were represented. And me. I wish I wasn't shy.
The new building at Markeaton Street is v impressive and it is apparent some serious money has been spent. The university has just bought the Playhouse too – it is clearly becoming a dominant presence in the city. I feel slightly small.
There is lots of catching up and I need to get on track. We currently have a photography exhibition by Jess Calke, an HMS artist. She knows the ropes in relation to showing in the exhibition space, which is good as I was unable to get to the preview. I wasn't much help. However, I understand it was well attended and v enjoyable. Jess has really developed her practice since joining HMS and has benefited enormously from being part of an artists' community.
Our next exhibition is by an 'outsider', Bernard Charnley who was selected from open submission in October. As well as making stunning abstract paintings, he is also mates with Anna Francis who was resident in Standing Room last summer. Both have studios at Airspace in Stoke and I am really looking forward to seeing them and the Stoke contingent at the PV on March 29th 2-4pm.
HMS is also hosting a CAFE meeting on Thursday evening. This is made up of arts groups and organisations in the borough of Erewash and led by the arts development officers.
I managed a few hours in my studio today. It was good.
