I accidently turned up at a meeting today – one I had arranged myself. Taken my brain out and forgotton to wake up. When we got the keys for HMS we also moved house and, up until the weekend, we hadn't had time to relax. There was always a list of urgent things to do.
Lesley and Louise were v understanding. Despite turning up without the promised print-out of the funding application, we managed to sort out a number of issues.
One of the problems of being on the 1st floor is accessibility. If those with mobility impairments can't come to us then HMS will take the work to them. We have decided to explore different ways of making art inclusive, including workshops, presentations and maybe a webcam.
9 of us completed painting the exhibition space, communal area and The Standing Room. A real sense of achievement! The spaces look less "wet & dirty", more smart and White Cube. This will change.
The experience was marred by a phone call from the Harrington Factory Company to let me know about a fire safety inspection next Wednesday. I am all for fire safety, but worried about a tick box excercise with an expensive solution. However, we need to sort out fire extinguishers. Do we service the existing extinguishers or replace them with smaller, hand-held ones? We have a sprinkler system and fire alarms, both maintained by the management company.
I visited the Harrington Factory Company (HFCo) this week because we have a problem with signage. Perhaps I should explain about the company.
We purchased the 99yr lease for the ground and 1st floor of block 12 of Harrington Mills in March 07. This was for approx 9000 sq ft (1st floor – 5000 sq ft). We also became a minority shareholder in The Harrington Mills Factory Company. This means we have a stake in the Company. However, in practical terms we have little say. We pay an annual service charge to HFCo to cover things like servicing the fire alarms, heaters and sprinklers. They also maintain the grounds and signage.
Back to my conversation with HFCo. I havn't been receiving post. The factory complex is a community of different industries and organisations. Plumbers merchants, lace manufacturers and Bonzo Band amongst a few. However, the signage is confusing and in the case of HMS, non existant. HFCo will not allow any other signage apart from the 'racing green' lettering produced by themselves. I was asked the name of our organisation when we first moved, but still no signage. I know post has gone missing or returned to sender, so it needs sorting.
Apparently, signage for the whole complex is currently being redesigned to make it easier for the postman and visitors. BUT, we are waiting for the board to approve a design. How I hate design by committee. Meanwhile, I have permission to put up a temporary sign fo HMS. Result!
It's the paint party today and I think we'll have a good turn-out. Jess is bringing her camera to record it. Soon all the physical things which I've been involved in, will be done. Wish I could say the same for the paperwork!
We are coming up to the deadline for graduates applying for the bursary. Hopefully there will be a mad rush by tomorrow as we have been disappointed with the response so far. Laura (the ADO) and I have worked hard to get this project off the ground – but I'm not even sure how many details were handed out. The only thing you can do is learn from it for next year.
Only 4 spaces left. Alison Whitmore – a friend who went to Notts Trent at the same time as me, has taken a studio. This wasn't her intention when she came to see why we been socially inactive. But she was impressed.
Kat let me know that we were in the Braodway Newsletter. Cool!
I don't think a day goes by without the need to do admin. I was warned about this when we decided to set up studios. I nodded and agreed, but was totally unprepared for all the stuff I have voluntarily taken on.
Been trying to sort out the OctoberFest. This is our chance to put HMS on the map. Went to an NCan meeting on Monday night about the event. Realise we will have to work hard to connect with Nottingham studios as we are the furthest from the city centre.
I would really like to find sponsordhip for the materials for the installation. Spoke to the Arts & Business organisation and they think they may be able to help. Sent me more forms – ouch!
Whilst I was on the net I also looked up funding and found a few awards of under £500 which we might be eligible for. The catch – more tick boxes. But then no one is going to point at HMS and give us money.
Kat is developing the Standing Room and needs extra lights, so I really will need to get my admin hat on and apply to various bodies. Groan. I think I prefer making partitions.
BT finally turned up on Monday and installedthe line. Lori is sorting out broadband – so that's one form less!!
I keep thinking once HMS is up and running and on the cultural radar, I'll be able to do things like paint and draw and be totally disenchanted with my art.
I was an artist today – in the space which we fashioned at the beginning of April. And I love it. It is slightly bigger than the standard space. It also has the door which leads to a room that housed the belt race which drove the lace machines. It is two storeys high with the potential for a great installation. But not today.
