A very positive day, yesterday. It's funny how letters and phonecalls come out of the blue. I haven't been able to focus on my arts practice as much as I'd like because HMS has taken most of my time and drained all my creativity. However, the Anglian Ruskin wrote to let me know I had 'been selected for an invitation to join their prestigious collection' along with Ronald Searle and Bruce Russell. I feel connected with my own practice for one day. Perhaps on Monday I can make some work in my new space.
Had an informal meeting on Thursday with artists at HMS to discuss the OctoberFest and painting the communal areas. Arranged for a painting party next Thursday (with cakes) to paint the exhibiton area. All the artists are keen to take part in the NCan Octoberfest.
The PV and launch party ('Toast & Jam') will be October 26th followed by the Open Studios on 27th-28th. Amanda and Louise's partners are both musicians and they have volunteered them for a jamming session. The company we have formed to run the studios are providing 10 wine boxes We are working out how to finance the more refreshments and the marketing. Sponsorship, activities and a kitty were all discussed.
Louise and I are jointly going to look at Arts Council funding. Not sure how that will go down as we already have an application on the go.
Sheila's Colour Installation will be unveiled at the PV. Her work is ideal for this occassion as her work embraces a space. It will be shown until the New Year when artists at HMS will be able to put forward proposals for exhibitions. This can be either collaborations with other artists from HMS, or with others outside the studio. There is over 20 linear meters of wall space so this is a really good opportunity for the artists to exhibit.
Kat is also making progress with the curatorial space. She's given it a name – The Standing Room. This relates to the standings which lace manufacturers rented in lace mills. The studios are partitioned next to the posts which divided the standings.
Standing Room
"Must be exciting", "You're brave", "Bonkers" and "Great project!" Just a few comments. Mostly, it's tedious though. Take today for instance. I was at the studios for 8 this morning for BT who were booked to install a phoneline (for incoming calls and broadband). Instinct told me mid-morning it wasn't going to happen. A phonecall to BT confirmed my fears – the job had only just been logged and they weren't due til next Monday. The sales department hadn't let the engineers know. Welcome to my "exciting" life. lol
Just handed the keys over to Sarah Hemstock. I've known Sarah for a few years now, and I find it really difficult to talk about money with friends. I don't think they find it nearly as awkward. I have contracts etc for all artists to sign so I try to keep it as professional as possible.
We've just drawn up some health and safety rules including dealing with rubbish, the use of electrical appliances and issues relating to fire. The building has a sprinkler system, fire alarms and fire exits. We are debating whether to opt for large fire extinguishers or for small ones in each space with an extra a fire blanket in the kitchen area. All boring stuff which was never a consideration when I rented a space at Oldknows!
A Derby Graduate rang to arrange a visit to the studios tomorrow. I'm having an open day for artists submitting applications for the residency, but only one has contacted me. Hope more show up tomorrow.
I've just sent out a newsletter to artists to keep them up-to-date with developments. We are all taking part in the NCAN Octoberfest in October. It's an ideal opportunity to launch the studios with a party and Open studios. Sheila has agreed to make a colour installation to mark the event which is fantastic. There are several options for music on the night and I'm meeting Kat about the curatorial space later today.
I'm expecting THE letter from the Arts Council today giving me the go-ahead for permission to apply. Had a phone call to say it was on the way. It means reprinting the document to resend today. zzzzzzzz
Had a visit form John of Creative Launchpad which advises artists on business. It turns out that Long Eaton is a 'strange place: a Derbyshire town with a Nottingham postcode and telephone number. He reported how the town is often ignored in relation to funding and assistance. Creative Launchpad for instance has offices in Nottingham and Derby but Long Eaton falls outside their remit. However he thought the project was worthy of a visit and will promote it. I know Derbyshire CC are focusing on other areas such as Cromford and Wirksworth.
Heard from Banks Mill Studios in Derby. Filamena, the manager is interested in a visit. They are well established but a totally different set-up to HMS. They focus more on business and the spaces are more private and not open. But I think we could both benefit from each other. It's great people are getting in touch – it means we are on the radar. I've made loads and loads of phonecalls to various bodies so it's good that people are coming to me.
