Finished the partitions and created 19 spaces!!. Now we can reclaim weekends. I don't think it's sunk in. We have managed to achieve this on a shoestring. Jem is a surveyor with an eye for buildings and how spaces can be optimised. Not only have we created workspaces, but also an exhibition area with 60ft+ of linear wallspace. This will provide a great area for HMS artists to show work. It was Jem's idea to reduce the size of 3 studios to create an exhibition area. He understands artists and their requirements because of my involvement in various studios groups. Now all we need are artists to fill the remaining spaces.
Sent in the funding application to the arts council. Originally we wanted £35,000 to build partitions, sought out the electrics, plumbing etc. As this exceded £5000 it would have taken at least 12 weeks before we had an answer. We decided to go for something more modest, especially as arts funding has been cut in favour of the Olympic Games. Also, the process is quicker and we should know in 6 weeks. The priority is the electrics. We are woefully low on power points and the lighting is poor. The lowest estimate is £8000+ so we will have to raid our pension pot. I checked with the visual arts officers if I needed a letter from them to send with the application. They assured me I didn't. I hand delivered the document of 40pages plus last week, relieved it was out of the way. (Anyone who has jumped through the hoops will know what I'm talking about.)
Then the bad news. A phonecall on Wednesday to prepare me for a letter from the Arts Council telling me my application was invalid as I had not included the required letter. Apologies from the staff as the had given me the wrong advice. I have to wait for the letter giving me permission to apply. I can't resubmit the original application form, but more trees have to be sacrificed to tick the Arts Council boxes. To add insult to injury the letter arrived yesterday with no mention of the wrong advice – just an invalid application. The people who advise me, judge me and write to me are all being paid. Meanwhile my document which has taken months to prepare is archived, whilst I have to resend another. Madness.
Great news! Erewash Borough council have given formal confirmation of a bursary for a residency at HMS. This will cover the cost of a space for a year. Laura, the ADO approached Derby Uni with the proposal who immediately threw in a materials grant. This is great but also slightly embarassing because I had already mentioned the project to staff at Nottingham Trent. Naturally, the extra money from Derby means it will go to a Derby graduate. What has been refreshing has been the marketing. Erewash have produced a leaflet and are sorting out the selection process (which will include me). Laura is sorting out some major marketing too. With the weight of the council behind HMS the chances of exposure must be greater.
The partitions are coming on too. A big push has meant we have only 4 spaces to complete. We have made a decision to make 3 smaller ones. It means slightly less rent but it will mean we are able to create a wide walkway with a long partition, 33ft x 9ft. This can be used for meetings, exhibitions, projections etc. As the partitons are demountable, we can change the format if it doesn't work out
See the progress
I'm having trouble finding the time to write this. When I'm not erecting partitions, doing admin, updating the website etc I'm sleeping. We signed up 3 artists this week – including the Dean of Derby Uni. Nearly all the artists who see the spaces sign up. We just need to get people round. My press-releases didn't work so I'll just have to find a "story".
I was busy til 10 last night on studio business. The morning was spent chasing press-releases. I think we will have coverage in the Nottingham Evening Post and the Derby Evening Telegraph. I've also emailed NCan (an organisation based in Nottingham for artists and arts organisations) who are passing the details on. Tomorrow, I'm off to a Creative Industries Network event at Wirksworth to spread the word. My business cards arrived this morning so I'll be able to give them out.
We are having an open day on Sunday between 12:00 – 3:00pm. 8 studios are ready but only 2 are available as the others are taken. Another artist rang to confirm she is moving in on Friday. I have to be confident we can fill them, I think?
I have been updating the website with artists' webpages which can be a delicate issue. I even worry about the thumbnails as you invariably have to crop the images. The artists are generally pleased, though obviously they are able to spot errors much better than me.
I once did a post grad course on business in arts practice. Research, business plans, marketing etc – I am putting all that theory into practice. I prefer painting.
