Setting up 18 studios, Long Eaton, Nottingham

Day 4 I had planned to stay an extra couple of days after Kerri and Alison but there was a mix up with accommodation. Instead of sharing with the US crew the only rooms available were big and more expensive. No single rooms. Decision. Do I rebook my flight or pay extra? It was a budget trip and so I decided to bite the bullet and return home early. Financing these trips is always tricky if you don’t have Arts Council funding. I am lucky I don’t have to put bread on the table and I don’t have a family to feed. This hasn’t always been the case. I have done some pretty grotty jobs in the past and my career has been secondary to Jems during the child rearing years. I have managed to sell work this year which helps but this isn’t a reliable source of income. Ticket booked we decided to walk to the venue on the most glorious day of the week, passing by the marina with eye popping boats and cafés and bars lining the route. 3 bar stools outside were too tempting to ignore… and so we spent the next hour enjoying a glass of white. And of course we had to try the self service ice cream parlour on the way. Several flavours of Mr Whippy with fruit and crunchy toppings to eat on our way – yum. We did feel a bit light headed and naughty as we arrived at the venue at 3.30pm. Fortunately, Beth from A on A had switched on the DVD players. It was the weekend and visitors were coming in droves. I learned later that people were queuing round the block because the stadium was full. The message we were getting was that the Platform event was more exciting and engaging than the ‘main’ event. A talk by Platforms from Canada highlighted the opportunies for artists in terms of residencies and awards. I would find it difficult to spend long periods away from home as I do have commitments but for those without responsibilities there are some great opportunies in Canada.