Proposals are starting to gain momentum – I've been discussing ideas with colleagues to start some collaborative projects. Basically, most fine art graduates from Lincoln University have gone "home" since graduation and are having to take up other work to survive in their own towns. A lot of graduates seem to go to Nottingham, as this is apparently where there are opportunities for artists. However, I have children at school here, I don't have that option, and as such, I have started to research ways to build up a Lincoln-based artists' network that will encourage graduates to get involved locally. The problem is that the University is very very new, and as such there isn't an established community already in place, but it is growing, and there are opportunities here.
Since the Employment Fair here a few weeks ago, I've been in discussion with Sparkhouse Studios with regard to my Doll Proposal, but also for other business proposals I have in mind.
I am starting to gain interest from current 3rd years and others with regard to setting up artist's studios in Lincoln. Currently the main studio space available to rent is The Terrace, in the Cultural Quarter, however, the rent is really high there, and there is a long waiting list. Which means there must be many artists in and around Lincoln who are looking for studio space to rent. My plan was to re-open the student art shop as a graduate/student venture, as opposed to being run by the local art shop, who were operating at a loss. The main complaint from students was that they never stocked materials and equipment that was needed, and we generally had to trudge down the hill into the city to buy stuff from their main shop anyway. So I think there is a very viable possibility for that to be re-established.
Otherwise I'm still researching my doll proposal, but to be honest I need to start making more dolls after Christmas – if these are going to become as ambitious as the proposal, I need to work out an estimate of costs. I know that if I make small scale dolls it will require minimal materials, but where I propose to make large scale pieces, I will require collaboration with upholsterers etc, which is where my collaboration with Design Factory might be useful. These costs are difficult to work out, and it isn't helped by the various distractions I keep getting involved with!
For now, I will be concentrating on the small scale dolls, and am planning to make a mini doll gallery in which to exhibit them. This way I will be able to exhibit my work, own my own gallery (!) and not only that, I'll be able to take my gallery on tour if I wish and hold exhibition openings in random places, who knows!!
