I started this blog only a few weeks ago. Seems like another life. Sitting behind a gallery desk, getting my bike stolen, and watching people fall ill. Struggling, hoping and living in a bedsit. Today’s NFASP conference, at the Toynbee centre in London, was another clear signpost to a brighter, happier, artier world. With the Chapel Arts studios having their official mayoral-opening tomorrow, Motivated Dave was in da house, and everything that everyone said was interesting. People spoke of ideas creating change, of funding possibilities, of tenancy agreements, of integrating with the community, of educational programmes, of diversity, of residencies and of studio collectives. No such thing as too much. I’m so fired up I could soak myself in this stuff till my fingers go wrinkly.
All that and biscuits too! Mind you, I missed all the chocolate ones as I was too busy talking to a studio director about their aspiration of “raising the consciousness” of their home town through an ambitious outreach programme. I liked this lady.
In fact the only bit of the day that could have been disappointing turned out to be the best success. Five afternoon seminars. Choose one. I chose one. Turned out I knew the speaker, Katherine Anteney, (I liked her too),and had previously been part of the splendid aspace organisation and studio complex she was talking about. The work that Dan Crow, the director (who I like as well), has done these last nine years is nothing short of inspirational. He’s been flying an ever-expanding lone flag of creative talent in the city’s centre, and without him, Southampton would be a much poorer place.
Be that as it may, this was not the seminar of New and Unexplored and Unexpected territory that I was hoping for. Bummer. Though, seeing a slide of my work appear during the presentation was unexpected. As was one of the NFASP trustees approaching me about an exhibition he’s curating curate. He saw the slide of my work and would like to involve me. “I can do that” I said, and if all goes well, I will.
For now, I best put all that to one side and get ready for tomorrow’s opening. Michael, my brilliant but over-worked and worn-out development officer has announced he’s got the red ribbon at last. Seven metres of it?! I had to laugh when he told me that. I mean, how big can two doors be? Are we wrapping the entire Chapel in the shiny stuff? But he’s bringing tables at 10, and collecting sandwiches at 11. Then it’s best bib and tucker with all hands on deck. Ruth, Michaels wife, and Louise, my almost-wife, will be there to help with the drinks, and a-talking we shall go.
I’m going to remember tomorrow for a long time, I think. It’s not everyday that a best case scenario lands on your doorstep, so this is one to savour. With wine of course. And a lot of thankyou’s.
