Although ‘sustainability’ is much vaunted in terms of how arts organisations should go forward, artists’ needs in this respect are rarely considered by funders. Futurific bursaries were developed by NAN to model routes for sustainability amongst artists’ groups and networks in the UK. Here, some of the bursary recipients give insights into their progress, through excerpts from their blogs.
Ben Ashton, At Home with the Ashtons (detail), oil on board, wooden structural installation and mirror, 2011.
Funding for the arts has never been an easy sell – not with governments or the public. April Britski, Executive Director of CARFAC reports from Canada.
Profiling new courses and developments in postgraduate teaching across the UK.
An overview of some of the most exciting open studio events across the UK this summer.
Heidi Parsons, Snapshot Plate, Blossom Edition (detail), 2010.
As a new generation of artists embark on a career in the visual arts this month, the #degreeshows Twitter campaign again draws attention to their sheer hard work, determination and achievements during an exceptional period in higher education.
In the sometimes dangerous but welcome spirit in which people around the world are taking it upon themselves to question and even shake off entrenched and fossilized regimes that have long outstayed their welcome, I wonder if their courageous example could not have something to teach us?
Reading ‘Spotlight on arts funding’ in a-n Magazine, it certainly feels like we’re living in interesting times. I can’t help but see it as a time of opportunity as much as threat.
Daniel Fawcett argues that artists’ use of film holds the key to its future.
Ellie Harrison: A Brief History of Privatisation
Watermans, Brentford 12 March – 2 May
Locws International 2011: Art Across the City
Various locations, Swansea 16 April – 13 May
Including details of the four events, the artists and curators who took part, and the a-n / Axis partnership.
Sonya Dyer reflects on the three core concerns that came out of the ‘Artists and curators talking’ programme – collaboration, commonwealth and community.
Jac Mantle writes critically about art. In 2010 she reviewed the Glasgow School of Art degree show, she has contributed to a-n Reviews and writes for The Skinny in Scotland. Richard Taylor catches up with her to find our more about her reviewing process and ways to follow suit.
For recent art school graduates determined to travel past the shackles of debt, a residency is the way to meet fresh faces, exchange ideas and practice with artists from other countries. Fiona Flynn, from Chelsea College of Art, fills us in on Nida Art Colony in Lithuania and its residency programme.
Lauren Healey interviews the artists shortlisted for the Liverpool Art Prize about making work, support structures for their practice, and their reasons for basing themselves in the North West.
Alex Pearl trades on repetition, loss and the ‘destabilising language of humour’. Here he talks to Andrew Bryant about these and other forces at play as discussed in his Artists talking blog.
When the economic recession hit, it impacted on everything. But how in particular did it affect the livelihoods of artists in terms of access to employment and career opportunities, and what is the longer-term impact? [PDF version 153 kb]
Explores the affect of the economic recession on the livelihoods of artists in terms of access to employment and career opportunities and raises concerns about how artists’ practice is likely to fare in this period of arts austerity. [HTML format]
Showcases the best art and design shows with advertising of degree shows around the UK. Plus in ‘Keep moving’ four recent graduates describe their journeys through the tricky months after university and in ‘Points of reference’ Richard Taylor presents excerpts […]
Contents include: Special Spotlight on arts funding section examines changes to the funding climate in Scotland, England and Wales; John Plowman unpicks a new book on collaborative practice in Debate; Big picture is Jack Strange; Plus new Collaborative relationships a-n Collection […]
A-n’s Collaborative relationships series exposes the working relationships between artists and the wide range of professionals they collaborate with. Running in its current format since 2008 we now have a rich archive of over thirty articles covering hugely varied projects. Here, some select quotes offer highlights and insights into the nature of collaboration.
Last month Cambridge saw the launch of a significant new artist-run space, Aid & Abet. Artists Sarah Evans, David Kefford and CJ Mahony discuss how the project has developed and how their relationship has graduated from being fellow studio holders to a collaborative working group.
In December 2010 the Arts Council of Wales announced its new portfolio of revenue clients. From 116 existing clients more than thirty were lost. Five months on we asked the sector what the impact has been and how the visual arts in Wales has reacted, and what England might anticipate following last month’s ACE announcements.
