Originally published: 11 January 2016 – https://www.a-n.co.uk/blogs/jamboree/post/52436594/
- Resources – Great art library resources in both MMU and Manchester Uni, CG Associates,
- Spaces – Rogue Studios, Castlefield Gallery, Bureau, Whitworth Gallery, Manchester Art Gallery, Victoria Baths, HOME, Artelia Studios, Bankley Studios and Gallery, CFCCA, IWM, MOSI, The Library, Bridgewater Hall, Holden Gallery, The Art School (MMU), Zion Arts Centre in Hulme, Contact Theatre, Paper Gallery, International 3 in Salford, The Kings Arms in Salford who also have studios.
- People – Kwong Lee, Jane Lawson, Directors at Rogue, Phoenix, Islington Mill and other studio groups, Ian Brownbill at Engine, the guys from Toast including Monty, Sophia Crilly and Mark Kennard of Bureau, Emma Fry at CVAN, Paulette and Laurence at International 3, Brendan Fletcher Salford Uni,
- Activity – Films and performances at HOME, classical concerts at the Bridgewater Hall, walks down the canal, food in the Northern Quarter, music in the Ritz/Gorilla/Academy
Outcomes from the ‘what’s lacking/what’s required’ provocation led by Martin Clark
- Is the issue a lack of funding outside of the institution or a lack of skills in knowing how to apply for it?
- There is a need for critical writing in the smaller towns and cities, but there is also a need to raise awareness that writers need to be paid if critical writing is to flourish.
- We must remember that there is a freedom that comes with working in smaller towns and cities and remember to appreciate this and use it to our advantage.
- The threat to artist’s space through development and gentrification is always an issue. Is this something that can be avoided or changed? Does it need to change, as Lucy Lippard said, “displacement is more appealing to artists than placement”.
Outcomes from the ‘what’s next’ task led by LOW PROFILE
I felt I was taking away other people’s concerns from the session which I now want take forward as future article topics conducting research and interviewing various experts and experienced arts professionals to provide real solutions to the issues faced by artists.
Mottos – Crack On! – As a pragmatic person, although I understand the importance of discussing the issues we all face as artists, I often feel frustrated that the action to happen following these conversations takes time to really make a difference which is why I live by the motto ‘Crack On!’. I’m determined to make a difference and help promote change through action.
Emma Sumner is an Artist, Curator and Writer living and working in North West England. Working with the motivation that the small actions we take can help make a big difference to the world around us, Emma’s complex and decorative practice explores Western consumer traits, focusing on fast-fashion and the consumer’s persistent desire to buy better, newer and more luxury products. Often describing herself as a contemporary Womble, Emma avoids becoming part of the consumer cycle, only occasionally investing in quality items to keep, making use of other people’s donations and scavenging second hand stores. This lifestyle choice leads Emma to create projects which extend into her everyday life, including the creation of her own fashion label, establishing a community market stall and working with artisan designers in India.
Emma Sumner – 2016
http://www.emmasumner.com/