ARTISTS TALKING

# 18 [19 July 2007]

When I was setting up the studios, I never thought about the detail. There is so much stuff that is tedious but necessary. Like fire safety and bt and plumbing...etc etc. It doesn't make interesting reading, but this is what it's really like.

The fire safety inspectors came yesterday - they visited a number of factories in the complex. Apparently, the responsiblity for risk assessment has shifted from the inspectors to business owners. The purpose of the visits is to look at buildings for future reference in case of fire. They don't issue certificates any more and they don't comment on potential problems  - which would be v helpful. I need advice on risk assessment and the extinguishers, but I've been given the name of someone who might be able to help.

Creative Launchpad contacted me to assure me that HMS was covered by their Derbyshire office. Any notion that Long Eaton was outside their patch was a mistake. They are keen to help and we will be mentioned in their newsletter which is great news.

Some interesting artists and curators have contacted Kat about the Standing Room. She is also exploring some interesting ideas for the space and looking at various grants to fund them. She is developing so many contacts and working v hard - that things are bound to happen.

Broadband was installed yestrday. Lori has been sorting out the wi-fi network, but only half of HMS is receiving a signal. Another router is needed to connect the rest of the studios.

# 17 [16 July 2007]

I accidently turned up at a meeting today - one I had arranged myself.  Taken my brain out and forgotton to wake up. When we got the keys for HMS we also moved house and, up until the weekend, we hadn't had time to relax. There was always a list of urgent things to do.
Lesley and Louise were v understanding. Despite turning up without the promised print-out of the funding application, we managed to sort out a number of issues.
One of the problems of being on the 1st floor is accessibility. If those with mobility impairments can't come to us then HMS will take the work to them. We have decided to explore different ways of making art inclusive, including workshops, presentations and maybe a webcam.

# 16 [13 July 2007]

9 of us completed painting the exhibition space, communal area and The Standing Room. A real sense of achievement! The spaces look less "wet & dirty", more smart and White Cube. This will change.
The experience was marred by a phone call from the Harrington Factory Company to let me know about a fire safety inspection next Wednesday. I am all for fire safety, but worried about a tick box excercise with an expensive solution. However, we need to sort out fire extinguishers. Do we service the existing extinguishers or replace them with smaller, hand-held ones? We have a sprinkler system and fire alarms, both maintained by the management company.

I visited the Harrington Factory Company (HFCo) this week because we have a problem with signage. Perhaps I should explain about the company.
We purchased the 99yr lease for the ground and 1st floor of block 12 of Harrington Mills in March 07. This was for approx 9000 sq ft  (1st floor - 5000 sq ft). We also became a minority shareholder in The Harrington Mills Factory Company.  This means we have a stake in the Company. However, in practical terms we have little say. We pay an annual service charge to HFCo to cover things like servicing the fire alarms, heaters and sprinklers. They also maintain the grounds and signage.

Back to my conversation with HFCo. I havn't been receiving post. The factory complex is a community of different industries and organisations. Plumbers merchants, lace manufacturers and Bonzo Band amongst a few. However, the signage is confusing and in the case of HMS, non existant. HFCo will not allow any other signage apart from the 'racing green' lettering produced by themselves. I was asked the name of our organisation when we first moved, but still no signage. I know post has gone missing or returned to sender, so it needs sorting.
Apparently, signage for the whole complex is currently being redesigned to make it easier for the postman and visitors. BUT, we are waiting for the board to approve a design. How I hate design by committee. Meanwhile, I have permission to put up a temporary sign fo HMS. Result!

# 15 [12 July 2007]

It's the paint party today and I think we'll have a good turn-out. Jess is bringing her camera to record it. Soon all the physical things which I've been involved in, will be done. Wish I could say the same for the paperwork!

We are coming up to the deadline for graduates applying for the bursary. Hopefully there will be a mad rush by tomorrow as we have been disappointed with the response so far. Laura (the ADO) and I have worked hard to get this project off the ground  - but I'm not even sure how many details were handed out. The only thing you can do is learn from it for next year.

Only 4 spaces left. Alison Whitmore - a friend who went to Notts Trent at the same time as me, has taken a studio. This wasn't her intention when she came to see why we been socially inactive. But she was impressed. 
Kat let me know that we were in the Braodway Newsletter. Cool!

# 14 [11 July 2007]

I don't think a day goes by without the need to do admin. I was warned about this when we decided to set up studios. I nodded and agreed, but was totally unprepared for all the stuff I have voluntarily taken on.
Been trying to sort out the OctoberFest. This is our chance to put HMS on the map. Went to an NCan meeting on Monday night about the event. Realise we will have to work hard to connect with Nottingham studios as we are the furthest from the city centre.  

I would really like to find sponsordhip for the materials for the installation. Spoke to the Arts & Business organisation and they think they may be able to help. Sent me more forms - ouch!
Whilst I was on the net I also looked up funding and found a few awards of under £500 which we might be eligible for.  The catch - more tick boxes.  But then no one is going to point at HMS and give us money.
Kat is developing the Standing Room and needs extra lights, so I really will need to get my admin hat on and apply to various bodies. Groan. I think I prefer making partitions.
BT finally turned up on Monday and installedthe line. Lori is sorting out broadband - so that's one form less!!
I keep thinking once HMS is up and running and on the cultural radar, I'll be able to do things like paint and draw and be totally disenchanted with my art.

# 13 [8 July 2007]

I was an artist today -  in the space which we fashioned at the beginning of April. And I love it. It is slightly bigger than the standard space. It also has the door which leads to a room that housed the belt race which drove the lace machines. It is two storeys high with the potential for a great installation. But not today.

# 12 [7 July 2007]

A very positive day, yesterday. It's funny how letters and phonecalls come out of the blue. I haven't been able to focus on my arts practice as much as I'd like because HMS has taken most of my time and drained all my creativity. However,  the Anglian Ruskin wrote to let me know I had 'been selected for an invitation to join their prestigious collection' along with Ronald Searle and Bruce Russell. I feel connected with my own practice for one day. Perhaps on Monday I can make some work in my new space.

Had an informal meeting on Thursday with artists at HMS to discuss the OctoberFest and painting the communal areas. Arranged for a painting party next Thursday (with cakes) to paint the exhibiton area. All the artists are keen to take part in the NCan Octoberfest.
The PV and launch party ('Toast & Jam') will be October 26th followed by the Open Studios on 27th-28th. Amanda and Louise's partners are both musicians and they have volunteered them for a jamming session. The company we have formed to run the studios are providing 10 wine boxes We are working out how to finance the more refreshments and the marketing. Sponsorship, activities and a kitty were all discussed.
Louise and I are jointly going to look at Arts Council funding. Not sure how that will go down as we already have an application on the go.
Sheila's Colour Installation will be unveiled at the PV. Her work is ideal for this occassion as her work embraces a space. It will be shown until the New Year when artists at HMS will be able to put forward proposals for exhibitions. This can be either collaborations with other artists from HMS, or with others outside the studio. There is over 20 linear meters of wall space so this is a really good opportunity for the artists to exhibit.
Kat is also making progress with the curatorial space. She's given it a name - The Standing Room. This relates to the standings which lace manufacturers rented in lace mills. The studios are partitioned next to the posts which divided the standings.
Standing Room

# 11 [2 July 2007]

"Must be exciting", "You're brave", "Bonkers"  and "Great project!" Just a few comments. Mostly, it's tedious though. Take today for instance. I was at the studios for 8 this morning for BT who were booked to install a phoneline (for incoming calls and broadband). Instinct told me mid-morning it wasn't going to happen. A phonecall to BT confirmed my fears - the job had only just been logged and they weren't due til next Monday. The sales department hadn't let the engineers know. Welcome to my "exciting" life. lol

# 10 [30 June 2007]

Just handed the keys over to Sarah Hemstock. I've known Sarah for a few years now, and I find it really difficult to talk about money with friends. I don't think they find it nearly as awkward. I have contracts etc for all artists to sign so I try to keep it as professional as possible.
We've just drawn up some health and safety rules including dealing with rubbish, the use of electrical appliances and issues relating to fire. The building has a sprinkler system, fire alarms and fire exits. We are debating whether to opt for large fire extinguishers or for small ones in each space with an extra a fire blanket in the kitchen area. All boring stuff which was never a consideration when I rented a space at Oldknows!

A Derby Graduate rang to arrange a visit to the studios tomorrow. I'm having an open day for artists submitting applications for the residency, but only one has contacted me. Hope more show up tomorrow.

# 9 [28 June 2007]

I've just sent out a newsletter to artists to keep them up-to-date with developments. We are all taking part in the NCAN Octoberfest in October. It's an ideal opportunity to launch the studios with a party and Open studios. Sheila has agreed to make a colour installation to mark the event which is fantastic. There are several options for music on the night and I'm meeting Kat about the curatorial space later today.