ARTISTS TALKING

# 1 [8 March 2009]

For the last year I have been working with Emma Emmerton doing small projects.

This year we are working on an ambitious new project, in partnership with Metal Culture. An Artist Run (Temporary) Project Space in Southend on Sea.

So far, we have a perfect building that we may be able to use for two years. 

As it stands right now, nothing is set in stone, it's like buying a house - nothing is certain till Completion. However we are optimistic about the possibilities in front of us. 

Currently, we are working hard to make sure the funding application is absolutely clear and covers everything. And then we will submit it... we could probably go on 'perfecting' our proposal forever!

To be honest, I am writing this to escape the above process - just for a moment. Not just to relieve my head from number crunching and proposal writing - But also to step back for a moment and assess the progress of the project. 

# 2 [1 April 2009]

Emma and I went to look around the building again today - it is bigger than remembered.  Like a naughty tease because we don't have it ...yet! 

I am chomping at the bit to get on with setting works in motion. But we have so many things to wait for...temporary change of use, planning permissions and funding being the main ones.

Tonight I am off to a Pecha Kucha Night in Southend - I wonder what that will bring!? 

# 3 [2 April 2009]

Ok, I'm suffering today but, hey-ho, it's the burden of free booze and low tolerance levels.

Pecha Kucha Night was fun, some great talks and a few pieces of awe-inspiring work shown. ( Apparently, Southend is the only place, on the official Pecha Kucha Site that is not a city.)  

Speakers were:

Jude Kelly, Rob Tinlin (Southend Council), Dan Harvey (Artist), Damien Robinson (Artist) Simon Fowler (Fury Design).

I love these occasions but I am not a comfortable networker. Finding myself presented with opportunities to speak to people I respect or whose work I admire, I am often tongue tied and awkward - although this is usually hidden under a large helping of bravado. I can only hope I don't appear a babbling idiot.  

It was driving Emma and I crazy last night, being asked where the new building is and not being allowed to say ...yet.  The craziest thing is that when we get the all clear it will be a mad rush to be open for July.  

This gives us the oddest task of putting out a submissions call for a Project Space we cannot name ...!?!  

My headache is subsiding now and being replaced with a dull nausea. Hmmm. 

# 4 [19 April 2009]

Coming to the end of two weeks of easter holiday with my six year old.  phew - I'm exhausted.

Now I can get back into the swing of things, as I haven't done anything work wise - either of my own or for the project space. 

We have a meeting tomorrow with our partners - so straight back into it. Emma has just text me to say she is making notes - I better go do the same...

# 5 [20 April 2009]

Just got back from the meeting - went really well.  

A month or so back, Metal put in a bid for some funding from Southend Council - to help Social Enterprises set up and get going... And they got it. 

It means the temporary project space will not only be the CoExist studios and project space, but will also provide a home or space for other local Arts Orgs; including Idea13, The White Bus, Level 4 magazine  and Open Arts.    

The funding Metal have been awarded will mean we can now set up a much needed printmaking and photography facility, which will be manged by CoExist Arts.

There was a good buzz from all involved and we have scheduled another meeting for a couple of weeks time to think of a collective name for the building, have a take away and some wine ...to celebrate!

We are still waiting to hear about the planning and change of use for the building and our own funding application, to set up the Artist studios and Project space.  

However - All the hard work is paying off -  so excited!!!  

http://www.metalculture.com/ 

http://idea13.org/

http://www.thewhitebus.org.uk/

http://www.myspace.com/level4magazine 

http://www.creativepeople.org.uk/about/inspectMemb...

# 6 [24 April 2009]

Been busy this week, making a 'shopping list' for the printmaking and photography resource - nearly done - got plenty of advice from people who were fantastically helpful.

Today I went to an exhibition "Breaking The Rules" looking at subcultures in Southend in the last 50 years. We had a good talk with Harwood about the merits of inviting the council to exhibitions and events.

It is reassuring when someone who has been creating amazing work internationally, as well as on home ground, thinks our project is of worth. 

Yesterday went to see Alastair MacKinven in conversation with Andrew Hunt at the Focal Point Gallery. Very good - still digesting.   

On a more personal note,  I am really happy my submission for Travelling Light was selected.  Would have liked to see the show in Venice but have no money - at all.

# 7 [15 May 2009]

Had a meeting last night, with all the partners in the project about a collective name for the Project Space. A name that we can take with us - as the space is temporary.  Not sure we are any closer to a final name but we did kind of whittle it down to a short list of five.  We 'discussed' one of the names political meaning and how it may offend people, for way too long only to find out it was already being used for something similar.  Down to four then.

Private View tonight for Traveling Light, am a little worried about having to take my 6 year son across London, after school, as both of us are feeling rough. See how we feel later.

# 8 [5 June 2009]

Just a quick bit of CoExist Arts News:

We got 'Grants For Arts' funding and will start building works soon...  just as soon as we get the keys.

Ah the politics! 

I will pop a further update when we open.

# 9 [24 June 2009]

We got the keys on Monday and, although we are still awaiting formal confirmation, we are IN - cleaning and getting ready for decoration - at our own risk as nothing is definite until those t's are crossed and i's are dotted etc.

Also, we don't get our Arts Council Grant until we have the official confirmation, which is due mid July. 

What this means is that we can't start any of the works that involves the ACE money. 

Ha HA! What a predicament we find ourselves in...

We have a pre launch exhibition booked for July 22nd, so hopefully it will all go through. **Arrrrghhh!**  

We are exhibiting the uber high tech 'Tantalum Memorial, reconstruction 2008', by Southend Artists from Media Shed.  An amazing piece, which we love and really wanted to show.  So now we are pushing the gallery part of the project to make it as good as possible, and doing what we can with little to no money.

The Tantalum Memorial, Reconstruction 2008 will be showing in the rather impressive 'Winch Tower'.

In the main gallery we will be showing emerging artists, who will be announced very soon.

So here we are, cleaning products in hand asking volunteers to come armed with their own bleach and gloves (this place has been empty for 10 years - the toilets are not a pretty site!!!)

http://www.coexist.org.uk/latest-news.html

http://mediashed.org/TantalumMemorial

# 10 [4 July 2009]

Can't say we are not just a little bit gutted.

We have been manically writing and practicing for the Pecha Kucha that is to be held in Chalkwell Park, and now we have been rescheduled. We had even announced it!

So, now we are caught somewhere in the gap between disappointment and relief - until we get a new date...

Anyway if you are close - go along - line up looks good... We'll be in the audience and of course we won't sulk. 

Check out the link below for more details.

http://idea13.org/2009/07/an-evening-of-pecha-kuch...

There is still so much to do before we open for the Pre Launch Show, and that is where the relief comes into play.    

Pride is dusted down ...moving along ...nothing to see here - for now.