ARTISTS TALKING

# 1 [27 August 2009]

We at the Lincoln Art Programme have set up this blog in an attempt to allow an online audience to follow the organisations development throughout the coming months.  After initiating our inaugural event in March we have been busy writing various proposals to fund our future plans. We have been fortunate enough to recently acquire Arts Council funding in which to commission a series of events throughout Oct – Nov. I hope this blog documents the successes and shortfalls that the coming months bring. As we aim to build and develop the Lincoln Art Programme into a regionally established commissioning programme of exciting live art.

The idea behind starting the Lincoln Art Programme was to attempt to increase the level of artist led activity in the city. Myself and the three other people who direct the Lincoln Art Programme all graduated from Lincoln University and were a little miffed regarding the lack of activity in the city in comparison to other surrounding cities such as Leicester, Nottingham and even Stoke. So like most other students we moved away (although not too far)  but since leaving we have always had that urge to return to tackle the ‘lack of activity’ problem, if people don’t start doing things then I guess people will continue to leave after graduation and the trend of nothing happening will continue. Our aim with the Lincoln Art Programme is to make people aware that stuff does actually happen in Lincoln, and to inspire students alike to initiate their own projects and ideas.

We are focusing on working with artists and fellow organisations to develop events and projects that take place in accessible public spaces in and around the city. We are creating events that we think are both exiting and appealing, and critically engage with issues associated with the role of live art in public environments.  

The coming months will see us publicising our events that we have hidden up our sleeve, and shining some exposure on Lincoln, all of which you can follow on this blog!  

The idea is that the four members of the Lincoln Art programme team will blog independently; creating various a blog that looks what we are doing from various perspectives.

Alan

# 2 [5 September 2009]

This week seems to have been taken up with confirming details for the Art-Jacking Debate, of which most are now completed. Its actually very exciting we have some fantastic speakers! So now begins unrolling the big press wagon! Now I have discovered how to turn the press release into a PDF it should all be plain sailing (hopefully).

We had our first ever Skype meeting this week (as we are spread across the country, Nottingham, London, Manchester) which went relatively well. Apart from not knowing when to speak and experiencing delays in conversation it seemed to go smoothly. We are now planning for our development meeting which happens next week, and will be attended by our mentor John Plowman. The development meeting will focus on the here and now of the programme, alongside future planning / long term goals / programming etc, its going to be a two day marathon.

Notable activity to mention in Lincoln next week will be the University's Fine Art MA show, which I have on very good authority will be the best one yet. Anneka and Alan will be going to the opening, and I will catch it during the week, so if your in Lincoln pop in its on Friday night.

That's all for now
Amelia B-H

# 3 [9 September 2009]

I call this entry : A Challenging Day.

There seems to be no shortage of stressful events in the Lincoln Art Programme, and today seemed to be the pinnacle of the previous weeks stresses.

I am still awaiting confirmation of certain details of the Art-Jacking Debate, which cant be confirmed until next week, not through any-one's fault I may add, it just adds to the pressure.

The biggest stress arrived in my inbox this afternoon, and it was monetary based. I think it was an accumulation of post strikes and good old bad luck. One of our funders cant release funds until the end of the month due to problems with our bank account. I seem to have sorted it out but will mean a delayed payment, making the expenses coming out of my personal account which I will have to invoice for at a later date.

I guess this highlights the reliance that organisations such as ours have on funding bodies. With out their support we cease to function. I have delivered many unfunded projects previously through my own practice, but often with limited capability due to financing. Funding can be an absolute God send to creating or at least making happen an exciting programme of activities, but that can have an adverse effect in as much as we overly rely upon these funders.

I guess the trick is not to get into the mind set that you need money. An interesting related project comes from Plan 9. I was reading an email I got this afternoon, and they are funding a project through bar takings what ever the amount that is take 1p or 100,00p will be the financing of the show.
http://www.plan9.org.uk/ 

Amelia B-H

# 4 [17 September 2009]

So, last week was the week of the mammoth Lincoln Art Programme development meeting. Lots of discussion was had about current and future activities. Seems crazy that we're already coming up with ideas for next year before our first event (Art-jacking Debate on 7th October) has even happened! But I guess that's how these things go...

We also met with our LAP official mentor, artist/curator/lecturer extraordinaire John Plowman, and with a lady from the Collection regarding our second event (Feng-Ru Lee's exciting commission on 7th November).

In other news, Alan and I attended the MA show at the Fine Art department of Lincoln University, the very lovely Greestone building. The show was truly remarkable- please go see it if you get the chance! Notable works include Gwen Tooke's 'info exchange' and George Hardy's 'Trio' group of sculptures. Review to appear on Interface soon.

So, we're all busy bees right now preparing for the debate, doing advertising and marketing and all that malarkey. Much to do!

Anneka

# 5 [25 September 2009]

I thought i'd go into more detail on our development weekend, and the benefits of using some of our Arts Council budget to employ a mentor.

The 11-12 of September saw us reside in Lincoln for 2 days to work on developing the organisational side of the Lincoln Art Programmes well as looking forward to our future plans / projects.

When writing the ACE application for this period of activity we decided it would be beneficial for us to use some of the funding to employ a mentor that would guide us in things we have limited experience on, such as organisational development, and financial planning. we took the decision to ask Lincolnshire based artist and curator John Plowman, head of Lincoln universities MA course and co-director of lincolnshire based art organisation Beacon Art project, we felt his experience of developing an organisation in the region and dealing with audience development in low engagement areas was a resource we felt we could tap into.

In the first meeting we had with him, during our development weekend, it soon became clear that his advice was invaluable, he was able to advise us on the decisions we had already made in relation to where we want to take the Lincoln Art Programme, as well as giving us advice on things we hadnt thought about or considered.  If i could give any advice to other new art organisations, it would be to think about utilising other people experience who are willing to help your own organization grow, in a mentor role.  

As myself and Anneka attended the Lincoln MA Show we have spent some time thinking about the possibility of commissioning some of the MA graduates to develop their practice further through a Lincoln Art Programme project. It seems odd planning for future events next year, even tho we haven't started the upcoming events, but to develop projects and work with artists there is a need to start somewhat in advance, i think this is an important lesson learnt, as the planning time for the art jacking event has being a bit short.

Other news to report, My Dads Strip Club have sent through their publicity material, titled 'Bite The Hand' we have commissioned them to create a comedy Esq evening at the dog and bone pub, in Lincoln on the 26th Nov. here's a bit of info on the event.

Bite The Hand

Enjoy an evening at the Dog and Bone with My Dads Strip Club as they demonstrate to you 'the art of reclaiming space'. Putting embarrassment aside, they will address the delicate subject of carnal knowledge of Coke machines. The comedy in the work runs very close to anger, and excites all kinds of stuff in on-lookers.

My Dads Strip Club has mostly shunned traditional arts spaces, preferring to operate in the public realm with a focus on criticising consumer culture.  Working with others they are known to carry out un-authorised, issue-based urban interventions.

Art jacking debate is only 12 days away....

# 6 [9 October 2009]

I thought I would reflect on the Lincoln Art Programmes most recent event 'Art Jacking'. As the Lincoln Art Programme is focusing on initiating a live art orientated programme, we decided to initiate a debate on the role of live art in public environments. We invited various speakers to be involved in an open debate with our audience, including Lois Keidan from the Liver Art Development Agency, and Laura Eldret from Collecting Live Art.

The discussion began with the various speakers talking about their own relationships with live art and how they feel it fits with unexpected audiences and public environments. With a-n review editor Hugh Dichmont getting a few laughs from the audience explaining his embarrassment and pity for live art performers an participants. Before the audience got the opportunity to explain their own thoughts and experiences on live art events.

The event was a great success, specifically in terms of the audience who attended, we understand that we are building new audiences in a city that has little other artistic activity, but the interest in the Lincoln Art Programme is really high, attracting both local audiences and arts professionals from across the country, its great that we had people travelling from London, Liverpool, Norwich and Manchester all to Lincoln, as well as people from East Midlands arts bodies who are interested to see the Lincoln art programme develop. I think people are excited to see the Lincoln art programme, and watch how it grows and develops.  

There is always the worry when hosting a debate that the discussion will trial off and speakers will struggle to draw out a discussion. But this debate seemed to grow as the event went on, the audience became actively involved in the discussion, and with various conflicting opinions

We had one blunt comment from the audience which I quite like;

"Lincoln's a pretty crusty place. Things like this is only going to make it better"

I was trying to think during the debate about how I’m meant to interpret the word ‘crusty’. But I think he meant crusty as in a ‘bit stale’, a bit behind maybe, and that this is only going to freshen things up, bringing innovative contemporary activity to the city.  

A noticeable group absentee was students from the University. I’ve being told by other course leaders from other universities that they also have difficulties in raising enthusiasms from their students. and maybe when I was a  student i was guilty of the same thing, this is something we at the Lincoln Art programme are going to have to re-address, and find better strategies for attracting their attention.   

Next up, event number two out of three is Feng-Ru Lee’s performance on Saturady 7^th November, Mille will underkae her alter ego, milee the sheep, and is bringing with her, her own ‘animal orchestra’ for a surreal musical performance.  check out the website for more details.

# 7 [15 October 2009]

Looking to the future is a funny thing, ambition and realistic ambition can often be two very different things. Aiming high is definitely essential for progression but its important to realise the immediate capabilities that we have.

The reason I say this is the Lincoln Art Programme has set its self a bar, and in my opinion a high bar to progress from, the Art Jacking debate was most definitely a success, but yes there is room for improvement. The pressure is on to put bums on seats but that can often be a distraction. Feng-Ru Lee's performance is only a few weeks away and the hard work of marketing is kicking in now. We are behind with flyer printing as we had a custom size created but they are due back any day now, so its not too much of a problem.

One thing that has stuck in all of our heads ever since John (Plowman) (our mentor) mentioned it is that printed publicity is not always necessary. I am beginning to agree, making use of distribution networks and the excessive amount of online marketing facilities is creating way for cheaper and potentially more direct marketing. This is one of the successes of the debate, however the problem still lies with attracting a local audince. I tend to think that a local audince would be the ones the printed publicity is for.

Next week we are getting together to develop the future into 2010, and we are going to pay a visit to Hatch, a live art platform in Nottingham, on the way. There is a strange tension in the group about inclusivity and having a range of high profile works and that of emerging artists for our programme. My initial reaction is to have a big impact in Lincoln, and less so to worry about level of development, but we shall see.

Amelia

# 8 [25 October 2009]

Last week both the flyers and posters arrived for Feng-Ru Lee's forthcoming performance. So we're distributing those at the moment as well as sending out e-flyers left, right and centre. Have sent some lovely cotton bags to print with one of her perfomance drawings on the side so can't wait to see how those come out.

For this perfomance, we're hoping to attract a Lincoln audience as well as those from further afield. We've had a couple of articles in the local press this week and The Collection are going to help with our e-marketing, which should both help in this respect. Fingers crossed for a good turn-out.

Amelia and I had a catch-up meeting with Feng-Ru (Milee) last week in the oldest pub in England to see how things are progressing and talk through how things will pan out on the day. Also arranging things like her filming day in Thieves Woods and  transport for all her equipment/props and things on the day (courtesy of a kindly offer from a lovely white van man). Also trying to sort out volunteers and things to help out on the day as we were a bit rushed off our feet at Art-jacking.

Amelia and I also visited Broad St in Nottingham as part of Hatch Abroad, an evening of performances in bars and restaurants etc along the length of the road. I had to leave early but managed to squeeze in two fantastic and extremely bizarre performances from Nottingham-founded Reckless Sleepers in a beautiful old theatre and Nottingham based Daniel Hunt and his chum in a dark and dingy pub basement. Highly recommended.

All very exciting! Anyway, must go, must send out more e-flyers.......

Anneka

# 9 [12 November 2009]

Last weekend saw Feng-Ru Lee's performance take place in the Collection Auditorium. The performance began with a film that saw Milee the Sheep and her Animal Orchestra preforming in a forest from dawn to dusk, which felt like the animals were contributing to the natural sounds of the forest and making it come alive. This added to the already set atmosphere and flowed into performance with Milee and the Orchestra taking to the floor to preform a live ensemble to the audince, a concofany of noise and shadows as Milee the Sheep swung a light bulb at her drum skin, vibrating the atmosphere. The performance concluded with a 60 second count down of audince participation, where each person was given a sheet of A4 paper to create a noise with whilst Milee the Sheep counted down via tearing off numbers from a paper pad.

The general reaction from the audince was that the disjointed nature of the work played on the strengths of the atmosphere and created an all encompassing event. After the performance I interviewed members of the audience with out video camera to gage their reactions, my favorite feedback came from a little girl who was talking to the camera with her mother saying how the rabbit from the orchestra was her favorite character and that they enjoyed scrumping the paper to make noises with. I am certainly keen to carry on the participation elements that some of our programming has as I feel there is more to engage with that way that having something presented to you. I am hoping that this will come across in our development day next week. We are finally going to sit down and have a presumably long discussion on our future programming and current evaluation. 

A couple of weeks time will see the My Dads Strip Club events in the city, which I am very much looking forward to. A lot of the decisions have  been relatively last minuet due to the nature of the work and the activities to co-inside with eco-groups in the city. My Dads Strips Clubs work will tie in with two national / international events that are politically and socially relevant, Buy Nothing Day on the 28th and the Mini Wave event on the 27th; http://www.ecolincs.org/, we are releasing some information with a couple of days / hours notice which I find exciting and intriguing, although the main event is being publicised as normal. 

Amelia   

# 10 [29 November 2009]

1/2

What a way to end the 2009 programme than with a crescendo from My Dads Strip Club. Although not everyone’s cup of tea the events over the 26-28^th November have provided an exceptionally immersive experience for some.

We began on Thursday with an event in the Dog and Bone pub, which I may add is a wonderful venue who are really keen to support art and have a fantastic book exchange scheme. The event saw MDSC present an event which I have dubbed as a stand up comedy style presentation of art and activism and the work of MDSC. Chris’s no frills attitude had the pub filled with laughter at regular intervals, exploring the exploitation of the public through corporations, particularly focusing on coke. MDSC show cased Coke Fuck and other works that highlighted the issues that are often left behind the scenes of large corporations.

The evening ended on a high with pub filled of conversations about creating work with human left over’s and the politics of presenting art that perhaps is a little risky for a Lincoln audience.

Friday’s event was made to tie in with the Mini Wave hosted by Critical Mass in Lincoln. The Mini Wave was a sibling event to the main event in London next week which is a climate protest aiming to raise awareness of the UN Copenhagen conference. After participating in the Mini Wave and narrowly avoiding blue face paint I went alongside a large crowd of protesters and some other found audience members who had assembled en route to the Healthy Hub to be entertained by MDSC presenting an event in support of the days events. Dirty Cash To Clean Green showcased Chris’s drawing whilst Ange animated it live and narrate the evening with tales of the Titanic and other nuggets of information.

The nice thing about Friday was that the event was made almost for the Mini Wave people and they really seemed to enjoy it, after Chris had finished MDSC allowed members of the audience to play with the tools, and various people rose to the challenge creating their own animated art works, on the X Box style tool kit.

The grand finale to a thoroughly entertaining and exhilarating few days finished with two happenings. The first saw Chris peddling deer shit, to willing punters in Lincoln. The premise of which was instead of buying cheap shit for Christmas you should buy deer shit, and so it came to be Chris stood in his flasher jacket in the middle of Lincoln train crossing overtly opening his coat to reveal pouches of glittery laded deer shit to sell to willing punters for £4000, unfortunately he had no takers, but many a puzzled expression. I know what’s going on my Christmas list.

Amelia (1/2)