[MARKETING] Free Business Development Sessions For Artists

http://www.tpwestmidlands.org.uk/artist-development-events/

New Opportunity to curate a proposed new gallery space at County Hall.

           

 

 Gallery at County Hall               

 

                             

 

1.    Introduction

 

·         Proposals are sought for a Visual Arts organisation or group of artists who are looking to showcase their work at County Hall in Worcestershire. County Hall is situated just off the M5 and is placed in beautiful grounds within woodland and lakes.

·         We are now seeking to use the building in a more creative way and to showcase the great talent we have in the county.  Supporting local businesses is a key priority for the County Council and we would hope that artists and arts organisations could benefit from the use of this space for sharing and selling their work.

 

 

2.    Project Description

 

·         Gallery at County Hall consists of an existing large public space which contains three large wall spaces each being 7 meters wide and 3 meters high.   There are also two cabinets approximately 6ft high by two feet which can exhibit 3D work,

 

·         The work should be by Worcestershire artists and be 2D work for the walls, with the option of 3D for the cabinets.  It needs to suitable for the public and not contain anything which is liable to offend or distress. The final decisions on work to be exhibited for the work will be made by the County Council.

 

·         The space surrounds the Council Chamber and is open to the public during council working hours from 8am to 6.30pm.

 

·         The work should be temporary and can also be 'for sale'. The County Council will not take any commission for the work but all financial transactions will be made by the artist(s) or the organisations who represent the work.

 

·         An 'opening event' can be held which will be organised in conjunction with the artist or organisation.

 

·         The County Council will work with artists to have in place an appropriate picture rail hanging system.

 

·         The County Council cannot guarantee complete security of the work and the work is displayed at the risk of the group.

 

·         We would be looking to change the work two or three times per year. This will be confirmed depending on interest.

 

·         Please note that we cannot pay any group to display or co-ordinate the exhibitions but can assist in the opening event as well as giving advice on the space

 

·         The lead contacts for this are Steve Wilson, County Arts Officer and David Harrison, Facilities Manager

 

 

Terms and conditions of hire:

 

The Artist Space is situated in the area surrounding the Council Chamber.

 

The building is open to the public Monday – Friday  8am – 6.30pm and includes a cafe. .

 

The artist(s) will be responsible for:

·         preparation, installation and removal of exhibits or residency materials

·         insurance of works

·         all labels and information

·         publicity and marketing

 

 

Worcestershire County Council will be responsible for:

·         Advising about installation and display

·         Electricity and space heating

·         Space cleaning daily

·         Signposting within the building

·         A press release to local media in advance of your booking

 

 

 

 

How to apply

 

·         If you are interested in this please contact Steve Wilson, County Arts Officer on 01905 765754 or email swilson@worcestershire.gov.uk or Debbie Birch, Head of Heritage Arts and Music on 01905 766230 email dbirch@worcestershire.gov.uk

 

·         Please outline who you are, the nature of your work and how many artists you have within your work.

 

·         We will expect to invite artists and organisations to County Hall to see the space prior to full agreement to confirm that the space is satisfactory.

 

Initial expressions of interest are requested by 6^th September 2013

KIDDERMINSTER STUFF - By Heather Wastie and Kate Wragg

 

Museum of Carpet Writer in Residence, Heather Wastie, has teamed up with local singer/songwriter, Kate Wragg, to create an entertaining show about Kidderminster past and present. The title of the show,“Kidderminster Stuff”, refers to a heavy weight, multi-purpose cloth woven in the town until the 1700s.

For the past eighteen months, Heather has been interviewing people who once worked in the carpet industry, turning memories into songs and poems. One of the songs is a blues inspired by local people’s nostalgic fondness for the sound of Brinton’s Bull which once bellowed across the town five times a day. Nineteenth century poet Noah Cooke, known as the Weaver Poet, is also represented. Heather will perform the poem he wrote for the first edition of The Shuttle in 1870; she has also set his Weaver’s Song to music, accompanying herself on accordion. Kate’s songs focus on Kidderminster today and she too accompanies herself, on guitar. The two singers will combine for some pieces and there will be a few surprises!

Kidderminster Stuff is at the Boar’s Head Gallery on Friday 16th August 7.30pm and the Museum of Carpet on Saturday 17th August 7.30pm. Tickets are limited so booking is advised. For further information see weavingyarns1.wordpress.com. The event is funded by Wyre Forest District Council and is part of Kidderminster Arts Festival.