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A COMMUNITY OF ARTISTS THAT IS STRONG AND COMMITTED TO SUPPORTING EACH OTHER AND PROMISES TO EXPAND ITS ABILITY TO PROVIDE BENEFITS AND OPPORTUNITIES.
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The latest from Take A Part

Helping develop an artists' community
BY CARMEN WONG

This week we talk with artist Carmen Wong who has been part of the TAP team supporting with the development of the South West Social Arts Network.  Here Carmen share insight into her role and intentions for the network, the direction of the work and participants thus far and the direction she hopes the Network can take moving forwards.

I officially joined the TAP team late summer to assist producer Beth Richards in setting up the
SW chapter of Social Arts Network. Together, we are trying to puzzle out what the network could offer to SW-based socially engaged artists in a time of social distancing and great global uncertainty. With liveness and the critical element of face-to-face engagement deferred, what would artists, potentially adrift from some of their communities want or need for themselves or their practices to continue with care and health safety?

Our cursory conversations (with mostly Plymouth-based practitioners) revealed that a number of artists and activists needed a renewed sense of purpose and time for reflection to face our particular millieu of pandemic politics, and other social injustices brought closer to the surface, sometimes by way of our 24-hour newscycle and social media. Beth and I found this to be helpful in guiding our approach to a 'living feasibility study' to discern how best to support this new network. 

Instead of just offering a platform for sharable content or professional development (which TAP has in its toolkit and which is being further developed; read more here) it seemed what was most needed was a sense of spaciousness and for community - a community that would be a receptacle for our artistic and social gifts, encourage a caring accountability in managing our time and energies, put us in touch with fellow-practitioners of playfulness, risk-taking, and working with our egos, as we try to indent social change within our respective corners and with our communities. 

In a slow-moving way, the care-as-commons reading/doing group tries to address this challenge, by convening a social-muscle work-out in our readings around commoning and care. In our gatherings, we wish to dream of and imagine new, playful, joyful ideas and arrangements for care-as-commons - a care that is maintained/received by all for the mutual benefit of all. Since our first online gathering in August, the self-facilitated group has been meeting monthly to read out loud and together Fair, Free & Alive, David Bollier & Silke Helfrich's book on the history and insurgent power of commons, and discussing how we might incorporate some of these ideas more rigorously in our respective practices. 

The first few sessions also provided a taste of The Undercommons, Stefano Harney & Fred Moten's terrific treatise on black studies and the rejection of a politics that forces individuation; and Maria Puig de la Bellacasa's writings on care, technoscience, and the complex interdependence within soil ecologies. Our most recent session has revealed another important source of thinking for our times in the shape of Hillary Cottam's Radical Help, which details the work by Cottam's organisation that experimented with ways of enabling people to live “a good life” in the 21st century. A few other bits of reading, viewing and doing are being planned (including reading the Care Manifesto by the Care Collective, adrienne maree brown's Pleasure Activism, and investigating social-muscle clubs!)  

Beth and I recently consulted with a few SW-based socially-engaged arts groups, who agreed that regular meetings would be helpful to gather and share ideas, care, resources, and encouragement. We're hoping that these meetings would collaboratively build on a co-led workshop around what it means to be a socially engaged artist. If you are seeking community and mutual aid in your social arts practice (whether as an individual or a group), we hope you can join us, as we find out how SAN-SW may be a more member-led effort. Our next meet-up is on Tuesday, December 8, from 10-11:15am. Details/RSVP on the SAN SW FB group

If you don't use Facebook but are interested in joining the next SAN SW satellite meet-up, or the care-as-commons reading/doing group, Get in touch with Carmen here

Our News
THE LATEST FROM US

Covid-19 Activity and Impact Report:
Take A Part are hugely proud to be able to share with you this incredible report, designed by Plymouth Design, sharing the activity that the team and organisation undertook during the initial Covid-19 period and the subsequent impact of that activity.  

Sharing how we stayed relevant, connected, create commissions and employability, generate income, advocate, research, support artists and organisations, develop research partnerships and training we certainly were, and continue to be, busy.


"Working with Take A Part during the pandemic has been a real privilege and I've been humbled by the enthusiasm and support. Their continued presence and support within the community has led to many different projects, even with the pandemic and restrictions in place"  Paolo Fiore, Coxside resident.

We have all worked extremely hard over the past few months, as have so many in our sector, and we want to say a massive thank you to our partners, collaborators and supporters at such a difficult time.  We are so proud of what we have been able to achieve alongside wonderful and resilient communities within Plymouth, we hope you enjoy reading the report.  Check it out in full (and doing the rounds on our socials!) here.

Support for the sector
OPPORTUNITIES, SUPPORT AND NEWS THIS WEEK

How Do Artists Get Commissions?: Sophie Mellor/CAMP
In this two part workshop presented by CAMP, artist Sophie Mellor will guide participants through the process of applying for commissions and improving the chances of success.  Working with other artists, participants will look at getting work ready to make bids, researching the right commissions and understanding how to write sharp pitches.  The first session focuses on meeting the criteria; understanding the common commissioning requirements; artist statements; budgets and project ‘one pagers’. The second session drills down into the details of interview technique, what happens when you get the gig or asking for feedback if you don’t.  This workshop is aimed at artists with a range of experience of applying for commissions – from people with no experience to those with experience who want to readjust and reflect, you need to commit to both sessions.  Find out more here.

Up and Coming Programme Producer: Beyond Face CIC
Following the success of Elevate funding from Arts Council England performance company Beyond Face CIC are now looking to grow their core team and develop their model for sustainable working.  They are looking for an energetic, efficient and enterprising producer to lead the outreach department as Beyond Face embark on a new phase for the company. For the company, outreach is about facing https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/funding-finder/elevateoutwards, and developing exciting and ambitious projects and strands of work that are related to the Youth Company, Ensemble (Plymouth and Exeter), partnerships with Education Settings as well as seeking new project partners.  Follow this link for a job pack containing more detail about the company and the role.

Blueprints: The History of the Sewing Pattern: Exeter RAMM
Join writer and researcher Victoria Haddock in this online workshop to find out more about the history of the paper pattern industry and the companies that produced patterns. Discover the origins of patterns - from the tailoring manuals of the 16th century to the dressmaking publications of the 19th century, and the film costume-inspired Hollywood and Starred patterns of the 1930s and 1940s, through to the packet patterns that people buy today.  This event is free and online, you can find out more and book your place here

Sound Designer: Sophie Ross & Sarah Shephard
Actor Musician, Sophie Ross and Creative Producer, Sarah Shephard are seeking an experienced Sound Designer to take part in their new R&D project, ‘It Takes a Village’.  They are currently recruiting a team of collaborators to R&D a brand new outdoor piece aimed at uniting new parents and their children. This project will focus on parents and babies who have been particularly effected by the isolation caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.  Applicants need to send a CV and cover letter to Sarah Shephard: Sarah.louise.shephard@gmail.com. You can read more about the opportunity by clicking here.

Creating Contracts for Freelancers and Employees: Home
Continuing their series of 'Producers Toolkit Workshops' Home present this online workshop with Charlotte Jones, Chief Executive, Independent Theatre Council (ITC) hosting a session on creating contracts.  The session will be helpful to anyone who ever has to draft contracts for people working for their organisation.  Participants will also have an opportunity to learn more about ITC, what it does and how it can benefit creatives.  Questions are welcome in advance of the session and you can find out more, or book your place, here.

Maureen Attrill Bursary: The Box
The Box have announced the Maureen Attrill Bursary which has been established in memory of a former long-serving member of staff.  The bursary will support an annual research project linked to art collections at The Box and will lead to the successful applicant producing a project summary and a 1,000+ word article on their findings. You will also be offered the opportunity to present their research as part of The Box’s events programme in 2021.
Applications for the bursary are now open, you can read more about the opportunity here.


Exploring the Legacy of the UK Black Film Workshop Movement: Home
Part of their commissions series Celebrating the UK’s Black Film Workshop Movement, Home's second screening takes place on Dec 5th and will be followed by a panel discussion exploring the legacy of UK Black Film Workshops and their influence on current filmmakers and collectives. The conversations will focus on collective and collaborative practices and dive deeper into the inspirations behind the Second Sight New Commissions programme. You can read more and book here.

How and Why to form a Theatre Company: Barbican Theatre ReBels
As part of their ReBels Masterclass programme Barbican Theatre Plymouth present this session on forming a theatre company.  Meet a selection of South West professionals that have set up their own theatre companies. Find out what led them to form their company and how they do the work they do, this session is a chance to hear about their company, have a discussion about the role of theatre companies now and ask questions.  You can find out more about the masterclass, including how you can book by following this link.

Public Art Producer: Bricks
Bricks are looking for a Public Art Producer to support Bricks Public Art Consultancy to build into a nationally recognised leader in developing and delivering public art programmes that support local communities and local artists.  The role will involve working to deliver Bricks public art projects in collaboration with artists, local authorities and developers, supporting the Bricks director in bidding for and winning new contracts, writing public art strategies and budgets.  At a busy time for Bricks the role will also involve project manage three current public art projects already written for developments in St Pauls, Lockleaze and Stoke Gifford as well as other potential projects currently in development.  For a full description of the role and further information on Bricks click here.

Recruiting, Retaining & Supporting Volunteers: Plymouth Octopus Project
Join Plymouth Octopus Project (POP) in this sessions introducing participants to finding and maintaining volunteers, and the tools and processes needed to support them. This session is ideal for organisations new to managing volunteers and those wanting to review and improve their current volunteers processes. The event will be an informal opportunity to share ideas, experiences and learn from each other and an experienced member of the POP ideas team.  Follow this link for more information and booking.

Call out, Site-responsive family experience at Cockington Court: Doorstep Arts
Doorstep Arts are looking for individual or group of collaborators to work with, in partnership, on a site-responsive creative project for children and their families during February half term 2021.  The project will take place in the grounds at Cockington Court in Torquay and it is hoped it will explore the space in a joyful way.  Any ideas; live performance, audio tours, light shows, projections and treasure hunts and all welcome, key to the call out is a story and characters that children can connect with.  The selected individual or group will receive support from the Doorstep Arts production team.  You can read about the opportunity in more detail here.

Take Action for Wildlife in Plymouth: Green Minds
This online workshop is being hosted by Green Minds, a Plymouth city-wide movement to find innovative nature-based solutions to solve environmental challenges and give nature a voice.  Join the Devon Wildlife Trust and Plymouth City Council, in this workshop aimed at anyone who is interested in taking action for wildlife in Plymouth.  Organisers would also like to hear your ideas and how you would like to be involved and during the session, there will be a chance to ask questions and find out more.  You can book for this workshop by clicking here.

The Recycling of materials, actions and ideas, Alice Sheppard Fidler: Bricks
Continuing their series focussing on local artists and their practice, this next talk from Bricks is with artist Alice Sheppard Fidler.  Alice will discuss her piece of installation work in development for the Bricks Micro Commission. Methods and processes of her practice will be covered, as will how this work relates to previous installation works and those of other artists. You can find out more here.

In Conversation
TAKE A PART IN CONVERSATION WITH STACIE MCCORMICK, UNIT 1 GALLERY | WORKSHOP

Following discovering their Conversation series with different art professionals, Take A Part spoke with Gallery | Workshop founder Stacie McCormick to learn more about the artist behind the organisation and the ethos of Unit 1.

For me being an artist is a balancing act. I run the prestigious Unit 1 Gallery | Workshop in West London and being artist leading this artist-led initiative is a double full time job. Between exhibitions, residency, programmes and a foundation, I have my hands full, but the promise from the very beginning has been to always keep my studio practice strong and alive.

I'm a multi-disciplinary artist, Los Angeles-born and London-based, I'm creating paintings primarily on canvas and paper, producing works that are abstract & gestural. Using ink, acrylic and oil, my paintings are often referred to as hypnotic, meditative, powerfully calming, calligraphic and beautiful. I have a daily practice of rehearsing my gesture in preparation for larger paintings, resulting in a strong portfolio of works on paper. The appearance of spontaneity is rigorously studied, a result of over 30 years of work - ‘training’ my gesture.

My most recent body of work is entitled “Twelve Marks Epiphany Chronicles”. I work in series and this new body of work is a continuation of a fascination with impossibilities. Setting myself a challenge of attempting to paint the ‘same’ painting over and over despite knowing the method and materials will not allow. The resulting body of works are a family and have harmony and discord at once; I am seeking this sublime moment of becoming. My motivation is to paint, to work and play and move through the painting experience until a number of conditions align and the work establishes itself as complete, a conjuring of components and materials into reality.

My role as the founder and director of Unit 1 Gallery | Workshop requires athletic flexibility. Dividing time between the exhibition and residency programmes requires focus and adaptability. Unit 1 Gallery | Workshop is total emersion from a constant number of artists in house working on their practice to a high turn over of dynamic exhibitions, or the conversation series hosted live on Instagram- there is a vast amount of content to engage with at this art destination. Unit 1 Gallery | Workshop has worked to establish a community of artists that is strong and committed to supporting each other and promises to expand its ability to provide benefits and opportunities.  I abide by the simple but profound golden rule - treat others as you would love to be treated and my organisation loves to treat artists phenomenally well.


You can see more of Stacie's work here Find out more about Unit 1 by following this link

Connecting with communities

We've been checking out who's connect with communities and audiences right now, and seeing what great work and projects are taking place.  This week's highlights include;  

A collection of female artists and producers working in Cornwall have formed collective 'Kerpow'.  Their website contains a FAB manifesto that states: "We want to celebrate women’s stories and creativity. We want to use our art to raise consciousness and inspire to act. We want women’s work to be visible and validated. We want to shout out loud locally and globally..." and they have already undertaken some cool online projects.  The collective are still in the early days of forming but their ethos and website is certainly worth checking out.  Click here to see more.

Obsidian Coast have shared artist Hannah Catherine Jones's piece Owed to Humana as part of their online programme (Extra) Terrestrial Currents sharing moving image, sound and text pieces.  Owed to Humana is a composition of sound, text and moving image transmitting queer diasporic experience in search of Black liberation, it's a hypnotic and engaging bit of work.  You can read more about the it here and see the piece in full by following this link.

Thorody have a Crowdfunder live to develop the Thorody Flax Project aimed at supporting more substantial commercial flax growing in Devon and Cornwall which in turn will support their printed textile business to be more environmentally sound.  Their aim is to grow 1 acre of flax as a precursor to establishing more substantial crops, with the eventual hope to develop an integrated ‘grow, process, spin, weave and sell’ social enterprise involving local small farmers and creative enterprises in Plymouth and Cornwall.  A great grass-roots project that is well worth checking out and supporting if you can.  Follow this link for the Crowdfunder and more detailed information.

Speedwell, artist collective Still/Moving's artwork on the Mount Batten Breakwater, Plymouth, turned off on Thursday 26th November. This was to recognise the National Day of Mourning in the U.S. where Indigenous folk hold a day of mourning for the plight of their people in direct contrast to the general marking of that day - Thanksgiving.  A film has been published to Still/Moving’s websiterecognising the day and the words of collaborators of 'Amplify' a collective response to the trauma of this date and the need for any attention drawn to this moment to continue onwards, for light to come out of the dark.  The film includes explanations about the history and reverberations of the Day of Mourning by Dr Stephanie Pratt and Marial Quezada and a poignant reading of Frank James’ suppressed text which he wrote for the 350th anniversary of the Mayflower’s sailing, which he was not allowed to read, his granddaughter, Kisha James, reads the text in full.  You can see the film in full here

As part of STTLMNT you can now download app 'Blood Memory' which offers people the opportunity to listen to and share their own stories connected to nature.  New stories are being added weekly.  You can read more about Blood Memory, including how to download it, here and you can also follow them via Instagram.

Article in focus

This week's article comes from Artist and folklorist Michael Fortune as he shares his project capturing images of Irish men and women with their dressers.  

"...one thing that struck me was how both men and women connected with dressers, and I was surprised how many were made as wedding presents by husbands for their wives. Another thing was how the role of the dresser changed over the years from a practical place to hold ware - cups, milk, flour, sugar, etc - in the kitchen to a more shrine-like position in the home"

The project started as a body of research which  included a series of portraits that were sat on Michael's hard drive.  In a bid to share the stories and also create an object of use for the home he used the images to create a calendar to celebrate the lives and narratives of those captured.  

You can read the full article, and find out how to get your hands on a calendar, here.

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Copyright © 2020 Take A Part, All rights reserved. Images in this e-news are courtesy of Gem Smith for Take A Part, Stina Hamlin & Jade Begay, Michael Fortune






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