Call for Artists:
  Stoke-on-Trent: Creative Approaches to Local Issues

 
Local artists. Local groups. Local issues. Our new project is about bringing all these together.

In the first phase of a dynamic new initiative, we will explore creative approaches to real-world issues and to the future of our city. Ten local groups have been identified, each with an issue or theme they want to explore and develop through a creative collaboration with an artist. These projects will be happening this autumn.

We are looking for artists from Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire, to work alongside our strong community groups in Longton, Blurton, Townsend, Hartshill, Stanfields, Bradeley, Abbey Green and Burslem. The groups you'll work with are supported through Stoke-on-Trent's Community Facilitation service and other agencies. The groups are currently helping to draft artist briefs for their projects; which will include residencies, commissions, events and consultancies in a range of artforms.

Budgets will range from �1,500 - �3,500, including fees and materials, depending on the specific project. As we wish to attract as wide a range of artists as possible, and help support newly emerging artists, you'll also receive up to four days of mentoring support from The Public. The Public has extensive experience of creative project development and delivery, locally, nationally and internationally.

We are also looking for a Project Co-ordinator to support this first phase of ten projects. You will work closely with The Public to liaise with artists, community groups and facilitators; co-ordinate and support individual projects and events across the city; and assist with evaluation of the activities. The fee for this work will be in the region of �3 - 4,000.

Interested? Please let us know by sending:

  * an up-to-date C.V.
  * a 300-word statement on your creative life & work, including
     your experience of working in communities or in other contexts.

The address to send your envelope, or e-mail, clearly marked with the reference 'Stoke-on-Trent Call for Artists', is:

   David Haden, The Public, Unit 1a Overend St, West Bromwich,
   West Midlands, B70 6EY or c/o:

We regret that we can't return any material sent to us.

The deadline for applications is 12th September 2003.

Artists who are shortlisted for specific projects will be expected to attend an interview with members of the shortlisting panel and representatives of the community groups. Selection will begin in September, with projects beginning in October and November. Individual project schedules will be negotiated with the groups concerned. Shortlisted project co-ordinators will be interviewed by The Public.

 

Call for "expressions of interest"

Don't feel ready yet, or just don't have time? That's OK. This is the first phase of a longer term programme of creative activities in a community context. If you'd like to be considered for future opportunities & commissions, please send us some short details anyway (clearly marked 'Stoke-on-Trent Expression of Interest'). We're building a database of artists based in Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire who are interested in being involved.

And if you know someone who might be interested, please tell them about these commissions!

 

More about us:

The Public   [w]  www.thepublic.com
The Public is an award-winning community arts organisation that has worked in West Bromwich, Sandwell and the West Midlands for over 27 years to provide opportunities for community groups in the area. Working with people in all walks of life, The Public introduces creativity to the agenda for social change in a wide range of contexts. The Public is working with Stoke-on-Trent City Council to support this phase of the project and build capacity in the area for future collaborations between locally based artists and community groups.

Stoke-on-Trent's Community Facilitation Team   [w]  www.stoke.gov.uk
Community Facilitation is a new service set up by Stoke-on-Trent City Council to enable local people to influence decisions which affect their quality of life. We work with people from the community, the local authority, police, health and voluntary sector and with local Councillors. There are 10 Community Facilitators working in 10 areas across the City, each area covers two electoral wards with a population of 20,000 to 25,000 people. The Community Facilitators can help you make contact with community groups in their areas.

Creative Stoke   [w]  creativestoke.org.uk
Creative Stoke is the web-site by & for creative professionals in North Staffordshire. Launched in December 2002, the site has an up-to-date directory of direct web-links to the sites of over 600 local creatives. Also comprehensive information about business support, studio & exhibition space, events, and much more.

Stoke-on-Trent's Community Arts Service   [w]  www.stoke.gov.uk
Community Art Services, led by Community Arts Officer Paul Bailey, is a division within Stoke-on-Trent City Council's Education Department. The team of experienced artists deliver opportunities for creative expression and community development for the people of Stoke-on-Trent.