Professional Development
A record of development activities
Create | Sustain | Innovate
March 2010
A day consisting of many speakers aimed at encouraging creative start-ups, hosted by St Johns University. Key speaker, creative businessman, Wayne Hemingway spoke strongly, despite microphone issues. He communicated, in simple plain language, a genuine commitment to his values and attributed much of his creative success to a consistent focus on them. His absolute belief in the potential of creative business to see clearly and wipe away excuses was inspiring. As with all of these things, it is difficult to quantify what was said that had real 'practical application' for me personally. The event was clearly aimed at the young graduate who, in fairness, made up most fo the audiance. The day ended with an opportunity to hear about the experiences of sculptor, Peter Coates. Like most artists (myself included), he is more concerned with artistic practice than building a business empire, and for this reason the time with him felt the most precious and all too short.
Web 2.0 - social networking tools for small business
March 2008
A big subject and therefore an intense workshop by speaker, Anna Farmery, through Creative York. A lot of ground was covered during this day long workshop which set out to introduce small business to the marketing opportunities offered by various tools on the internet, including socially orientated items such as Twitter. Strategically managing my fine art practice web presence and specifically, moving it to the next level, was an area I was focused on then, so this workshop was timely. Though in possession of a background which equips me with a great deal of savvy on aspects of the web, this workshop was a useful introduction to a recent web phenomena/trend and a kit of new developments which, approached coherently, should be both manageable and beneficial. Much to think about and experiment with – a worthwhile day.
I day workshop
March 2009
Cancelled due to insufficient numbers. A short one-day workshop relating to the development of artistic theory within Fine Art Practice.
Introduction to e-commerce
February 2008
A Business Link short course examining e-commerce for small business.
The Bigger Picture
Accessing Wider Art Markets
January 2008
A one-day seminar including the following speakers: writer, author and Turner Prize judge, Louisa Buck; gallery owner, Fred Mann; and international artist practicing in the North of England, Clive Head. Each speaker described a view of the wider art markets – accessibility and characteristics. Louisa Buck delivered a lively and deeply informed view of the nature of the art market in general. Gallery owner, Fred Mann's approach was practical and tailored to an audience made up almost exclusively of aspiring artists, his deep love for art as always, communicating itself. Clive Head described his journey from unknown to established artist, sharing the benefit of his hindsight by observing key strategies, decisions and influences in his story. Each of the speakers recognised that there is more than one art market, but of course focused on their own experience of the one high value market centred on London. All the speakers were a privilege to hear - their time and effort, expended traveling to the Yorkshire venue, was much appreciated.
Whose work is it anyway?
December 2007
A one-day workshop held by York City Council and Science City York (Creative Cluster). Issues of copyright and licensing for creatives were introduced and clarified. Guest speakers were: Dr Claire Antrobus, who began her illustrious career as curator for the Yorkshire Sculpture Park; Nick Sharp, lawyer with Swan Turton; and Dr Eileen McMorrow, solicitor.
Contemporary Art in the Public Realm: Cafe Artistique
27 March 2007
Event jointly organised by LVAF (Leeds Visual Art Forum) and Axis.
Discussion led by Adam Sutherland (Director, Grizedale Arts). Held at The Adelphi, Leeds. Mr Sutherland articulated observations about the process of making art for communities as explored at Grizedale Arts, expressing (in order to invite discussion) honest and distinctive views about contemporary art in the public realm.
Marketplace - Roadshow Leeds
8 December 2006
a NAN (Networking Artists Networks) Event in collaboration with ESA (East Street Arts) and Polka Flock.
One of a series of events for artists exploring how artists in different areas of the UK relate to the art world and market, in light of current and future trends in state funding. Panelists included (Chair) Andrew Wheatley (Cabinet Gallery, London), Lawrence Lane (International 3, Manchester), Fred Mann (Rhodes and Mann Gallery, London), Paul O'Sullivan (Static, Liverpool), Louise Short (Station, Bristol), Sarah Thelwall (Freelance Art market strategist). Curators and gallery owners, art market experts and established artists with specific relationships with the UK and international art scene took part in debates, offering a rare insight in to the dynamics of the art market from a northern perspective. All the speakers spoke very well on a fascinating and deep subject.
Art Installation
21 November 2006
A short course looking at professional exhibition installation, good practice, for both 2D and 3D artwork. An introduction to museum/public gallery exhibition installation, this single day provided a good basic foundation, enabling an artist to install their own exhibition or to prepare artwork in an informed manner.
Models & Modes of Creative Practice: Art, Writing & Research
19 September 2006
Attended one day conference at Lancaster Institute where a number of eminent speakers presented papers discussing the subject of how artists write about art, specifically within the academic environment.
CIM Post-graduate Diploma in Marketing
Completed 2002
A business management course completed part-time over 3 years. Covering all aspects of marketing and brand including audience analysis, segmentation/targeting and product development. Awarded "Highest Achieving Student in the North East".
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