This week Hotwalls Studios opened the doors of the historic Round Tower to welcome local creatives and cultural practitioners to learn and explore more about the Arts Council England grants. The free workshop was organised in partnership with Portsmouth Creates and Portsmouth City Council.
We were overjoyed that ACE South West representative, Sarah Madden, made the trip to Portsmouth especially to deliver the workshop on Develop Your Creative Practice (DYCP) grants. Attendees included Hotwalls Studios resident artists as well as over 20 other Portsmouth creatives, who gathered in the 600 year old Round Tower.
“It was great. Having someone who clearly spoke the same language as us, making it practical, easy and accessible for anyone to apply for. Also explaining clearly what not to do also really helped.” Annie Flitcroft, Ceramicist
As well as learning about the DYCP and Arts Council Project Grants we also heard from a successful grant applicant, local photographer Karl Bailey (of Pompey Darkroom) who shared his own experiences on the grant application process and how it has helped him make pivotal work.
“I never thought I’d get DYCP but I decided to try and it was a surprise when I did. It allowed me the time and access to things I otherwise wouldn’t of been able to get, it gave me new skills, connected me with new people, it changed my approach to my practice in lots of different ways and it really gave me validation as an artist, from someone who came from a working class family with zero arts background it was really special and obviously now has allowed me to transition into the project grant that I’m doing today.” Karl Bailey, Photographer
For many, this was the first time they had heard about or considered these grants that enable individual artists to make a step change in their creative practice.
But it was much more than an informational download – the Arts Council England website does a great job of that already.
This was an opportunity for creatives to also share their perspectives, ask questions, and more importantly – reflect on their own artistic journeys. Regardless of the grant application process or outcome, the consideration to make time and space for this is essential.
“It’s just the help that artists want really, and knowing what the opportunities are is half the battle. It’s something that I’ve wanted to do for ages and has really helped me to clarify where I am at. Just the process of asking yourself what it is that you need to move forward, and what it is that you want from your practice was brilliant.” Ella Kilgour, Artist
“It made me feel a lot more confident to apply for this. Sarah was really personable, spoke clearly about the process and I would recommend it to anyone considering applying.” Hannah Matthews, Taxidermy Artist
Asking oneself important questions on the direction, purpose and intentionality of our art is a crucial part of the evolution of being an artist. This gathering of local creatives, each on their own journey, gave us all the opportunity to do this in a welcoming, inspiring and safe environment.
We look forward to exploring and hosting more opportunities like this that bring together and support local artists and creatives.
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Learn more about Arts Council England DYCP grants.
