Local Art Scene and Opportunities Intro - W2

 

During this week’s lecture, we were introduced to a plethora of local arts organisations. The organisations which really stuck out to me were AirSpace Gallery and Kwanzaa Collective UK *. I was previously familiar with both of these organisations thanks to Instagram however it was useful to get a clearer idea of what they do. 

Kwanzaa Collective UK* is of interest to me as it is an association of artists and activists of colour who aim to amplify the voices of Black and Brown people in Staffordshire. As someone who is of mixed race, I am interested in potentially working with Kwanzaa Collective UK* as it could lead me to opportunities that I might not have elsewhere. I saw on Instagram that one of the Fine Art Masters students, William Ntiamoah who I had met briefly during the Zine Project Workshop in January, had worked with Kwanzaa Collective UK* culminating in an exhibition called FACE: An exhibition in honour of Francis Barber. The exhibition ran from the 5th till the 30th October so I wasn’t able to go however it featured several Staffs Uni Fine Art graduates and centred around Black and Brown faces and voices. An exhibition like this one is something I would be interested in being involved in as it follows a similar subject matter to what I am exploring in my studio practice.

I was familiar with AirSapce because I had seen via social media, fellow Fine Art student, Eve Travis’ exhibition Thread Bare, in the window of the Gallery. I even happened to walk past the exhibition when it was happening, sadly I did miss Eve’s actual performance but it was exciting to see fellow students work publicly displayed in the centre of Hanley. After this weeks lecture, I am considering if I should make use of AirSpace and make valuable connections in the art scene in Stoke and get the exhibiting experience outside of University as this is likely what I would like to do after graduating. I am hesitant to apply, however, as it was made clear that the ‘In the Window’ exhibition opportunity would be several month-long placements and I’m not sure if I can commit to such a long placement on top of attending University and working part-time. It was also mentioned that Rebecca is involved with Airspace’s Print Club which did pique my interest as this could be an opportunity to potentially work on a Zine using the Print Club facilities as a collaboration with Airspace. 

My own images of Thread Bare by Eve Travis at Airspace Gallery, In The Window.