Research Trip to Birmingham
We were pleased to receive Arts Council England funding in 2019 to carry out organisational development research into different models of arts production spaces. As part of this, a core group of Paradise Works artists visited Grand Union and STEAMhouse to hear about 2 different models of partnership working in Birmingham.
Cheryl Jones from Grand Union, a gallery and artists’ studios complex in Digbeth, outlined how they had grown their organisation to where they are now, thanks to a small proactive board. She also discussed their commitment to engage with the surrounding community by reflecting local issues in their events and exhibition program. They recently launched ‘The Growing Project’, a community-led growing scheme working with organisations who support the vulnerably housed to improve sites across Birmingham. Its projects like this that gain support from the local community, paired with support from trustees that contributed to the Grand Union successfully securing a 3 million pound bid for a new building. A grade II listed building, Junction Works is located in Warwick Bar and is currently being redeveloped into a gallery and artist studios.
At STEAMhouse, Associate Director of Eastside Projects Ruth Claxton discussed the exciting potential in the intersection and shared workspace for arts, science, technology, engineering and maths. This project was made possible through partnerships between Birmingham City University and Eastside Projects. The first element that contributed to its longevity was the provision of workshops, with specialist equipment not easily available elsewhere in Birmingham, opening up the potential for artists to make more ambitious work. The second contributor was its focus on collaboration, which encouraged local creators to use the space as an artist hub, establishing STEAMhouse as an integral part of Birmingham’s art ecology.
“The Steam-house model is an incredible must for Manchester. Artists need more access to facilities and workshops to produce quality work. Having access and possession of these spaces can only encourage us to maintain our place.” Maisie Pritchard, Paradise Works Studio Bursary Award Winner.
To end the trip we were lucky to catch the launch of ‘The Kipper and The Corpse’ , a solo exhibition at Ikon gallery before heading off for a debrief on the train. For 2020 we’re excited to focus our attention on future-proofing what we’ve already created and establish a board at PW. We will consolidate our programme by developing the impact of our public reach, as we’re interested in the role PW plays between the artist-led and ‘mid-level’ space. We will also continue our research into the potential of shared workshop spaces and access to specialist equipment.
We’re keen to return to visit East Side Projects, especially after hearing the exciting news about their architectural partnership in a project to redevelop Birmingham’s Smithfield Market . We’re looking forward to welcoming ESP Extraordinary Ordinary People associate members to Paradise Works as part of the EOP Manchester Study Day on Thursday 19 March, the call out is now open - find out more here.