Artists Taking the Lead

Fellow ValeFest committee member, Alison Wright, and I went along to a Leicester grants workshop held by the Arts Council this evening. Turned out to be most informative and surprisingly enjoyable. 

We intend ValeFest will become self-supporting over 5 years but right now, until we establish the scheme and develop a track record and some credibility, the project is dependent on public funding. 

Despite the current economic climate there are still monies to be had and after this evening's enlightening session, if we can't make successful applications then we have nobody to blame but ourselves.

We also learned of another (and to my mind much more) exciting initiative from the Dept of Culture, Media & Sport, called Artists Taking the Lead.

In each of 12 regions across the UK, artists are being asked to submit their ideas for large arts projects that will form a legacy to the London Olympics in 2012. A quote from the Arts Council website says,

"Artists taking the lead is the most ambitious and wide ranging art prize in the UK. 12 commissions of up to £500,000 will be awarded to create 12 new works of art across the country; one in each of the nine English regions, and in the nations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland."

Moira Sinclair, ED of Arts Council England explained.

"We’re excited to be laying down such a unique challenge to artists. We want them to look at their region and their connections with fresh eyes, to mark a moment in our histories in unexpected ways and places across the country, to surprise and delight the world with their extraordinary artistic vision."

Anyone can apply by submitting a 400-word proposal and all art forms are invited since the remit is wide, the four aims of the project being;

1. original ideas in any artform, led by artists
   
2. projects that reflect and are inspired by the location in which they will take shape
   
3. projects which will be completed by June 2012, but also show a legacy for artists and communities beyond 2012
   
4. projects that celebrate London 2012 and reflect the values and vision of the Cultural Olympiad, the Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games

Between three and five ideas will be shortlisted by the panels in each nation and region. The shortlisted projects will receive a small development grant of up to £5,000 to work their idea into a full proposal. 

So if you have the vision, get writing! Applications are being accepted until 29 May. Full details are available at www.artiststakingthelead.org.uk.