Welcome to our July/August E-Newsletter

We are very excited about our new collaboration with Culture North and Director Patrick Murphy.  The brand new 'MADE NORTH' at Yorkshire Artspace will finally see our exhibition space at Persistence Works Studios back in action for at least the next 18 months with a programme that genuinely fills a gap in the art and design infrastructure in the city.  Patrick will introduce himself and the project at a special evening event on Thursday 12th July from 5pm onwards where he will also introduce the work of some of the most promising designer makers working in the North of England.  I hope you can can join us. 

Kate Dore, Director Yorkshire Artspace

MADE NORTH at Yorkshire Artspace - introducing the new gallery and programme

MADE NORTH at Yorkshire Artspace will provide a creative platform that actively encourages and promotes understanding of contemporary northern craft and design. MADE NORTH will present new and experimental work by established and emerging northern designer/makers, introducing and promoting  designer/makers and their work to a wider audience via a range of exhibitions at the gallery and through profiles on the 'MADE NORTH online showcase and store.

MADE NORTH will also present a series of talks throughout the year to encourage dialogue and debate around contemporary craft and design as well as an annual conference, the first of which was held at FACT in Liverpool earlier this year. MADE NORTH is a project of Culture North and curated by Patrick Murphy.

MADE NORTH will also be launching a membership scheme to help promote, support and develop the best in northern creative talent.  The first exhibition, opening in September 2012,  will feature 'The MADE NORTH Designer Showcase': a selection of some of most exciting designers and makers from the North of England, delivered in partnership with the Design Council and their Design Fund for Growth.    Some of the work of these designer makers will be on show on 12th July when Patrick will introduce himself and the gallery at a special evening event from 5 pm onwards.   Patrick is keen to work with designers, makers and artists based in Sheffield as well as work in partnerships with other art, craft and design initiatives in the North of England, so join us for a drink on 12th July, from 5pm at Persistence Works Studios, 21 Brown Street, Sheffield S1 2BS -  RSVP to Mir. 

Residency Programme Manor Oaks Studios - Edith Garcia, Artist talk

As part of the introduction event for the new MADE NORTH gallery at Yorkshire Artspace's Persistence Works Studios, Edith Garcia will be delivering an artist's talk on Thursday 12th July, 5.30pm.  Edith will be talking about her recent book 'Ceramics and the Human Figure' published by A&C Black in June this year. "The human figure has been represented in clay throughout history, and continues to evolve today. Nowadays artists are working with the human form in new ways, playing with materials and forms, and making use of new technologies to produce exciting, challenging and unconventional work, from the whole intact figure through to fragmented, hybrid and abstract forms.  For artists, collectors, and anyone interested in ceramics this book presents an exciting survey of the state of the figure in clay today".  Copies of the book will be available for sale on the night and Edith will be very happy to sign these.  This is a free event, please RSVP to Mir to let us know you will attend. 0114 2130111

Edith will exhibit new work developed during her residency at Manor Oaks Studios in the new MADE NORTH Gallery in February next year.

Residency Programme Knutton Road Studios - Ania Bas, Open Day Event

PX Story, Summer: Hero, copyright Ania Bas 2012

Ania is holding the second in a series of four events PX Story Summer: Hero on Saturday 14th July 11am-5pm at Knutton Road Studios.  All events are leading to the creation of the PX Story, a book about Parson Cross which will be compiled with direct input from residents and visitors to Parson Cross.   It is not going to be a traditional novel, nor a shiny estate catalogue. The book aims to be a genuine hybrid of voices, perspectives, drawings, photos and stories - a multi-layered account of the contemporary life in PX.   This event is all about exploring the notion of Hero; a chance to tell your story about meaningful characters or people.   It is also a chance to explore the building, meet Steve Bush who wrote a book about Parson Cross in the 60’s, meet other artists and enjoy a free cup of tea.

This is a FREE EVENT and everyone is welcome at SOAR Works/Knutton Road Studios, 14 Knutton Road, Parson Cross, Sheffield S5 9NU  click here for a google map  

Ania Bas is currently undertaking a year-long residency in Parson Cross and working with Yorkshire Artspace to enable people to engage with art, artists and the new neighbourhood studios at Knutton Road. Ania is an artist and developer of art projects who in her own words ‘works with people rather than canvas.’ In recent years she has been artist in residence at Whitechapel Art Gallery and New Art Gallery Walsall and has developed work, projects and interventions in many locations within UK and Europe.  If you wish to learn more about what Ania is up to and the next events please visit Ania’s Residency Blog

Interview with artist Paula Kirby

Based at Knutton Road Studios \ Art Form: Contemporary Art

                              'The Illusionarium' by Paula Kirby

Can you describe your creative practice to someone who may not be familiar with it? I work mainly in photography and film, although I do occasionally employ other media. My work seeks to stimulate thought and debate, often challenging the viewer to look at something very familiar from a different view point. I am particularly interested in the relationship of the individual with consumer capitalism: the choices we make in how we spend our leisure time and money; the role of marketing and advertising in shaping our choices; and how our image of ourselves and of society is influenced. A typical example of this type of work is 'The Illusionarium' (pictured), which is a parody of a 19th Century Parisian tourist attraction where people saw images of 'the world' from an imperialist Parisian view point . In my version, you look through the rather elaborate and grand 19th Century style viewing panels to see a series of short films of modern Parisian tourist attractions – Disneyland or the Wax Works – filmed in a quite an honest and unglamorous light through the eyes of a rather jaded tourist.

How long have you had a studio at Yorkshire Artspace and what brought you here? I got involved by participating in the Starter Studio Programme in 2000 after graduating from Sheffield Hallam University. I have moved studios a couple of times whilst I completed my MA, but I've more or less had a studio at Yorkshire Artspace for about 10 years in total.

How do you make your living as an artist/maker? I have a very mixed working life. I teach workshops in photography and fine art. I studied photography after completing my BA in fine art as I wanted to use it in my practice but I find it useful in supporting my work financially as I document other artists' work. I also have a teaching degree so I have taught in the primary, secondary and FE sectors.

How does having a studio here support your practice? There are so many benefits that I may not be able to cover in this short piece. Firstly, it is good to have the discipline of a 'place of work' to go to, to think and create. I spend a lot of my time working with and for others so it's nice to have somewhere that is just for me - it is 'my space', I can do whatever I want to in it and it gives me the freedom to think without any distractions. On the other hand, it feels good to be part of working community as it can be quite an isolated existence being an artist - the people that you meet and the diverse practice is wonderful and inspiring. There are lots of opportunities for networking and sharing ideas, often in ways that you wouldn't anticipate. I especially like Knutton Road Studios because it is very friendly, there are lots of different businesses here at SOAR Works, not just artists, so you get to meet people with different skills and interests and there are often useful connections to be made.

Please give a particular example of how this has resulted in a commission/exhibition/networking opportunity? Being at Knutton Road has led to me being able to work with local people on photography workshops in the fantastic spaces there and this is just the start of a number of similar opportunities I'll be taking in the coming months.

What has been your highlight over the last year? When I moved into Knutton Road (after my blisters had healed -I have a lot of junk!) I set myself two aims to start up some workshops and concentrate on my fine art work in order to exhibit it. By February I already had a viable photography workshop up and running (currently standing at twenty weeks). In May I had a fine art film accepted in a curated show as part of the Fringe Arts Bath festival.

What are you working on at the moment? I'm working on a new film which is a bit more experimental and poetic than my most recent work. I experimented with this idea a couple of years ago and I'm going to re-shoot it in France over the summer, so I'm really excited to see how it turns out.

Yorkshire Artspace Artists' News

Kid Acne is showing 'Stand and Deliver' , a solo exhibition of new work at the C.A.V.E gallery in Los Angelos until 23rd July.  The show features a new body of work exploring the ongoing saga of his Stabby Women characters and celebrates a number of techniques and processes - including decoupage, monoprints, ink drawings, collage, screenprints and risographs.

Miles Gavin has been succesful in his funding bid to Arts Council England to attend an intensive 10-day ceramics course in in Long Beach, California:  'Summer Work Intensive'  is the third such workshop and began with the belief that students need diversity in studio-based experiences in order to grow artistically. This is a unique one-time workshop opportunity to work alongside nine superb artists: Tip Toland, Matt Wedel, SunKoo Yuh, Beth Cavener Stichter, Myungjin Kim, Gerit Grimm, Cristina Cordova, Chris Miles and TaeHoon Kim. These artists engage figuration from very diverse perspectives and have been invited to join our students for 10 days  in an atmosphere intended to simultaneously sharpen a focus and broaden a range of ideas and possibilities.  

Jennie Gill was also successful in getting an Arts Council G4A grant to develop a brand new range of cast iron jewellery, particularly popular in 18thC Germany.  She will be working with a local casting company in Sheffield over the summer to develop this technique.  We are are looking forward to seeing her new jewellery range at our next Open Studios event on 16th and 17th November this year.

Manor Oaks Studios jeweller and silversmith Annette Petch will be exhibiting her jewellery and silverware at RHS Tatton Park flower show, in the Horticultural Arts and Crafts Pavilion, from 18-22 July.

Paul Morrison education project

Paul Morrison's current exhibition Auctorum at Museums Sheffield: Millennium Gallery will form the starting point for an education project that Yorkshire Artspace has initiated with Chaucer School in Parson Cross and Park Academy in The Manor.

Last year Paul designed a wonderful artwork for us to sell. With  'Cicad', a limited edition of 10 mirror polished stainless steel laser etching, we raised the funding for this project which will see Yorkshrie Artspace artists Charlie Hill and ceramicist Emilie Taylor working with twelve Year 10 pupils.  The projects will take place in July and September and the artworks created by the students will be going on display in the Avenue of  The Millenium Gallery in October 2012.  

This project was made possible with additional in-kind support from Aalco Nottingham, the Sheffield Assay Office, Green Estate's Manor Lodge , LEAF Allotments in Parson Cross and Museums Sheffield.  We only have 3 laser etchings left for sale (at £430 unframed or £490 framed) -  all proceeds will fund our ongoing education and outreach work. 

If you haven't seen Auctorum yet, this fabulous exhibition by one of Sheffield's best known contemporary artist is on until 4th November this year.

Paul Morrison, Tilia 2011 (image courtesy of Paul Morrison and Alison Jacques Gallery)

Workshops for the Public

Manor Stokes Wood Firing Group are looking for new members to use the new wood-firing facility based at Manor Farm off Manor Lane in Sheffield.  There is a two-tier membership structure to allow those with little experience to “have a go” before committing to an annual membership fee. Membership is as follows: Full membership at £ 175 per annum will give you access to: take part in 6 firings per year (includes wood  and equipment and materials for firing such as wadding, kiln furniture and safety equipment); workshop facilities for glazing; experienced kiln firing facilitators; group exhibitions and selling events at Open Studio events.  The part-time membership at £ 10 per annum will give you the opportunity to learn more about the firing process through: observing firings; receive regular mailings; have priority booking for courses, events and firings and in addition you may book a one-off firing for £40 which can be offset against an annual membership fee should you subsequently decide to join. For more details please contact Sarah Villeneau on 07734958310 or Penny Withers 07510668585 or email manorstokers@yahoo.co.uk. To join, please send your details and a cheque made payable to Manor Stokes to: Manor Stokes, Studios 13/14 Persistence Works, Yorkshire Artspace, 21 Brown Street, Sheffield, S1 2BS.  Click here to watch the wonderful results from the first public test firing in May 2012.

The next firing of the Manor Stokes new smokeless wood-fired kiln is scheduled for the weekend 14th (packing the kiln) and 15th July (firing) . 

Professional Development

Yorkshire Artspace Starter Studio Programmes for early career silversmiths, jewellers and ceramicists 

Applications for the 2012 intake for the Yorkshire Artspace starter studio programmes for silversmiths, jewellers and ceramicists are now open.  The application deadline is Friday 13th July, 5pm.  Visitors who want to see the set up before applying are welcome, please arrange your visits with Mir by email or phone 0114 2130111.  The programme costs £115 per month, full details and application forms are available from our website

The Starter Studio Programme for Ceramicists is entering its 3rd year. This year we have places for up to 3 early-career, ambitious and dedicated makers who will start their programme in October 2012 onwards and can stay for a maximum of 2 years. Successful applicants will have 24/7 access to a fully equipped shared ceramics workshop at our new eco-designed Manor Oaks Studios situated approximately 2km from Sheffield City Centre. Each starter will also benefit from our tailored business start up course , mentor support from our team of established ceramicists including our artist in residence (this year Edith Garcia), exhibition and paid-work opportunities.  

The Starter Studio Programme for Silversmiths and Jewellers has been running for 10 years.  We offer places for up to 3 early-career silversmiths and/or jewellers who will also start the programme in October 2012 and can benefit from 24/7 access to a fully equiped shared silversmith workshop at Persistence Works Studios in Sheffield city centre.  All beneficiaries will have free access to a start-up business training course, mentor support from established silversmiths/jewellers Chris Knight, Brett Payne, Maria Hanson, Rebecca Joselyn and Jennie Gill as well as techinical design expert Cameron Maxfield.

We are collaborating next year with MADE NORTH gallery who will be offering exhibition opportunities to all our silversmith, jeweller and ceramic starter artists as well as opportunities to work in the gallery.  More on this in our next e-newsletter.

Yorkshire Artspace Starter Studio for early career artists working in Engaged Practice

Starter Studio Engaged Practice at Knutton Road Studios, 2012

The Starter Studio Programme for Engaged Practice has undergone some developmental changes following over 2 years of experience, success and feedback.  So as we enter our 3rd year we are now pleased to announce our 'new offer' which we think provides a very exciting, beneficial and unique opportunity to early career stage artists/practitioners who are interested in developing ideas and work in a social context.  In short this is a chance gain direct experience and learn new skills through devising and delivering work.  You will have rent-free access to the shared Starter Studio space at Knutton Road Studios for up to 1 year (during 2013), a small enabling budget of £1,250 to develop work that is socially engaged/community focused and the support of experienced mentors and a programme manager.  We are now open to receiving applications with a final deadline of 10am Monday 1 October 2012.  Further details on the new offer and application form are available on our website.

 Other Opportunities

Yorkshire Artspace is delighted to have been invited to be part of the Northern Cohort for the Craft Council's HotHouse programme.  This programme is designed to offer designer/makers at an early career stage access to an intensive 6 month business development course with promotional and exhibition opportunities.  We will be working in close partnership with the Bluecoat Display Centre in Liverpool and Liverpool Hope University.  Training and networking sessions will be held in Sheffield, Liverpool and London.  The London sessions will bring all 4 cohorts and all 40 selected designer-makers together.  Previous HotHouse projects have already proved a huge success with some beneficiaries progressing to the role of  'buddy' for selected designer-makers in subsequent years.  If you are interested to find out more, please read the details and apply directly to the Crafts Council.  Deadline 31st July 2012.

The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust will for a third year be funding travelling scholarships on the theme of arts and older people.  If you would like to apply all the details can be found on their website.  Deadline for receipt of applications is 2nd October 2012

AHRC Collaborative Doctoral Award: 'Use Your Hands for Happiness': crafts practice as a means of building community assets, health and well-being - is run by University College Falmouth in Cornwall, in partnership with Arts for Health Cornwall.  This is a full time three-year award with fees and a stipend of £14,140 per year (plus £1500 p/a research expenses). Application Deadline: 13th July 2012 . "This AHRC doctoral studentship focuses on the diverse ways in which craft practice - particularly creative hobby crafts - can enhance the well-being and health of communities in primary care health practice initiatives or as part of creative arts health programmes. It takes an 'asset-based' approach to crafts and aims to examine how an art for health agency can build on the inherent skills, competencies and creativity in communities, while paying attention to the relationship between social and cultural capital when agencies work with community groups. The project develops from the AHRC network Connecting Craft and Communities and it is envisaged that questions of craft within social networks, creative and embodied practices will be central themes". Informal enquiries before the submission date can be sent to Dr Fiona Hackney or for application queries please contact Jemma.Julian@falmouth.ac.uk, tel. 01326 255831.

FREE to first come first served:  gas and air torches for silversmithing/jewellery - 3 to be given away to anyone setting up a workshop. Please note the torches do not have hoses with them. Contact Annette Patch directly  e: annette@annettepetchjewellery.co.uk  or phone 07952 235985

1-2-1 Advisory Sessions

• For career development, marketing strategies and funding applications: Contact Mir Jansen, Programme Manager professional development on 0114 2130111 or mir@artspace.org.uk

• For information and advice on education and community outreach work: Contact Rachael Dodd, Programme Manager education & outreach on 0114 2130111 or rachael@artspace.org.uk

These 1 hour advisory sessions are open to all artists  and are free of charge but must be booked in advance by email or phone.

Contact Details

Yorkshire Artspace
Persistence Works
21 Brown Street
Sheffield
S1 2BS
www.artspace.org.uk
info@artspace.org.uk 
0114 2761769 

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July 2012

Welcome to our July/August E-Newsletter MADE NORTH at Yorkshire Artspace - introducing the new gallery and programme Residency Programme Manor Oaks Studios - Edith Garcia, Artist talk Residency Programme Knutton Road Studios - Ania Bas, Open Day Event Interview with artist Paula Kirby Yorkshire Artspace Artists' News Paul Morrison education project Workshops for the Public Professional Development  Other Opportunities 1-2-1 Advisory Sessions Contact Details

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Visit the all new Yorkshire Artspace Website for more news and info...