We are sad to say farewell to Charlie Hill & Olivia Punnett who have now completed their 2 years on our Starter Studio Programme for Engaged Practice in Parson Cross.  Both are moving on to new and exiting things but will continue to build on the learning and experinces gained whilst on our programme.  They both gave very detailed evaluation and feedback summarised in thier commnets below.  

Charlie Hill:

"The benefits to me being on this programme are many.  It was inspring to be able to work in the right atmosphere with other socially engaged artists who supported my practice and professional development.  It allowed time for me to reflect and develop ideas with the fantastic support of my individual mentor and the programme manager. I was able to develop relationships with individuals and community organisations and the project budget enabled me to develop community focused events/workshops encouraging people to engage with their natural environment. Whilst on the programme I was successful in securing funding from the Comunity First pot which further enabled me to develop aspects of my practice, working methodologies and partnerships.  This adn beign on the porgramme overall raised my profile as an artist and opened up more opportunities for paid work. I will continue to work in Parson Cross and further afield and have taken a space in the Ruskin Studio at SOAR Works."

Olivia Punnett:

"When I joined the Engaged Practice Starer Studio Programme I saw an opportunity to locate my site specific work in this fairly modern residential domesitc housing estate, previously my work often responded to much older historic sites.  I also wanted to explore aspects of 'socially engaged practice' through my work.  Site specific art is community and ‘people’ based. I've learn't it doesn't matter how 'far away' in history an event or sequence of events are, as to whether they have currency or relevance.   Working in Parson Cross has made me consider all these things in a much deeper way and within the bounds of reality, not a white cube art context. I really appreciate the opportunity to do that and to see my work in that context. The balance and level of support was perfectly struck and gave me the opportunity to be independant of an institution but still supported and encouraged. It was hard at times but I would not be where I am, have the understanding I have, or have the funding I have, if not for the programme."  

Charlie has been awarded a YA Microgrant for activity in 2014 and Olivia has begun an MA at Sheffield Hallam.  The Engaged Practice Starter Studio and Action Reserach Bursaries are currently not open to applications but we hope to be able to offer opportunites for early career stage artists interested in developing socially engaged practice in the future.  Any such notifications will be advertised via our website and e-newsletter.