Artists Briefs

This is a new section of our practice. Here we will put our current artists briefs. On occasion the briefs will be funded and thus secure a fee. Sometimes they will be offering a chance to get involved in a profit share. In every case we will aim to pay the artist an amount proportionate to the work and skill they put in.

"One Liners "Impolite

My Slit by Beth Barlow

The Background behind the brief.
We have been aiming to run a series of events which allow artists to make art which doesn't have to pander to the market or the taste of others. The aspiration is to give artists a little breathing space where they can be impolite and raise contemporary issues without having to worry about the money. We would provide small fee to cover attendance expenses as artists meet ups and making days, materials and making spaces. With this in mind attendance wouldn't be restricted to those independently wealthy enough to come along. We would hope to offer artist rate fees to experts in their field who come specifically to inspire and facilitate specific sessions.  We would hope to create group exhibitions with no entry fees.

We will not continue the trend of running events which place the risk and expense on the artists. We acknowledge that artists are professional people with skills and training. They are also biological entities who need to sustain themselves through the basics in life, food, shelter and water. They are creative entities who need the time and space to create the thoughtful and provocative art which the world needs.

We live in an imperfect system where money pays for these basics and thus we must earn money to thrive. With this in mind we are aiming to think up alternative ways of raising funds. All funds raised will be used to pay artists involved a fair share and left overs will be used to fund impolite activities.  Below is the first idea. We hope that it inspires and you might like to take part.

"One Liners" Artists Brief
We will pick 5 artists drawings from those who respond to this brief . Using one line create a drawing which is as impolite as you can make it. Drawing instrument must not leave the paper until the end of your drawing. Drawings can be simple or complex but must be impolite in some way. The 5 selected drawings will be made into limited 1/25 prints at £25 each. The 5 prints will be available for sale for 1 month from launch. Orders will be dispatched at end of the month. We will do all the printing, dispatching, marketing etc. Selected artists will receive 30% of the money raised from their print. The money left over will be used to pay artists and for impolite materials, venues etc. If it works well we will try it with another 5 drawings in the future.

To contribute please send your impolite drawing by e mail to bethbarlow@bethbarlow.com.

First Deadline 21st June.