Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jim Friedman on April 12, 2011 at 22:58

And it's a very nice semi-industrial, trendy, creative building too!

Could we perhaps have some sort of seedfunder/stakeholder scheme?

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Permalink Reply by Andie Phillips on April 13, 2011 at 10:17

Hello Kate

I think it is a wonderful and fantastic idea and I am fully supportive of a local arts centre.  I would like to be in on the ground floor.  Would love to be part of this.  Would be great to have a decent cafe with wholesome food.  I have experience as a community theatre artist running workshops etc, but would need training as an organiser or manager. 

Andie

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Permalink Reply by Dave Corcoran on April 13, 2011 at 15:07

Hi Kate - to follow up on our phone discussion - this sounds very interesting to me. I'd certainly be prepared to offer help, in principle. I'm an oil painter, interested in traditional techniques of drawing and painting, and heavily involved in the online art-forum scene (I'm a moderator for the oilpainting forum at www.wetcanvas.com and a co-founder of two other more specialised sites for painters). I'd be interested in an exhibition space, but also potentially in offering classes in traditional drawing and painting skills (drawing is a learnable, teachable skill - but unfortunately not now taught well, if at all, in our art schools currently).

 

Dave

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Permalink Reply by Jim Friedman on April 13, 2011 at 16:44

I don't think there's any doubt Bowes Park is packed full of creative types, many of whom would be eager to get involved!...

 

The big question is how do we find £30,000/year plus running costs?...

 

If funding can't be found from external sources this could be achieved with...

 

100+ people paying £25/month standing orders.

 

Who in the community would like to sign these people up?

(that's only ten people needed to find ten people each!).

 

x Jim

 

 

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Permalink Reply by Kate Franzmann on April 15, 2011 at 11:47

We have made a start.  I have received two offers of dosh and my contribution makes three!  Lots of interests and encouragement some interested in using the space when it has all been set up, others interested in in being involved in the nitty-gritty of getting any large project off the ground.  We need to attract the support of people who know about the law, finance, the arts in their widest form, people who are wiling to try and fundraise or have ideas about how to raise a large lump of money in a short time.  We also need practical people who know how to wield a hammer and a saw, run a cafe which might even turn into a restaurant one day, keep accurate accounts, or are prepared to do admin, make telephone calls, make a website for us - I think I may be getting carried away now !  Just excite or bore your friends with the idea and see if they are prepared to help or know a person who might .

 

Kate

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Permalink Reply by Richard McKeever on April 15, 2011 at 12:24

Kate

One source of information / inspiration may be the Crouch End UnLibrary a space for local creative people to network - collaborate on projects and share skills.

 

Their operating plan looks very different to what you have proposed ... but the idea of a collaborative space for creative freelancers or start-up businesses has some resonance.

 

 

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Permalink Reply by Lou Shepherd on April 15, 2011 at 13:55

Hi Kate,

What a fantastic idea and opportunity.

I for one would be very happy to be involved (and come up with a contribution of dosh).   It could also include a selling gallery? (maybe linking up with residents of the Chocolate Factory - as they don't seem to have one). I'd also love to see a local arts trail. I bet there are many many local amatuer and professional artists and creative types out there - I know of at least 3 just in this street -  and though I haven't seen the space, is there an opportunity to transfer choir funds back into the community by using it as rehearsal and gig space maybe?

Cheers,
Lou

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Permalink Reply by Rachel Wells on April 16, 2011 at 13:34

Hi Kate

I think this sounds like a great idea and I would be happy to offer my help

Rachel

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Permalink Reply by Lucy Day on April 17, 2011 at 9:28

Hi all

I'm a contemporary art curator living in Palmers Green but used to be a Director at Space Studios a while ago so have experience in running galleries and artists studios so could help in terms of sharing experience. I have to say that a selling gallery in this climate is seriously tricky but some pop up visual art projects get great press /exposure if done well and cost less to manage than having the overheads /risk of a gallery. A shared use space is a great idea, especially is there is the possibility of studio space for creatives that can bring in some income. Sounds like a bit of a business plan is needed!

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Permalink Reply by Kate Franzmann on April 17, 2011 at 15:18

I agree Lucy. but support is growing. You sound as if you have great experience and will get back to you asap.  I know studio space is always needed.  Anyone have contacts with the Chocolate Factory?  They might have a waiting list.   I think the first step may be if I see if the building would pass Fire Regulation if used for the public.  If that is not possible we need to think again.  I will try and do this as soon as possible.

 

Kate

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Permalink Reply by Hilary Scott on April 19, 2011 at 11:14

I was wondering if the Bowes Park Community Choir could, at some point, raise awareness of this project/do some fund raising performances at free events such as school fairs this Summer.

 

There's also a discussion going on, on this page about the need for a local cafe.  As this is one of the ideas that could be included in the Arts Centre project, it seems obvious to join forces.  The discussion about the cafe is generating lots of enthusiasm...

 

Hilary

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Permalink Reply by Mat Riches on April 26, 2011 at 20:07

Without wanting to come across like Kevin Costner ("if you build it they will come") you really do get the feeling that something special is bubbling just under the surface of Bowes Park with like minded people wanting to make something happen.

 

I have to admit that when we moved to Bowes Park five years ago, it was because we wanted something a tiny bit bigger than a match box with no garden in N8. Our kindly estate agent was quick to assure us that the area "had the potential to become the next Crouch End". After five wonderfully happy years here and meeting so many great people it is clear that there is the opportunity to do something with more substance than that as Bowes Park has a real identity of its own.

 

There are so many ways that this discussion connects with the one about a local cafe and bar and the enthusiasm in both topics shows the desire really is there.

 

Anyway, enough of the Field of Dreams eulogy, I'm off to watch the football with another beer.

 

Cheers

Mat

 

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