Wales Artist Resource Programme

ARC has been speaking to artist, and new member of g39 staff, Sean Edwards on their new initiative,
WARP.

ARC: Well, first things first, what is WARP?

SE: WARP is g39’s new professional development Programme. WARP stands for Wales Artist Resource Programme.

Its aims are to support emerging artists throughout Wales through a programme of events and the creation of a drop in resource area based at g39 in Cardiff.

ARC: The emphasis is on supporting emerging artists, how will you do this?

SE: Through a number of ways, we have recently presented a number of Peer-to-Peer sessions across Wales and from the resource area. Recently I have been visiting Oriel Davies, Oriel Mostyn and Theatr Mwldan looking at portfolios and advising artists on different aspects of their practice. Some want portfolio advice others want to talk about a funding applications or guidance on writing proposals, CV’s and statements. The sessions are left completely open in order to respond to the artist’s needs. We want to find ways for the artist to further their practice by identifying obstacles and how to overcome them whilst highlighting strengths and how to build on them.

ARC: I understand these sessions and future sessions were open artists regardless of their academic level.

SE: Yes, it is important WARP doesn’t have preconceptions about the status of anyone at the sessions, we are here to support and encourage artists develop their practice and access to opportunities.

WARP is also looking at working with artist-led groups and individuals through our Group Mentoring Programme. This mentoring service supports artists to initiate a project of their own devising with the assistance of g39 mentors such as myself and other artists and curators throughout Wales. It will serve as a general induction to the administration and planning usually connected with setting up a cultural project, and will also offer specific support throughout the project set-up. We would like groups to register their interest with a brief proposal of their project and information on the participants. Details will be posted shortly but anyone interested can contact me at the gallery.

ARC: I know there has been a great deal of building and the smell of fresh paint at g39 of late, is this a WARP project?

SE: Yes, this is the new Artist Resource Area, a dedicated workspace for research and administration related to the basic administration of an art practice. There will be a directory of recommended businesses and services related to art production and support from myself who will be based in the area. We have subscriptions to periodicals such as AN, Art Monthly, Frieze and October and the space will also hold a number of books such as exhibition catalogues, monographs and books on more specific subjects such as self-employment. Naturally this library will be constantly growing and will appreciate any resources, such as books that can be donated or if anyone reads something that they think would of use to others to recommend it to us. The space will be completely adaptable and shall also be used for small seminars about different aspects of practice and group critiques.

ARC: When will the Artist Resource Area be opening?

SE: The launch of the area is Tuesday September 16th, with an event at 5pm. The space is then open from the Wednesday onwards.

ARC: So that’s a date for the diary, on behalf of ARC we wish you every success, many thanks Sean.

Sean Edwards is the Professional Development Officer for WARP (Wales Artist Resource Programme) a g39 Initiative.
Contact him through sean@g39.org

WARP is supported by the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation and the Arts Council of Wales.

Artists who participated in Peer to Peer
Image 1 details
Artist: Lauren Elizabeth Jury
Title: Untitled #1
Date : 2008
Medium: Digital C-type print
Dimensions: 60x60cm

Image 2 details
Artist: Melissa Hinkin
Title: So far it has only been for you.
Date : 2008
Medium: Perspex and Clay
Dimensions: Variable