Thursday 19 September, 1-2pm
Online, via Zoom
Click here to book
Bi-monthly Better Together sessions are framed by a different urgent topic that is relevant to the East Midlands and wider arts and culture sector. For Better Together #7: Understanding the Value of Artist Studios we’ll be joined by Jon Opie, Head of Artist Support at Acme.
Acme has supported artists since 1972 with affordable studios, work/live space and a programme of residencies and awards. In 2022, in partnership with University College London, Acme published research Understanding the Value of Artist Studios, collating detailed literature review and in-depth interviews with 21 artists in their Childers Street studio building (now renamed the Acme Propeller Factory). This research provided insights into studios value to artists, and to the wider creative economy of the city.
This year, Acme launched a campaign to raise the money to purchase the Acme Propeller Factory and have added in new research to strategically articulate the creative, social, and economic value of the studios locally and nationally. Using this body of work as an example, Jon’s presentation will draw learnings on how to make the case for artist studios to key arts and non-arts stakeholders.
Relevant Links:
- https://acme.org.uk/
- https://acme.org.uk/acme-propeller-factory-campaign
- https://acme.org.uk/assets/originals/Understanding-the-Value-of-Artists-Studios-UCL-parternship-report.pdf
- https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jon-opie
Better Together sessions take place online and offer an opportunity for change makers in the East Midlands, UK to connect. We particularly encourage attendance from directors, trustees and programme leads and welcome participants to share with the group current challenges that their organisation is facing, helping establish a supportive space for shared learning and development. Sessions last only 1-hour and prioritise time for open discussion.
Speaker Bio:
Jon Opie works for Acme, a charity based in London providing affordable studios, work/lives and a programme of residencies and awards. As its Head of Artist Support since 2023, he oversees its relationships with over 800 artists annually, enabling them to sustain their studio practices and careers. He is also a Trustee of Cardboard Citizens (2016-), which makes work with and for people who experience homelessness, inequity, and poverty.
Previously he was Jerwood Arts’ Deputy Director (2011-23), overseeing grant making to support and create professional and creative development opportunities for early career artists. For Jerwood, Jon played a leading role in developing and delivering national programmes in partnership with other funders and leading arts organisations. Highlights included the Weston Jerwood Creative Bursaries, Jerwood Compton Poetry Fellowships, the Live Work Fund and a busy exhibition and events programme in the gallery at Jerwood Space (London) and on tour nationally.
Access:
This session will take place online, via Zoom. Closed captions and a session transcript will be available during the session. Please contact info@cvaneastmidlands.co.uk with any queries or access requirements.
Photo credit: View from an Acme Propeller Factory Studio. June 2024 © Acme.