Bridewell Show

The Bridewell was the best experience, I have learned a great deal about the logistics involved in a show like this. It was much more enjoyable and successful than the end of year show. We learned how to put work into a building filled with its own loud narrative, how to deal with things like contracts, deposits and sharing space with others. It isn't the easiest of spaces to occupy, my work was much higher than I anticipated because of the tiled walls. I later put it down on the floor and it worked much better as an object. The other work I did that took much less time was more successful, the event was a brilliant shortcut of weeding out the better stuff from the crap. People are vocal and although they don't rip your stuff to shreds they let you know by ignoring it or avoiding it in conversation. 
It is VERY important to me that my work is shared with people and not just students and supportive tutors. 

After the show finished, I wrote out a quick list of ways I would be part of an exhibition differently, using my experience of the Bridewell. 

Stick to my organisation plan. 

Filter the Artists, have people apply for the exhibition or seek out work. Work isn’t graded on quality just suitability.

Do not use a live chat like Messenger to organise ANYTHING. It is streaming live chat and unless you are looking at your phone at any given moment you will miss out on the opportunity to influence huge changes to plans. I would use my phone number and email to communicate with Artists.

Duration of the show should be at least 1 week. 2 weeks seems optimal.

Opening night needs food as well as drinks. Guests commented on this all night.

Artist must have statements

Literature about the show and artists must be available to accompany advertisements and emails about the exhibition.

Meetings throughout are not compulsory, however, an initial meeting to explain expectations would be helpful.

Mock-up, virtual or otherwise should be made up of the space, to enable people to work to location and reduce potential tensions between Artists.

Work with a venue who will advertise the show, BW did this and it really helped. They need more accompanying information from us though.

All platforms of social media should be utilised.

Contracts are necessary for deposits for exhibition spaces, use of artist’s images including themselves, any other payments.

I should apply for funding where I can.

What good are partners of the uni if they do not help advertise events held by LJMU. I could speak to partners about including us.

Contact artists we know in town specially, Brian, Tabitha, Toc, Barbara, Richard, tutors.

Invite bloggers, artinliverpool etc.

Invigilation.

Opening hours must be established.

Artists will have to book (depending on location) access to site before the show so I know when to let people in.

Announcement in lecture, 2 weeks in advance.