We Want Everyone!

Yesterday we had the community shortlisting panel for the two residencies. The panel was made up of local residents, people who work in the local area and the Ground Up team (including Helen from Burnley Borough Council). We had initially longlisted from 50 to 25, and this process took us from 25 to 8.

When we had been planning the session we had been conscious of how to make it interesting, how to stop us all losing energy and keep focused during the Big Task. We didn't need to wory. The level of enthusiasm, insight and input from everyone was great and most people even stayed behind for an extra half hour to make sure we were finished. Even our youngest panel member stayed focused for almost the whole session!

I think the input from the community was crucial to finding the right artists. They were able to pick up on things that we, as we just get to know the people and places of South West Burnley, would never have picked up on. It must be said that 'We want everyone' was a cry that went out a one point. All of the longlisted proposals were viewed favourably and each had its own potential, but the final 8 for interview stood out and each for different reasons.

I think Helen is going to contact everyone today to let them know the outcome. If you have been shortlisted for interview, we really look forward to meeting you. To those who didn't make the final stages, thank you so much for your proposals and your enthusiasm for the project. We really were blown away by the quality and diversity of the proposals we received. None of us had experienced anything like this before.

So, next stage is to set up interviews which will be in the next couple of weeks.

People, Stuff and lots of Heart

I am working with the community charity shop based at the Fold at the moment. It's an amazing place, crammed full of stuff, with huge ambition and heart and is very busy. I had been meaning to go in for ages and as soon as I did ideas began popping in my head and I knew it was the place for me.

The shop is run by local people and not only do they raise money for local good causes, they provide an invaluable service to the local community by providing affordable clothes, toys and household goods. They put together packages for people who have nothing and sell fresh fruit and veg at affordable prices - they really need more space. The shop has become such a community hub they are organising their first coffee afternoon at the end of the month and I'm going to join them to do some making.

I don't know what will come out of our collaboration. Of course I had initial ideas about headdresses made of stuff from the shop (anyone who knows me will know my love of sticking stuff on my head), costumes, upcycling and sculpture, portraits of people connected to the shop.......but I know that part of this process is about supporting my development as an artist and part of that is about taking risks and experimenting. We may end up following some of the original ideas, but only if it's right for us as a group. For now, let's play!

I spent some time in the shop last week getting to know people, taking photos and drinking tea. It's a very welcoming place and there seems to be a real enthusiasm for getting involved. I also think we will have a few people for the photography sessions we are going to be running over the next few weeks.

Annette (below) who manages the shop will be part of the shortlisting group for the residencies tomorrow. The jacket and dress she's holding belonged to her Aunt who died recently.