ACW Sharing Together Fund

GWELLA Project Funding Application

Maximum £3000 requested

Funding Bid Successful

Since March 2023, we have been undertaking a review of the register of professional artists who we employ to deliver art sessions. We disseminated a survey and requested up-to-date contact and experience information; details on Welsh proficiency skills; guidance on how to support artists’ personal wellbeing; training feedback and equal opportunities information. We collated this information into a report, and it highlighted some key opportunities for us to improve as one of the main employers of freelance professional artists in West Wales. A key theme was a sense of working in isolation, which comes from artists living across the breadth of West Wales in both urban and rural areas working alone on projects. Further issues raised were the minimal opportunities for knowledge-sharing and professional development, as well as social connection. It is clear from our qualitative data collected in this questionnaire that we need to take positive, direct action and invest in creating a network for the professional, freelance artists on our register, so that we can better serve participants, shareholders and collaborators.

Key issues faced by the artists on our register and their solutions.

Developing an online portal to combat working in isolation.

Developing our registered artist network can have a significant impact on working in isolation. It can provide an avenue for communication and collaboration, allowing artists to share ideas and knowledge with others who may have similar interests or experiences. This can help to reduce feelings of loneliness or isolation that can often arise when working alone on projects. Additionally, a network can provide access to resources and opportunities that may not be available to someone working in isolation. Developing an online portal for the registered artists network will be pivotal in bringing artists together to share their news and upcoming events, so that we may support each other by attending exhibitions and offering feedback. The network can also provide a sense of accountability and motivation, as artists may feel more compelled to engage with others; events and training opportunities when they know they are part of a larger community. Overall, having an artist network can help everyone to feel more connected, seen and heard.

Inviting in speakers from external organisations to combat minimal opportunities for training and professional development.

As part of our vision for this network, we will invite speakers from organisations who will give guidance on how to work with participants with differing, high complex needs. These training sessions offered to the network will help inform the practice of the artists and will have a significant impact on professional development. By connecting with other organisations in the third sector, artists will gain valuable insights, knowledge, and perspectives that will benefit their practice. Networking together with these external organisations also provides opportunities for mentorship, career advancement, and potential collaborations. Additionally, building relationships with other organisations can lead to an increased visibility of the work of ACGC and open up future pathways for co-production.

Hosting workshop days to combat minimal opportunities for knowledge sharing.

As well as establishing an online portal and ‘noticeboards’ for the artists and the external organisations providing vital training opportunities, the feedback that we collected from the artists stated that it is important for artists to come together in a participatory role in other artist workshops and sessions. This is to encourage knowledge-sharing and social inclusion, having an engaging and exciting time creating art whilst also observing others’ practice and methodologies. Developing a network that comes together to learn and share in this way will strengthen bonds, improve wellbeing and provide a chance for artists to update their practice by learning from each other.

The legacy of the artist network.

Participating in this artist network can leave a lasting legacy in various ways. Firstly, it can provide opportunities for collaboration and knowledge-sharing, leading to the development of new ideas and the achievement of common goals. Secondly, it can enhance career prospects through exposure to new people, skills and experiences. Thirdly, it can foster a sense of community and belonging, enabling artists to feel supported and motivated. Finally, it can create a network of contacts that can be drawn upon in future endeavours, whether personal or professional. By participating in this network, it can enhance artists’ skills, expand their knowledge, and help them to achieve their professional goals.