Cross Mentoring Scheme
CFS and Essex Uni
The upcoming exhibition Outside 11: Artist as Outsider aims to explore alterations in artistic practice as produced by migration and clash of traditions and cultural identities through an examination of East Anglia’s international artistic community. There may additionally be the opportunity for a number of artist workshops in the community, specifically with marginalized groups such as those with mental health issues, or in prison.
The final weekend of the exhibition coincides with Cuckoo Farm’s Open Studios weekend. Cuckoo Farm Studios is supported by Essex County Council, Colchester Borough Council and firstsite. Home to over thirty artists, Cuckoo Farm Studios has links to all the local and regional major arts institutions.
Please email crossmentoring11@gmail.com with expressions of interest and for a copy of the project brief. Work will be selected on the basis of project proposals that respond to the brief.
Alongside the commissioned work there may be opportunity for installation and showing of existing work for which there will not be a bursary, but neither will there be an exhibition fee.
Cross Mentoring Scheme
In 2009 curator and artist Linda Theophilus teamed up with Tim Skinner to undertake a cross mentoring scheme, centred around Cuckoo Farm’s annual contemporary art exhibition entitled ‘Outside’. Linda was keen to develop her skills and understanding of new media art; in return I was keen to engage with curation. The project gained local support from firstsite, and we successfully gained funding from Arts Council England. It was important to all organisations involved that the cross mentoring scheme maintained a legacy within the local community.
This year we have teamed up with The University of Essex, to give a student within curatorial gallery studies a chance to work alongside an artist from Cuckoo Farm Studios to co-curate this year’s ‘Outside’ exhibition (August). This is a unique opportunity for artist and student, giving them the chance to gain experience in curation, to learn to work in a creative team, and to learn about funding, Speaking from experience the relationship between curator and artist is very important, though sometimes fractious there is always mutual respect. This scheme presents artist and student with a chance to understand both sides.
This years cross mentoring scheme as been award to Essex University student Kateryna Denysova and Cuckoo Farm Studio artist Lisa Temple-Cox both of whom will work together in curating this years Outside exhibition.
Throughout the scheme support and added mentorship will be given by Tim Skinner with added help from firstsite and Essex University.