MIDLANDS ART CENTRE LIVE PROJECT LAUNCH
MONDAY 23RD
Today marks the beginning of our second year and the launch of our first module: the Local Live Project. It’s only five weeks long, which can feel overwhelming, but this year is designed to help us gradually adapt to working with real clients, easing us into the demands of the industry world. Lara shared the brief and specifications with us, and I aim to refer back to them throughout the process rather than waiting until the end, a common mistake I’ve made in the past
FIRST SESSION BACK
ASSESSMENT BRIEF ASSIGNED BY BCU
CLIENT BRIEF ASSIGNED BY MAC
SELF ASSESSMENT TOOL
VISIT TO THE MAC
We later gathered at the Midlands Art Centre, where we were given a guided tour of the facilities and exhibitions. This was my first visit to the center, and the tour provided valuable insights into its inclusive approach to engaging the community.
OBSERVATIONS:
Atmosphere: The ambiance of the building was more inviting and community based than the typical art centres, at least the ones I've been to before.
Valued Themes: the themes that it values, such as the exhibit about identity and motherhood, which I felt to be profound and beautiful.
Accessible Facilities: The range of facilities—covering clay, painting, photography, music, and film—encourages multidisciplinary collaboration and caters to a wide array of audiences, including our clients. This could inform us about their artistic preferences.
Current Events: I noticed that the MAC is hosting an anime film festival, which is thoughtful stratizigation to attract a broader audience within Birmingham.
REFLECTION
Our clients sat us down to explain the brief themselves, answering any questions we asked, here's what I took from it:
Dietary Requirements: NO OUTSIDE FOOD, all food must be provided by MAC
Space: Address the atmosphere of the space, the lessons should have a structure.
Accessibility: Many have some form of impairment be it physical, visual, mental or hearing, so we must accomodate for that.
Members: The members are fairly outspoken, nice and will be honest with you on any needs, issues, feedback etc. Many are recently retired and what to do something fun, and are also predominantly female and white.
Materials: Refrain from any sharp, messy, wet, sticky, fiddly , or considerably harmful materials/ substances.
Conducting research: Perhaps make a little survey to understand what they are interested in.
Volunteering! : take the opportunity to volunteer in the next Culture Club meeting on October14th, to get a feeling of what its really like maybe get to know the members a bit.
INITIAL IDEAS DURING THE MAC VISIT
1. CHARACATURE PORTRAITS
Pros and Cons: Its a funny and imaginative workshop I would love to teach, but it requires a lot of structure and time considering its a very complex thing to teach in an hour or two. Plus it may not appeal to the demographic well, its more suited for individual preference/humour, rather than a broad audience who come in not really aware of what to expect.
2. ABORIGINAL HAND PAINTING
Pros and Cons: Fun, very simple, not original, probably done already.
3. BUBBLE BUILDING
Pro's and Cons: Something I used to do as a kid, I'd get a plate, dish soap and a straw then spend hours blowing bubbles into all kinds of structures and forms. I feel like its a very original and low energy idea which can be expanded to be less kiddish using coloured dyes, materials, glitter, and a nattarative behind it. But it could be messy due to liquids ands hazardous, particularly for those with breathing impairments.
4. SOUNDSCAPES ( RYAN'S)
Pros and Cons: I liked Ryans idea about creating soundscapes like the exercise we did last year and would like to potentially collaborate with him. Again it needs clear intention behind it.
RESEARCH
The MAC
The Midlands Art Centre (MAC) is a vibrant cultural hub located in Birmingham. Established in 1962, it serves as a platform for contemporary arts and an independent charity, offering a dynamic programme of exhibitions, performances, workshops, and events. Its central focus is on sustainability, accessibility, and inclusion. They work extensively to support international and local artists, and develop programmes for the local community. It aims to engage the community through inclusive programming that celebrates creativity across mediums, including visual arts, theatre, music, and film. With its commitment to accessibility and collaboration, MAC fosters a welcoming environment where artists and audiences can connect and explore their creative potential.
THE 'NATURE' OF IT'S LOCATION
The Midlands Art Centre (MAC) is situated in Cannon Hill Park, a picturesque area in Birmingham, UK. The park itself spans over 50 acres, offering beautiful green spaces, gardens, and recreational facilities, making it a popular destination for both locals and visitors. Its proximity to the city centre enhances accessibility, while the serene surroundings create an inspiring subject for creativity.
The location is strategic, as it is near various cultural landmarks, including the Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park and the Birmingham Repertory Theatre. This positioning not only attracts art enthusiasts but also encourages a diverse audience to engage with the center’s offerings. Additionally, the MAC benefits from good transport links, making it easy for people from different parts of the city and beyond to visit.
CULTURE CLUB
Culture Club is an arts club for people aged 65+, set in the first Monday of the month. It offers great opportunities for seniors to try out a variety of art forms such as dance, photography and drawing in a friendly, informal setting, while making new friends too. Some of their previous workshops include:
Bali lamp painting
Ceremony of Self: Collective Quilt
Reimagining important figures in your life
Sock puppets
Poetry
INTERGENERATIONAL ART
Intergenerational art involves creative projects that bring together people of different ages to collaborate and learn from each other. This approach encourages sharing experiences and skills, resulting in artworks that reflect diverse perspectives. Projects can include workshops, performances, and community art installations - regardless the aim is to connect generations, promote understanding, and strengthen community bonds through the shared experience of making art. Intergenerational art enriches creativity while fostering meaningful relationships and dialogue among participants.
BRAINSTORMING/IDEATION
When I came home there was a lot to think about, so whilst the information was still fresh in the brain I began brainstorming, taking into account thinking process methods I learned from the previous year.
BRAINSTORM
BREAKDOWN OF IDEAS in detail
I began brainstorming by looking at the sensed, inspired by our previous class excersises like the soundscapes. Then branching into what we can do with our senses by incorporating craft and meaning.
SENSORY SCULPTURE WORKSHOP
Create sculptures using materials like clay, fabric, or wire, focusing on texture and shape.
Accessible for those with visual impairments and mobility issues, as the workshop focuses on touch. Could be messy and difficult to handle.
STORYTELLING THROUGH SOUNDSCAPES
Participants record or choose sounds from nature or everyday life, then mix them into a collaborative soundscape.
Great for those with visual impairments, and accessible to those with hearing loss via sound vibration equipment or loud, clear speakers.
COLLABORATIVE MURAL
Create a large-scale mural or banner where participants contribute sections or pieces.
Work can be done seated and allows for artistic contributions at all ability levels.
FOUND OBJECT COLLAGE
• Participants bring in or choose everyday objects to incorporate into a collage or sculpture.
• Tactile and creative, easy for those with varying mobility and sensory impairments.
SENSORY PAINTING WITH SENTED PAINTS
• Use scented paints for a sensory art experience. Ideal for participants with dementia or visual impairments, allowing engagement through smell and touch.
MEMORY BOX CREATION
• Participants decorate personal memory boxes using paint, decoupage, or mixed media. This is a great project for individuals with dementia to spark memories.
SOUND AND RHYTHM DRAWING
• Participants listen to different rhythms or music and create abstract art in response. They can feel the vibrations of the sounds through objects, ideal for those with hearing loss.
THEN I THOUGHT OF SOME REALLY GOOD IDEAS ...
POP-UP PHOTO STUDIO
• Create a temporary photo studio where participants can dress up, pose with fun props, and take portraits. A playful and glamorous experience, accessible with the help of assistants.
CARNIVAL MASK MAKING AND PARADE
• Create bold, colourful masks using feathers, glitter, and large shapes, then host a mini parade to show off the participants' creations. The atmosphere is lively and celebratory.
EMBROIDERY BRACELET MAKING
A simple workshop where l teach the fundamental skills of how to embroid. We can start with a short bracelet exercises from easy to intermediate, practicing the key techniques, then teach how to read any pattern template, recommending websites for that purpose. Bracelet making is a long but relaxing process which can be done seated, stood, with minimal motion or effort, mainly just concentration. Incorporate beads, memorable objects, clasps, natural materials etc..I can make an explanation sheet with my illustration skills that they can take home, + QR code link +. profitable + Some knowledge and cultural facts on embroidery.
TIE DYE
MAKING SHIRTS WITH DYES, WAX, OILS, LEAVES, PRINTS, ETC..
CLAY FIGURE SCULPTING
A workshop which teaches the key principles of clay making, demonstrating how to make clay figures with materials such as clay wire buttons fabric, nature. I could delve into how to sculpt faces of love ones using the planes of the face, since clay is my forte I would really enjoy teaching this workshop.
TUESDAY 24TH
Sophie's Creative Technology Workshop
Despite not being on the creative technology pathway I still want to gain interdisciplinary knowledge from these workshops. Our new tutor Sophie ran through a very interesting combination of topics and material uses. her experiences as a multidisiplinary artist using charcoal infused seaweed in Japanese inspired fashion.
something I discussed with Lara afterwards is work ethic and my impression of the presentationI. I feel like after experiencing first year it is easier to engage in these presentations because even if its a disinteresting topic I actively seek what I can use and how transmute it into something that I can be passionate about, whearas before such things felt a bit beyond me.
We got into small groups for an exercise where we find an original use of the circuit playground chip. Me Anosa and Amemlie started off by making silly suggestions where we came up with a changing fairy costume, inspired by Winx Club, a cartoon series all three of us watched as kids. The color changes with movement and the pattern changes with temperature. To note I was also very impressed with the first years ideas, they may be a brighter than us.
WEDNESDAY 25TH
I discussed ideas with Lara and clarified some things. We narrowed down our options and considered collaborating with Jake, since his work focuses on mask-making as well.
I'm finding it challenging to settle on a single idea because, while both options sound great, they don’t really resonate with my passions. That’s a bit demotivating. I initially thought it would be better to work in a group, but that doesn’t mean I won’t take on responsibilities when we put our ideas into action. Right now, it’s just an idea that I need to expand on and link back to the brief. A good next step is to do more research on workshops themselves.
I offered to work with Jake but he already seemed to be doing very well by himself so I have to just find another idea by myself since everyone else is secure in who and what they're working with.
FRIDAY 26TH
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