Applied Research Project II – Professional Opportunities

Posted byElzbieta SkorskaPosted inApplied Research Project - Professional OpportunitiesTags:, , , , , ,
PRESENTATION:
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PRESENTATION TEXT:
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PROFESSIONAL FUTURE FORM:
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Assessment Deadline: 15/04/24 9 AM (Research Portfolio and Presentation)
Presentations: 16/04/2024 and 17/04/2024

This unit requires you to identify and generate an outward facing, research project. Working with external partners, you will apply your research skills and knowledge of the wide contexts of photography within the creative and digital sectors, to an investigation of an area of professional interest or concern to you.
Learning Outcomes:

1. Undertake a research study that critically investigates an outward facing personal project.

2. Explore national and international opportunities and apply their practice towards appropriate externally focused outcomes.

3. Establish a range of external networks and devise appropriate platforms to promote their own practice and skills.
Assessment task

Responding to seminars, workshops, skills audit exercises, off-site visits and self-directed study, students will create a Research Portfolio outlining a clear direction of what form their professional practice will take beyond university.

The module will further develop a professional understanding of students’ chosen field of practice and this document should illustrate this learning through research, professional engagement and critical self-reflection—it will be a useful tailor-made document that students can draw from as graduates.

All students will present a concise summary of their findings in an  8–10-minute presentation. This will be a unique opportunity for students to share knowledge with their peers.

1. Research Portfolio detailing professional practice and research. This should detail engagement with at least 8 professional opportunities (both speculative and active).

2. 8–10-minute presentation outlining your chosen career focus, demonstrating your research 
 into your chosen area and your next steps.

3. Completed Professional Future Form

4. Completed Self-Assessment Form

Research Portfolio

  • ‘Portfolio’ refers to a ‘collection’
    of material rather than a professional portfolio *
    A single document containing evidence of all appropriate research
    undertaken during the module, including (but not limited to):
  • Evidence of self-directed research and proactive engagement with
    your chosen career path or field of practice.
  • A detailed record of appropriate national and international
    professional opportunities (a minimum of eight). These can be
    active/live, speculative and opportunities you have applied for.
  • Critical self-reflection and audit of your own strengths, skills,
    knowledge and experience.
  • Research and engagement with appropriate online platforms to
    create a considered online presence that aligns with your
    individual goals and morals. A live and updated space to showcase
    your work and ideas, a space to connect and promote yourself to
    wider communities

8–10-minute presentation

Present a concise summary of your research findings in a presentation to
your peers and tutors, including (but not limited to):

  • An outline of what are you planning to do when completing your
    studies and why?
  • This will include how you will work, live and establish a space for
    your practice, maintaining your ambitions and realising your own
    career and professional objectives.
  • Some questions to ask yourself include: What do the next 18
    months look like? How are you going to fund your plan and where
    will you live? What are your individual goals? What is your Plan B?
  • Present evidence of how you have sourced and acted upon
    appropriate national and international professional opportunities.
    This may also include speculative proposals, self-initiated
    opportunities and activities you plan to engage with in the future.
  • Critically reflect on your active considered online presence.

Professional Future Form

To be completed, the form is available for download on Moodle.


Self-Assessment

You must write a self-evaluation for this module.
Try to focus on how well you did and why this was, not on what you did.  
The following questions are designed to help you structure your evaluation. You should try to make it read as a whole; imagine that if someone is reading it, they don’t know what the questions are.

  • How well have I applied myself to the project?
  • What are the aspects of the project that I would like to develop?
  • How can I do this?
  • Are there areas that I can improve on?
  • What are the strengths of the work I have produced?  
  • What are the key things I have learned?
  • How can I use what I’ve learnt to develop my future practice?
    Thinking about the following areas over the whole project, what do you think your strengths and weaknesses
    were, and how can you make them better in future?
  • Time management
  • Self-motivation
  • Research
  • Developing ideas
  • Resolving problems
  • Presentation
    Please feel welcome to add any other analysis you think is appropriate

Reading List

Branagan, Alison (2017) – The Essential Guide to Business for Artists & Designer
Chapters – 1. Making creativity pay, 2. How to make a living, 7. Self-Promotion 12. Websites, blogs and social media

Pritchard, L. (2017) Setting up a successful photography business. London, Bloomsbury, reprint

Fox, Anna & Caruana, Natasha (2014) -Behind the image –Research in Photography, Bloomsbury reprint

Further Reading/Resources

Smith, Cody (2018)- Kick Start: How to Successfully fund your First Crowdfunding Campaign on Kickstarter, Nelaco Press

Francis, P. (2009) Inspiring writing in art and design: taking a line for a write. Bristol, UK.; Chicago, Ill.: Intellect Books: University of Chicago Press.

Kester, G. H. a. (2010) Conversation pieces: community and communication in modern art. Updated edition with a new preface. ed.

Ewald, W. (2015) p. c. a. This is where I live. First edition.

APPLIED RESEARCH PROJECT BRIEF AND SEMINAR

NOTES:

  • Thom talked about this practice and overcoming odds and people being negative about making money from art
  • Sonia Thomson
  • Take time, take a year or two to work out what you want to do
  • It’s important to keep your creativity ticking, even if you have to do other things
  • Research who will teach you if you are doing a masters
  • ARTQUEST organisations that support artists! https://artquest.org.uk/
  • Sluice hq organisation https://sluice.info/
  • studio space is a taxable thing
  • Hasselblad Centre, big prize once a year https://www.hasselbladfoundation.org/en/
  • Important to make exhibition publications of some sort
REFLECTIONS: Clear introduction to the unit, that in my opinion, is one of the most practical ones. I believe that undertaking the expected research will hugely enhance my potential to work as a successful creative in the future.

PRESENTATION THURSDAY AND FRIDAY 25-26 JANUARY

  • slides on Moodle for details on everything
  • introduction from Helen McGee: DIY/set up own darkroom/can-do attitude/organised exhibitions
  • funded PHD (how do you get that?)
  • you can get side-tracked doing other things that you like, but remember what makes you the happiest
  • Louise Mackenzie By the Sea https://www.loumackenzie.com/be-the-sea
  • work at the observatory Kielder https://kielderobservatory.org/
  • partnerships with organisations!

LECTURE WITH TRISTAN POYSER

  • make your own opportunities
  • make the most of every situation
  • make yourself useful- be eager
  • surround yourself with people who need you and your skills
  • immerse yourself in the industry/area you want to work in
  • educate your clients
  • https://hepworthwakefield.org/
  • you don’t need a fancy studio just ideas, imagination

LECTURE TRISTIAN – COMMERCIAL PRACTICE

NOTES:

  • it takes time to get jobs rolling, sometimes even 7-10 months
  • you can claim a lot on expenses when self-employed
  • keep hitting people up repeatedly (they might be too busy to reply at the moment – catch them at the right time)
  • Assistant makes around 150-300 a day
  • sign up for the Union for Assistants
  • Facebook pages for Assisting jobs
  • Sell yourself, what can you do for them
  • register as LMT Company, which has more benefits (learn more about that)
  • Avoid partnerships because of the potential for other people’s debts
  • Free workshops and training from HMRC
  • Williamson Carson insurance for photography https://williamsoncarson.co.uk/
  • License fee
  • East meets West
  • apply for Format Festival, Lightbox, Red Eye, Free courses, bursaries
  • Ask about voice-over
  • VAT registered means u can claim back 20% of that VAT this is important to as you can claim a lot of money on equipment
  • Gulabi Glasgow darkroom (for my research into darkroom business) https://www.gulabi.co.uk/
REFLECTIONS:: A very useful and important session, that opened my eyes to a range of new possibilities. Also, a good introduction to the unit, that gave me a clear idea of its goals and aims. I found this lecture to be very honest and realistic, discussing our future possibilities of employment but also some other very important aspects like being self-employed with its ins and outs, licensing, dealing with customers, insurance, claiming tax and more. I will definitely keep this knowledge in mind and I am grateful for this being one of our final units. It's absolutely essential.

LECTURE WITH THOM BRIDGE – PHOTOGRAPHIC INDUSTRIES

RESEARCH PORTFOLIO – a document that responds to seminars, workshops, skills audit experiences, off-site visits and self-directed study: outline a clear direction of what form my professional practice will take beyond university

NOTES:

  • SWAIN analysis
  • things I am drawn from but where I am going
  • you can apply for a flash fund a year after graduating
  • Steph Jameson – artist and darkroom in London, Helen also has run a darkroom
  • we discussed what jobs are in creative industries that are related to photography (like last week)
  • Coconut software for self-employed https://www.coconutsoftware.com/
  • ARTQUEST – good website https://artquest.org.uk/
A valuable discussion on research portfolio, employment opportunities, networking and more. These are all very important things to consider and honestly, I can't wait to (after a break of course), put it into action. As I haven't made that many friends at the university, I am hungry to meet like-minded people and make friends. I think this is so important not just from the networking point of view, but also to enhance my growth as an artist. Being exposed to and involved in other people's lives and their art is incredibly stimulating, refreshing and I would even say essential.

SKILLS AUDIT – SWAIN ANALYSIS

arp2-skills-audit-1-swain-analysis-elzbieta-skorska-20055782Download

NOTES FROM CHAT WITH CINTHIA

  • picture in detail how I would live from art
  • SMART goal plan

SKILLS AUDIT 2 – TRANSFERRABLE SKILLS

arp2-skills-audit-2-transferable-skillsDownload
REFLECTIONS: Both tasks are important stages in progress, that start with realising your own worth, but also smart goal setting is essential. I am a very big fan of 'baby steps' and achievable goals, as I personally find them a great method to succeed and feel good about yourself (which then leads to more success).
One can get overwhelmed easily or get imposter syndrome, and I think these tasks are a great aid and guidance to make the scary world less scary and our dreams become reality.

GOAL SETTING THROUGH CRITICAL REFLECTION SEMINAR

NOTES:

  • REFLECTION – analysing experiences to help develop potential solutions and identify areas of improvement
  • what do you want to do after you graduate: immediate goals and long-term goals

LONG TERM AND SHORT TERM GOALS

GOALS AND PRIORITIES OF GOALS

REFLECTIONS: This was probably one of the most valuable seminars with an amazing goal-setting task from Chad. Once I have my studio, I will occupy a wall with these exact notes and expand as I go, on how to achieve them, in priority order. I think this sessions are extremely important as in my busy university life, I often find it hard to stop and think, evaluate and plan. Everything is SO in the moment, and sessions like this really help to have that important conversation with yourself, dig deep to find out what it is that I actually want and how will I make it happen?
On reflection, I think it's of the essence that I remember this lesson (literally and figuratively) for the future, post-university life, and always try to allocate that special time to have this conversation with myself. Even if it's 1-2 hours a week, it can form the basis to my artistic developments, aims, achievements and contentment.

EXIT VELOCITY WITH THOM

During this lecture, I made a note of each website recommended, whether it is a job-seeking or photographic opportunity and allocated it in an adequate section in my 8-point self-research.

JOB FAIR

I attended a job fair at MMU’s Business School but there were no creative opportunities there. Still, it was worth checking out as you never know what you’re gonna find or who you gonna meet.

APR WORKSHOP WITH SARAH, THOM AND ABDI ON SUCCESS

In this session, you will have an opportunity to think through and question ideas of success. We will be asking questions together to help ascertain your needs,
boundaries and future aspirations, to enable you to make decisions about who you engage with on leaving MMU and what those encounters might look like.

What is success?
In pairs or small groups have a discussion about what success is. Can you define it?
Who gets to decide what is considered successful? How do you measure success?

FailSpace’s Tool: Wheel of Failure
In FailSpace’s research, they acknowledge that projects and policies are rarely an outright success or failure. Rather, they exist on a spectrum that includes distinct degrees of both.

REFLECTIONS: An interesting session with A Particular Reality, during which we discussed what success means to us. 
The conclusion was that, yes there are certain stereotypes you could say, that society deems to fall into the definition of success but at teh same time there are as many ideas of success as they are people. For one person it might be the standard of good job, lots of money, expensive car but for another person it might be just living peacefully in the wooods and having family, who is to say? Only them individually.
We then proceeded to discuss this subject in terms of our artistic practice. I was very interesting hearimg Sarah's perspective, and how for her, her success with the particular project she did, soley depended on representing the people involved in the project righ. She said that even if one person would feel misrepresented, she would consider it a failure, and that all the recognicion was not the measure of success, but these few people involved in the project were.
The whole session was a true food for thought and apart from pondering on definiton of success it made me wonder about my aims and goals and what really matters to me.

LECTURE FROM CAREERS SERVICE

A very useful slides from the lecture.

190324-photography-l6-ces-support-plus-linkedinDownload

NOTES:

  • activity with a shield to see where are you at
  • festival of New Talent, May-June, The Festival of New Talent is happening throughout the ground floor of the Business School building, 3:00pm – 8:00pm, Wednesday 29 May 2024

https://www.mmu.ac.uk/careers/festival-of-new-talent

  • add a featured section to LinkedIn
  • access linked in learning through certain link to get free access
REFLECTIONS: Session with Careers Services was invaluable. We learned many ways in which we could access additional learning, but most importnantly how to make the best out of the Careers Service, who are there to guide and help us post-university (up to two years after).
I am aware that not all universities have that in place and I am very grateful and impressed that MMU does. 
It makes me feel positive and confident about the future post-university, knowing that I have so much suppport to aid me.

SEMINAR WITH THOM

During the second part of the seminar, we took time individually to ask ourselves the question-

WHAT DO I WANT TO DO AFTER I GRADUATE?

I took plenty of notes, and based on them I made a list of 8 professional opportunities.

ON A PERSONAL LEVEL:

  • I want to take time to rest and see my friends and family
  • sleep

ON A PROFESSIONAL LEVEL – based on my notes I made a list of 8 professional opportunities explored in depth below.

8 PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

1. ART STUDIO

I decided that it is essential to my development to get an artist studio where I could think, focus and create. Additionally, to build a network of like-minded people and fellow artists and make friends.

I embarked on what turned out to be a challenging journey, but despite hitting a massive wall of long waiting lists and no spaces in either of the studios I contacted, I will not give up! Soon, I will have an artist studio – it’s just a matter of time (and effort I put in).

Moreover, if I can’t space in an existing studio, I am considering starting my own studio space in New Mills or Stockport.

VISIT TO THE YARD OPEN STUDIOS

After one of the Tuesday lectures, I ventured to the other end of Manchester to check out the artist studios at THE YARD. I saw an open day advertised on their Instagram and decided to pay a visit.

https://www.instagram.com/theyard_mcr/?hl=en

Sadly there was only one studio on offer pricing at £750 and one where we are not allowed to make any mess (I want to get a studio with my partner who is a painter), so we decided to give up on this one.

However, it was an important step for me to be proactive in looking for a studio. Additionally, I met quite a few artists in the process which is very beneficial in expanding my network and community of like-minded people.

I proceeded to email a couple of places with studios in Stockport and Manchester:

NO REPLY. Not sure where to take it from here.

Initial reply, then no reply, so I followed up and got a reply.

I also applied for the open studio opportunity for soon-to-be graduates that was emailed to us through Enterprise and was granted a place. I will attend the event on Wednesday 20th of March.

STUDIOS IN MANCHESTER:

STUDIOS IN STOCKPORT:

VISIT TO THE GRIT STUDIOS IN MANCHESTER

Following up on the email we have received from the Enterprise, who organised the visit to the studio, I attended this few-hour event, during which I had an opportunity to explore the studio and connect with artists who reside there as well as fellow students.

It is an amazing space, sadly with no extra room, apart from hot seats available for £75 a month. Something to consider as I would love to be a part of the community, perhaps it could be a temporary solution while I look for my own four walls.

Johnny from Enterprise, who organised the event, mentioned some grants available to help students with studio space, so I emailed him after the event asking for more information regarding this funding.

VISIT TO THE GRIT STUDIOS STOCKPORT

I also visited The Grit Studios in Stockport the following Sunday.

Yet again, I was met with a very friendly and interesting group of people, which was lovely to see, and great to get involved.

This studio also has no spaces available.

REFLECTIONS:  A work in progress, and work it is. I didn't think getting a studio would be such a mission. But I keep on trying, which I believe will eventually bear fruit. It must. I will gradually go through the list of studios and get in touch with them all. I will speak to Enterprise about potential funding and might acquire a hot seat at the Grit as a temporary solution. Looking for the studio has been a very valuable experience, a lesson of perseverance and motivation.

SUCCESS – I FOUND A STUDIO!

Eventually, I got really frustrated with how exclusive getting a studio is and decided to create my own.

I reached out to a local guitar repair man, Dan, who happened to have a large room to rent with two big windows in a building that also is home to a small gallery and a Men’s Shed charity. I have not just found a space to do my art, my beloved studio, but another thing I was aspiring to become a part of – a community.

I am moving in at the beginning of May.

I am so pleased I found it and proud of myself for persevering.

2. EXHIBITING SPACES IN MANCHESTER/STOCKPORT AND THE LOCAL AREA

One thing I really want to focus on is exhibiting.

I want to gain experience exhibiting my work, connect with local artists and simply share my art. After the last few years of applying for open calls, for some of which I sometimes pay, I concluded that I prefer to channel my energy and money into exhibitions rather than open calls. I will still apply to a few selected and mostly free ones, but I find the process and rejection leaving me feeling empty and demotivated. On the other side, when putting on the exhibition, whether I sell work or not, I always feel uplifted and buzzing from the experience of showing my art without judgment. Additionally, I love being able to connect to the audience directly and talk to them about my art, which coincidentally is another great skill I will develop when exhibiting.

I believe that this path will allow me to grow as an artist in many ways and build my confidence and help me to reach a wider audience.

ESSENTIAL READING

I bought this book and once I graduate and have more time, I will read it thoroughly, make notes and learn from it everything I can.

Exhibiting Photography by Shirley Read

PLACES TO EXHIBIT IN MANCHESTER:

OTHER PLACES IN NORTH WEST:

RESEARCH

How to Exhibit Art – 8 Easy places to showcase your artwork! (2019)

A great video outlining ways of exhibiting your art, from gaining your confidence through hanging your artwork in your nearest environment (studio/home) to crafts fairs, coffee shops and more.

How to Set Up an Art Exhibition? (2019)

A very informative video outlining how to organise an exhibition. Includes many important tips and details on what to watch for when putting it together.

How to Hang Your Photo Exhibit (2017)

Short but very informative clip filled with great advice, from the selection of print to mailing list, book, behind-the-scenes videos and text to how to give images breathing space on the walls of a gallery.

3. STARTING MY OWN BUSINESS

One of the options I am considering for my future employment is to start my own business. This is very funding, and finding the right space dependable, but something I definitely consider as an option.

WAYS TO ACHIEVE EITHER OF THE GOALS

OPTION 1 – FILM PROCESSING AND DARKROOM RENTAL BUSINESS

The idea is that I would like to start with a film processing rental space, which, if successful could evolve and expand into a darkroom rental business.

DARKROOM RENTALS IN THE UK I COULD VISIT TO LEARN ABOUT THEIR MODEL:

If I secured funding and space, I would contact these locations and upon agreement travel to begin a conversation and shadow in order to learn about their successful model

FUNDING FOR START-UP BUSINESSES

SUPPORT/MENTORING WITH STARTING BUSINESS

OPTION 2 – START ARTIST STUDIO SPACE

With a lack of and a constant need for artist studios, there is an everlasting hole in the market for more creative spaces for artists to develop and connect. I am confident that I could make it a successful business that would support me financially and grant me the freedom to develop my artistic practice.

REFLECTIONS: This is, I think, the most serious of the options as it involves so much responsibility and basically learning how to run a business, which of course can be done. I will explore this option slowly and see what the future brings, and what is possible. I definitely will look into getting funding and as I am working on an application I will make a business plan. This is something I really plan to take my time with as it needs to be done properly.

4. APPLYING FOR OPPORTUNITIES

One of the efficient ways to get noticed, gain experience, and perhaps even support/mentoring/feedback is to apply for respected photography competitions/open calls and attend photographic festivals.

NEW CONTEMPORARIES

https://www.newcontemporaries.org.uk

I applied for the New Contemporaries opportunity and currently, I am awaiting the results.

PHOTO NORTH

https://www.photonorthfestival.co.uk

Photo North exhibits a variety of artists.

We encourage submissions from photographers and filmmakers from a diverse range of backgrounds and all walks of life. we feel that it’s important to exhibit stories from different perspectives.

Additionally, we wholeheartedly encourage and support emerging artists

GROUP VISIT TO PHOTO NORTH

I applied for a ticket to the Photo North Festival and attended it on the 12th of April.

I also had an opportunity to attend my first portfolio review, which went very well, and I came out of it with an option to explore for my future career as a stage designer.

PORTFOLIO REVIEW

Es Delvin – stage designer https://esdevlin.com

REFLECTIONS: I am very grateful for this funded opportunity through the university, and quite surprised I only saw one more person from our year. The main benefit of this venture was connecting with fellow artists, as well as getting information about photographic societies, upcoming events and analogue workshops as well as volunteering. I am looking forward to attending more events like this and am eager to participate in more portfolio reviews and get feedback on my work.

FORMAT FESTIVAL

https://formatfestival.com

FORMAT24 Presents 

Saturday 16 March – Sunday 30 July 2024 

Launch – Friday 15 March, 6:30pm, QUAD 

FORMAT’s 20th Birthday Celebration – Saturday 16 March, from 11am, QUAD 

ABOUT

FORMAT International Photography Festival was established in 2004.

FORMAT is the UK’s leading international contemporary festival of photography and related media. It organises a year round programme of international commissions, open calls, residencies, conferences and collaborations in the UK and internationally and welcomes over 100,000 visitors from all over the world to its biennale.

The festival and off year programmes celebrate the wealth of contemporary photographic practice and feature everything from major conceptual works, participative projects, documentary photography, mobile phone imagery to the archive and all that falls between. We are concerned with what is happening now in the scene and beyond, whilst sharing and contributing to it.

FORMAT is the place to engage with an incredible range of work from new and emerging photographers alongside that of some of the best-known practitioners in the world. FORMAT is focused on developing opportunities for audiences to see, debate, develop, contribute and participate in the best of what photography is and can be, through our comprehensive professional practice programmes and a yearly international photography portfolio review.

While at the same time at its core the festival has maintained a consistent committment to inclusivity and participation with regular features such as:

FOCUS: Exhibitions, Commissions, Mass Participation

EXPOSURE: International Open Call

FLASH: Events, Talks, Performance

DEVELOPMENT: Master Classes, Portfolio Reviews, Talks

FORMAT is organised by QUAD and DMARC (Digital and Material Artistic Research Centre of the University of Derby) and is supported by Arts Council England, Derby City Council and multiple partners from the UK and abroad.

FORMAT was founded by Louise Fedotov-Clements and Mike Brown.

FORMAT PhotoForum: Niamh Treacy in conversation with Camilla Brown

OTHER PLACES TO LOOK FOR OPPORTUNITIES:

REFLECTIONS: Personally, despite having quite a high success rate when applying to open calls, I find them stressful, destroying my confidence and making me generally feel sad. As mentioned elswhere in this document I will focus most of my energy and funds into putting on exhibitions, which I find to be a much more valuable experience that enriches me and uplifts me rather than depress (plus I learn from it more). That said, I will not completely dismiss some opportunities, because, without a doubt, that's what they are. I will keep my eyes out for respected, interesting and relevant open calls, and apply, exposing myself to the amount of rejection I can handle.

5. WEB DESIGN

One of the fields that I am interested in, is web design. I designed my and my partner’s website in WordPress and I found that I really enjoyed it. I am aware that it is a well-paid job, and I think that between the fact that I like doing it (because for me it’s creative) and the fact that it could financially sustain my practice, I will be looking at taking things in this direction very closely.

WEB DESIGNER STATISTICS

GOVERNMENT FUNDED WEB DEVELOPING COURSES

https://digitalskills.campaign.gov.uk/web-development/

I applied for this one, but not sure if I will get it as it’s targeted at Yorkshire. However, there was not a single course that targeted North (which is odd), so I thought I would try my luck anyway. I don’t understand why when the course is online, it’s not offered nationwide.

WORDPRESS COURSE (FREE)

https://wordpress.com/learn/courses

I signed up and started a WordPress learning course, I will properly get into it once I submit some deadlines and have more time that I could allocate to this activity.

LINKEDIN WORDPRESS COURSES

https://www.linkedin.com/learning/topics/wordpress

SKILLSHARE WORDPRESS COURSES

https://www.skillshare.com/browse/wordpress?locale=en&coupon=GOOGNBEN30DAYSFREE&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=SK_Search_Google_UK_EN_BOF_Non-Brand&utm_term=&matchtype=&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8J6wBhDXARIsAPo7QA_wCkeI_ukZU5rmpiVCh3TRNtWs7zFPOXBi9w5cZjmGHbKc3t_vJf4aAmLXEALw_wcB

https://www.reed.co.uk/courses/wordpress

https://www.udemy.com/topic/wordpress

REFLECTIONS: My research led me to one conclusion - it's definitely worth pursuing this path. After expressing my interest in SKILLSHARE, the website sent me an offer with a month free of access, which I will use to train myself to take my web design skills to another level. I will also take a free WORDPRESS course to expand my knowledge and pursue the Government route to see if I could get some funded courses. Once I feel like I am skilled in a way that could be of use to people who would be willing to pay me for my time, I will start advertising myself as a web designer.

6. GET A CREATIVE PART-TIME JOB

One of my aims is to get a creative part-time job that will support me financially but also allow me time to create. I am very open-minded to anything that comes my way, as each position will be an opportunity to learn something new and build my network.

I aim to apply for jobs but also create my own opportunities by writing to my potential employers offering my enthusiasm, excellent work ethic and knowledge.

WHERE TO FIND?

  • MMU or other university or school environment

https://recruitment.mmu.ac.uk

https://mycareerhub.mmu.ac.uk/students

https://www.mmu.ac.uk/careers/graduates/enterprise

https://www.royalexchange.co.uk

https://thelowry.com

https://homemcr.org/

https://contactmcr.com

https://hopemilltheatre.co.uk

REFLECTIONS: I feel confident that with the resources collected in this document, my passion, motivation and hard work I will be able to find a creative job. At the moment, I am working in a local pub which is enough income for me to relax and really focus all my energy and most of all, TIME into applying for jobs that resonate with me, make me happy and help me grow.

7. RESIDENCIES, PLACEMENTS AND FUNDING

Apply for residencies in and outside the UK to develop my practice and build connections with a variety of artists, be exposed to inspirations from different people and their crafts.

PLACEMENTS

FUNDING

  • DYOP funding and other funding through ARTS COUNCIL

https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/our-open-funds

https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/how-we-invest-public-money/our-development-funds

Our Development Funds will focus on diversity, resilience, innovation in business models and leadership development. Overall these funds will receive £72.2 million per year.

WHAT I LEARNED ABOUT FUNDING FROM DIFFERENT TALKS

  • align your fundraising with the type of person/organisation that will be the fundraiser
  • TYPES OF FUNDING: individual giving, legacy, crowdfunding, trusts and foundations, corporate (foundation, staff and giving, affinity relationship CSR)
  • most commonly used are TRUSTS and FOUNDATIONS
  • fundraising is about SELLING A STORY, but the story has to be meaningful to you!
  • case for support = elevator pitch (2-5 pages max), something anyone can understand

5 PHASES OF GETTING FUNDING:

  • research
  • identification (plan)
  • ask
  • solicitation (if you had a yes)
  • stewardship (updating on progress)

DO YOU HAVE RESOURCES TO BUILD YOUR CASE FOR SUPPORT?

  • time
  • people
  • access
  • skills

Fundraising is about SELLING A STORY, but the story has to be meaningful to YOU!

A case for support = Elevator Pitch (2-5 pages max), something ANYONE can understand

WHAT TO INCLUDE:

  • vision and mission
  • project length
  • impact
  • clear, concise info about beneficiaries
  • budget and cash flow
  • project breakdown
  • partnership information
  • testimonials and quotes

CORE DOCUMENT SHOULD HAVE:

  • info about you/organisation
  • what will funds go towards
  • case for support must be clear and concise
  • use infographics to demonstrate the point
  • usually case for support is a written document but you can transform it into another medium
  • let your audience know what your vision is for the future and how they can play a part and make a difference – ENGAGE!
  • your outputs and outcomes

TRUSTS AND FUNDS:

OTHER:

AUTHENTICITY IS THE KEY, BE REALISTIC, HAVE A CLEAR VISION, AND THINK IN ADVANCE, SMALL SCALE PROJECTS MATTER!

REFLECTIONS:I definitely plan to apply for Develop Your Creative Practice. I applied once, and despite not getting it, it was a very valuable experience. With a few years of experience, I gained since then and more resources like getting help with applications, I feel positive about it. Additionally, I will one by one explore other funds, as there are so many! I aim to designate one day a week to do so and systematically learn how to sustain my practice through funding..

08. LEARNING NEW SKILLS – EXPERIMENTAL PHOTO FESTIVAL IN BARCELONA

Last but not least.

I wanted to go to this festival for a few years now, but I could never make it due to money/time-related issues. I have decided that no matter what, I am making it happen and in the year 2025 I am going to my dream festival!

https://en.experimentalphotofestival.com

ABOUT

More than 300 international artists and photography lovers will meet with the aim of generating a common space to share, learn and discuss experimental photography in its many facets: from the creation of cameras, lenses, and films to printing processes, intervention, and production of copies, exhibitions, and photobooks. The non-profit Association Experimentaphotofestival has been created to make this event possible based on horizontality, gender equality, and transparency.

Among the organized activities are conferences, discussion panels, project presentations, workshops, horizontal portfolio reviews, dinners, concerts, and solo and collective exhibitions. Five intense days with activities from 10 in the morning to midnight in the middle of the Mediterranean summer. We call on photographers of all levels interested in experimental photography in a broad sense to come to Barcelona to make our three challenges a reality: mixing techniques, searching for the message, and creating collectively.

​The organisation that runs the festival also offers courses, some online, throughout the year, which I seriously consider undertaking as a way of enriching my practice.

REFLECTIONS: Attending this festival is not just a little dream of mine but also a serious step to develop my skills and broaden my point of view on photography. I know it will accelerate my progress and apart from an expanded knowledge it will provide an excellent opportunity to network with like-minded people from different countries. I am seriously looking forward to it.

OTHER USEFUL INFO

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1IFBZQxzLVsKejo0coB7ixLT3CN7p8KdL?usp=sharing

primerDownload

UNIT SELF-ASSESMENT

Looking back at the experience of this self-focused unit designed to concentrate our energy and time on exploring the possibilities, finding ways to apply ourselves in post-university life, and helping us to achieve our goals and aspirations, I must remark that it was a very successful and well-designed one.

Through each valuable lecture and seminar I attended, I felt more informed and that many new doors opened, knowledge of the industry was gained, and new ideas formulated on what might be out there for me on my path. They helped me shape the inventory of professional opportunities, not just as a list of things written down but as an actual potential awakening in me as a result of this activity.

My motivation and drive stimulated by this unit are so emphasised that I managed to achieve one of my goals already – I found a studio, to which I am moving in at the beginning of May, with the potential to have it funded through MMU’s Enterprise. To achieve this goal, I put in months of research, contacted studios and went to many open days. It wasn’t effortless, but I was determined and constantly scheming how I could make it happen. In the end, I reached out to a local guitar repair person who has his workplace in a building that is also home to a small gallery and a Men’s Shed charity. I have not just acquired a space to do my art, but another thing I was aspiring to find – a community.

It is, to date, the most important outcome that came from this unit.
I think that I would eventually pursue this target, but I have definitely arrived earlier at this amazing opportunity for me to grow, thanks to this unit.

Based on the knowledge gained throughout, I will use this professional document I produced to progress as an artist. I will divide the aforementioned list into ongoing opportunities I could engage with throughout the year that are dependent on others, like open calls, photography festivals, placements, residencies, funding etc., and opportunities I can create myself – putting on exhibitions and attending the Experimental Photo Festival in Barcelona next year.

My main area of improvement is exhibiting. Theoretically, I intend to educate myself on this topic as much as possible, and practically, I plan to put on exhibitions regularly to gain experience in this field. I want to exhibit at least twice this year in 2024, considering Saan and Village Books in Manchester as potential venues.

Looking closely at enhancing my skills and my personal growth, I would like to focus on one or a few of these things (time dependable): train as a WordPress web developer, secure a part-time creative job with emphasis on opportunities through MMU and RISE, enrol on one of the online photography classes run through the Experimental Photo Festival in Barcelona, and attend Analogue Retreat, a 4-day shoot, process and print workshops with Rachel at Little Vintage Photography with whom I connected when attending the Photo North Festival in Leeds.

Identifying my strengths is a key to success as it helps me shine through with my skills and gain a positive reputation in the workspace. It is equally valuable to identify weaknesses, as knowing where I have to improve will allow me to put the work in where necessary.

Professionally, I wish to impress with my excellent organisation skills, enthusiasm, drive, empathy, ability to work well under pressure and improvise and improve my public speaking skills and resilience toward rejection.

In conclusion, I feel that this unit prepared me well for my future endeavours and I feel confident and well-informed about my options. I also gained the necessary knowledge about the support I can access on my journey.

REFERENCES

FORMAT PhotoForum: Niamh Treacy in conversation with Camilla Brown. FORMAT International Photography Festival. [Online video] Available through YouTube [Accessed on 20/03/24] https://youtu.be/C-Uzf30LLig?si=-8E2Qpu9SM0ilEbi

FORMAT 2005-2019. Troika Productions. (2019) [Online video] Available through Vimeo [Accessed on 20/03/24] https://vimeo.com/310313619

How to Exhibit Art – 8 Easy places to showcase your artwork!. In the Studio with Michele Webber. (2019). [Online video] Available through YouTube [Accessed on 20/03/22] https://youtu.be/wBwg86a9NBk

How to Hang Your Photo Exhibit. Jordan Matter. (2017). [Online video] Available through YouTube [Accessed on 20/03/24] https://youtu.be/Qi0AJ7Nv7iQ

How to Set Up an Art Exhibition?. Very Private Gallery. (2019). [Online video] Available through YouTube [Accessed on 20/03/24] https://youtu.be/xBpIpqvZk8g

Published by Elzbieta Skorska

My name is Elzbieta Skorska. I am a visual artist working predominantly with photography and other analogue processes.

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