Craft Scotland have a review of last weeks Spring Fling here.
As 2012 brings us the all mighty TENTH Spring Fling, isn't now the ideal time to have the debate about where it has been and in what direction it is going?
Is it merely an opportunity for artists and makers to rest on their reputations and laurels whilst topping up their bank balances with scant regard for debate or criticism? Or is it an opportunity for D&G to offer something more than a soiree for councillors and their wives and a cosy art fair?
Answers anonymously, pseudonymously, heteronymously or real below...
posted by MMac
Well, it is always good to debate and question these things and the two slightly provocative interpretations above don't mention the things which I value from Spring Fling. For me it is a chance to show Dumfries and Galloway what I do, where I am, and how my life as a craftsperson is sustained and nurtured in this rural environment. It is a good opportunity each year to showcase, explain and talk about my current work and reflect on my own creative development in front of a critical but appreciative audience, who are invariably delighted to be informed of the making process. It is very different to doing a 'show' away from home. Much harder in fact, people are in your space and there is no hiding behind plinths and gallery paraphernalia. Oh, and it is also a great kick to having a good old Spring Clean.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed SF more this year than any other I can remember - the genius of the original idea is still there....ie visiting creative people where they work and getting to talk to them about what they do. I particularly enjoyed Sarah Keast's and Denise Zygadlo's shows.
ReplyDeleteIt is important to keep any long-running event fresh - there are obviously issues about groups of artists in 'cluster locations', the timing of the event relative to other arts events and the selection procedure. Personally I would like to see some of our established spring-flingers being commissioned to work together on site-specific installations for the weekend - so that SF provides an opportunity to extend yourself creatively - to counter the understandable desire to do 'a spring fling friendly show'...
A mixture of remembering what was special in the first place and using this successful platform as a means to push creative boundaries?
Please...let us not forget what the event is....a rural open studio event, not the Venice Biennale...the explanation of why most of us apply is succinctly put in Christine’s comments.
ReplyDeletePushing boundaries is all well and good (and I'm certainly not against this, i just choose to push my limits in different contexts) but most of us are working full-time involved in many projects and take on a lot of the volunteering for this event to make it successful in the first place. The artists who apply are generally not cutting edge contemporary work I think you'd like to see(of course there are some that are) and certainly the majority of visitors currently attending spring fling would recoil in horror at anything avant garde...that isn't to say don't do it but an explanation of why it is what it is.
Spring Fling can only become more engaging with the input of volunteers and the artists that apply. And of course there are many issues of organising an event like this and I'm surprised those who have been involved so long still keep taking the abuse for their efforts.
...and to the provocative anonymous original poster, there IS much regard for debate and criticism at Spring Fling, goes on all the time but there are limits to what a volunteer committee can achieve. I personally would like to say thank you to them for all their efforts for putting on an excellent event this year....maybe the disaffected could get off their arses and actually put positive action into practice instead of negative comments and come and help out and make spring fling what YOU want it to be!!
I'm not an artist, just a dedicated flinger (12 studios in 2 days) and I had a fabulous time. Feels like a privilege to get through the doors.
ReplyDeleteAmanda - I began my comment by saying that I enjoyed SF this year more than any I can remember - and I meant that as a compliment and thank you to all the artists/volunteers and organisers...I thought it was great.
ReplyDeleteI do take issue with your use of the word 'rural' though - I believe that interesting, relevant and high-quality work is possible anywhere - be that the big city or the remote wilderness.
Spring Fling presents itself as 'Scotland's Premier Open Studio Event' there is useful space to debate between that description and a 'rural open studio event'.....probably all part of the bigger debate about how, we as artists, have a part to play in the way that our region grows in the future.
Spring Fling has played an ENORMOUS part in getting us to where we are now and will 'hopefully, have an equally big role in the future....respect to all involved!
As 'the provocative anonymous original poster' my question was not aimed at any individual or even the collective of individuals who operate Spring Fling, rather it was intended to widen the debate to the greater community.
ReplyDeleteI'm also a huge fan of Spring Fling and appreciate many of the artists and makers who allow us mere observers a glimpse into their creative process.
However, I have to ask am I the only one who has heard the mutterings and grumbles about the selection process, the costs involved and the desire for a Spring Fringe that encompass more creatives from the region?
Oh and why shouldn't we aspire to encourage the same all encompassing ethos as the Venice biennale?
Mark...totally understand where your question was directed and i really welcome debate on these issues but feel your original post was just being purposefully provocative with intent!
ReplyDeleteWe seem to keep going over and over the same old issues with spring fling and these have been addressed so many times.....i have never taken part or applied to a juried art event which is as open and transparent as spring fling and a selection committee that actually gives written feedback on a rejected applicant, never heard of this. Rejection is such a part of life as an artist, these mumblings are now just very boring, and probably you will say 'oh yes but you've been selected' but i have had many rejections in my career so far and expect many more as i try to progress.
Yes the costs are going up, funding is disappearing in general, these are the times we live in....the event is for professional artists, if someone feels that it isn’t appropriate for their particular medium or don’t think it's value for money then i don’t believe that spring flings is to blame.
I was being flippant about the Biennale......spring fling can be anything an artist wants to make it, finely sculpted piles of mud and paint are warmly accepted by me!
And matt, as addressed personally, my comments were not meant to be directed at you personally....and my use of rural truly wasn't meant to be derogatory, just fact. I certainly don’t think that because we're surrounded by cows our work is less valid. I chose to be here from London and never felt that the move made any difference to my work or ideas, in fact I wouldn’t be where i am in my career without having moved here. Bea Last is a perfect example that contemporary work can be created anywhere.
I hope that spring fling can keep progressing and continue to show a wide selection of professional artists in the region...yes I'd love to see a bigger selection of contemporary work....but these people have to at least apply!....and as i said before it can only be as good as the people who are putting in the effort to run it.
I enjoyed this years Spring Fling Fringe events, I would like to see the fringe events grow, as it gives people the chance to discover the work of new and emerging artists like myself. I feel that the quality of the fringe events was comparable in many cases to that of the official events and that they added value to the weekend.
ReplyDeleteI can't see the value of including established shops/ galleries, that are open all year round. I find it much more interesting to see where and how the artist works or to visit a village hall to see the range of art work that is produced in that community.
I hope that video, animation and new media art become a part of this event in the near future.
"Is it merely an opportunity for artists and makers to rest on their reputations and laurels whilst topping up their bank balances with scant regard for debate or criticism?"
ReplyDeleteThis made me laugh out loud, Mark. Considering there are established artists who have been refused entry, even if previously allowed in, and the bank balances of most are not topped up by Spring Fling much beyond the outlay to prepare and get in - as a potential description of SF, it seems wildly off the mark. Even if I can think of one or two who might fit the bill, I can probably think of 60 or more who don't :)
I don't think there are that many people who make that much money directly over the SF weekend. There are perhaps a small handful who do, which skews the average figures. Most make considerably less than the average.
However, in terms of boosting reputation, publicity and getting direct feedback from the public, it is worth 5 to 10 times the amount it costs to be in it.
And for me - superb fun! When else would I ever get the chance to photograph over 170 willing participants? Especially as 90% of them opened the conversation with "I hate getting my photo taken..." :)
Initially Spring Fling was intended to profile professional artists and makers working across the region whilst also offering a supporting role to the development of the creative industry. And a rare chance for visitors to see and interact inside professional working studios.
ReplyDeleteThe idea of profiling professional artists and makers in the region would show that excellence can be found in rural areas and not just in the city.
My concern for the'Spring Fling Open Studios'event is its identity and what have the words 'Spring Fling' come to represent?
To the visitor,especially those we try to attract from outwith the region,what are they coming to see at a Spring Fling weekend?
And in turn what way will this affect the range of artists and makers that wish to apply to and participate in a spring fling open studio ?
There is an incredible amount of work that goes on behind the scenes and from my part not gone without appreciation. It's been an excellent showcase and as Matt says, has played an enormous part in getting us to where we are now.However,with all things it has grown, developed, and changed. Which brings me back to identity.To step out of what we each get or take from it individually, and look at the bigger picture of what spring fling has become.
I enjoyed this year's Spring Fling, it is good to see what other fellow artists are doing, I try to get to new studios each year. Most were very welcoming and very willing to talk about their work but a few didn't even put their head round the door to say hello.
ReplyDeleteI have to say that as good as it was this time that the event is loosing its way, classed as a chance to get to places that are not always open, but time after time 'all year round venues' are being included. Why can't these artists/shops/studios take an advert in the brochure saying which colour route they are on thus freeing up more space for other aspiring artists to take part.
Matt, there should not be an established group of Spring Flingers, why should the same people participate year, after year, after year? These people sometimes take a year 'out'. There was even a 'see you next year' on one studio door and an advert on page 63 of the brochure saying exactly the same. How do these people know that they are in it next year? I was not aware that the selection process had already taken place for 2012!
Amanda, there is a lot of discontent amongst many artists getting the rejection slips and its so called constructive advice.
So where is Spring Fling going? At £250 to take part in 2012 I think its off down the road of further exclusivity for the chosen few.
Yes some people do work hard for this event, and on reading this will think that they are not appreciated, however I know that people on the outside never realise what goes on behind the scenes, BUT Spring Fling needs to change, become inclusive rather than exclusive. Open for two weekends, Dumfries and Galloway is a very big area for such a short event. Put more artists per page, all in all GROW.
I know Spring Fling is opening for 4 days next year so why don't the organisers also ask every artist who has ever been in it to take part?
Sadly though with the hike in the fee I think there would not be much uptake!
I hope that this comment provokes further debate, there are most certainly rumblings of discontent in the Artistic Galloway Hills
Amanda Simmons
ReplyDeleteWhereas I don't have energy or time to go into more debate about this event, I will however like to correct some of completely false comments from the last anonymous commentator.
The advert paid for by the artist (whilst supporting Spring Fling at the same time) on Page 63 of the brochure reads....and I quote "HOPE to see you in 2012'...now I'm not always the most observant, but by my understanding of the English language 'hope' is not a definite, she is saying I will apply to spring fling next year and hope I am one of the many successful chosen artists. Your comments are false and I really do hope that no one has taken this as fact.
Noone knows if they are in spring fling until a selection panel has carefully considered each professional artist that has applied for the event. There is a list of criteria for applying on the application form and everyone has to meet those criteria to take part.
I am aware of many professional arts and craft shows open to the public that are 10 times the money to take part in the spring fling event. Spring Fling is aimed at professional artists and as a selling event to support local artists. Many of the artists over the years are people who make their living from their art. It is a business and businesses cost money to run...money on marketing, websites, photography, postcards, insurances, post etc, plus spending money on attending shows in your medium. These are not free, and of course cost the organiser money to run. Why do people want something for nothing?
Spring Fling grows every year in terms of visitor numbers and mostly sales (these figures are distributed to participants after the event). It also grows creatively in all the additional events it puts on to entice the visitor to stay in the region....which also helps the local economy, as people are renting accommodation and eating out. There were many interesting different ways to reach the studios in the region....walking, cycling, bus trips and additional events such as the lecture series, ceilidh, bunting making and taster exhibitions.
It seems to me that the many discontent artists are those that really want to be in the event but do spend an awful amount of time complaining about it. It is a very high standard event, which is why so many visitors come year on year, many coming many miles. Visitor numbers have increased from the start....does that sound like an unsuccessful event?
Thanks to Amanda for pointing out the" HOPE to see you" in my Spring Fling Ad....and pay more attention Mr or Ms Anonymous.
ReplyDeleteI was very careful in the wording of that ad, as I in no way expect that I will be selected. And just for the record it also is very personal as I HOPE to be able to actually SEE as I am having serious problems with my sight. So if I can see,I will be working and I will apply and if I get accepted I hope to meet old and new visitors again....so a lot in one word..pity you missed it.
I think people who have not volunteered to help organise Spring Fling have NO idea of the amount of work and care that goes into making Spring Fling happen. I am fed up hearing moans about the selection process which is as fair and transparent as you are ever likely to get...not perfect but getting there with care and thought given to feedback to non-selected applicants.
As for the cost, those who moan, look around and get real, even at £250 it is fantastic value for money for the brochure alone.
Debate as to the direction, great idea but please base on facts not on ill informed predudice and cronyism. If you want it to change, get in there and give some time and DO something.
First time posting, so not one of the earlier anonymous posters.
ReplyDeleteIt seems to me that the organisers don't want to hear what people think,
they just want to be told how good a job they have done. I doubt that getting involved would make the slightest difference as they don't seem open to constructive criticism.
oooh harsh....and untrue again. Noone who has commented on this post is a 'organiser' of Spring Fling, just fans who are probably members of the Spring Fling Open Studios but not part of the day-to-day running. And I haven't really seen any 'constructive' critisism yet, just an easy excuse not to do anything productive or community spirited, let others do all the work and then critisise anonymously!....me again, Amanda
ReplyDeleteI am not up to date with the workings (ie timescales etc) of the organisation of next years event....but might it be worthwhile to use the 10th anniversary as an opportunity to have a constructive discussion about Spring Fling and its continuuing function as one of the key 'ambassadors' for creative practice in the SouthWest.
ReplyDeleteMaybe Gracefield could be asked to send out an email to its mailing list asking for suggestions about the way people would like to see the event develop - with emphasis on specific suggestions for the 10th anniversary. At the very least this would allow Spring Fling to say that it had given everyone a chance to have their say.
I guess there are two possible paths here? - either Spring Fling becomes entirely self-contained within its membership - in which case it goes its own way and 'you have to get involved if you want to change it' OR a continued public subsidy requires the event to have a level of wider accountability?
Amanda, I was not referring to the posters on the commonty, when I said the organisers were not open to constructive criticism but to the face to face discussions I have had with the spring fling organisers before, during and after event.
ReplyDeleteYou may think its harsh but it is what I have genuinely found and I only post anonymously because I fear what I have to say would be held against me.
To Anonymous directly above... I'm guessing by the absolute nonsense you post you probably offered a similar type of ill informed, misguided, inappropriate constructive nonsense to the organisers which they politely ignored... I know I would have!
ReplyDeleteCan we put some kind of sign-in or something to prevent anonymous comments? I'm getting really confused with who's saying what.
ReplyDeleteIf you don't have the courage to put your name to what you say, then don't bother saying it.
It's not like we live in a State where saying the wrong thing is likely to get you taken away in the middle of the night by secret police and "disappeared". This is rural Galloway, for goodness sake!
I am happy to read with interest, debate, be informed and have my opinions changed by well reasoned argument and clear examples. But I am not going to take anyone seriously who is not prepared to give me the respect of a name and face to debate with.
Well for my part I am pleased to see that "the elephant in room " has at last been pointed out by certain Spring Fling visitors,potential participants,established(?) Flingers and The Commonty community in general. A list of elephant characteristics can be supplied to those that still dont see or hear them!
ReplyDeleteContinuing to ignore them is not a healthy option.
And who are you, and why should we care? How about a name?
ReplyDeleteI asked for comments in the original post and as we've always done, afforded folk the opportunity to post anonymously. We've always encouraged this, it has helped a non-blogging audience find their feet. Other than one or two wilfully aggressive comments over the past 200 plus posts, it has worked fine.
ReplyDeleteAs to the direction of Spring Fling, I'd say in my personal capacity, that the debate continues...
I'd love to hear some actual ideas, on what people think should be added or taken away from Spring Fling. I'd like to see a Spring Fling open club night take place, where punters can roll up at various venues from Stranraer to Gretna...
But part of the problem here, Mark, is, a far as I'm aware, no one on the SF committee is here taking part, or might even know about this post. We're all sitting outside saying they should do this or that, or they are getting this or that wrong, but what difference will it make other than a bit of ranting?
ReplyDeleteIf, however, you are planning on taking these findings to the committee and presenting them to the powers that be, then I can see the sense. Otherwise I'm struggling to see what difference it makes suggesting this or that change?
I'm not trying to be awkward, I'm genuinely interested in an answer
Hi
ReplyDeleteThese posts and the general debate led me to have a good look through the Spring Fling website. I don't really know too much about the event but there are some interesting facts and figures posted on there about last years event particularly to do with economic impact and visitor feedback.
http://www.spring-fling.co.uk/press-media
Hi Kim, I've sent you a message. cheers M
ReplyDeleteIn reference to the first anonymous comment (near the one by bea lasts) upon spring fling participants who take part year after year and those who are open all year anyway: I would like to point out that it only goes to show the level of hard work these artists put in ALL YEAR ROUND, and their committment to their work and - yes the "dirty word" - business, and by no means should make their contribution less valid. Very often these artists are putting in a good word for the event all year round, are knowledgeable about promotion of such events and are an example of what a working artist looks like. Visitors can freely choose not to visit them over the weekend event itself, and although they may miss special events and work that is especially for that event, that is a perfectly ok choice to make. Choice being the operative word: if the work in the brochure represents the artists work which will be on show at the S.F weekend and the artist is available at all times to show his or her work there should be no problem. I work really hard all year to produce new work for exhibitions and for Spring Fling, and am on hand at all times over the spring fling weekend to talk and demonstrate. My Gallery IS my studio-my working space, and I don t think that should be a reason to preclude me or other "open all year artists" ; we work extra hard to make it extra special. Around the year we have to constantly produce work which will sell (to pay for our premises and our living) but also to produce work which is fresh and new, for events such as the spring fling, and is part of our development as an artist. The Spring Fling is invaluable to me as an inspiration to do new work, an opportunity to meet new people and contacts, yes- an opportunity to make some good sales, but more vitally perhaps to listen to a wide range of comments and views both positive and occasionally negative about my work, and to be part of the community of artists and makers in this region. To make sure there is no misunderstanding ,as there seems to be a lot of either wilful misunderstanding or general ignorance flying about here: gallery -cum-studios which are part of spring fling and are numbered as part of the brochure routes can only show the work of artists who have been accepted through the normal application process; the artist has to be present and is there to talk to the visitors and make the visit special. Christine Smith is an excellent example of a studio/gallery open all year, and I always hear very positive comments about her work at spring fling too, by happy visitors.I am sure there are others who I have nt had the pleasure of meeting yet, too. Commercial galleries selling a variety of non spring fling artists work are not able to apply, although of course they are open as usual and may take an advert in the brochure or not. I make no secret of being open all year - and take an extra ad in the brochure, to support the costs and to show this point for anyone interested. I also have repeat visitors who have followed my work from spring Fling to Spring Fling and often they are only here that weekend once a year to do so. They come back because they choose to, and they know to expect something new from me. I feel this is some indication of part of what the spring fling is about: following various artists developments, seeing whats new, seeing familiar styles they have previously enjoyed, and also meeting with new artists along the way. Yes, we can discuss the selection process, or making the brochure accomodate even more professional artists and makers, and more ways to keep the event fresh and vibrant, but it IS a great mixture and we should be wary of spoiling this fantastic event by radically changing it, or by being unappreciative of all the hard work the committee and the artists and makers put in ALL YEAR ROUND.
ReplyDelete