Conference Report

The Conference was on Friday 11^th November and Friday 18^th November from 10am – 4pm. Venue: Culm Pyne Barton, Hemyock. Fifty five people including speakers attended the conference, some for just one day, most for both. On each day we had approximately 35 people. Five free bursary places were offered to those on low incomes, etc., four were taken up.

Culm Pyne Barton proved to be an ideal venue, as was the food! Many people commented on this in their evaluation forms. It gave a context to the Blackdown Hills (a working farm) whilst also being a relaxed location where people could feel at home. The main aim of the two days was to give inspiration and food for thought to all those who were thinking of applying to the ‘New Eyes’ commissioning fund. Day one focussed on the national/international picture with day two looking at the regional and local picture.

The two days were facilitated by Michael Fairfax, Sculptor/Public Artist who is currently lead artist for the Blackdown Hills Ridge Route. He was supported by Jacy Wall and Tim Martin.

The whole first day was filmed by James Dean from Somerset Film and Video, with the brief of making a ten minute film for the start of day two. If you have broadband view the film below.  During the day we also had a makeshift ‘Video Booth ‘, examples of work using digital technology, access to the Internet by a broadband link, etc.

The main morning speaker was Nic Millington from the Rural Media Company in Hereford. Nic considered how digital media can be used in rural areas, especially in the context of community groups. Along with his enthusiastic talk and Q&A session he showed a film reel of the Rural Media Company’s work. Many delegates commented on the RMC’s diverse film work and on how practical Nic’s talk was. In the afternoon Chris Drury, international land artist, gave a fascinating illustrated talk on his work, from inspiration to delivery, from mushroom spoor prints to woven wood and giant earthworks. He also explained how digital technology applies to his professional life! Many delegates were surprised by how much Chris used technology in his practice from documenting to exhibiting. (He also sold and signed some books!)

Day two was launched with James Dean’s film – which made many people smile, especially the comments made into the camera by delegates! Then with the wonders of ‘wifi’ Deborah Richardson from Somerset Film and Video Ltd and digital artist Duncan Speakman gave a talk on the work of Somerset Film and Video generally and then focussed on other arts projects they have delivered and how the organisation will support ‘New Eyes’. Duncan also spoke about his own practice and the latest technological tools he uses for making art, including mobile phones, internet blogging, digital sound, etc. They ended by answering many questions, including moral and copyright issues.

In the afternoon Simon Lee Dicker - Parrett Trail Lead Artist and Michael Fairfax - Neroche/Ridge Route Lead talked about their projects, practice and their use of digital technology. This involved everything from using GPS and satellite mapping to make land art, 3D computer programmes to design public art, as well as using digital cameras as sketchbooks.

The evaluation feedback forms from delegates suggested that the conference did clarify that ‘New Eyes’ is for ‘any artist or craftsperson, working in any media, who wants to make new work relevant to the Blackdown Hills, and who are open to developing their practice through the support of Somerset Film and Video, either in the way they work, or in the way they record or present their work’.

The main training needs identified were: Computer skills; Digital Photography; Film making and editing and Photo Editing. Other needs were Collaboration; Web design; Creative Writing, etc. This analysis will be shared with Somerset Film and Video as they begin to identify training needs. There were no negative feedback forms! One person commenting: ’There is a wealth of quality talent in the Blackdown Hills which has come as a real surprise – it needs to be championed as a resource to be taken really seriously!’

To watch the conference video please click on part one or two below (you will require broadband and windows media player) Other versions will appear shortly.

Part One    Part Two