Soldiers of Bearded Steve
Minutes of the B-Side Steering Group. 19th November 2008 at PVA Media Lab, Bridport
Present:
Alan Rogers
Julie Penfold
Becca Gill
Rosie Russell
Ed Jones
Alex McKechnie
Sally Watkins
Gary Jones
David Rogers (observer)
Apologies: Amanda Wallwork, Daisy Sutcliffe.
1. B-Side Video
The steering group watched the two versions of the B-Side film, commissioned by ACESW, with additional funding by SWS, DCC, WPBC and Weymouth College (In-Kind). The first video was 11 mins long, the second 6 mins long. The following observations were noted:
The general reaction was very favourable indeed and the two young producers had captured the essence of B-Side 2008.
There were scenes that could be cut or shortened from the 11min video. These were particularly: the bus ride to Portland, the “Breakfast of Champions” and the Kid Carpet concert.
The longer video gave some vital context to the installations and films that was missing from the shorter version. Scenes which should be definitely left in were: The girls in the landscape in the Adam Laity film, the explanation of Constance Kent by Laura Smith,Jenny Mellings fuller description of her film, Kid Carpet with a pint in hand and the “Shuffle” clip. The steering group also unanimously liked the “rewind” section.
In the light of varying recommendations as to the length of the film by ACESW and SWS (Seen as the main commissioners), it was decided by the group to make the following recommendation: that the way forward was to produce 1 film, which lasts between 8 – 9 minutes.
There was discussion about whether the film acted as a documentary or as an advert. The general feeling was that it tended towards “advert”. There were no problems associated with this.
It was decided that there should not be text frames or statistics or other more traditional documentary techniques that would make the film more “standard” viewing. One of the premises of B-Side is to encourage young and emerging artists to participate and that the film, with its contemporary editing and fast pace, was in itself a fine example of putting this policy into practise.
2. The B-Side Report.
Alan asked that partners respond in writing by E-Mail with comments and suggestions on the draft B-Side report, in particular to the first section that sets out the basic premises and describes the process in Part 1.
The partners pointed out that the evaluation ends on quite a low note and that a revision should be made of the last section. This should be shorter and simply list: strengths, weaknesses and ways forward.
It was agreed that the report should remain in three parts, with parts 1 & 2 available and published in the public domain. Part 3 (budget and evaluation) should be restricted to the steering group, funders and other who request the information to help their own cause.
Julie asked that the budget for the B-Side film to be removed from the report as it had no bearing on the rest of the document.
3. The CABE Sea Change Bid.
Alan reported back to the group on the CABE Sea Change bid submitted on Oct 31 by WPBC for £4million and especially on two elements of the bid which could impact on B-Side events from 2010 onwards: Greenhill Gardens and “The Legible City”.
Greenhill Gardens could have a gallery, an outdoor performance area and an outdoor cinema, thus becoming an events space. The Legible City aims to redevelop routes and nodal points throughout the town centre of Weymouth, drawing people through from the Esplanade to the Marina.
It was agreed that B-Side could enhance this strategic development and target newly developed areas for future events. This would fit with the evaluation that B-Side needs to be more focussed geographically.
4. Roles and responsibilities of Partners.
As there are new B-Side partners for 2009, it is necessary for all partners to define or reiterate their respective roles and responsibilities, with particular reference to financial implications and funding.
Alan read a paragraph from Amanda Wallwork which sets out her ideas and opened the discussion on the inclusion of one or two “major commissions” to give the event a higher profile and a “wow” element.
Discussion followed about whether having “known” artists would overshadow the main purpose of B-Side, to inspire and engage younger artists.
Ed pointed out that for the vast majority of local residents, a “known” artist would not affect anything, as “known” artists are only “known” in certain circles.
Rosie said that some younger artists would love the opportunity to work with more experienced artists and some discussion followed as to whether we could write an educational/engagement role into any major commissions.
David pointed out that having a “name” would attract a different audience into Weymouth, which is also a prime objective of the event. He also said that “names” raise profile.
Discussion followed as to whether the ‘name’ was important, or if we really talking about the scale and ambition of the major commissions, which would then be open for everyone to apply for.
Examples were given of the kind of experience we might aspire to: the four major commissions at the “Enlightenment” festival in Durham, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer’s “Underscan” currently showing in Trafalgar Square, Artangel’s recent commission with Roger Hioron’s crystalised house, Roni Horn’s “Library of Water” etc.
Alex McKechnie and Ed Jones both said that they had “big ideas” which have scale and impact for B-Side and that we should also be encouraging ambitious ideas from local practitioners.
There then followed a discussion about the type of audience Weymouth has and how any spectacular event should be accessible, entertaining, inspiring, fresh and funky.
Amanda’s statement generated so much discussion, that Becca Gill and Rosie Russell had to leave before we could discuss their proposals.
It was suggested that we leave the discussion of these proposals to the next meeting.
5. Creative Day.
The steering group felt that it needed a creative day to make, discuss and thrash out some of the issues for 2009.
It was decided that the next meeting should focus entirely on roles and responsibilities and that partners should prepare presentations as to what they propose and where the funding might be sought.
The January 21 meeting should be extended to a full day of a more creative nature.
Alex suggested that part of this day be dedicated to looking at what we could deliver for free. If there was no money in the pot, what could the steering group and the artists do which would make impact?
The meeting was adjourned at about 4.30pm.
Alan Rogers
Julie Penfold
Becca Gill
Rosie Russell
Ed Jones
Alex McKechnie
Sally Watkins
Gary Jones
David Rogers (observer)
Apologies: Amanda Wallwork, Daisy Sutcliffe.
1. B-Side Video
The steering group watched the two versions of the B-Side film, commissioned by ACESW, with additional funding by SWS, DCC, WPBC and Weymouth College (In-Kind). The first video was 11 mins long, the second 6 mins long. The following observations were noted:
The general reaction was very favourable indeed and the two young producers had captured the essence of B-Side 2008.
There were scenes that could be cut or shortened from the 11min video. These were particularly: the bus ride to Portland, the “Breakfast of Champions” and the Kid Carpet concert.
The longer video gave some vital context to the installations and films that was missing from the shorter version. Scenes which should be definitely left in were: The girls in the landscape in the Adam Laity film, the explanation of Constance Kent by Laura Smith,Jenny Mellings fuller description of her film, Kid Carpet with a pint in hand and the “Shuffle” clip. The steering group also unanimously liked the “rewind” section.
In the light of varying recommendations as to the length of the film by ACESW and SWS (Seen as the main commissioners), it was decided by the group to make the following recommendation: that the way forward was to produce 1 film, which lasts between 8 – 9 minutes.
There was discussion about whether the film acted as a documentary or as an advert. The general feeling was that it tended towards “advert”. There were no problems associated with this.
It was decided that there should not be text frames or statistics or other more traditional documentary techniques that would make the film more “standard” viewing. One of the premises of B-Side is to encourage young and emerging artists to participate and that the film, with its contemporary editing and fast pace, was in itself a fine example of putting this policy into practise.
2. The B-Side Report.
Alan asked that partners respond in writing by E-Mail with comments and suggestions on the draft B-Side report, in particular to the first section that sets out the basic premises and describes the process in Part 1.
The partners pointed out that the evaluation ends on quite a low note and that a revision should be made of the last section. This should be shorter and simply list: strengths, weaknesses and ways forward.
It was agreed that the report should remain in three parts, with parts 1 & 2 available and published in the public domain. Part 3 (budget and evaluation) should be restricted to the steering group, funders and other who request the information to help their own cause.
Julie asked that the budget for the B-Side film to be removed from the report as it had no bearing on the rest of the document.
3. The CABE Sea Change Bid.
Alan reported back to the group on the CABE Sea Change bid submitted on Oct 31 by WPBC for £4million and especially on two elements of the bid which could impact on B-Side events from 2010 onwards: Greenhill Gardens and “The Legible City”.
Greenhill Gardens could have a gallery, an outdoor performance area and an outdoor cinema, thus becoming an events space. The Legible City aims to redevelop routes and nodal points throughout the town centre of Weymouth, drawing people through from the Esplanade to the Marina.
It was agreed that B-Side could enhance this strategic development and target newly developed areas for future events. This would fit with the evaluation that B-Side needs to be more focussed geographically.
4. Roles and responsibilities of Partners.
As there are new B-Side partners for 2009, it is necessary for all partners to define or reiterate their respective roles and responsibilities, with particular reference to financial implications and funding.
Alan read a paragraph from Amanda Wallwork which sets out her ideas and opened the discussion on the inclusion of one or two “major commissions” to give the event a higher profile and a “wow” element.
Discussion followed about whether having “known” artists would overshadow the main purpose of B-Side, to inspire and engage younger artists.
Ed pointed out that for the vast majority of local residents, a “known” artist would not affect anything, as “known” artists are only “known” in certain circles.
Rosie said that some younger artists would love the opportunity to work with more experienced artists and some discussion followed as to whether we could write an educational/engagement role into any major commissions.
David pointed out that having a “name” would attract a different audience into Weymouth, which is also a prime objective of the event. He also said that “names” raise profile.
Discussion followed as to whether the ‘name’ was important, or if we really talking about the scale and ambition of the major commissions, which would then be open for everyone to apply for.
Examples were given of the kind of experience we might aspire to: the four major commissions at the “Enlightenment” festival in Durham, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer’s “Underscan” currently showing in Trafalgar Square, Artangel’s recent commission with Roger Hioron’s crystalised house, Roni Horn’s “Library of Water” etc.
Alex McKechnie and Ed Jones both said that they had “big ideas” which have scale and impact for B-Side and that we should also be encouraging ambitious ideas from local practitioners.
There then followed a discussion about the type of audience Weymouth has and how any spectacular event should be accessible, entertaining, inspiring, fresh and funky.
Amanda’s statement generated so much discussion, that Becca Gill and Rosie Russell had to leave before we could discuss their proposals.
It was suggested that we leave the discussion of these proposals to the next meeting.
5. Creative Day.
The steering group felt that it needed a creative day to make, discuss and thrash out some of the issues for 2009.
It was decided that the next meeting should focus entirely on roles and responsibilities and that partners should prepare presentations as to what they propose and where the funding might be sought.
The January 21 meeting should be extended to a full day of a more creative nature.
Alex suggested that part of this day be dedicated to looking at what we could deliver for free. If there was no money in the pot, what could the steering group and the artists do which would make impact?
The meeting was adjourned at about 4.30pm.
Tags: 2012, art, b-side, bside, community, culture, digital, media, olympiad, portland
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by gary jones on -
Well, to get things started, I'd like to run COMSURV again, scaled up with IP cameras and perhaps a robot to lead people around.. Also, something on a massive scale, I'd been thinking about a giant crystal garden after playing with one the other day and then saw this artangel installation.... http://flickr.com/photos/scottburnham/2835357461/in/photostream/ something of this scale would be awesome, obviously...
What do you reckon then?
Anyone coming to the social Weds?
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