The idea
As Turf Projects and its ambitions continue to grow, the need for a physical space in which to plan as well as to host events and exhibitions becomes more apparent we hope in our second year of running to move into a currently empty shop unit in central Croydon. Here we aim to provide a space for artists to work, and to curate an exciting programme of exhibitions, events & workshops by emerging & international artists for the public. We plan to deliver this through collaborating with other artist-led initiatives & the Croydon community to raise the cultural offering & attract visitors to the area.
Over the past year we have worked on a number of projects in the public realm, including an artist-designed crazy golf course at East Croydon train station & a series of artist posters, working in collaboration with Fungus Press at Wandle Park. We hope to extend the reach of these commissioned site specific posters by installing new bespoke structures & posters in locations around Croydon.
What we'll deliver
- Provide office space for the Turf team to regularly meet and discuss future projects
- Set up a community event space to host weekly Club Soda workshops, Stones of Croydon drawing workshops & artist crits
- Provide a space for a rolling exhibition programme, and any events (talks & workshops) delivered in relation to these
- Extend the reach of Fungus Press, newly commissioned artist designed posters in the public realm
- Provide artists, curators and facilitators with a source of income through the activation of this new arts space
- To create affordable workspaces for a few artists to work from
- To deliver a programme of high quality exhibitions with contemporary artists & curators for a year long period
Why it's a great idea
Turf Projects' first years programme of exhibitions, events and workshops in the public realm proved extremely popular. Our visitor reach to these exhibitions and events across the year has been in excess of 5,000 people, and our reach online and through publications has been even wider. Both local residents & visitors from around the country have taken part in our events enthusiastically.
This year we hope to build on all the ground work that we did last year in order to engage with a wider audience throughout Croydon, working with specific wards (i.e Thornton Heath, South Norwood & Selhurst). We also aim to work more closely with Croydon School of Art graduates through a regular crit group, enabling them to continue to discuss their art practices.
We aim to provide a lasting impact on Croydon's cultural scene. It's our aim to change people's perceptions of the area by actively involving residents in workshops, such as our fortnightly Stones Of Croydon drawing tours.
Steps to get it done
- We will apply to other funding bodies to ensure the longevity of our gallery & workspace after the funding finishes
- We will assign a project manager to ensure all aspects of the project are carried out to the highest of standards
- We will confirm a schedule of exhibitions and events
- We will continue to pay artists & curators
- We will monitor visitor numbers through a record sheet
- We will publicise exhibitions & events on social media, web and in print
- We will set up as a Charitable incorporated Organisation
We've already secured the unit, but in order to activate the space we will need funding from the High Street Fund in order to re-fit out & activate the space. We have match funding available from the Croydon Meanwhile Use competition which we won in April 2014 & we will continue to apply for funding from different grant bodies (i.e. Arts Council England) & apply for sponsorship from local businesses. In the past year these funders have proved vital in order for our exhibition & events programme to be delivered successfully. We have already agreed in kind support from a number of skilled technicians both from our team of Directors, and within our close networks who would be able to carry out work on the unit and guarantee it to a high standard.
