For any artist, or art based organisation, in the Blackpool and Wyre area, LeftCoast should be a word on your lips and you should definitely have your finger on the pulse regarding its input. If you haven’t read or heard about LeftCoast then do read on.
LeftCoast is an organisation which helps artists, and art organisations alike, thrive in the community. Currently, two schemes from LeftCoast are already set in place and there have been some very pleased recipients of bursaries to help fund their art projects. Future Popular is one of the schemes and the other is LeftCoast Express which offers up to £1,500 to be spent over six months on, for example, accommodation, travel and/or materials. This enables the artist or art organisation to travel further afield and maybe shadow artists in other areas then bring the experience of such back to Blackpool to promote learned ideas here.
Rick Thompson, LeftCoast recipient, says of his experience of LeftCoast Express, “LeftCoast has opened up doors that would never have been opened for me. I’m now part of a newly established organisation with opportunities presenting themselves on a regular basis and exciting new projects under way – projects that would not have been realised otherwise.”
If you feel you can impress the judges with your proposal idea then do not hesitate in applying. Your proposal is not just confined to art, such as painting and drawing, but can be photography, dance, or something you feel would impress, and guarantee your funding. Ideally, it would allow local people of Blackpool and Wyre to interact with the arts.
There are six commissions ready to be given the go ahead and you could be one of a future applicant who will be funded with between £3,000 £5,000. So, if you can imagine your proposal idea being the most innovative and fresh and are ready to impress a panel of local business owners and local citizens then please also pop along to Let’s Talk LeftCoast on Wednesday 22 April 2015, from 5pm, at the Winter Gardens Theatre Bar for more information. Alternatively, you can telephone 01253 477973 or visit www.leftcoast.org.uk.
Not only does LeftCoast offer the opportunity for funding, it also provides a free (booked) advice and chat appointment event every month with the LeftCoast Surgery. You will have the opportunity to discuss your ideas and find out about Arts Council Funding, writing CVs, or any other plans you may have. A LeftCoast team member will help with their knowledge, experience, and expertise.
Julia Turpin, Executive Director for LeftCoast has said, “It is hugely important that we support the growth and development of locally based artists and art organisations to ensure a sustainable and diverse sector in the area producing high quality and ground breaking new work which can only be seen here. Not only is this an opportunity to boost the visitor economy by attracting cultural tourists into the town but it also enriches the lives of people right here by giving them a rich and varied selection of things to see and do”.
In all, LeftCoast has fantastic opportunities for most sectors in the art world and will provide perhaps the missing link between you as an artist, or artist organisation, and the audience you wish to attract. LeftCoast will boost the arts in Blackpool and Wyre and provide a more culturally attuned local environment. Give your skills a further chance and apply to LeftCoast with your artist’s proposal.
Show Comments (0)