Output details
34 - Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory
Birmingham City University
Eastside Projects, A National Portfolio Organisation (NPO), Major Collaborative Regeneration & Development Project (2008-present)
Work under the ‘Eastside Projects’(EP) umbrella explored whether a collaborative model, between art school and regional artists, can help re-invigorate a run-down inner-city area undergoing regeneration, by promoting visual arts activities. Attempts to stimulate creative enterprises in post-industrial zones are not new but this one exceptionally investigated the role a university art school could play in such an enterprise. Importantly this project demonstrated the success and potential transferability of this model, significantly contributing to the school being awarded by Arts Council England (ACE) the status of a National Portfolio Organization (NPO) – unusual for an HEI.
EP contributes to knowledge-practices by successfully triangulating university and commercial/non-commercial arts environments with the multi-disciplinary expertise of artists, curators and cultural theorists. Mechanisms in place that enable the growth of regional talent, offering artist-in-residencies, major exhibitions, online dissemination and high quality catalogues. Through these and other means a diverse and often disenfranchised public is able to connect with local and also international artists and their work.
Established in 2008 with over £525,000 from ACE, EP has also received significant support from regional and international art-based bodies including: Birmingham City Council, Business Link, Esmee Fairbairn, European Cultural Foundation, Diversity Art Forum, Future Jobs Fund, Paul Hamlyn Foundation (£360K) and UK Trade and Investment.
In 2011 NPO status was renewed when ACE judged that EP had exceeded its goals: “The increased amount on 2011/12 revenue funding is in recognition of previous… artist support programme. The organisation addresses an imbalance in visual arts…Council also agreed that the organisation would contribute well to a national picture of funded organisations which is balanced across size, type, artform, geographical spread, diversity and contribution to our goals.” (The National Portfolio Funding Programme: Assessment Report,” Arts Council England, 2011, p. 4).
