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Need to Knowledge

Need to Knowledge is a creative and dynamic networking event which assembles individual artists, local networks and professional organisations, to explore existing opportunities for artist’s development, identify what kind of support is missing and what we can all do about it.  This event is for artists who want to expand their networks and work together proactively in a changed economic climate.

At a time of cuts to the public sector and creative industries, the need for artists to pool their resources, work collectively to share good practice and maximise their talent is more crucial then ever.  Whether it is finding studio space, identifying a new market for your work, access to funding or simply meeting like-minded people to begin new projects with, Need to Knowledge invites you to share your expertise and ask the questions which need to be asked.

For this event, Emerge is teaming up with pioneering arts organisation The People Speak.  The People Speak use a combination of live art, digital media and innovative communication tools to enable spontaneous free flowing discussion, creative exchange and problem solving.  Need to Knowledge will enable artists to draw up their own personal professional development plan through identifying the right people and organisations who can help them.  Throughout the event information shared and questions raised will be used to create a visual map - a body of knowledge informed by all those in attendance.  This visual aid will identify existing artist opportunities and plot in new ideas and will be available online after the event.

The following organisations, and others to be confirmed will be available to discuss their work and what they can offer artists: Artquest, Creative Futures, Forum for Artists in Chelsea and Brent Artists Resource.

OUTCOME FROM THE EVENT - Please see links to pdfs of content from the day:

The People Speak - Thought Cloud - containing web addresses for organisations present on the day

The People Speak - Thought Cloud Part 2 - as above

* Please note that the Thought Clouds are really just to share the websites of useful organisations whilst giving a flavour of the event.  Images of people do not necessarily match the info of the organisation underneath them.

Additional links:

Networks/Organisations offering support and opportunities for artists:
Brent Artists Resource: barnew.wordpress.com
Group+Work: group-work.org
FACK!  www.fackartists.org.uk
www.karinjanssen.com (speed networking)
www.mattroberts.org.uk (professional development for artists)
Space Makers: www.spacemakers.org.uk (inspiring regeneration projects involving artists)
Q-Art: www.q-artlondon.com (forum for art students, graduates and self trained artists)
Catching Fireworks: www.catchingfireworks.co.uk (coaching and mentoring - you can also download free e-booklet on business planning for creatives)
Empty Shops Network: www.artistsandmakers.com/staticpages/index.php/emptyshops
www.rhubarb-rhubarb.net (photography training and development agency)
Air Council: www.a-n.co.uk/air (Advocacy/Representative body for artists)
meanwhilespace.ning.com (advertises short-term empty spaces and opportunities for artists to exhibit)

Arts Recycling:
Forest Recycling Project: www.frponline.org.uk (sells recycled art materials very cheaply and also has 'give or take' days)

Crowd Funding:
We Did This: wedidthis.org.uk
We Fund: www.wefund.com

Thank you to The People Speak!