Micheal Branthwait's Lecture (What to do after University?)

What to do after University?
Rednile Projects

Micheal Branthwait talked about his practice and the group that he is involved with called 'Rednile Projects'. He explained the journey he took from after completing his degree and then onto his MA and further afield. This was really interesting because we got an insight into how hard it is to gather other artists and produce your own studio space.
Micheal Branthwait worked with various people in this group of artists one being apart of A.N (Artists Newsletter), his name was Steve Wright. This showed us how important it is to have a variety of people which could help with funding and ideas when it comes to exhibiting.
It was explained when working with a group of artists it is good to lay down some objectives and aims that can be worked up to and competed. One of which could be something like 'Keep producing artwork'.
Micheal also explained that without funding it is really hard to get your own studio space and maintain it, therefore he had to take a year out and do a PGCE in which he could teach part time allowing him to fund and pay for the studio spaces he required.

The second part of this lecture was working in groups and putting ourselves in a position where we are thinking of starting up a studio and what things we need to take into account.

We called our group: P.J.AN.L (mainly because it was the initials of each member of the group). We confirmed that we would like to open a studio space in an old public building which could cause problems as we would have to contact the council before to make sure it is alright to work in. We thought it was a good idea to create spaces where we would work and rent some spaces to other artists that would like to be a part of this project.
Also we would like a section of the building that would be a gallery space and a section where we could commission pieces of work that gains an interest from the viewer which would also fund the building to stay standing and our residency within it. Also there could be some guest workshops and public workshops so that we can connect with the people around that area. The council also presents funds for some regeneration projects therefore it maybe possible to apply for funding.
The 3 points that we have placed as our aims was:

• Provide studio spaces (Rented/Commissioned)
• Provide guest opportunities
• Regenerating a public unused building
• Responding to local area
• Provide workshops
• Create and Curate

I think this was a very fun and useful exercise that gave me an insight into what we need to think about and take into account before we leave the University and course!.