The Challenge of Funding
Finances are regularly a real difficulty for the particular client group that Spark Studio represents because most often people are on invalid benefits; there are not only session fees but transport costs which are particularly high for those people reliant on mobility taxis. Quite often, people who really want to attend – and whom would greatly benefit – are not able to, because the cost is prohibitive for their particular resources.
Spark Studio does everything in their power to minimise this cost – however sustainable funding is a constant, ongoing concern both to maintain our current programme – and to develop and expand our services.
Research and Development
Funding is also required for ongoing research and development – and the expansion of our services such as an increase in tutor-student ratio, one to one tuition for particular high need students, special focus groups and projects – and additional administration support. We also wish to increase our educational resources – for example, the development of a visual arts library and artist exemplar files; and to improve our studio facilities – such as special shelving for storing art works and art papers, artist portfolio stands and a water trough for washing brushes and palettes.
Spark Studio Artists – raising their profile
One of the long term intentions for Spark Studio is to grow and develop the quality and diversity of art being produced. With extra tuition, critique and support, students work can develop to a degree where it is able to stand within the public arena under more objective scrutiny.
As the resources develop at Spark Studio the ways and means by which artists work can be promoted and exhibited in the public arena on a more regular basis will be investigated and implemented. (Additional staff being employed to undertake these tasks is of particular importance).
At this present time, we are in the process of updating and developing our artist’s profiles and portfolios; this involves making photographic documentation of all new works to present on this website.
Spark Studio will continue to research ways to obtain recognition for their people as dedicated ‘artists in the field (or genre) of naïve art’.
SPARK STUDIO SEEKS FUNDING FOR:
- Tutors salaries – most critical
- Management and Administration staff salaries – most critical
- Art Materials – art equipment & tools
- Running costs – rent, electricity, telephone, etcetera.
