Is this a good use of public money?

John Ruskin, January 23, 2012 21:56

John, that's an excellent question but best asked about the work of our bankers.

Anonymous, January 23, 2012 22:22

There is no wealth but life, John, remember?

William Morris, January 26, 2012 11:05

I would say it's a very good use of public money. Directing money that would usually be spent on large corporate conference venues into local businesses, hotels, producers and at the same time demonstrating that rural communities under threat can have a viable economic future by maximising the use of the their resources and offering an experience that no one else can provide. Equally, in the other direction, each of the 18 institutions was enthused by the civic focus of Grizedale Arts and the strength of a programme designed around socio-economic development, rather than making art about art. If the world of bends more in this direction I'd say it's a bargain.

Alistair Hudson, January 26, 2012 11:16

Not sure that those listed are "the UK's most dynamic art organisations...". It's a strange brew up of the good, the bad and the not so pretty. All are rubber stamped by ACE, so in a sense they are never going to be that radical....they're not allowed to be.

None of the people I know who live over Grizedale way no what the heck goes on there, how to get there, or what mysterious pleasures they undertake.

Very secretive, controlling foodies and the best arts organisation by far in Cumbria (is that feint praise? Hope not, but probably is) :)

schwitters, January 28, 2012 11:36

Grizedale Arts are doing real life work in working with the strengths of the community and bringing it to life. The artists who have worked with the communities bring a new perspective and vigour to Lakeland life. Practical works are ensuring our future.

rollic nouca, January 28, 2012 15:20

Well Kurt, I suppose it depends on who you know over Grizedale way. In the same way I know lots of people in London, Birmingham, Manchester etc who don't know what the heck is going on at their respective art organisations either and regard them accordingly as 'secretive' and mysterious, but that's a consumer choice. And hey when you were alive Kurt, know one knew you round Grizedale way either and most still don't. Such is art.

Richard Hamilton, January 31, 2012 10:38

hi, i run a small arts gallery in Burslem, Stoke on Trent and have used Grizedale as an inspiration to create a sculpture trail. we too, want to include local businesses and produce, so was very interested to read about the village as institution. it seems that half of our city has been demolished.It's the artists that are motivated enough to pull us out from under the rubble and have the ability to signpost visitors to the remaining quality businesses

Julie Newbold, January 31, 2012 12:33

Consumer choice, not a great analogy to apply to art, but hey, it's the age we live in.
Problem with consumer choice is that choice is limited by knowledge of what's on offer. It's all in the communication, and who controls the flow. One can only take in what is given out....
Wish I wasn't so darn dead then I'd show you all a thing or two.
By the way, Dick, which Pearly Gate did you enter through?

Schwitters (deceased), February 2, 2012 21:59

It seems your very concerned about local employment and investment and rightly so, these are tough times in Cumbria and elsewhere. Its good to know you are shopping locally, great.
But going for a scone at a local tea shop with some chums from your institutional network along with some token volunteers, and then deeming this a political act is not really very substantial on its own.
I have to say, half the time this blog reads like a good housekeeping magazine.
Lets layout the basics here, how many people do you employ locally...actually? Or do you mainly just engage locals as volunteers?
What percentage of your invited artista are actually locally based? It seems by the look of your website very few. So is that aside from local economic issues for your?
Anyway, I imagine it must have been a very interesting series of meetings. When will you publish the minutes? This would for me be more insightful than what you ate. Or is it more about the representative gesture of using a village as an artwork? If so, Is the sculpture in the eating bit..or the regurgitating?
I also wonder if the hotel workers whose obligation it is to serve you, considered themselves apart of an artwork too.Hmmm..
Doubtful but i am sure they appreciated the money.

bob, February 27, 2012 13:25

I was born and bred around Grizedale and lived there for over 25 years (moved away a couple of years ago, due to lack of jobs and affordable housing) and I too find that Grizedale Arts are mysterious and elitist.

I am interested in what they do and I work in the arts sector myself, but it seems that despite their bold community focused claims, it is still very much a ‘us’ and ‘them’ situation.

Head of the Hawk , March 2, 2012 09:21