Art at Nowhere survey 2011

We asked the artists at Nowhere 2011 to give us their feedback , comments and suggestions about bringing art to Nowhere.

If you’re thinking of bringing art to Nowhere 2012, please read on…

Important advice from other artists

• Think about the extreme natural conditions on site. Don’t underestimate the heat, the storms, the rain, the unpredictable weather changes. Build your art accordingly, make it strong, make it waterproof and light it at night.
• Think about your own energy levels. You’ll be there for a week, and you are going to be exhausted by the end of it. Take into consideration that you also need to dismantle your project and leave no trace.
• If your ideas are ambitious, have a team. There are ways to get volunteers if you are alone. And even if you are not, use volunteers. Nowherians are very happy to lend a helping hand.
• Think simple. The extreme conditions can make it hard for you and your team to achieve complicated tasks. Think about things such as everyday set-up and project supervision and how that might infringe on your own ‘down time’.
• On site, everything will take twice as long as you think it will. Have a backup plan in case things go wrong.
• Make your art project as interactive as possible; it’s the most rewarding art out there!
• If you are thinking about bringing an art car, consider all health and safety aspects, build it extremely strong to endure an invasion of excited festival-goers, be aware that you might be driving around the site in the dark. Last year’s Kreuzcruzer crew will happily give you more advice.
• Be aware of the two art grant deadlines. Larger grants – 11 March 2012, smaller grants – 13 May 2012.
• If you don’t have your own transport, think about how you will get your work on and off-site. Ask the Art team in good time if you need help.
• Ask for advice! The Art team and Nowhere veterans are always happy to answer your questions.
• Promote your art/event/workshop onsite every day.

General feedback

We had feedback from 11 artists.

Overall experience at Nowhere 2011
45% of those who responded had a very positive experience, 55% were satisfied but would improve aspects or do things differently.

Budget/cost of project
The cost of the projects of the artists who responded ranged from €120 up to €6,000.

Application process
Most artists were satisfied with the application process. Some (in particular those whose first language is not English) found it more difficult to fill in the application form and would like to see it simplified, with more detailed guidelines on how thorough they need to be (or with an example application for reference).

Art grant rounds
Most artists found the timing of the art grant rounds (larger grants mid-March, smaller grants mid-May) to be good. However some missed the early deadline as they didn’t know about it.

Publicising
Some artists felt that the publication of their project within the community needed more attention – self-promotion as well as promotion by the art team.

Art team support for artists
All artists found the support from their Art leads very good throughout the process.

Onsite tools
All artists were very satisfied with the supply and availability of tools to them onsite.
 
Power
Some artists found that there were problems with power supply initially, partly because of unclear communication between the artist, Art team and power lead, and partly because of underestimating the climate and conditions onsite.
 
Placement
All artists who responded were satisfied with their placement onsite.

Transport
Those who didn’t have their own transport found they needed to make arrangements in good time and needed to be very clear about it.