June 2006 - alias / ArtsMatrix Networking Day
The event was initiated by and hosted at PVA MediaLab and facilitated by Keturah Warren (ArtsMatrix, Dorset) and Julie Penfold (alias). Louise Short (Station, Bristol) and Sian Bonnell (Trace, Weymouth) spoke about their association with alias as artists and advisors.
35 practitioners from Dorset and across the south west attended the seminar and participated in information exchange, sharing lunch and 'speed networking'. Feedback was constructive, several people remarking that the alias presentations were thought-provoking and had surprising elements - the opportunity for future artist-to-artist mentoring was enthusiastically received. We learnt, generally, that alias is not well known in the county of Dorset and practitioners would appreciate increased and continuing information for the region.The majority of participants appreciated the space to network, though some felt they didn't know how to approach other artists, so the 'speed networking' option was useful. There were questions regarding the format of the event and its capability to cater for such a wide range of practices and experience, whilst also appreciating that the intention was to guage interest and plan additional tailored events - it was felt that there could be information overload potential! Introducing two very different APD schemes in one day was a tough call - for example, several people remarked that they would have liked a one-to-one appointment with an alias advisor on the day.
Artist comments:
If more are planned, I would like more time to network, less exercise work and relevant interesting presentations;
Some very positive things from the morning alias session, although not necessarily what I thought I was going to get;
Felt possibly had information overload - (different exercises and papers) wanted to get to the essence as quickly as possible;
Thought provoking. Would have been useful to have ‘failed’ people too rather than just very successful projects (feels more attainable?);
Networking bit very good. Great opportunity to know what other artist's skills were and what each person did;
Lunch was excellent!;
It would be interesting to meet up again in a year.