Artist & Makers Conference 2003 Multiple artists

Artists and craftworkers from across Scotland spent two days at the Barons Craig Hotel at Rockcliffe, Dumfries and Galloway on 3rd and 4th November 2003, for the second annual conference organised by a Dumfries-based arts centre (Gracefield).

The event attracted speakers of national and international importance who travelled from as far afield as the Isle of Wight, London and Inverness as well as two living closer to home in New Abbey and Ae.

Events included an international artist in residence, talks on commissioning work, getting work into galleries and national exhibitions as well as photography workshops, artists case studies and films and plenty of time for debate, networking and eating. Also up for discussion is, 'what it means to be an artist or craft maker living and working in a rural area', the pros and cons of this and perhaps finding solutions to some of the specific difficulties people face.

"We had such a fantastic response from artists and makers at last years one day conference that we were asked to organise a longer one for 2003," said Jane McArthur, Visual Arts Development Officer for Dumfries and Galloway. "The event was really friendly, the food was fantastic, the speakers were stimulating and everyone had a really good time. It was a great chance for people to make new contacts and put names to faces. Artists and craftmakers are invited from all areas of the UK and can be at any stage in their career."

As well as more speakers this year, there was a delegates exhibition in the hotel gallery. Jane added: "We felt that it was important as this is a conference uniquely for artists and makers that everyone should have the opportunity to see each others work." And there was an overwhelming quantity of work creating a fantastic Display, and ideal opportunity for artists and makers to discuss each others work.

Next year hopes to see another conference at the Baron's Craig, however details have still to be arranged, so if this sounds the event for you and you would like to know more, call Gracefield Arts Centre, 28 Edinburgh Road, Dumfries on 01387 262 084. E-mail: info@artandcraftsouthwestscotland.com

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