theartmarket and kunstfreud gallery

I think the stuff that Zoe and Jay have been organising in the Merrion Market is superb and an inspiration for young artists and creatives in the city to get off their arse and do something.

Check out the website and visit the space if you haven't already http://kunstfreund.co.uk/

I am interested in what the ambitions of the space (and the individuals involved in it) are. I notice on the website it is described as having a DIY ethic (we also describe Black Dogs in this way) but I wonder if we have slightly different understandings of the term?

Knowing (or hoping!) that Zoe and Jay might read this I wonder if you might like to expand a bit on how you see theartmarket and kunstfreud operating? Is it an entry-level space for emerging artists or do you see it as an end in itself? Do you think of it as a valid model for artistic activity in the city or a stepping stone towards something 'bigger'?

Hey Andy / everyone,

Thanks for kind words regarding our activities.

I get involved with theartmarket as much as I can, Zo is the one driving the project and dedicating time to it, so she would be best to explain the ethos etc.

From my experience and where we're at at the moment with it is still very open to suggestion about the direction of theartmarket, from the shows we've had so far in the new space we've been keen to allow the artists and other (outside) contributing factors dictate how the space should be used and what context it should be used for. We're very keen on creating a stepping stone for students who are interested in pursuing a career in the arts / cultural sector, whether by simply chatting to them, getting them involved organising or even exhibiting work if they can give a well put together proposal. I think it's been important for us to just set up and see what happens, we really want to be flexible and be able to adapt to the needs of people who get involved, we'd like the space to evolve organically and really represent what is actually needed by addressing and responding to these needs. We feel this method would be more representative of the people who practice here and where people want to get to that live here.

I'm still working alongside Zo on developing this framework and responding to suggestions as and when we can.

One thing that has also been mentioned elsewhere on this forum is the bookshop element, we're keen to carry that on and want to develop it into a more substantial resource. We're searching and getting new stuff in all the time, generally on a sale or return basis as we have no budget (for anything), so at present won't be able to stock magazines etc, which you can't buy at borders, this is something we would like to do alongside stocking interesting artist made books. In time! I particularly come across publishers / self publishers all the time when traveling about with Nous Vous, so I'm constantly on the lookout and can generally keep getting books on an informal basis. But anyone with specific requests, we're all ears if you can help out sourcing and even getting them stocked on our behalf. One girl who is volunteering with us 'Kate' has begun contacting artists and publishers and has stuff sent to her on our behalf, she brings new releases in whenever she gets something and we stock and sell them in the shop. It's great having other pro-active people taking initiative alongside us, this is something we appreciate alot and would like to encourage further.

I think it's worth mentioning for people that don't know how theartmarket works also, that it's now entirely self funded, by Zo mainly and I contribute a little myself every month as well as donating books to sell to help cover costs. At the moment we don't see this as being sustainable in the long term, hopefully something will fall in our laps and help out. There's a catch 20/2 situation, which means Zo has to work more to afford the space (she won't generally let anyone know this, and will be mad I've said it :-() and can't afford as much time as she's like working in the space and on the program / organisation, we don't have time between us to apply for funding. I've personally heard criticism from people in Leeds regarding theartmarkets infrequent and staggered opening hours etc, which is fair enough it is frustrating, I'd like to encourage people to get involved and help out, contribute some time if you feel personally effected or disappointed.

Sorry for mammoth blurb, hope this is a good insight, I'll keep an eye on this and answer questions if anyone has anything they'd like to ask about or me to elaborate upon.

J