How Open Calls for Ideas Empower Local Artists

Ever wondered why some of the most innovative ideas come from the least expected places?

The Artist in Your Own Residence community at Founders and Mentors runs an active community at WhatsApp. If you would like to apply to join the conversation and stay in the loop, please click this link ?? https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfg7lUtWbo23cHbLgIGkSz_O_HGE7PhoNRY4KN3lG60cjdOeA/viewform

Local authorities around the world tap into this potential by holding "Open Calls for Ideas", inviting artists to submit their creative visions for community-enhancing projects. This approach not only fosters creativity but also strengthens community bonds and ensures that the projects resonate with local culture and needs.

One recent example of this type of initiative is the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) in West London. In collaboration with Ealing Council (London Borough of Ealing) , OPDC launched an Open Call for Ideas in October 2022, aimed at bolstering the local creative industry and providing the community with broader opportunities within the sector. The result? A vibrant celebration showcasing ten projects funded through the Acton and Park Royal Creative Enterprise Zone (CEZ).

Link ?? 2 February 2024: Press release, Mayor of London , "OPDC celebrates Park Royal community’s Creative Enterprise Zone funding at showcase event": https://www.london.gov.uk/who-we-are/city-halls-partners/old-oak-and-park-royal-development-corporation-opdc/opdc-media-centre/opdc-press-releases/opdc-celebrates-park-royal-communitys-creative-enterprise-zone-funding-showcase-event

Held at the Levant Cafe in Park Royal, the showcase event unveiled an array of community-driven projects. These ranged from film screenings and art installations to live performances by local groups like Bollo Brook Youth Centre and Park Royal Nights. The atmosphere was one of pride and achievement as the community gathered to celebrate the creative endeavours funded by nearly ￡200,000 in grants from OPDC.

Links ??

1. Levant Cafe: https://www.levantlondon.com
2. Bollo Brook Youth Centre: https://www.youngealing.co.uk/bollo-brook-youth-centre/
3. Park Royal Nights, Hiyafetna: https://hikayetna.com/2023/05/05/park-royal-nights/

Among the funded projects was MAMA Youth's collaboration with Garden Studios, offering a digital media production training course for young people. This initiative not only imparted valuable skills but also opened career pathways in the burgeoning media sector. Similarly, the Park Royal Women’s Group received funding to create a supportive space for women in the area, fostering collaboration and mutual support.

Another notable project was spearheaded by the Bollo Brook Youth Centre, which engaged local youth in creating a film about the cultural significance of tea drinking. This film has since been showcased at the prestigious Horniman Museum and Gardens in London, highlighting the project’s success and impact.

Standard Road Market, another grant recipient, invigorated the local economy by engaging over 25 local vendors and creatives, attracting 4,000 residents across seven market events in Park Royal throughout 2023.

Link ?? Standard Road Market, Standard Market CIC , Crowdfunder.com : https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/standard-market

David Lunts, OPDC Chief Executive, praised the initiative, stating,

"Acton and Park Royal is home to some of the capital’s most interesting and creative artists, makers and producers. It has been fantastic to see the work of the awardees and we have seen first-hand, the real difference they have made to the local creative community."

These Open Calls for Ideas are more than just funding opportunities; they are catalysts for community engagement and creative expression. By providing a platform for local artists to present and implement their ideas, such initiatives not only enhance the local cultural landscape but also empower individuals and groups to take an active role in their community’s development.

Do you think your local authority should implement more Open Calls for Ideas to foster creativity and community engagement?

Calls to Action

1. The Artist in Your Own Residence community at Founders and Mentors is a place to find hang out with other like-minded members in a relaxed, supportive and informal atmosphere, to find sustainable motivation to work on long-held artistic ambitions, to participate in peer-to-peer mentoring partnerships, to make tangible progress with creative projects, and to attend events, both online and IRL. It's a place of encouragement and celebrations: to meet people, network, learn, relax, and be nice to each other. If you would like to join the community for free, please click this link ??https://community.12ronnies.com/share/0chitX5arUVS32Gj
2. The Artist in Your Own Residence community at Founders and Mentors runs an active community at WhatsApp. If you would like to apply to join the conversation and stay in the loop, please click this link ?? https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfg7lUtWbo23cHbLgIGkSz_O_HGE7PhoNRY4KN3lG60cjdOeA/viewform
3. Artist in Your Own Residence is a low-pressure, peer-to-peer mentoring scheme for anyone who thinks of themselves as being creative. If you would like to apply to join the scheme and take part in the program, please click this link ??https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc93v3ZXW9PJ7JLTgmWWNjghkW9N2wPSc0Dc9OZKfRJgRNg7A/viewform
4. Let me know in the comments if you have any suggestions for topics you would like me to cover that would help you in your own artistic journey and creative practice.

Become the artist in your own residence that changes the world!

Christopher Norris