Membership
In 2022 Primary launched a membership scheme to support more artists, makers and practitioners who are interested in joining and contributing to our creative community and benefitting from our dynamic Artist Development Programme.
Primary provides artist development provision for our residents and members that actively and strategically supports artistic and professional development through activity, platforms and paid opportunities.
Artist Development at Primary aims to meet the needs of its 60+ resident and member community which includes artists, makers, musicians, curators, and creatives at all stages in their careers, working across all media. We strive to create the conditions to foster a supportive studio culture.
Natalie Weurth, Closed For Maintenance (2018)
Primary members have the opportunity to:
Access 1-2-1 meetings with visiting artists, curators and writers
Attend regular resident and members socials, visits and discussion groups
Participate in practical workshops, including but not limited to application writing, confidence building, and tax and self-assessment
Access funded development and platforming opportunities including commissions, collaborative project making, and creative exchanges. Recent examples include To & Fro, Inside the Studio Visits and Being Present.
Connect with other artist networks and artist development opportunities delivered via institutional partnerships including monthly online Kaleidoscope Network activity
Meet regularly with Primary’s Artist Development Curator / Coordinator. Sessions can focus on support with funding applications, commissions, proposals, networking, statement and portfolio advice etc.
Have their profile included on Primary’s website, a highly visible resource for curators and potential collaborators
Share news, updates, and achievements with Primary’s audiences via our social media channels, mailout and website
Receive monthly updates detailing free activities and relevant paid artist and development opportunities
Join Primary’s organisational subcommittees shaping artist development, environmental commitment, and programming
Access Primary’s Meeting Room, Reading Room or project spaces for self-initiated (non-public) events and activities when there is availability
Primary members:
Do not have access to a studio space
Do not need to be based in Nottingham but need to demonstrate a commitment to the local arts ecology and Primary’s ongoing development
Do have the same access to artist development activity as Primary residents
Do have the opportunity to feed into shaping Primary’s artist development offer via an annual survey
Our focus is on quality of access and artist development offer, hence membership at Primary will not exceed 30. For this reason, we ask that creatives interested in membership submit an application which is reviewed by a committee comprising current residents and members.
Membership costs £6 per month. If an application is successful, membership is free for disabled, D/Deaf, neurodivergent, Global Ethnic Majority, working-class artists and arts workers, or those facing intersecting cultural or social barriers.
To request more information or discuss access requirements please contact colette@weareprimary.org.