Each year we design a diverse and eclectic programme that aims to develop artists through the production of individual projects, and further refines our curatorial model.
The work that we deliver to the public is the product of a signature collaborative artistic practice and directio that remains with its artist-directors, who are the creative capital of the organisation. By codifying their approach to commissioning and curating, they increase their capacity to mentor artists, students, curators, and producers who seek to learn from a robust practice. We aim to significantly extend the range of our mentoring work over the coming years.
Our creative resources work hand in hand with exceptional physical facilities offering three large exhibition spaces with a combined floor area of 406.5 m2. The historically charged venue has been meticulously adapted, developed and maintained over a 30 year period to create a unique arts environment. The programme is delivered through broadly defined strands (see below) generating new experimental work, realised through public exhibitions, events, publishing and broadcast. Each strand has a specific curatorial agenda and strategic link-back into our vision.
These flexible programming strands function in complementary relationship and guarantee a continuous creative output.
BAW
‘BAW’ (Beaconsfield Art Works) is the moniker for the artist-directors (A. David Crawforth and Naomi Siderfin), collaborating on flexible, experimental solo works (since 1995), often commissioned by outside agencies. BAW confirms us an artist-led organisation where the agendas of solo artworks and curatorial activity are symbiotic and entwined.
Earth AIR
Environmental Artist In Residence. We understand ‘environment’ to mean social and cultural context as well as the geographical earth for which we are responsible.
FlatBed Editions
BGV’s publishing arm for limited edition artworks and print-based media. ‘FlatBed’ provides an opportunity for artists to disseminate their work, support the charity Beaconsfield and to benefit financially themselves.
FlatScreen
Screen-based art in the Lower Gallery operates on two computer controlled screens. ‘FlatScreen’ offers an all-year-round programme of moving image works, independent of or linked to exhibitions elsewhere on the premises.
Fraternise
‘Fraternise’ is BGV’s scheme for artist-patrons of the organisation, whereby artworks (the Collection) are held in trust as assets. In Spring 2011, the first Fraternise fundraising exhibition took place on the premises including commercially significant artists such as Adam Dix, Tracey Emin and Damien Hirst.
Mentor
‘Mentor’ is used to describe the busy programme of teaching, mentoring and work experience that both supports and is generated by commissioned artistic activity. We have also developed relationships with a small number of Fine Art degree courses whereby engagement with the University extends to practical curatorial exercises on Beaconsfield’s site.
Phase
Solo, venue-wide exhibition opportunities with a retrospective element and on-site residency. ‘Phase’ confirms Beaconsfield’s commitment to long-term outcomes, by turning the spotlight on mid-career visual artists with whom the organisation has a significant relationship.
Society
‘Society’ is the title for the programming strand that embraces our unique public events. Previous themes have included Art & Compromise (lecture series) delivered in collaboration with City & Guilds Art School), FlatScreen Talks (public discussions), Mother of All Parties (legendary performance events) and the occasional club Society (discursive socials revolving around food).
Soundtrap
Soundtrap’ is our sonic residency/exhibition with CD/digital online outputs. Soundtrap has produced extraordinary new works in the field and establishes Beaconsfield as an innovator and primary source of sound-art.
TestBed
‘TestBed’ signals our role as a mentoring organisation, demonstrates our function as an incubator and generates visual/digital technology commissions, tied to residencies, for emerging artists.