Hang Out, Hannah Wooll, acrylic & ink on found image, 2015 | Image: courtesy of the artist
  • Macc 'n Chat

2024-25 Programme

Mark Devereux Projects are proud to launch our 2024-25 Macc ’n Chat programme. Following the success of the first season, we are delighted to continue to offer important artist development support for creatives living and working within Macclesfield and the surrounding borough.

Details

Start Date:
11/09/2024

End Date:
14/05/2025

Venue:
Twentysevenb Studios, Macclesfield

Our 2024-25 programme will offer participating creatives the practical and learning experiences in making an exhibition from conception to realisation. Working in close collaboration with experienced Curator and Mentor, Mark Devereux, you will be led through a series of information-led and hands-on workshops, concluding with a group exhibition in early Summer 2025.

This season we are excited to be including two new one-off activities in addition to the full programme: Play Dates and an Away-Day to Birmingham (see further information below). Alongside participation in the full, core programme, there will be opportunities for artists to attend individual sessions to support specific areas of your artist development.

Course programme

Programme introductions
Wednesday 11 September 2024, 9:30 – 11:30am

Each participating artist will be invited to share a short introduction to their works and practices. As part of this session, we will also discuss the core responsibilities for making an exhibition, inviting participants to volunteer for the lead exhibition management roles identified.

The seed idea
Wednesday 9 October 2024, 9:30 – 11:30am
Highlighting the seed idea is fundamental to the strength and success of any exhibition. In this workshop Mark will discuss various techniques to highlight ways in which you may connect themes, artists and artworks for group exhibitions. You will be guided through exhibition planning processes, giving the grounding for a successful project. Parts of this workshop will be given to highlighting the seed idea and initial project plans for the Macc ’n Chat exhibition in Summer 2025.

Pitch Perfect
Wednesday 20 November 2024, 9:30 – 11:30am *
One of the most challenging aspects of creating an exhibition can be finding the right venue for your project. This workshop will focus on how to identify your partners, build connections, pitch your exhibition concept and liaise with the venue staff. Mark will share examples of exhibition proposals and work with participants to start creating an outline proposal for the Macc ’n Chat exhibition.

*** Please note: the date for this session has been changed from 13 November ***

Practical collaborations & advice session
Wednesday 11 December 2024, 9:30 – 11:30am
Participating artists will be invited to spend time with one another working together to develop the core exhibition concepts and proposal document for the Macc ’n Chat exhibition. Mark will work with you to support this work and offer any advice and support required.

Drumming up the funds
Wednesday 8 January 2025, 9:30 – 11:30am
This practical workshop will look at various funding & fundraising opportunities to support the realisation of the Macc ’n Chat exhibition. Mark will share his extensive experience writing and receiving successful grants from Arts Council England, local Councils, private sponsorship, crowdfunding and support-in-kind.

Making the right impression
Wednesday 12 February 2025, 9:30 – 11:30am
This practical workshop will focus on writing your own proposal or application for a group exhibition. Mark will share guidance on understanding what you do/don’t need to include, use of language and which work best suits the opportunity. This session will be followed by an invitation to the participating artists to submit work for the final Macc ’n Chat exhibition.

Practical collaborations & advice session
Wednesday 12 March 2025, 9:30 – 11:30am
Participating artists will be invited to spend time with one another working together to develop the core exhibition concepts and proposal document for the Macc ’n Chat exhibition. Mark will work with you to support this work and offer any advice and support required.

Building the hype
Wednesday 23 April 2025, 9:30 – 11:30am
We live in a world full of information and images, making it challenging for your project to be seen. This session will concentrate on the various forms of communication, marketing and branding materials needed to promote an exhibition. We will look at how the various formats can continue to connect with the seed idea and give a visual impression of what your viewer may expect. This session will also include time to start thinking about the communications for the Macc ’n Chat exhibition.

Curate & Make
Wednesday 14 May 2025, 9:30 – 11:30am
This final workshop will focus on curatorial techniques and methodologies to connect the seed idea with the realisation of the exhibition within a set site/venue. Mark will discuss practical techniques of how to respond to a space and different ideas for creating a journey or narrative through an exhibition. We will also think about how accompanying engagement events and activities can add to the experience and understanding of an exhibition.

Final exhibition & public events programme
June / July 2025
Concluding the Macc ’n Chat 2024-25 programme, Mark Devereux Projects will co-present a group exhibition in Macclesfield (location and details TBC).

Costs

Please select the appropriate booking link(s) below to participate in Macc ‘n Chat 2024-25:

Full Programme (Cheshire East residents only):
£75 (excluding Play Dates & Away Day)
Book now via Eventbrite – click here

Individual workshops:
£12p/session (Cheshire East residents)
£25p/session (attendees outside Cheshire East)
Book now via Eventbrite – click here

Venue

All sessions will take place at Twentysevenb Studios, unless stated in the programme information.

twentysevenb studio
1st floor Pickford Street Mill
Pickford Street
Macclesfield
SK11 6JD

Access

Access to Twentysevenb Studios is via a short flight of stairs. Please contact Mark directly at mark@markdevereuxprojects.com if you require disabled access or would like to discuss any other access needs.

We are committed to creating Safer, Braver Spaces for artists to share, learn and make. We encourage participants to engage in constructive discussion in a manner that is respectful to the group.

Who Can Apply

Macc ‘n Chat is primarily focused towards artists living and working within Macclesfield and the surrounding borough. With thanks to funding from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, we are able to offer residents of Cheshire East subsidised places for the full programme or individual sessions. Limited tickets are available for those living outside of the region. Booking for all sessions is required and can either be for the full programme or individual workshops.

Further Info

For further information about Macc ‘n Chat 2024-25 please contact Mark at: mark@markdevereuxprojects.com

Testimonials

“Macc ‘n Chat has been such a tremendous help to me. I mostly work in isolation so meeting monthly and hearing about other artists’ practices has really helped me feel connected to a wider creative community. The group crits have been invaluable, we have encouraged each other’s practices, with new ideas and collaborations formed as a result.”
(Rachel Ho, 2023-24 participating artist)

“A great place and space to share, discuss and help value ideas and perspective on art and life.”
(Simon Woolham, 2023-24 participating artist)

“Macc ‘n Chat has provided invaluable insights into various aspects of being a creative practitioner and has highlighted aspects I can learn from to continue my growth.”
(Emma Lloyd, 2023-24 participating artist)

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