FRED is an annual festival of site-specific work across Cumbria. FRED was conceived as a way of exploding the preconceptions about the kind of work being produced in rural areas. We wanted to show that underneath all the touristy stuff, Wordsworth and other dead poets, there is a wealth of talent, and pots of potential to do stuff like nowhere else. Cumbria may only have 400,000 residents (about the same as Preston), but it is huge - the largest county in England, and has in excess of 16 million visitors coming through it every year - that’s the second most visited place in the UK after London. The audience potential is immense. We also realise that every artist has heaps of ideas for projects they want to do, but never get round to doing, either through lack of resources, time, will power or because there simply hasn’t been the reason to do them. FRED was established to help realise those projects.

The aims of Fred are to -

• Get work out of the gallery and into the big wide open
• FRED takes quality work directly to the public by placing it in people’s day-to-day lives where they are free to make up their own minds and form their own opinions without judgement.
• Explode the preconceptions about the kind of work being produced in rural areas.
• Show work that can only be realised in Cumbria. Through its use of scale or its landscape resources, FRED shows work which simply cannot be seen anywhere else.
• Realise projects that otherwise might never happen. Every artist has heaps of ideas for want to do, but never get round to doing, either through lack of resources, time, will power or because there simply hasn’t been the reason to do them.
• Capitalise on Cumbria’s position as the second most visited place in the UK after London. Over 1.5 million people visit Cumbria over the FRED event, in addition to the 400,000 residents.

 

What kind of work are you looking for?

We are looking for work that clearly demonstrates innovation in its delivery. We are also keen to see ambitious projects and work that stretches your current practice. Above all, we want to see quality work that relates to its location. Look at our map of previous FRED projects to see the breadth of what has already happened. Please note that the strongest pieces are not necessarily the biggest or most expensive.

As an artist, what do I get out of FRED?

You get to do the kind of work that you really want to do. These are not commissions, so you have total control over the project. In return you get bucket loads of publicity, moral support, project management, loads of new skills, the chance to network with loads of different artists, job satisfaction - oh and some money for material, travel and accommodation.

What does FRED give me?

• The support of regional project management
• Assistance with securing sites and community liaison
• Public liability insurance
• Training
• Artists networking opportunities
• Paid for site visits
• Press, pr, marketing and documentation.
• A bursary towards materials, travel and accommodation to help you realise your work.

What does the bursary cover?

The bursary is towards materials, travel and accommodation to help you realise you work. We do not expect the bursary to cover the whole cost of your project, however the bursary is ring fenced by the Northern Rock Foundation and so can be used to lever more funding should you require it.

The average bursary in 2007 was £450, with the biggest being just over £2000 (with match funding already secured.)

How do I apply to be part of FRED?

All submissions must be made using the application form available on the website. We also require 4 - 6 images of previous work and a current CV. Email them in or post, we don’t mind, by 5pm,the 4th April 2008.

The selection procedure?

We use a blind selection process undertaken by a panel of five arts professionals. Work is chosen on the strength of the proposal, your demonstrated ability to deliver and its curatorial suitability.

How much knowledge of Cumbria do I need to apply?

You don’t because we do! Every selected artist will be assigned a coordinator who will help project manage your work. However, it would be helpful to be as precise about the kind of location you are looking for. We have most things here. If in doubt, do a bit of research first. Please see the about Cumbria section for some useful links and location ideas.

How detailed does my proposal need to be?

We ask you to provide as much detail as possible. We also require you to provide at least one visual in support of your proposal. We understand that you may not know the site and will expect you to refine your project after your site visit. That said, we anticipate large numbers of submissions and ask you to be concise but brief.

Do you accept any gallery-based work for FRED?

No. All work must be site-specific. We do not have the resources to invigilate either, so please bear that in mind.

Does the work have to be outside to qualify?

No. In the past projects have been in disused churches, barns, coffee shops, indoor markets, school halls, and nuclear power stations… etc. Pubs are good too (and great for site visits!)

Which art forms come under the FRED festival?

So far, almost anything goes, as long as it’s site-specific. Go on - challenge us.

We have primarily had installations and interventions in various media, including sculpture, painting, ceramics, video, poetry, and lightworks.

 What do I need to commit to, to be part of FRED? (Time, site visits etc?)

You will be required to carry out a site visit on either the weekend of the 2nd & 3rd of May or 16th &17th May. You will need to install your work by the 26th September and remove the work by the 12th October. On top of that, you may wish to do an artist’s talk, workshop, guided tour and come to the wrap party – all of which you will be paid for (except the party). Oh, and you’ve got to create your masterpiece…