Idea Submission
KRAAK gallery and venue
Kraak is a not-for-profit gallery / venue space in the Northern Quarter of Manchester run by local artists and musicians.
Submitted by kraak.
What started as a whisper in the City Centre of Manchester is now a roar. Housed in the remains of a former derelict textile cutting room in Stevenson Square, KRAAK gallery crept onto the bustling Northern Quarter creative scene in 2009 and quickly established a reputation as a connective hub for innovative visual and performance artists. KRAAK is now poised to expand into a vacant neighbouring space to create KRAAK 2, a multi-disciplinary performance venue that can support larger scale exhibitions and live music acts. With the requested funds, KRAAK’s expansion will ensure our ability to fulfil our vision of producing cutting edge, art experiences that are accessible and affordable to the entire community.
Vision: KRAAK was founded by local artists to create an inclusive, accessible and sustainable exhibition space that is dedicated to the ideals of collaboration and open expression. ‘Kraak’ is a Dutch word for “squat,” with a literal translation of “crack” as in to “crack open a place.” Our name speaks to the ethos of being an inclusive and welcoming space. KRAAK is committed to artist-led exhibitions where individual curators and groups of artists plan and produce the installation process, infusing their own personalities into the space. Our central location and affordable rates have enabled a fresh and dynamic arts platform to flourish within our gallery walls, and has allowed KRAAK to tap into both established and emerging creative talent. KRAAK is proud to contribute to the Northern Quarter’s ongoing architectural and economic regeneration, attracting business, tourism and growth to the area.
Achievements: Through the work of an all-volunteer staff, KRAAK gallery emerged as a humble but forceful player in the Manchester underground arts scene in 2009. Since our inception, KRAAK has attracted over 2,000 visitors to a diverse array of installations and performances from over 60 regional artists. In addition, KRAAK staff members hosted a series of community workshops as well as assisted in the production of films and documentaries. The distinctive character of KRAAK has already attracted the attention of international artists, some of whom are planning to exhibit their work here in 2011.
Introducing KRAAK 2 - What’s Next: By expanding into a vacant building adjacent to our current location, KRAAK will become two multi-purpose and low-cost spaces for art, music, exhibition and ideas – KRAAK gallery and KRAAK 2. KRAAK 2 will feature larger live music acts that will create greater opportunity for generating sustainable revenue while allowing us to increase the diversity, scope and scale of the art experiences we produce. A year-long initiative of featured events is already planned for KRAAK 2, and will also include prospective artist workshops, student exhibitions, and other collaborative community projects. KRAAK 2 productions will offset operating expenses of both spaces and ensure our ability to offer a creative space at an affordable cost.
Your Award will provide funding for the following: • A fire alarm and emergency lighting. • A Permanent Premises Licence. • Soundproofing. • Refurbishment materials.
Kraak WILL become an institution. In the meantime I am very happy to support them to create an accessible art/music/ideas space. All the right kinds of people and very good ideas.
Posted by Miss_MMM on Sep 16th, 2010
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