:)

I joined the Small Steps Events team, in February; lead by my University peer  Niamh Mitchell. I was set to work on just about anything I could help with. Leaving behind my life in Structural Steel (Kind Of). Working on events and artist liaison and curation.

Through this work and via a meeting with the Wirral Environment Network, we met with a member of staff at Birkenhead Market and began our process to open a space. 

The name, was tricky and with Shutter Gallery or Convenience Store the final candidates, Convenience Gallery Stuck. 

It was at this point I was just very keen to get going and utilise the space. 

I knew I wanted the space to be an intermediary space between the established galleries and university/ education/ hobby. A space that encouraged community and was easily accessible, open and friendly. A place that could be used to come for advice and discussion. I based my initial graphics around these principles & to be clear and understandable. 

Through discussion with Ryan Gauge and Niamh Mitchell, it felt right to lead with the Open Call as our first exhibition. 

Admin & Preparation

The other task I found myself somewhat overwhelmed with was administration. Dealing with Insurance was something University did not prepare me for. How to correctly cover not only myself, but my colleagues and the general public for everything we have planned. 

However after many phone conversations back and forth with the insurers I was eventually covered for everything we have planned. This is something that is daunting, a bit pricey but is essential. Will ultimately put everything you do at much less risk (if you're reading and thinking of setting up a D.I.Y. space).

Preparing the space was somewhat overlooked till late, with far too much deliberation of the name and other elements. But holes got filled and walls painted. Lightbulbs fixed, and shop fittings bought the space began to take shape.

Not to mention sourcing Trestle Tables - these are both expensive and much more difficult to acquire than I'd have liked. Thanks to an incredibly helpful email from Wirral Table and Chairs lead me to man in Tarpoley with three to sell cheaply. 

Charity Shop bargains and up cycling and we just about have a space ready to go.