Find out about the people and projects that won funding in the first round of the Ideas Fund
The first ever round of applications for the Ideas Fund took place earlier this year. We put aside £50,000 to fund projects that we felt were inspiring, realistic, and truly original. There were two categories, with Big Ideas winners taking home up to £5,000, and Little Ideas winners getting up to £1,000.
The first round of the Ideas Fund 2010 has now been launched . For more details on the award and how you can apply click here >>
We had more than 200 applications for Big Ideas funding, and we found some fantastic projects. Here's a roundup of the ones that walked away with the cash. To find out more about any of the winners just click on their names to visit their profile page. You can also view their portfolio where they've posted examples of their work.
Alan Ramsay - Refugee Animation
What is Refugee Animation?
Allowing Refugees to tell their story through animation.
About Alan
Born and raised in Newcastle, I studied economics at UCL, returning to Newcastle to do a Masters in creativity management, and design. I, along with four peers each from different disciplines (music, art, creative writing and digital design), have just formed Roots and Wings, which is a Community Interest Company. We aim to work with the local community solving problems through creativity. We also offer design services to local businesses.
What's next for you?
Moving on from this success we'll continue to run community projects in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne aiming to tackle problems such as social exclusion through creativity. We'll also develop the design side of our business allowing us to fund further projects.
Atiha Sen Gupta - What Fatima Did
What is What Fatima Did?
The identity lost and found box.
About Atiha
Atiha Sen Gupta is a new writer who started off writing in Hampstead Theatre's Youth Theatre - the 'Heat and Light Company.' From there she went on to write for e4's SKINS for three years. Since then she has written with Roy Williams and Tanika Gupta on short writing projects and her first full-length play 'What Fatima Did...' will be produced this coming October at the Hampstead Theatre.
What's next?
I would like to continue writing plays. I have written a play set in Cuba where I've spent a lot of time, and would like to develop, strengthen and produce that.
Roger White - Tate Windows
What is Tate Windows?
A project space for solo exhibitions and workshops for young people.
About Roger
A recent Design for Performance graduate from Wimbledon College of Art and Design, Roger enjoys a wide range of disciplines. His work includes short films, theatre sets and costumes, and experiential sculptures. Roger is also interested in young people's engagement with contemporary art. He has created and led workshops for 13 to 25 year olds, as part of Tate Modern's Raw Canvas programme.
What's next?
As a member of the "The Headless Collective", I am designing sets and costumes for a short film. Set in World War One and featuring Welsh miners and killer earthworms, the project continues our series mixing period imagery and ridiculous special effects. The austere setting should balance the excesses of our last work, an Elizabethan zombie film. I am also planning a chalk geoglyph of a stag in the North Downs.
Jack Meredith - Karnival
What is Karnival?
Quite simply, the greatest party in the world.
About Jack
I am a keen director, currently training as a producer director for a digital media company, but trained in the theatre where my passion still lies. I am interested in exploring and developing new performance styles and new areas/ forums to perform in. I love anything to do with the theatre and film, and I also love to travel, read, dance and get merry.
What's next?
I hope to launch Karnival and continue to develop the event. If all goes to plan we will be able to take the show on tour and create further shows in the future. I am very much committed to making my own films, and am constantly working on new scripts and ideas that I can then go on to film and edit myself and with friends. I very much hope to continue following a career in the arts working with both film and theatre.
Sally Hogarth - Social Capital
What is Social Capital?
A show that allows the viewer to experience different social dynamics through the use of audio instructions.
About Sally
I am a recent graduate from BA Fine Art and Art History at Goldsmiths, University of London. I work mainly in film, performance and what I call performative installation. Although it takes the form of different mediums, my work often centres around social dynamics, be that in general public space or in particular social contexts. Humour and awkwardness are also regular features in my work. Last year I was commissioned with Emma Johnson to produce a sculpture for Heathrow, Terminal 5.
What's next for you?
I intend to continue my practice over the coming year and work on the development of my project Social Capital to take place in February. This could not have happened without the Ideas Tap funding I have received. I am about to start a part-time artist grant for a year with the Manx arts council to produce an exhibition in August. I was selected by Robert and Roberta Smith and the South London Gallery to exhibit in 'Flux' as part of the Deptford Cross Art festival this coming October. I intend to continue on projects like this and improve my portfolio of works in preparation for post-graduate study next year.
Rob Brown - Rough Sleepers
What is Rough Sleepers?
Empowering young homeless people to make their voice heard.
About Rob
Rob Brown is an award-winning director and graduate of Bournemouth Film School. His award nominations include Best Newcomer at Rushes Soho Shorts, BBC New Filmmakers Award and Time Out Award for Best London Film. Rob was selected for the Berlinale Talent Campus in 2007 (from 3,000 applicants), and the Edinburgh Film Festival 'Trailblazers' programme in 2008, He was also chosen for the BFI's Think Shoot Distribute in 2008. He has just finished another short film starring Georgia Groome (star of London to Brighton / Angus, thongs & perfect snogging) and Andrew Scott (Olivier award winner) and is developing two features.
What's next for you?
Directing a 35mm short film and developing two features.