Saturday, February 26, 2011

Calling artists & designers...

So here we go. As we've mentioned over the last few days on facebook and twitter, we're looking for support from IOM-based artists/designers, or indeed those who are Manx-born but now living elsewhere.

The Manx Lit Fest needs a logo. As fantastic and cool as we can get. As you can probably imagine, we don't have any funding to pay the creative talent behind the winning design hundreds and thousands of pounds. Or any of the cake topping either, for that matter.

So what's in it for you?

First, your design - and, by association, your name - will be linked with the Lit Fest for the next eighteen months or so. We certainly won't be shy in plugging the brilliance behind the chosen logo, that's for sure.

Second, you're sure to feel all warm and fuzzy inside for doing us such a good turn.


Third, you'll have our undying love and gratitude.

Now I realise that you can't take any of the above to the bank. And we're certainly not expecting everyone to drop what they're working on to rush off and design a logo which may or may not be chosen. But if you have a little time spare, or if you're looking for a side project to fill in a gap between jobs, then maybe you can help us out.


If you are interested in designing a logo, drop us a line at manxlitfest(at)gmail.com and I'll be happy to expand on what I've said here. Or, if you know anyone who you think may want to getting involved, please pass on our details.


In terms of timescale, we'd like to hear from artists/designers by March 15, with potential logos designed and over to us by April 15. Once they are all in, we'll make a decision fairly quickly and the chosen design will be incorporated into publicity and our online presence fairly sharpish.


So, has that snagged your interest? I hope so, but do get in touch if you need me to expand on anything.

We'll also be putting this out to the media, so keep an eye out in the local papers, on radio and online.


Thanks for your time.


Cheers
John Q




 

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Don't be shy now, get stuck in and support us

It's less than a week to go until our application for funding assistance by the IOM Arts Council is considered. We've asked for support for 2011/12, even though the festival is earmarked for the following financial year.

We've been fairly quiet publicly of late, but there's been plenty going on behind the scenes - and there should be regular updates on this blog from here on in. If successful, funding for 2011/12 would go towards publicity, admin costs and research - there are a thousand and one things that need doing.

The next major step will be formalising a committee, after which we'll draw up a list of roles/tasks, and recruiting (unpaid, of course!) for folk interested in helping out. Some of the jobs will require quite a lot of time and commitment, others should be far more straightforwad and not as time comsuming - so there should be something for everyone.


Right, a couple of points to end:


1. Please do get involved with our online presence - following this blog, following on twitter or facebook, or emailing/facebooking/tweeting our links to your own friends and followers. It is a HUGE help in speading the word. And get involved - comment on what we say and link to it (even if you disagree), and ask questions, generate debate. The more the merrier.


2. We're compiling a mailing list for those who want to be kept bang up-to-date with how the Manx Lit Fest develops over the coming year or so. If you want to be included, drop us a line - manxlitfest(at)gmail.com - with your preferred email, and a postal address should you wish to receive the udpates as hard copies.


Okay, that's enough for now. Tonight we're off to a meeting at the Claremont Hotel, called by an artist from Peel, who I understand wants to discuss ways in which those involved in the arts in the IOM - be they writers, artists, musicians - can work together, explore ideas and discuss potential projects. Sounds fascinating, and ideal for what we're working towards.


Cheers
JohnQ