Our approach
FVU’s commissions give the fullest possible expression to the creative voice of the artist. While each project follows its own unique, individual course, what they all have in common is a central emphasis on high-quality production and presentation. Benefitting from a supportive, creative environment (and from the extensive logistical, technical and curatorial expertise that the organisation has to offer) the commissioning opportunities that FVU is able to develop, in conjunction with a diverse range of partner venues, are notable for the close collaborations that are forged: with artists and venues alike.
Exploring contemporary themes and emerging aesthetic trends, FVU projects seek to capture something of the spirit of the moment while also reflecting on a wider sense of place. As well as bringing internationally acclaimed artists’ work to all parts of the UK, many of these commissions actively engage with the particular nature of the individual locations in which they are either made or staged, and often help to illuminate their larger social, cultural and art-historical context.
FVU PRINCIPLES AND VALUES
Artist Centred: The interests of artists drive our activities. We work to facilitate the visions of artists and aim to have a positive and transformative impact on their careers.
Relevant and Responsive: Our work is relevant to the audiences we serve, and responds to their feedback, prioritising the quality of their experience.
Bridge Builders Between Artists and Audiences: We have a duty to act as a bridge between the artist’s intentions and the audience, to render work engaging and intelligible.
Diverse and Inclusive: We know we are not there yet, but we are committed to ongoing learning and change to create true equity, and to proactively removing obstacles to participation in our field.
Risk-Taking and Experimental: We aspire to creative innovation – to avoid repetition and to challenge and push the scope of artists, audiences, the medium and ourselves.
Collaborative: Everything we do is a collaboration with an artist, and often multiple other creative parties and organisations, and we are committed to going on a positive collaborative journey on every project.
Advocates and Critical Friends: We have a duty to advocate for the artists and organisations that we work with, for the medium and on behalf of the sector, but also a duty of candour to the artists and organisations. We are committed to providing constructive responses, and to challenging poor practices within the organisation and without.
Prioritise the Emerging and Under-Supported: Emerging artists will always take up at least 50% of our programme, and we want to back the talents who are struggling to find support elsewhere.
Environmentally Aware: We are committed to urgently and drastically reducing our environmental impact, while doing so equitably and sustainably.
