I walk past this building at least once a week, it fills me with so many emotions, jealousy and anger mainly. Jealousy that this project got so much backing from Stockton Council and anger that they will not do the same for me.
I am trying to start a project to use empty building for artists in Stockton and the council have been nothing but obstructive, trying to get a 30 minute meeting took an age, I've sent several e-mails, made many calls, and i know that Stockton Council know I exist and I know that Stockton Council know about Paint the Town Grey, but no one has even bothered to email for more information, or try to engage me in anyway shape or form. They treat me with suspicion and a total lack of respect, they keep me at arms length like a person holding a pooh back as they walk along a cycle path. The only person who seems to genuinely support is Annabelle at the Arc
I'm incredibly frustrated that Stockton are so unhelpful, I guess i'm not one of their favourites or else they'd be all over me. I have so many ideas to support art in Stockton but I don't have one important thing to turn the heads of people who work at the council, and I can't add it here for legal reasons, but most people I talk to have mentioned the only way to turn heads and get noticed in Stockton.
Most people say "Ha, good luck with that" or "NO chance" or Give up when I tell them I'm trying to engage the council, ... I could really do something stunning with this building.
nearly 5 years empty, I could do so much with West Row Arts,
03-07-17
