“Take the money and run? Some positions on ethics, business sponsorship and making art”
Tuesdays 15 & 29 May; 12 & 26 June, 2012; 6.30 – 8.30pm; London. Booking essential.
As part of our work critiquing corporate sponsorship of the arts, we have set up this 
Reading Group, and you’re invited! The sessions will be based on the Study Room Guide “Take the money and run?” which was written by Platform and commissioned by the Live Art Development Agency. To read it here to get a feel for the texts chosen.
There are lots of guides for artists on how to earn a living from art or how to raise funds to support making it, but few which help us ask about the ethical implications of the routes we choose. Platform selected and wrote commentary on key texts for “Take the money and run?” to share some of the writers and thinkers who have influenced their thinking. With Arts Council England’s announcement of new funds to encourage corporate philanthropy, this Study Room Guide is timely. The Reading Group will be a chance to discuss the wider issues through group reading of some of the texts. For each session, a text will be set in advance, and will form the backbone of the discussion.
The sessions will be facilitated by Jane Trowell, Platform. Platform has been making work on these issues for 20 years, most recently with our high-profile campaign to separate oil company sponsorship from the arts, together with Liberate Tate and Art Not Oil.
NOTE: the Reading Group will not be focused on Platform’s campaign but guided by the concerns of the participants.
The Reading Group is free, but places are limited to 20. Advance booking is essential on [email protected] Please put “Reading Group” in the subject line. You are welcome to come to all four evenings or just a few, but please note that people signing up to two or more sessions will get priority.
Location: Live Art Development Agency, Rochelle School, Arnold Circus, London, E2 7ES [+44 (0)20 7033 0275]