@ctors Business begins its research program into the state of the British-Chinese/UK-Chinese artist. This is a huge undertaking as we don't know what existing stats may already cover, if at all.
Having looked into agency use (yes there is something to be said for having people on board with previous non artistic skills!) and the consensus is, possibly far too specialist to warrant the overhead costs of commissioning. So it's down to the freelancer - Lucy who also happens to be the MD.
"This will be an interesting challenge. The first of which will be to see if any of the recognised bodies respond to our initial request. That in itself will be a finding whichever way it goes. It'll then be another challenge to sift through any existing data sets taking on board the parameters of the data gathering and decide if we can use these statistics and how. How will any existing data inform and help us to move our research forward. Second challenge as research progresses (hopefully) context. Other than the widely held view that in very general and simplistic terms the Chinese just are not as visible as say other ethnic minorities - this statement would need corroboration and example. You're then looking at in depth face to face qualitative, probably unstructured research. Timely and can be very costly. Plus focus groups. Yes I know we are now more aware of "focus" groups and they have had their reputation somewhat tarnished in the recent past. But this is a great way of getting relevant people together to discuss issues from which we can gather invaluable data. We could have gone an sought a freelancer. But then I thought, hey, I've done research, I actually do know what I'm doing! So rather than pay someone who perhaps might not be as familiar with the arts sector and indeed the specific section of the community we wish to investigate and also have the research skills - why not do it in house! So we're doing it in house. Am I going to regret this further down the line as I sit over a variety of top lines? Time will tell.Seriously this is a very important research project not just for @ctors Business but for the British-Chinese/UK-Chinese artists, the arts sector and the wider community."
On a more sobering thought we've experienced our first breach in organisational procedures. Actions taken, we hope with the best possible intentions, but executed in a totally inappropriate and unprofessional manner. @ctors Business is a very new company and we don't have cash to spare! So since we're all about encouraging individuals and helping people out we took on board a couple of very eager local final year students. They were enthusiastic and on time! However in the space of the few short occasional hours that they were under the auspices of @ctors Business over several different days they nearly managed to scupper, not only this research project, but our reputation.
How? By using one of our email accounts and logo without authorisation to post a thread on a very reputable discussion board. Needless to say we had to let the students go.
This won't prevent us from considering students for internships, paid job placements or work experience. It has however been a salutary lesson in internal security and a sad reminder that trust is something that has to be earned in the workplace.
Sounds as if Lucy has here hand full. We'll keep you up dated (no pun intended)
Should you want to contribute to this research project by airing your professional views then please send us an email to british.chinese@btinternet.com
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