Spring Fling 2013 It All Starts Here

If I look out from the willow beds I can see the hills on the other side of the Loch, that is the county of Dumfries and Galloway. Where I am standing is in East Ayrshire, jump in the kayak or cycle up the road and I am in the next county. Fine, you might say, what's the problem with that? One very big problem I cannot apply for Spring Fling.

Spring Fling is probably the single most successful Open Studio event in the UK, some artists/makers have been known to make the largest part of their yearly income from this one event. The application is tough, the joining fee has to be considered, yet it is a huge opportunity backed by almost a years' worth of publicity. I am past the green with envy stage, the years have reduced me to a shallow whiny 'what if?'

Then...this year someone (cannot remember who) said 'did you know Spring Fling have introduced a neighbours scheme.' I did not take it in at the time as I probably did not believe it, then there was a Tweet about applying for the neighbours scheme. Artists and makers in east Ayrshire could apply for Spring fling! YES!

Panic, doubts, all my images looked rubbish, surely they would choose him, her, them, delay, disbelief, paranoia, trashed baskets, so I applied. The application is based on four criteria:
1. Quality of the applicant's work
2. Image quality
3. Quality of CV and artists statement
4. The applicant's proposed 'Spring Fling' open studio/visitor experience
A fairly lengthy online form covering all the above, and more, including an indication of ones commitment is required. Add images, take a deep breath and press SEND.

Then wait.