CAMP KINections at Studio KIND
- Artizan
- Aug 18
- 3 min read
CAMP KINections at Studio KIND: A Day of Connection in Barnstaple
On Friday 15th August, I travelled with CAMP co-director Mark Leahy and CAMP coordinator Anna Gilroy to Barnstaple for the first in-person group session of the CAMP KINections artist development programme. After several months of online activity, it was a pleasure to finally bring the two cohorts – emerging rural artists and Torbay-based practitioners – together under one roof to share their experiences, plan the next stages of the project, and do a little bit of evaluation.
We were hosted for the day by artist and Studio KIND founding director Laura Porter, who welcomed us in the setting of their new exhibition Automatic Change Giver by Stuart Robinson. This was an inspiring backdrop for the day: an ambitious, playful show exploring seaside nostalgia and memory through sculptural installation; nothing better than being surrounded by creativity to keep energy levels up!
Meeting of Cohorts
The morning gave both cohorts the chance to connect in person, strengthening the experience this cross-regional programme. Together, we reviewed ideas for the exhibition component of KINections and took time to look at some of the evaluation processes. It was great to see how the programme is already shaping the artists individual approaches to their practice and it reaffirmed the value of creating these peer networks; big hats off to Mark and the wider CAMP network for making it all possible.
In the afternoon, we were joined by wider CAMP members for a talk from Laura Porter, who generously shared insights into the challenges and rewards of running an artist-led venue. Her reflections on the development of Studio KIND, from its founding in 2020 to its recent relocation to The Corn Store at Barnstaple’s historic Pannier Market, offered valuable lessons in resilience, vision, and sustaining community-driven practice.
Launch Evening
The day closed with the launch of Stuart Robinson’s exhibition, which a handful of us were pleased to attend. Robinson’s practice, rooted in sculptural installation and performative elements, engages with personal and shared histories, offering playful but poignant narratives. Automatic Change Giver draws on childhood seaside holidays and the landscapes, objects, and rituals that define them – bright colours, wordplay, and familiar motifs inviting audiences into conversations about memory, joy, and loss.
Reflections
For me, it was a rich and rewarding day. Travelling up by train with Anna was a really pleasant way to approach the session, and arriving in Barnstaple I was struck by the vibrancy of the town and its cultural scene. Meeting Laura in person, seeing the new Studio KIND premises, and hearing the artists’ reflections on KINections was another great reminder of just how exciting this programme is, and the value CAMP is bringing to its members across Devon and Cornwall.
About CAMP
CAMP (Contemporary Art Membership Platform) is a member-led support and professional development network for artists, arts workers, and creatives across Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. CAMP promotes doing, making, and sharing contemporary art through a programme of workshops, mentoring, and opportunities for collaboration.
About KINections
KINections is a 15-month professional development opportunity led by CAMP (Contemporary Art Membership Platform CIC), an artist-led membership organisation for creatives in Devon and Cornwall. Starting in April 2025, the project will work with Devon-based artist duo LOW PROFILE and Artizan Gallery, Torbay, alongside partners Thelma Hulbert Gallery (Honiton), Fish Factory (Penryn) and The Plough Arts Centre (Great Torrington), to deliver a programme of support, training, and networking for rurally based emerging artists and Torbay artists.
The project is funded by Arts Council England, The Fenton Trust, and CAMP.
About Studio KIND
Founded in 2020, Studio KIND is a community interest company presenting ambitious and diverse programmes of contemporary art. Recently relocated to The Corn Store in Barnstaple’s historic Pannier Market, Studio KIND supports both local and national artists, with a mission to raise the profile of contemporary art in North Devon and to create an inclusive, dynamic cultural hub.
About Stuart Robinson
Cornwall-based artist Stuart Robinson works primarily in sculpture, installation, moving image and performance, often drawing on personal and shared histories. His playful but layered practice invites audiences to explore themes of nostalgia, memory, and everyday escape. His solo exhibition Automatic Change Giver presents new and recent works inspired by seaside holiday culture, exploring loss, joy, and landscapes of fun.
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