My Idea...

When I'm are given a blank canvas and there are no instructions to follow, I suddenly become swallowed by this vast space of words and idea flying around. I have no idea which direction to take and where I'll ultimately end up. This makes me edgy and I try to take on a lot more than I am capable of. 

This is exactly how my idea for the module started. I knew that it was events management I wanted to pursue, incorporating Art as my background and interest lies within Photography. But helping others within this had to be a part of the process too. I always want to be doing something good and making others happy. Therefore, it seemed appropriate to go in to events management for charitable organisations. Even though I had narrowed it down this far, the vast space of ideas kept growing because there are many paths I could follow within this sector.

My first idea was linked to children with learning difficulties and how art could help them improve and form better future prospects. This would have involved me looking in to what types of learning difficulties there are, what type of art I would focus on and whether children would benefit more from viewing or from making. The research possibilities were endless and I realised that it would be so much to try and take on in a short module.

Initial Idea MindNode™

My second idea has turned out to be my final idea and the one I will be proceeding with throughout the whole of my MA course. This smaller module will be the research basis for my main project. I need to consider a lot of avenues and then stick to just a few to stop myself getting tangled and confused in a multitude of possible tangents. The idea for this project came from events currently taking place in my personal life. Childreach International is a charity I am raising money for at the moment. A percentage of the money I raise will allow me to travel to India where my money is helping children gain better prospects in life. During my time there, I will be cycling over 500 miles as a personal challenge, as well as visiting a selection of areas in which children are provided with the support they need as a result of the donations received including the remaining percentage of the money I raise. I couldn't think of a better project to base my module idea around. It is an area that I have a great interest and passion in so it will be extremely interesting and beneficial to me to research in depth.

Keeping with what I mentioned earlier in regards to wanting to combine events management with being charitable and the Art World, I propose to create an event that combines the images I will capture in India, with raising money for the charity.

This module is to become my pilot study and research base because I go to India after the module has concluded. Perfect timing in preparation for my main project to start. I'll have my collection of images captured and ready to be analysed.

Initial Idea 2 MindNode™

It went from this, to this....

All Avenues So Far... MindNode™

...Which just confirms what I have previously said about so many ideas flying around and not being certain on which road to take. The more I think about it, the more confused and frustrated I get at not knowing where to start, or what I ultimately want to achieve with this project. My biggest worry is getting lost in a world of irrelevant research that isn't going to help me achieve my goal.

One question that has come out of generating all these ideas is, how does the charity engage with the public to understand the nature of the charity and to then donate their hard earned cash, especially in a recession. This is something I have to research in to because if I am putting on an event to fundraise, I need to ensure that money will actually be donated and the event becomes a success. Also, how big a part does imagery play in public engagement.

Another major question I have to keep in mind and constantly up-to-date is how charitable organisations keep their profiles high. The bigger the charity and the more they are seen to be doing, the more money that gets donated to them. This is key if I want to become successful and then stay on top. It mostly always comes down to the events the charity holds and the recognisable faces they use to help promote.

I need to look at who my target audience would be, because at the moment I'm not sure who to direct my idea at or who to pay more attention to. This is an avenue I need to research. Do I target people with money? Etc.