Worcestershire Arts Partnership Blog

Friday 30 November 2012

Minibus for Hire

MINIBUS FOR HIRE
Are you, your club, group or organisation needing to hire a minibus at a competitive cost?
Worcester City Council’s Sport, Art & Play Development Team have a white Ford Transit, 2.4 turbo-diesel, 17-seater, low mileage, VK03-reg. minibus with tow-bar for hire on both weekdays and weekends.
It is located within Worcester City Centre so is easily accessible. We are offering discounted rates and negotiable costs for block bookings.
For full details or to find out more, please contact: Hannah Cox on 01905 721164/ hannah.cox@worcester.gov.uk

YULE OFF! - A spoken word and music face off




At this month's MOUTH and MUSIC, KAF Creatives present:

YULE OFF!
A spoken word and music face off

with poets -
MAGGIE DOYLE
SARAH JAMES
GARY LONGDEN
FERGUS McGONIGAL

& singer/songwriters
JOHN LANGFORD & DAVID COUGHLIN

Team Captains: SARAH TAMAR & HEATHER WASTIE

Inspired by KICK OFF!, our football-related event last summer, YULE OFF!
brings together the same teams to compete with seasonal verse and worse, refereed by a familiar white-haired gentleman ....

To perform spoken word or music with one of the teams, sign up from 7.30pm.

Please dress appropriately!
Lots of audience members needed to cheer on their favourite team.

Admission £3 (free to performers)

Family Friendly Arts Campaign

Family Friendly Arts Campaign
Update – December 2012
Dear Stephen
From May – October 2012, we undertook a large scale consultation exercise that included an on-line survey for arts organisations and families, a series of regional consultation events, presentations at conferences and network meetings and 1:1 meetings with various different organisations all around the country.  We have engaged with over 1,000 arts professionals and 2,000 families, ensuring our plans are based on robust research and evidence.  We are now able to confirm certain details and information, and more will be released over the coming weeks as things are put into place.
Family Arts Festivals
We can confirm that these will take place: 18th October – 3rd November 2013 and 17th October – 2nd November 2014
The Family Arts Festival is designed to increase public participation and attendance at local arts activities or events.  It will be held in October/November 2013 and 2014.  It aims to build on the legacy of the Cultural Olympiad, offering a national selection of high quality, accessible opportunities to engage in the arts throughout the UK. 
It will be supported by a major national marketing and PR campaign and commercial partners are now being sought to multiply the impact of Arts Council England’s investment. It should support the further development of an important and large market for the arts and help form life-long habit of arts attendance and participation.
We would actively encourage you to consider running special family activities and/or offering family discounts during this period, but arts organisations will not be expected to programme events for the entire Festival. We hope over 500 arts organisations will take part throughout the country, making this one of the largest national, cross-artform festivals ever in the UK. 
The time period was chosen after extensive research and consultation.  Not only is the half term period popular with families, but it will also ensures the largest possible range of high quality artistic activities will be available to families.
We will keep you updated with further information as more detailed plans are announced, but for now do start thinking about how you could grow your family audiences by being part of the 2013 Family Arts Festival.  If you would like suggestions on how to improve your offer for families or reach new family audiences, do have a read of Arts Council England’s Family Friendly Toolkit and the recently published Family & Community Focused Toolkit.
‘Take A Grown Up’ Day
We are working with Kids in Museums to develop this idea for spring 2014 and spring 2015.  We will have a formal project plan to present to Arts Council England in March 2013, and once this has been agreed we will then confirm how you can get involved.
The focus of this plan will be to encourage the young people in their family to take an adult along to an activity or a performance of their choosing, but ones that are created for them to engage in together. 
Local Family Arts Networks
We will establish and support local arts Networks to develop the family arts offer in their area.  The hubs will include a minimum of six organisations and at least two different art forms.  We would also urge Networks to think about including local museums and libraries as part of their Network activity.  
What support can the Hubs expect from the Campaign?
Hubs will be supported by:
                    Free Network membership to Family & Parenting Institute’s Family Friendly scheme
                    Discounted access to Campaign conferences and training events
                    Listings on the Family Arts Festival website for their events
                    2 seminars per year organised by the Family & Parenting Institute to share good practice
                    Free access to consultation advice about setting up their own “test drive” programme
Within the next few weeks we will have further information about how to apply for the support package that the Campaign is offering Local Family Arts Networks.  In the meantime, if you would like to ensure you receive information about this aspect of the programme please do email me and as the information becomes available I will keep you updated on progress.
Other Information
Sponsorship and Media Partners
We are currently working with Cause 4 to raise sponsorship and additional funds for the Campaign, and to identify some key media and other partners to help deliver the programme.  We will keep you updated as this progresses and when we are able to confirm details of sponsorship.
Conference – Spring 2013
We are also working towards our first  conference which will be in late April or early May 2013, we will confirm this date, venue and programme in the New Year.
In the meantime if you have any questions please do email the Campaign Manager on Alastair@solttma.co.uk

Best wishes
Alastair Tallon
Campaign Manager

PINNOCHIO at Worcester Arts Workshop

THIS SUNDAY 2ND DECEMBER AT THE ARTS WORKSHOP
STRANGEFACE THEATRE PRESENTS PINNOCHIO
3PM £8/£6 UNDER 16YRS.





Tuesday 27 November 2012

Creative Employment Programme Sign Up

The CC Skills website now has a section about the Creative Employment Programme, with an email address for interested parties.  Do email CC Skills if you are interested in this programme.

The Creative employment programme will be delivered by the National Skills Academy and aims to support up to 6,500 new apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships and paid internships (graduate and non-graduate) across the arts and cultural sector, with a focus on the Arts Council's footprint; music, dance, theatre, literature, visual arts, contemporary craft, combined arts, galleries, circus, carnival arts, museums and libraries.
The programme aims to provide unemployed people aged 16-24 (graduate and non-graduate) with paid opportunities to gain access to on the job training, skills and experience in the arts and cultural sector.

Monday 26 November 2012

You are invited to Making More of Outdoor Arts - 11th December 2012




Bacc For The future

An urgent action to help save creativity in schools
You've helped give the Bacc for the Future campaign a flying start - thank you.
With over 17,500 people signing the petition so far and over 45 major organisations joining up - things are moving FAST!


Alert your MP
But now, we need to take this further, and alert our MPs to our concerns.
They need to really understand the damage that will be done to both our children and our economy if they leave creative subjects out of the EBacc.
And what an opportunity they have in their hands to improve the proposals and build an EBacc that is truly fit for the future.
You'll find a simple template letter on the campaign site which you can post to your local MP.
(You can find out who your MP is on the campaign site as well.)
Just copy and paste the template letter and then - this is the important bit - make it your own. The more personal the better.
In a world of click and send email actions, anything with a personal twist REALLY stands out.
And, because we know all the great people who are supporting the campaign are likely to be creative, we reckon you'll rise to the challenge.
Once you have sent it, you can let me know at mailto:jonathan@ism.org?subject=Letter%20to%20MP%20about%20EBacc.


Spread the word
Don't forget to spread the word on Twitter and Facebook to colleagues, friends and family.
If these reforms go ahead, we need to make sure it is a Bacc for the Future.
Jonathan Smith
Bacc for the Future Project Manager

PS - here are a few links from the last few days to show the huge support we have:

Tuesday 20 November 2012

Open Studio Event in Worcester




No.4a studios and pop up contemporary art gallery is hosting an open studio and exhibition of work of resident artists; Kay Bainbridge ma and recent  fine art graduates from local universities; Rachel Blackwell, Jeannie brown, Caroline Frestadius and Dani Sangway.

These passionate up and coming artists have formed a collective which is committed to engaging with the public and art community to further develop the cultural and artistic events in Worcestershire.
Kay Bainbridge, founder of No.4a who lives in Malvern, said: “These are exciting times at 4a and I’m delighted that we now have 5 artists working here.  The supportive creative environment at 4a is both beneficial  for the artist’s working here and the larger community. Over the coming year we are planning some exciting participatory events and exhibitions, bringing international and national artists to Malvern and supporting the local art community.”

The work on display will take the form of drawings paintings, prints and 3d work and will mainly be related to the landscape. This event will be the first time they open the whole building for an exhibition.
Recent graduate from Hereford college of art Dani Sangway said “On retiring I fulfilled a lifetime ambition by attending Hereford College of Arts and graduating with ba hons in Fine Arts this Summer.  I have lived in Malvern for 30 years and most of my work is inspired by the countryside that surrounds us here. I am delighted to be sharing studio space with other artists at 4A.”

The exhibition will open on Saturday December 1st  to December 15th from 10am until 4pm Wednesday , Thursday and Saturdays, with late night opening 12 until 7 on Fridays and by appointment, during which time the artists will be available for questions about their work and artistic process.
For further information or enquires about this event please contact Kay Bainbridge kay@no4a.com or call  07941521487 . 

4 Nights in November!





On Friday 23rd November, Kidderminster Gallery Friends present a Live Arts Jamboree! The evening is compered by Kidderminster poet/musician Heather Wastie and the varied line-up features several local artists: singer/songwriters Kate Wragg and Humdrum Express, poet Sarah Tamar and rip-roaring band Johnny Gash and the Bleeding Cat Faces. There will also be a melting pot of music from the Grumpy Old Guitarists, "Anthemic Folk" from Bleeding Hearts and 'live art' from Boar's Head Gallery curator, Corina Harper. Also performing will be two artists from the Black Country - poet/musician Brendan Hawthorne and storyteller John Edgar plus a special guest travelling all the way from Nottingham with one of the quietest classical musical instruments in existence. If you think you can guess the instrument, email savekidderminstergallery.co.uk with your answer and the first person to get it right wins a free ticket to the concert (normally £3.00). Tickets are available on the door and the concert is in the Library Gallery starting at 7.30.

Monday 19 November 2012

Live Streaming



http://www.fanaticgroup.com/#!home/mainPage  (not sure about this one….I think but only think its Northampton






Other than the above there is Ustream, which may not provide a tailored service but are competitive.

Worcestershire County Council's Arts Service Grant Scheme 2013-14

Worcestershire County Council's Arts Service is pleased to announce that it will be running a grant scheme for 2013-14.

To assist organisations and individuals we are running training sessions on:

Monday 26th November from 1pm to 2.30pm

Wednesday 28th November from 10am to 11.30am

Thursday 6th December from 10am to 11.30am.

Please book your place by E-mailing Sue Church on schurch@worcestershire.gov.uk

Please note that places are limited to one person per organisation.

Steve Wilson

'Essentials of' training events - the Audience Agency

Essentials of Audience Development - 27 November 2012, CBSO, Birmingham
Essentials of Audience Research - 13 February 2013, CBSO, Birmingham

http://www.theaudienceagency.org/events/default.aspx?tags=115


Artworks E-news Nov 2013

GLOWWarm yourself in the glow of some beautiful contemporary art.
Sat 3  – Sun 18 November 2012
Open daily, 10am – 5pm
Little Buckland Gallery, Broadway WR12 7JH
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DANCEFEST
They are looking for choreographers aged 14-21 from Worcestershire, who would like to create a brand new dance, receive
professional input and have their work performed at The Swan Theatre in March.

Jennifer Irons, choreographer of 12 Moves, will be returning to lead two workshops on Sunday 18 November at The Angel Centre,
exploring new ways to create choreography. There's one at 1.00-3.00 for 15-21 year olds, and there's a wild, wacky and wonderful
workshop for 15+ (no upper age limit) at 4.00-6.00.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

EVESHAM ARTS CENTRE
Lots of shows this November including Stand Up Comedy Fri 16th, Charity Fashion Show Wed 21st, A Little bit of Irish
(Felton-McCarthy Dance School) Sat 24th, Erato Piano Trio (EDMC) Wed 28th and  Big Band Buble Tribute (EAA) - Sat 1st December
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

DANCE AT 8Easy Waltz Variations Starts Tuesday November 15th in Bredon and other dance opportunities
www.danceat8.com 01386 556 665
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HANDS ON ARTVisit the Hands on Art Studio for original art and craft work that will make great Christmas presents Sat 1st December 10.30-1.30pm
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

ARTSWORKThey have a limited number of special rate fee places available on the popular one-day course – Behaviour Management and
Youth Arts on 19th March 2013, 10 am- 4.15 pm at WAYC in Leamington Spa.

To book a place on this course and benefit from the special rate fee of £75 per person (fees usually range from £110-£150) look at
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

ST RICHARDS FESTIVAL
On Saturday 4th – Monday 6th May 2013 St Richards festival will be taking place in Droitwich. If you would like a gazebo or table
at the event for £5-£10 then please contact Janet Yates for a booking form janet.yates@wychavon.gov.uk
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CRAFT MARKET
There will be a craft event on Sat 17th November in St. Andrews Church, Droitwich 10am – 3pm featuring craft stalls, Droitwich Lions
book sale and hot drinks and home made mince pies.
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DROITWICH XMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ONOn Saturday 24th November the xmas lights will be switched on featuring the Salvation Army Band, Spa Tones, Droitwich Rock
Choir, Westacre School Choir and Puppet Shows. Also there will be a santa’s grotto and the twelve days of Christmas project by
Droitwich Arts Network. The network have created 12 arts and crafts pieces in 12 of the shops along the High St for you to see inspired by the
carol.
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PERSHORE OPERATIC & DRAMATIC SOCITEY
They will be performing The Secret Garden at Number 8 on Monday 3 to Friday 7 December – 7.30pm; Saturday 8 December –
2.30pm & 7.30pm. Beautifully adapted for both adults and children it recounts the journey of three characters to happiness and
belonging in this musical version.
Box office 01386 555488 or in person at Number 8
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NUMBER 8
Lots on this winter. Cinema, such as The Chronicles of Narnia Wed 19 Dec, Events such as Blunderbus Theatre Company presenting
The Very Snowy Christmas 10th Dec, Creative Courses such as Christmas Craft Workshop Sat 1 Dec for 6-11’s and Exhibitions such as
 Pershore High School - ‘The V.I.P Show’ Thurs 24 Jan – Wed 13 Feb

Worcestershire Literary Festival Award




We are thrilled to announce that the Worcestershire Literary Festival won a Highly Commended Award in the Best Tourism Event & Festival category in the Worcestershire Welcome 2012 awards, the WLF has shortlisted to represent Worcestershire in Visit England's 2013 National Awards for Excellence in Tourism!!
Your community hub for the best of everything local.

Thursday 15 November 2012

Xmas at The Hive - Choirs

  

Xmas at The Hive – Choirs

To celebrate our first Christmas in Worcester, the Hive is seeking to run some family based arts activities.

The Hive are planning to celebrate the festive season by inviting (a) local choirs to sing at the Hive on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd December.

We are looking for two  Worcestershire based choirs to perform to audiences at The Hive on the above dates at the following time slots:

12 noon on both days for 40 minutes

3.30pm on both days for 40 minutes

We are especially interested in having choirs perform in an unexpected ways such as 'pop up' choirs.


Eligibility

·         You need to be either based in Worcestershire
·         Have two references to vouch for the quality of your work
·         Have a minimum of 10 singers and no more than 20
·         To be able to 'get in' and strike within 30 minutes
·         Have a 'family friendly' repertoire


What you will provide

All cast and any technical crew
All recorded music (or acoustic music)

What the Hive will provide
Dressing room space
Marketing support
Expenses of £100 a day per choir

How to apply

If you are interested in being part of our Christmas at The Hive event please e-mail Stephen Wilson by Friday 7th December 2012  on swilson@worcestershire.gov.uk outlining;

·         Previous experience of your company and performing
·         Your artistic ideas of how you will perform the songs as well as an example set list
·         Technical details on what you will require and what you as a company will bring to the event
 








               

Monday 12 November 2012

Arts Council England announces national provider for Creative employment programme


Arts Council England
Today, Arts Council England is announcing that the National Skills Academy (Skills Academy), the delivery arm of Creative & Cultural Skills, has been selected as the national provider for the Creative employment programme which aims to help young unemployed people find paid entry level work in the arts and cultural sector.

This programme will support up to 6500 new apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships and paid internships in a variety of roles across the arts and cultural sector at a time when many young people are struggling to find paid employment. This reflects the Arts Council’s recognition that in order to create and keep a new generation of talent, young people need to have more accessible entry routes into the sector workforce.

The Skills Academy will be responsible for delivering the Arts Council funding of up to £15 million which will directly benefit unemployed young people. This work takes forward goal 4 - to create fairer entry routes into the arts and cultural sector and increase workforce diversity as set out in Achieving great art for everyone.

In order to ensure that this country continues to deliver excellent art in the years to come we need to nurture and encourage the new talent which will be creating, producing and distributing it. The Creative employment programme aims to do just that.

You can read more about the Skills Academy here.
Best wishes,
Alan

Alan Davey
Chief Executive
Arts Council England

Mouth and music - Acoustic Spoken Word & Music Night

Tuesday 6 November 2012

Artworks E-News Oct, Nov, Dec

www.wychavon.gov.uk/artsnewsletter

POP ICONS 2012



http://www.shuttercrew.luxipics.com/default.asp?id=114


http://vimeo.com/theshuttercrew/popicons2012

Bishampton village hall event this Friday

Remember! Remember! the 9th November
Another fantastic SHINDIG show North Country Theatre
"THE LIGHTHOUSE ON SHIVERING SANDS"
at 7.30pm this Friday
Villages Hall


Dicounted tickets only £7.50 (in advance) can be ordered from Sue Griffith 01386462306 or email sandt38@btinternet.com or Bishampton Stores
(£8 on Door)

It's fun all the way in this comedy suspense by the sea.
Expect lighthouse keepers gone mad,sea monsters, disappearances & hauntings with creativity, slapstick and tongue-firmly-in-cheek
Hope to see you there!
9th November 7.30pm

A community event organised by BATVHTMC for your enjoyment
it really is "LIVE ARTS ON YOUR DOORSTEP"

4 NIGHTS IN NOVEMBER

Friday 2 November 2012

REP Foundry

REP Foundry
New stories, new voices and new visions of the world. As The REP moves into the next phase in its remarkable history it is looking for emerging directors, writers, theatre makers and companies from across the West Midlands to make the journey with them. Offering a new, yearlong development programme, REP Foundry, will support artists through workshops, making and sharing work and professional mentoring. Information on how to apply is available from the Download Panel on the Rep’s website www.birmingham-rep.co.uk
REP Foundry will also offer audiences a unique insight into how new theatre is formed and staged at scratch performance nights. Be the first to see work from REP Foundry artists throughout 2013 on the last Thursday of the month at 8.00pm on the following dates:
28 February at The Old Rep Theatre and then at The Edge, Digbeth on 28 March, 25 April, 30 May, 27 June, 25 July