Worcestershire Arts Partnership Blog

Wednesday 19 December 2012

ACWM Newsletter, Issue 4

http://www.artsconnectwm.co.uk/media/file/ACWM_Newsletter_4.pdf

Child Safety Training

Removing Barriers report/Philanthropy and legacy giving to the arts will help secure its future, says Culture Secretary Maria Miller


http://www.culture.gov.uk/news/media_releases/9529.aspx  The report Removing Barriers is available to download from the Legacy10 website.
Philanthropy and legacy giving to the arts will help secure its future, says Culture Secretary Maria Miller
19 November 2012

Culture Secretary Maria Miller today welcomed the Culture Secretary Maria Miller today welcomed the publication of a report which contains innovative ideas – and a ten-point plan – to boost philanthropy and legacy giving to benefit the arts and heritage in the UK.  which contains innovative ideas – and a ten-point plan – to boost philanthropy and legacy giving to benefit the arts and heritage in the UK. 
This summer showed once again how important the arts are to Britain, through the success of initiatives such as the Cultural Olympiad.  The arts are a key element underpinning the unique cultural heritage of the UK and looking at new and innovative ways of supporting them should be considered an important element of the Government’s growth agenda.
Welcoming the report by Roland Rudd, Chairman of the Legacy10 campaign, Culture Secretary, Maria Miller said:
“There is enormous potential for the arts to benefit from philanthropy over the next few years, and we need to look at new ways of unlocking it. Although income from the National Lottery is set to rise significantly now that we have restored the shares of proceeds going to the original good causes, other avenues of potential funding need to be considered. The economic climate means that philanthropic support for the arts, especially through legacies, will be ever more important in the years to come.”
The Government will now consider the report’s recommendations, and Mrs Miller will call on everyone in the arts world to see what they can do to boost fundraising activities in order to help create a sustainably-funded cultural life for the nation.

Tuesday 18 December 2012

Midlands teenager to release national charity single for Christmas

   

Heart Research UK’s national ‘Sing For Your Heart’ campaign runs 8 - 15 December 2012


 
Midlands teenager to release national charity single for Christmas

A Midlands teenage singing sensation is releasing national charity Heart Research UK's first ever Christmas single.

Lauren Alexandra, 15, from Bewdley in Worcestershire, has recorded a stunning cover of 'Where Are You Christmas' - which is available to download from December 8.

The original, which was released by American country singer Faith Hill, featured in the classic festive film 'How The Grinch Stole Christmas' in 2000.

And the teenager who attends Bewdley School & Sixth Form, has announced that all profits from her first single will be going to Heart Research UK.

The enchanting song lyrics reflect on how Christmas time can change.

Talented Lauren, who is the voice of the charity's Sing For Your Heart campaign explains: “It's such an emotive time of year."

"Whether people, places or just the childhood magic of Christmas changes, the song reminds us that with 'love in our hearts and minds' this time of year can remain special.”

As her first single and with all profits going to the pioneering national heart charity, Lauren describes the recording and release of the song as being “an incredible combination of miracles.”

She adds: “So many people have all come together to make this happen in such a short space of time.

"I’m thrilled to be able to release my first ever single in support of Heart Research UK.”

The teenage singing star will be performing her Christmas single in the Midlands as part of the sixth national Sing For Your Heart week.

The charity's national campaign starts on December 8 and in the Midlands will include concerts in Sutton Coldfield, Solihull and Birmingham before it ends on December 15.

Alongside Lauren, nine schools, with around 300 pupils and teachers, will also be performing at the three fundraising concerts.

John Lloyd, Midlands regional executive for Heart Research UK said: “This has been our most ambitious Sing for your Heart campaign in the Midlands yet, but we’re absolutely delighted with the support we’ve had from local schools in organising these concerts. 

“And with Lauren Alexandra also releasing a single in support of the campaign, we are sure the Midlands is going to break all previous fundraising records."

Barbara Harpham, national director for Heart Research UK added: “All the money raised here will be spent in the Midlands. 

"Already Heart Research UK has spent over £500,000 on projects at local universities and hospitals across the region and we will be helping the Birmingham Children's Hospital with a monitoring system for babies born with heart problems.”

The first concert will take place at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall on Saturday December 8 - with pupils from Highclare, Osborne Primary and Walmley Junior Schools showing off their singing abilities.

The Solihull Rockschool and CTC Kingshurst Academy will then showcase their many musical talents on Sunday December 9 at The Holiday Inn, Coventry Road, Solihull.

And the grand-finale will take place at the prestigious Birmingham Conservatoire on Thursday December 13 - with pupils from Fairway Primary, Holy Trinity Catholic Media Arts College, Lordswood Girls’ School and Shireland Collegiate Academy all joining together in song.

Tickets for all concerts should be booked in advance and are available by visiting: www.SFYHconcerts.ticketsource.co.uk or by calling Heart Research UK Midlands office on: 0121 454 1799.

Lauren's charity single 'Where Are You Christmas' will be available as a digital download from December 8 and can be bought at: www.heartresearch.org.uk.

ENDS

Photographs supplied –
* Cover artwork for charity single ‘Where Are You Christmas’
* Photograph of 15-year-old Lauren Alexandra from Bewdley, Worcestershire who performed the song and is the ‘voice’ of Heart Research UK’s Sing For Your Heart campaign in the Midlands.

To hear the Single -
A ‘teaser’ with the first 1m30s of the song can be viewed on YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYkn3Rb8SUI

A full version of the single can be supplied for media review / radio / TV purposes
Contact Kate Wardle on kate@k8marketing.co.uk / Tel: 01299 400112

'Where Are You Christmas' will be available as a UK digital download from December 8
Links for where this can be bought from are at:
www.heartresearch.org.uk

Background – Heart Research UK
Founded in 1967 by working heart surgeon David Watson, Heart Research UK has supported many of the medical breakthroughs we now take for granted, including six of the first eight successful UK heart transplants, heart valves, stents and angioplasty.
They also funded the world’s first record breaking artificial heart pump implanted into a patient from Birmingham in June 2000.
The ‘Sing For Your Heart’ campaign is an uplifting way to raise awareness of heart health and help in the fight against heart disease. All funds raised in the Midlands will be reinvested in our region to prevent heart disease.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

John Lloyd – Heart Research UK, Midlands Regional Executive
Email: midlands@heartresearch.org.uk  / Telephone: 0121 454 1799
Heart Research UK in the Midlands, Lee House, 6a Highfield Road, Birmingham B15 3ED
Registered Charity No. 1044821

Kate Wardle – representing Lauren Alexandra
Email: kate@k8marketing.co.uk / Telephone: 01299 400112 / Mobile: 07970 297917

[MARKETING] Artists' Opportunities Bulletin




http://www.tpwestmidlands.org.uk/opportunities-overview/

Thursday 13 December 2012

Christmas at The Hive



Writing West Midlands December Newsletter 2012

DEMENTIAS 2013 15th National Conference

DEMENTIAS 2013
15th national conference
7th & 8th February 2013, London
We are delighted to announce ‘Dementias 2013, our CPD certified annual two day conference which is taking place in London on 7th & 8th February.
Professors’ Tom Arie and Alistair Burns have once again produced an outstanding programme which includes many renowned speakers in the field of dementia.
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
SARAH PICKUP, President, Association of Directors of Adult Social Services will open the conference with a talk on Social care for people with dementia: Responding to the Prime Minister’s challenge
 
Other titles will include:-
  • Safeguarding people with dementia, Jonathan Waite, Nottingham
  • Current developments in clinical trials of treatments for dementia, Roy Jones, Bath 
  • The place of psychotherapy in regards to dementia, Jane Garner, London 
  • The less common dementias, Anoop Varma, Salford
  • Prevalence and quality of antipsychotic drug prescribing in UK mental health services, Thomas R. E. Barnes, London
 Click here to download the full programme and registration details.
As well as lectures there will also be plenty of time for debate and discussion, exhibition viewing and networking opportunities at our drinks reception following the close of day one. This is going to be an outstanding event so if you work within the field of dementia you will not want to miss it.
I look forward to welcoming you to Dementias 2013.
Yours Sincerely

Florence Doel,
Conference Executive
Call Jackie on +44 (0)207 5016762 Or return the completed registration form
Online bookings:
www.mahealthcareevents.co.uk/dementias2013

Dark Clouds

Dark Clouds is an installation, an exhibition and a performative exploration, centred round the metaphorical interpretation of darkness and set in a world with no natural light. Each day we will be presenting different performances for adults and, at times also for families, that explore the theme of darkness from different perspectives. There will be interactive performances, storytelling, and visual and installation art. The performances (held between midday and 4.30) will be different every single day and so visitors should feel free to return as often as they wish.
Collective Unconscious are an immersive theatre company creating live art encounters that allow participants to explore sensuous modes of being through the adoption of new identities and co-creation of novel forms of social interaction. Our aim is to share and build, never to alienate, ridicule or destroy, so whilst our provocations may be challenging and thought provoking, we always hold the participant in the highest esteem.
Please show us the courage to visit and interact. You will enjoy what you find...We will be waiting.
Dark Clouds is on between the 6th and 22nd of December.
The installation will be open between 10:30-16.30 with performances from midday at Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum (old library building), Foregate Street, Worcester.
We also have released an anthology of writing to coincide with the event. You can download it for free at http://db.tt/uloNQ1dy
Join us at: www.facebook.com/collectiveunconsciousuk for the live programme of events)

Wednesday 5 December 2012

Pop Icon Winner 2011 - Lauren Alexandra releases a national charity single for Christmas


Heart Research UK’s national ‘Sing For Your Heart’ campaign runs 8 - 15 December 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 4 December 2012

Midlands teenager to release national charity single for Christmas

A Midlands teenage singing sensation is releasing national charity Heart Research UK's first ever Christmas single.

Lauren Alexandra, 15, from Bewdley in Worcestershire, has recorded a stunning cover of 'Where Are You Christmas' - which is available to download from December 8.

The original, which was released by American country singer Faith Hill, featured in the classic festive film 'How The Grinch Stole Christmas' in 2000.

And the teenager who attends Bewdley School & Sixth Form, has announced that all profits from her first single will be going to Heart Research UK.

The enchanting song lyrics reflect on how Christmas time can change.

Talented Lauren, who is the voice of the charity's Sing For Your Heart campaign explains: “It's such an emotive time of year."

"Whether people, places or just the childhood magic of Christmas changes, the song reminds us that with 'love in our hearts and minds' this time of year can remain special.”

As her first single and with all profits going to the pioneering national heart charity, Lauren describes the recording and release of the song as being “an incredible combination of miracles.”

She adds: “So many people have all come together to make this happen in such a short space of time.

"I’m thrilled to be able to release my first ever single in support of Heart Research UK.”

The teenage singing star will be performing her Christmas single in the Midlands as part of the sixth national Sing For Your Heart week.

The charity's national campaign starts on December 8 and in the Midlands will include concerts in Sutton Coldfield, Solihull and Birmingham before it ends on December 15.

Alongside Lauren, nine schools, with around 300 pupils and teachers, will also be performing at the three fundraising concerts.

John Lloyd, Midlands regional executive for Heart Research UK said: “This has been our most ambitious Sing for your Heart campaign in the Midlands yet, but we’re absolutely delighted with the support we’ve had from local schools in organising these concerts. 

“And with Lauren Alexandra also releasing a single in support of the campaign, we are sure the Midlands is going to break all previous fundraising records."

Barbara Harpham, national director for Heart Research UK added: “All the money raised here will be spent in the Midlands. 

"Already Heart Research UK has spent over £500,000 on projects at local universities and hospitals across the region and we will be helping the Birmingham Children's Hospital with a monitoring system for babies born with heart problems.”

The first concert will take place at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall on Saturday December 8 - with pupils from Highclare, Osborne Primary and Walmley Junior Schools showing off their singing abilities.

The Solihull Rockschool and CTC Kingshurst Academy will then showcase their many musical talents on Sunday December 9 at The Holiday Inn, Coventry Road, Solihull.

And the grand-finale will take place at the prestigious Birmingham Conservatoire on Thursday December 13 - with pupils from Fairway Primary, Holy Trinity Catholic Media Arts College, Lordswood Girls’ School and Shireland Collegiate Academy all joining together in song.

Tickets for all concerts should be booked in advance and are available by visiting: www.SFYHconcerts.ticketsource.co.uk or by calling Heart Research UK Midlands office on: 0121 454 1799.

Lauren's charity single 'Where Are You Christmas' will be available as a digital download from December 8 and can be bought at: www.heartresearch.org.uk.

ENDS

Photographs supplied –
* Cover artwork for charity single ‘Where Are You Christmas’
* Photograph of 15-year-old Lauren Alexandra from Bewdley, Worcestershire who performed the song and is the ‘voice’ of Heart Research UK’s Sing For Your Heart campaign in the Midlands.

To hear the Single -
A ‘teaser’ with the first 1m30s of the song can be viewed on YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYkn3Rb8SUI

A full version of the single can be supplied for media review / radio / TV purposes
Contact Kate Wardle on kate@k8marketing.co.uk / Tel: 01299 400112

'Where Are You Christmas' will be available as a UK digital download from December 8
Links for where this can be bought from are at:
www.heartresearch.org.uk

Background – Heart Research UK
Founded in 1967 by working heart surgeon David Watson, Heart Research UK has supported many of the medical breakthroughs we now take for granted, including six of the first eight successful UK heart transplants, heart valves, stents and angioplasty.
They also funded the world’s first record breaking artificial heart pump implanted into a patient from Birmingham in June 2000.
The ‘Sing For Your Heart’ campaign is an uplifting way to raise awareness of heart health and help in the fight against heart disease. All funds raised in the Midlands will be reinvested in our region to prevent heart disease.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

John Lloyd – Heart Research UK, Midlands Regional Executive
Email: midlands@heartresearch.org.uk  / Telephone: 0121 454 1799
Heart Research UK in the Midlands, Lee House, 6a Highfield Road, Birmingham B15 3ED
Registered Charity No. 1044821

Kate Wardle – representing Lauren Alexandra
Email: kate@k8marketing.co.uk / Telephone: 01299 400112 / Mobile: 07970 297917

The CRB is changing its name…



On the 1st December 2012 the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) merged to form the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

In line with this merger the ISA Registration Team based in Central Human Resources is now called the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Team. Our email address has changed to DBS@worcestershire.gov.uk, and all our other contact details remain the same.

Please note the service and processes currently provided by the CRB are not changing as a result of the merger and services will continue to be delivered to customers as normal throughout this transition. All previous CRB disclosure certificates remain valid and do not need to be replaced with a rebranded DBS certificate.

The DBS was established under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 and will provide a joined up service to combine the criminal records and barring functions.

For further information about the DBS and important changes to criminal records checks due to the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 please visit our DBS SiD page: http://sid/cms/rd/human-resources/disclosure-and-barring-service.aspx

** Sent on behalf of the DBS Team (Human Resources). Please reply with any queries or questions directly to DBS@worcestershire.gov.uk and not to Stuart Perkins. Thank you.**

Artist Brief for Evesham CHIPP Shop

Artist Brief for Evesham CHIPP Shop


CHIPP Shop is an exciting, award winning and innovative arts and social care project run by Worcestershire County Council and the Worcestershire Arts Partnership which is aimed at providing high quality and enjoyable arts activities to adults who receive social care.  The project has been running successfully in Kidderminster and has now received funding to run in Evesham.

CHIPP Shop runs on a weekly basis for a period of up to 8 weeks at a time. It combines different art forms and allows individuals to take part in various activities over a 2 hour period.  It is a great way of giving a high class arts experience to people who are traditionally excluded from such activities.

Adults pay up to £6 per session and either come alone or are accompanied by a family member / carer etc.  There is also a strong social element within CHIPP Shop and each session must contain enjoyable (and good humoured) activities.  Having said that, CHIPP Shop is first and foremost an arts project.

We are looking for 2 artists to run a weekly 2 hour workshop taking place on a Tuesday from the 2nd of April from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm in at least 1 or more of the following artistic systems:

ú   Drama / theatre
ú   Dance / movement
ú   Visual arts / film
ú   Creative writing
ú   Music / singing

How to apply

Application
To apply, please send your CV and letter of no more than 2 sides of A4 outlining your skills, suitability for the job and the following information to Stephen Wilson, County Arts Officer, swilson@worcestershire.gov.uk:

ú   Evidence of previous experience working in an inclusive arts / social care environment
ú   Detailed description of what artistic skills you have
ú   Experience of running weekly workshops to a wide group of participants
ú   Have creative ideas for working with adults who have previously had very little access to the Arts

Fee
£100 per session, £800 in total although additional costs can be requested for materials.



Closing date
Applications to be emailed to swilson@worcestershire.gov.uk by no later than 4pm on Friday 14th December 2012. 

Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview and to do a 20 minute workshop with a group of service users on either the 15th or 22nd of January 2013.

Please note we would prefer to receive applications from artists based in or have a track record of working in the Worcestershire area.

If you require any further information or have any questions, please contact either Stephen Wilson, swilson@worcestershire.gov.uk, tel 01905 765754 or Diane Thomson, dethomson@worcestershire.gov.uk , tel 01905 765770.

Offal Tales - The Movie

Tuesday 4 December 2012

'Perform in the Cathedral Mystery Plays – Audition Call!




From: Susan MacLeod, Operational Manager
            Chapter Office, 8 College Yard, Worcester WR1 2LA
            Telephone:  (01905) 732903
             Email:  susanmacleod@worcestercathedral.org.uk

PERFORM IN THE CATHEDRAL MYSTERY PLAYS NEXT EASTER

As the countdown starts to the Mystery Plays in the Cathedral during Advent (4 – 6 December), the producers are already recruiting for the 2nd cycle of plays, which will take place in both Worcester and Gloucester next Easter. These plays will tell the story of Jesus’ adult life, including the Passion and Resurrection, and end with the Last Judgement.

There are 60 roles to be filled and the Company of Friends is recruiting actors from Gloucestershire and Worcestershire who have the time and talents to take part. For anyone interested, there will be a meeting in College Hall (at the back of the Cathedral), on Monday 10 December at 7.30pm.

The organiser for Worcester, Kevern Oliver, said: “You don’t have to have had loads of experience in the world of amateur dramatics in order to become a member of the Company. What matters is that you have the talent, energy and commitment needed to contribute to the delivery of a wonderful, demanding production of the greatest stories ever told.”

There are still tickets available for the first set of plays on 4-6 December. These will tell the traditional stories of Creation, Adam and Eve, Noah, the Nativity, the Three Kings and the evil King Herod. Tickets cost £12.50 (£10 for under 16) and £10 (£8 for under 16) and are available from Worcester Live Box Office, Huntingdon Hall, Crowngate, Worcester, WR1 3LD. Tel - 01905 611427 or www.worcesterlive.co.uk.



For more information about the casting call for the Easter plays then come and meet Sheila Mander, the Second (Passion) Cycle’s Director, in College Hall, on Monday 10 December at 7.30pm. Sheila’s email is sheila@focustheatre.co.uk.

College Hall is at the back of the Cathedral: go up Edgar Street, through the Edgar Tower and into College Green. The entrance to College Hall is in the far right hand corner of the Green. The nearest car parks are in King Street and the Cathedral Plaza, College Street.

Media Contacts
For more information please contact, Kevern Oliver Tel 01386 860389 email kevern.oliver@gmail.com