Worcestershire Arts Partnership Blog

Monday 23 February 2015

Next Worcestershire Arts Partnership Event 18th March 1.30 (for 2pm start) to 5pm. Venue Kidderminster Town Hall


Next Worcestershire Arts Partnership Event 18th March 1.30 (for 2pm start) to 5pm. Venue Kidderminster Town Hall

 

WORCESTERSHIRE ARTS PARTNERSHIP – A NEW FUTURE

 

The Worcestershire Arts Partnership would like you all to come along to The Kidderminster Town Hall to an event to look at what an independent arts led Arts Partnership might look like.

 

Led by The Transition Group of the WAP, the event will:

 

·         Remind us WAP's journey so far

 

·         Explore the views of creative people in Worcestershire based on the feedback from the recent Survey Monkey questionnaire https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WorcsAP

 

·         Begin to answer some of the key questions you may have through an open space format (please bring along a question too)

 

·         Look at the  way forward

 

If you haven't already please complete the link which is attached.

 

To book a place please contact Diane Thomson on DEThomson@worcestershire.gov.uk

 

We will be supplying tea and coffee and biscuits too!

 

Please see attached on how to get there – there is plenty of parking in the centre of Kidderminster – I would pick the Aldi car park which is very nearby.

 

Vicar Street Kidderminster, Worcestershire DY10 1DB, United Kingdom

Vicar StreetGBWorcestershireDY10 1DB

01562 732158


 

 

 

Thanks

 

Steve

 

 

Stephen Wilson

County Arts Officer

01905 765754

07850 923358

Small Scale Commissions




www.kidderminsterartsfestival.org.uk
KAF SMALL SCALE COMMISSIONS

Continuing on from KAF’s successful Small Scale Commissions in 2014 & 2015 KAF now seeks proposals from Worcestershire based artists to create site specific works on the theme of ‘Transformation’. If you want to use other themes and are unsure of their suitability please contact us directly. This theme is inspired by the large scale physical regeneration happening in Kidderminster town centre over the coming 2 years.  Artists should consider the impact that dramatic change can be a catalyst for.

 Artist should demonstrate through their proposal the link with the theme and describe the context they would like to display their work; we are particularly looking for outdoor work.

When will it happen?

The KAF Small Scale Commissions Scheme will commission new works to be shown at KAF 2015 between the 8th and the 22nd of August.

You must display your work for at least one day, though we encourage you to display your work for longer, please give details of this in your proposal.

Budget

 Applicants could be given a grant towards their costs on completion of the work.  We will be able to confirm the level of funding available to you if you are accepted.

You must give a detailed budget breakdown of the costs you anticipate you will incur during the production and installation of your work.

Scheme Deadlines

The scheme will be advertised widely from February 2015 for artists to apply the closing date will be close of business April 24th

Selections will be made by May 22nd 2015

What are we looking for?

Our priority for selection will be visual art or mixed art form work, which can appear at the festival for a minimum of one full day.

Artists should submit a proposal outlining their idea in full in no more than 2 sides of A4, you can include images of previous work to give an indication of your style and to show your experience of using different materials.

Considerations should be given to health and safety, appropriate use of space and appeal to our audiences.  You must identify the site you would like to use if you have a fixed idea of location in mind, otherwise your work will be located to compliment other elements of the program.  Please also state if you have dates where you and your work will not be available to display or any dates your work would not be available. You must be responsible for the delivery, installation and security of your work at all times.

You must outline all this in your proposal.

Your idea must be new, or in development and have never been shown in Worcestershire previously.

It must not make any permanent change to the landscape or buildings or require planning permission. 

You must be self sufficient throughout your installation process. 

You will be responsible for delivery, installation and collection and must ensure your work is watched if necessary throughout its stay, we will not be responsible for any damage.  You may want to consider insurance you will not be covered by the Festivals insurance.

Your proposal should outline the following: 

·         Exactly what you plan to do.

·         How your work will be presented and any restrictions on time it is to be displayed

·         Your preference for its location.

·         How it will be installed and removed, how long will this take?

·         How the project might benefit the development of your work

·         Why you think KAF is a good place to present your work.

If necessary Wyre Forest District Council will seek any appropriate permission required, we will discuss this with you in detail before any decisions are made. 

You will be required to give bank details as if you are selected your payment will be made after your work has appeared at KAF and will be paid directly into your account.

Deadlines for proposals are close of business April 24th and should be submitted by email to loz.samuels@wyreforestdc.gov.uk  

Selections will be made by May 22nd 2015

Please call 01562 732 977 for further information


Evesham AsparaWriting Festival 2015


More information about the AsparaWriting Festival.  I should be grateful for any help you can give in promoting the event. 

 

The event is going to be somewhat different in 2015 - concentrated over just one week, Saturday 6th - Saturday 13th June, with events on every day through the week.  The Short Story Competition is already open and advertised with a closing date of 1st March (adult and junior categories).  Each day throughout the Festival we have a half day Writing Workshop, more of interest really to those who are aiming to improve their writing skills.  And each evening, and potentially of much wider appeal, we have an Evening Talk by the writers.  Those should appeal to anyone who just likes books and reading, and isn't necessarily aiming to write themselves.   New this year on the afternoon of Saturday 13th will be an Open Mic session, hosted by Worcestershire Poet Laureate, Fergus McGonigal, and a chance for aspiring writers to present their poetry or prose.  This is followed by the Festival Finale at which Dr Ian Mortimer, historian and author of the Time Traveller Guides, will present the prizes for the Short Story Competition.

 

We have a great line up of writers and really hope that this event will catch on.  There is nothing else like it in Evesham and its a great addition to the range of other festivals.  I attach copies of the two leaflets (Writing Workshops and Evening Talks) and should be grateful if you could promote as widely as possible among your members.  Tickets for the evening talks will be available shortly via our website (www.AsparaWritingFestival.co.uk or from the Almonry or Sue Jenkinson at Evesham Hotel.  There are discounts for multiple bookings.

 

24 Hour Culture Survey - now live


Results of the 24 Hour Culture Survey are now on general release and can be found online at www.24hourculture.co.uk



If you are able, do please help to get the positive messages out to your audiences, visitors, funders, your MP and so on, as appropriate to your organisation. 


All best

Helen

 

Helen Stallard 
MCIM Chartered Marketer
T: 0774 033 9604
E: helen@helenstallard.co.uk

Vote 4 Ange


 

 

Angela T. Is the top ten finalists in the national VisitEngland Tourism Superstar Awards.  It will be great coverage for Worcestershire if she wins.

 


 

Deadline for entries is 28th February.

 

Thank you

 

Victoria Carman ï Tourism Development Officer  

Destination Worcestershire ï Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

Severn House ï Prescott Drive ï Warndon Business Park ï Worcester ï WR4 9NE

* vcarman@visitworcestershire.org ( 01905 673633 :www.visitworcestershire.org


 

In partnership with:
 
 

 


Sunday 15 February 2015

MEET THE MEDIA TEACHERS SEMINAR 3RD MARCH WORCESTER



Dancefest Creatives: Equinox (20+)led by Marie Oldaker

Dancefest Creatives: Equinox (20+)led by Marie Oldaker

Sunday 8 March, 10am-1pm, Dancefest, The Angel Centre, Angel Place, Worcester WR1 3QN

An open, welcoming, practical workshop for anyone interested in contemporary dance, theatre, art and music, exploring how choreographers take inspiration from the everyday things around them.

This fun, thoughtful and inventive workshop takes its theme from the Equinox as winter turns to spring, with its fresh starts and balance of night and day. Suitable for both experienced dancers and for people who have never danced before; a sense of adventure and imagination is encouraged!

£15/£12 concessions

You can book your place via our website http://www.dancefest.co.uk/participation/workshops/dancefest-creatives and there’s a flyer attached to this email.




Thursday 12 February 2015

Another exciting announcement from RSC


PILOT Sites is back for 2015!

The first ever PILOT Sites for work-in-progress sited and/or outdoor work took place last year at the Birmingham Hippodrome. It was such a successful event that we are bringing it back for 2015! This time we're heading to Stratford-upon-Avon where the Royal Shakespeare Company will be hosting and co-piloting.

We'll be releasing more details of the event and how to apply very soon so keep an eye out on the newsletter, website and social media for that. But for now here are some very important dates for your diary!

PILOT SITES @ RSC Sunday 21st June 2015 Submissions open: 6th March 2015
Submissions close: 27th March 2015

About the RSC:

The Royal Shakespeare Company creates theatre at its best, made in Stratford-upon-Avon and shared around the world. Everyone at the RSC - from actors to armourers, musicians to technicians - plays a part in creating the world you see on stage. All  productions begin life at the Stratford workshops and theatres and then they bring  them to the widest possible audience through their touring, residencies, live broadcasts and online activity. So wherever you experience the RSC, you experience work made in Shakespeare’s home town.

They encourage everyone to enjoy a lifelong relationship with Shakespeare and live theatre.  They produce an inspirational artistic programme each year, setting Shakespeare in context, alongside the work of his contemporaries and today’s writers.  They have trained generations of the very best theatre makers and continue to nurture the talent of the future. They reach 450,000 children and young people annually through their education work across the UK, transforming their experiences in the classroom, in performance and online.

Registered charity no. 212481
 
 
 
Current opportunities in the West Midlands:

First Bite Festival
China Plate's First Bite Festival is back!
Call for applications from collaborative theatre makers from across the Midlands (East and West!) to take part in a festival of scratch performance on the 2nd May 2015 at mac birmingham. Read all about it here

The Foundry
The third REP Foundry scheme will take place from April this year. REP Foundry 2015 will invest in and support a further six writers, six directors and six theatre-makers from across the West Midlands by offering them a year-long development and mentoring programme. More info here

 
 

 
Talking Birds @ PILOT Sites 2014
 
The Tea Project @ PILOT Sites 2014
 
Avanti & Artizani @ PILOT Sites 2014
 
Avanti & Artizani @ PILOT Sites 2014
 
PILOT Nights @ AE Harris May 2013
 
Arts Council Logo 

Tuesday 10 February 2015

Showcase your work at County hall


Gallery at County Hall

 

1.    Introduction

 

·         Proposals are sought for a Visual Arts organisation or group of artists who are looking to showcase their work at County Hall in Worcestershire as we wish to use the building in a more creative way and to showcase the great talent we have in the County.

·         County Hall is situated just off the M5 and is placed in beautiful grounds within woodland and lakes.

·         Supporting local businesses is a key priority for the County Council and we would hope that artists and arts organisations could benefit from the use of this space for sharing and selling their work. This will be the third exhibition at County Hall.

 

 

2.    Project Description

 

·         Gallery at County Hall consists of an existing large public space which contains three large wall spaces each being 7 meters wide and 3 meters high.   There are also two cabinets approximately 6ft high by two feet which can exhibit 3D work

 

·         The work should be by Worcestershire artists and be 2D work for the walls, with the option of 3D for the cabinets.  It needs to suitable for the public and not contain anything which is liable to offend or distress. The final decisions on work to be exhibited for the work will be made by the County Council.

 

·         The space surrounds the Council Chamber and is open to the public during council working hours from 8am to 6.30pm.

 

·         The work should be temporary and can also be 'for sale'. The County Council will not take any commission for the work but all financial transactions will be made by the artist(s) or the organisations who represent the work.

 

·         An 'opening event' can be held which will be organised in conjunction with the artist or organisation.

 

·         The County Council will work with artists to have in place an appropriate picture rail hanging system.

 

·         The County Council cannot guarantee complete security of the work and the work is displayed at the risk of the group.

 

·         We would be looking to change the work two or three times per year. This will be confirmed depending on interest.

 

·         Please note that we cannot pay any group to display or co-ordinate the exhibitions but can assist in the opening event as well as giving advice on the space

 

·         The lead contacts for this are Steve Wilson, County Arts Officer and David Harrison, Facilities Manager

 

 

Terms and conditions of hire:

 

The Artist Space is situated in the area surrounding the Council Chamber.

 

The building is open to the public Monday – Friday  8am – 6.30pm and includes a cafe. .

 

The artist(s) will be responsible for:

·         preparation, installation and removal of exhibits or residency materials

·         insurance of works

·         all labels and information

·         publicity and marketing

 

 

Worcestershire County Council will be responsible for:

·         Advising about installation and display

·         Electricity and space heating

·         Space cleaning daily

·         Signposting within the building

·         A press release to local media in advance of your booking

 

 

How to apply

 

·         If you are interested in this please contact Steve Wilson, County Arts Officer on 01905 765754 or email swilson@worcestershire.gov.uk or Diane Thomson, Culture and Community Project Support Officer on 01905 765770 or email dethomson@worcestershire.gov.uk

 

·         Please outline who you are, the nature of your work and how many artists you have within your work.

 

·         We will expect to invite artists and organisations to County Hall to see the space prior to full agreement to confirm that the space is satisfactory.

 

Initial expressions of interest are requested by 6th March 2015