Worcestershire Arts Partnership Blog

Friday 31 July 2015


Please find below and attached information on the Gallery 37 summer youth arts training programme which is looking for creative partner organisations to support the delivery of the project in 2016.

 

 Gallery 37 Foundation

Creative Partner organisations call for Expressions of Interest:

Deadline 17th August 2015

The Gallery 37 Foundation is calling for expressions of interest from potential creative partner organisations for the youth arts training summer 2016 programme of delivery.

1. Background

 

The Gallery 37 Foundation is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee and a registered charity, with a mission focusing on enabling disadvantaged young people in Birmingham to fulfil their creative potential through engagement with the arts. Gallery 37 was initiated by Birmingham City Council (BCC) and has a fourteen year track record of success. Its activities are coordinated through the Culture Commissioning team at Birmingham City Council.

The Gallery 37 summer programme was delivered in Birmingham from 1998 until 2012 with over 50 partner organisations involved in its development and delivery. The programme has supported over two and a half thousand unemployed young people in Birmingham into further education and employment. In recent years the Gallery 37 Foundation has in recent years focused on commissioning targeted programmes of work to support the creative engagement of looked after young people and young carers.

2. Gallery 37 2016

 

The Gallery 37 Summer Programme 2016 will be an accredited, creative youth training project which targets NEET young people aged 16 – 25 years from Birmingham. Its aim is to re-engage and inspire young people through the arts, providing an understanding of the opportunities that exist for creative and cultural engagement as well as the potential pathways through education and training and into creative careers.

We would like to hear from arts organisations, across all art forms, with an interest in helping us to deliver this large scale, high profile programme of activity for four weeks during August 2016, across a range of central Birmingham locations.

The Gallery 37 summer programme will be delivered and promoted as part of Creative Future 2016, Birmingham’s Year of Arts and Young People. It will support the Creative Future model of engagement, providing opportunities for young people to occupy the roles of audience members, participants, creators and leaders and enable the deepening and broadening of cultural experience, both within and beyond the duration of the programme. It is also intended to serve as a very visible platform for the creativity of young people in the city, inspiring audiences with ambitious, high quality artistic outcomes to be shared in public spaces through exhibition, performance and multi-media channels.

Gallery 37 2016 will be developed and delivered in partnership with a steering group of young people and with arts organisations large and small in order to support the progression of participants, introduce them to new approaches to creativity and to connect them to the wider cultural life of the city.

Creative & Employability Skills Training

 

The programme will provide the opportunity for young people to engage in creative skill development, working with professional artists and arts organisations and at the same time develop employability skills and an understanding of employment opportunities within the creative sector.

Young people will work in art form specific groups, five days a week for four weeks, responding to a creative brief established at the outset of the programme. The programme will culminate in a weekend of public sharing of the participants work across the city, supported by a public programme of drop in, family, creative workshops delivered by emerging practitioners with the support of young trainees.

The young peoples’ creative skills and understanding will be developed within the Arts Award qualification framework which will sit alongside a structured, accredited programme of wider employability skills training. An individual learning plan will be developed with each participant to support their ability to make considered choices with regard to training and cultural engagement both during and beyond the programme.

Recruitment

 

Working in close partnership with a network of recruitment partners, including the Birmingham Careers Service, the programme will support young people not in education, employment or training and prioritise those facing barriers to participation, including young people with disabilities, those from a Local Authority care background and young carers. Dedicated support workers will be employed by the programme to provide additional assistance for participants. A training allowance will be paid to all participants and travel passes issued to remove barriers to engagement and ensure the widest possible cohort of young people.

Opportunities Week

 

An important element of the Gallery 37 Summer Programme will be Opportunities Week which will offer participants the chance to find out more about the training and employment opportunities open to them as well as ways of continuing their engagement with the arts and cultural life of the city. Opportunities week will be delivered in partnership with a range of agencies and organisations offering support services, information, training, apprenticeships, creative engagement and/or employment opportunities to unemployed young people.

It will also provide a platform for other individuals and youth led-organisations, including Gallery 37 alumni, to share information and ideas about cultural engagement and their own progression pathways. Opportunities Week will be a vital way by which we help to ensure that those engaging with the programme have the contacts, information and inspiration they need to identify clear goals and make progress beyond the programme.

CPD for Emerging Practitioners

 

The Gallery 37 summer school programme will not only support disadvantaged young people but will also incorporate a programme of accredited training for emerging artists

wishing to develop their participatory arts practice. These ‘Shadow Artists’ will support the lead artists employed by our partner organisations, in the delivery of the programme, whilst at the same time working towards a qualification for Creative & Cultural Practitioners working with Young People. The Shadow Artists programme is an important means of building capacity within the sector and the multi-tiered structure helps to support young people’s progression pathways in future years.

Artists training

 

An artist’s training week will take place immediately prior to delivery of the training programme for young people. The artist’s training week will be designed to equip all artists, both ‘Shadows’ and ‘Leads’ involved in delivery of the programme with key information and knowledge about the content of the Gallery 37 programme and effective ways of working with young people from a wide range of backgrounds.

Public Profile

 

The Gallery 37 Summer Programme 2016 will play an important role in promoting a positive image of young people within the city. By basing delivery in the city centre cultural venues and holding a high profile showcase and day of public family workshops, it delivers a message both to Birmingham residents as a whole and to the young people participating that we value their contribution to the life of the city.

3. Creative Partner Requirements

Gallery 37 is looking for partner organisations to develop and deliver the creative content of the summer programme. Working in one or more art form area it is intended that each creative partner organisation will lead activity with a group of 20 young people for four weeks, Monday to Friday, throughout August.

Each artistic team would be expected to deliver high quality creative content whilst supporting young people to work towards an Arts Award qualification. Arts Award Advisor training will be delivered during Artists Training Week to ensure that all Artists (including Shadow Artists) have a thorough understanding of the Arts Award framework. In addition a dedicated Arts Award Co-ordinator will be employed by the Gallery 37 programme to provide support for all project groups.

Although not all funding for the programme has yet been confirmed we are seeking to raise approximately £15,000 for each artform project and anticipate a total of five projects across the programme. This budget will cover artistic, material and venue costs (for the delivery of activity) and days spent in support of development and planning of the programme. We welcome expressions of interest from those wishing to deliver joint, cross artform projects with more than one organisation.

We are seeking partner arts organisations that can demonstrate:

 A track record of delivering innovative and ambitious creative work to a high standard with young people from a wide range of backgrounds

 An open approach to partnership and a commitment to innovative, collaborative ways of working with young people and other organisations, including training agencies and creative industry employers

 Capacity to support the development and planning process from December 2015 through to creative activity in August 2015 and evaluation following completion of the delivery phase

 Skilled artistic staff and facilitators with experience of working with the target age range and young people from challenging circumstances

 An understanding of how engagement in culture can support young peoples’ wellbeing

 Up to date policies and procedures and a clear understanding of and commitment to the protection and safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults, diversity, equal opportunities and health and safety

 A commitment to professional development of staff and artists

 

Timeline

October 2015 Recruitment of project manager

October 2015 – July 2016 Development of partnerships & action planning

Jan – Aug 2016 Establishment of and planning with Gallery 37 Youth Board

June & July 2016 Targeted recruitment of young people

May – June 2016 Recruitment of shadow artists

July 2016 Delivery of Gallery 37 training week for Lead Artists and emerging practitioners

Aug 2016 Delivery of Gallery 37 participatory programme

Aug 2016 Final Showcase weekend and delivery of public workshops

Sept/Oct 2016 Moderation of accreditation

August - September 2016 Monitoring and evaluation

Creative Partners expressions of interest must include:

 Organisation name, address, telephone and email details

 Name and role of main contact

 A brief description of the main activities of your organisation (250 words max)

 Brief description of experience of working with target groups (250 words max)

 Brief description of how you meet the creative partner requirements (500 words max)

 

For any informal enquiries please contact the Culture Commissioning Service on 0121 303 2434

Please submit your expression of interest in writing by 5pm on Monday 17th August to: Arts.Team@birmingham.gov.uk





Tuesday 28 July 2015



 
For one month only it's “all change” at Mouth and Music! Instead of its usual Tuesday evening slot, on
Sunday 23rd August 2.30-5.00pm poets, storytellers and musicians will entertain in a brand new marquee, going slightly circus …. word juggling, grammatical balancing acts, musical mash-ups …. full of surprises and interactive fun. The MC is Sarah (PoemWhipper) Tamar and the event features Tim Scarborough (Rhythmicity), Amy Rainbow with poetic cautionary tales, Dave Reeves (who bellows) and Heather (Note-Wordy) Wastie.

This special event is part of Kidderminster Arts Festival and short open mic slots are available for anyone to sign up in advance or from 2.00 on the day. Circus dress optional! The event also marks the launch of the brand new Kidderminster Gallery Legacy Fund (KGLF) Marquee which will be set up in an open air courtyard behind the Boars Head in Worcester Street, Kidderminster for this unique occasion. Admission is free. See
www.mouthandmusic.co.uk for more

Friday 24 July 2015

  

Worcestershire Arts Partnership
Festivals and Outdoor Arts/ Events subgroup

Festival commission - open call

Do you have a great idea for a new and innovative artwork, project, performance, exhibition or digital artwork that could tour to three or more Worcestershire-based festivals in 2016?

Worcestershire Arts Partnership is offering a commission of £1,000 to artists, curators and producers living or based in Worcestershire who have an idea they want to develop and present during 2016. The content of the project is up to you but we particularly want to support original and innovative ideas. This commission is for a new work, so you cannot apply in relation to existing projects. We will actively encourage the successful artist to apply for other funding, particularly to Grants for the Arts (Arts Council England) and use the commission as match funding.

The piece should
·         Be portable, flexible and adaptable to different contexts
·         Ideally work both indoors and outdoors
·         Be participatory or interactive for audiences
·         Work within the programmes of a minimum of three Worcestershire festivals. A list of those that are part of the subgroup is below - to find out more please visit individual festival websites
·         Be family friendly
·         Be accessible to and engaging for a wide range of audiences

To apply for the commission, submit a proposal of no more than 2 sides of A4 including the following information:

-         Your name, address, phone number and email address
-         An outline of your project and what you want to do
-         Where you plan to present your project – i.e. at which of the listed festivals below
-         Other artists or participants that may be involved
-         How your project benefits the development of your work as an artist
-         A brief outline of a project you have recently completed

Please do not send additional information such as CVs, portfolios etc. You may include one link to a website with examples of your previous work.
Send your submission to: Louisa Davies, Festivals and Outdoor Arts sub group chair by email to louisadf56@gmail.com AND Steve Wilson, County Arts Officer by email to swilson@worcestershire.gov.uk
Deadline for applications: Friday 28 August at 5pm
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to present their ideas to the subgroup at their meeting on Friday 11 September, due to take place at the Hive, Worcester.

The festivals that are part of the subgroup are:

Worcestershire Literature Festival
Three Choirs Festival
Asparafest
Worcester Music Festival
Mistletoe Festival
International Hammer Dulcimer Convention
Malvern Food Festival
Bee Line Festival (in schools/ storytelling-based)
Upton Jazz Festival
Kidderminster Arts Festival
Worcester City Markets
Dance Fest
Spare Room Arts
Bromsgrove Festival

Malvern Theatres Trust Ltd.
welcomes applications for the following:-

Drama Workshop Leader

Malvern Theatres are looking for an experienced drama workshop leader to join its Take Part education programme for young persons aged 5-18.

The successful candidate must be experienced in delivering the following workshops:

Youth Theatre Drama – Aged 13+
Junior Theatre Drama – Aged 7-12
Mini Drama Makers – Aged 5-7

Classes will be held weekly during term time on Mondays 4-5pm, Tuesdays 4-5pm & 5-7pm.

Initially this post is for the Autumn term commencing 7th September 2015.
The rate of pay for this post is subject to experience.

There is an opportunity to develop the workshops and to initiate weekend and evening classes.

Applicants should send a full C.V and covering letter to: Mr Nic Lloyd, Chief Executive, Malvern Theatres Trust Ltd., Grange Road, Great Malvern, Worcs. WR14 3HB. Or you can email your application to

Closing Date: Wednesday 5th August 2015

Thursday 23 July 2015

Latest WAP newsletter

Please see below link to the latest WAP Newsletter

http://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/downloads/file/4700/wap_newsletter_july_2015

Audience Finder is now free for all cultural organisations – see how it can help you

The most data, the greatest insight
Audience Finder helps you understand not only who your audiences are, but who they could be.
Book now for our free Audience Finder workshop and see how the sector’s most powerful audience data and development tool can help you and your organisation understand, compare and apply audience insight for real delivery.
Let us take the complications surrounding data and segmentation away, answer all of your questions and make sure than you are getting the help you need, for the audiences you need to deliver.
Sign up for Audience Finder for free today at www.theaudienceagency.org

Places are limited, so book today and we look forward to seeing you there.


North West Workshop

10 September, Manchester


North East Workshop

11 September, Newcastle


Yorkshire Workshop

15 September, Leeds


Midlands Workshop

16 September, Birmingham


Wales Workshop

17 September, Cardiff


South East Workshop

23 September, London


London Workshop

24 September, London

Thursday 16 July 2015

Worcester Arts Partnership: React Poetry Workshops Worcester


React Poetry Workshops: 7th August 2015, 11:00-15:00, The Hive Worcester

 

How do you use your voice in the world around you?

 

React is a day of free spoken word in the heart of Worcester City Centre for young people (16-24) discussing just that.

 

Designed and facilitated by experienced and exciting spoken word artists, you will start the day looking at what spoken word entails and discussing what matters to you in your life. By the end of the day we hope you’ll be taking away inspiration, some of your own words and performance techniques to help you along your journey.

 

After the day is over, it doesn’t have to be goodbye. If you’re interested in spoken word then we want to take the time to invest in you as an artist with professional development opportunities on our Youtube channel, and some exciting top-secret opportunities in Birmingham. Come along on the 7th August, and all will be revealed.

 

All materials, including an exclusive notebook, and lunch will be provided.

 

We only have 20 places, so book now via Eventbrite to avoid disappointment.


 

Kind regards,

 

Heidi Murphy

Programme Coordinator

 



Educate. Explore. Enrich.

 


 

 

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Supporter of the React Poetry Project

 



Get involved


What
 
 
Want to spend more time watching theatre? Always telling your friends and family about the latest shows you've seen? Want to meet like-minded people? Then become a volunteer for our social theatre network.
 
Who
We're looking for enthusiastic people who want to talk, watch and write about contemporary theatre. No experience needed, full training provided including a weekend trip to the Edinburgh Festival.
 
Where
Bring together people from all across Worcestershire and beyond, and help us create a lively social scene around innovative new shows in the area.
 
How
For more information contact network@fueltheatre.com or visit
fueltheatre.com/get-involved.

Application deadline: Monday 27th July, 9am

Evaluation assistants and volunteers required




 

 

Volunteer with The House of Fairy Tales


Part of Shifting Worlds, a contemporary art programme by Meadow Arts and Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust

This August The House of Fairy Tales' Time Travellers are embarking on a journey to the enchanted, historic lands of Ironbridge in a quest to help save the tangled strands of the future.

We have a fantastic opportunity for artists, creatives and performers to work alongside established artists to deliver children's workshops as part of this theatrical interactive adventure.

We are looking for a number of volunteers to assist and lead children's workshops throughout the day. We are also looking for those with a performative flair to bring the story to life and help guide players through their experience.

Location: The Museum of Iron/Enginuity
Dates: Saturday 22 August
Times: 10am-5pm
Lunch will be provided.

If you are interested in getting involved please email willmott@houseoffairytales.org with a brief description of why you are interested and any relevant experience you might have.

For more information about The House of Fairy Tales please visit our website:
houseoffairytales.org and
houseoffairytales.org/the-time-travellers-ironbridge-quest

 

Meadow Arts Evaluation Assistants


July - December 2015
Deadline: Thursday 30th July at 5pm

Meadow Arts are looking for people to join their team of Evaluation Assistants to gather public feedback about our exhibitions and artworks in Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire. To limit travel time we will aim to recruit assistants who live near to each of the artwork locations.

Pay: 21 years and over £6.50 per hour or 20 and under £5.13 per hour (to carry out a minimum of 6 surveys per hour).

Travel: We will refund pre-agreed travel expenses to venue @ 45p per mile or the cost of a bus or train ticket.

Visit the Jobs page at www.meadowarts.org for full details.

 



Tuesday 14 July 2015

At Number 8


At Number 8


Workshops

Make WWI Bunting
Appliqué Workshop  (all ages) Wednesday 5 August, 2.00pm - 4.00pm. Cost: 16+ £7, 16 & under £5
Fabric Painting Workshop  (age 6 – 11) Wednesday 26 August 1.30pm - 4pm. Cost: £5
Come along and join us in one of our workshops to decorate triangles for bunting, which will adorn Pershore High Street in remembrance of WWI. Free bunting starter packs will also be available for you to collect and decorate at home.

Acting Up - Drama Workshop Taster for adults 18+
Saturday 15 August, 10.00am - 1.00pm
Always fancied a go at acting but never got round to it? Enjoyed drama at school but real life took over? Come along to our friendly, fun taster session. Through games and tasks we will develop a range of techniques including body language, script work, vocal skills, and stagecraft. Boost your confidence and have fun. Cost: £18

Play In a Day - From Ditty to Drama
Wednesday 19 August, 10.00am - 4.00pm (3.30pm perf)
Write, rehearse and perform a drama, inspired by lyrics from your favourite songs and poems. Through games and activities, this workshop will develop stagecraft and acting techniques, culminating in a performance on stage for friends and family. If you want to have fun and act on stage, this is for you!  Suitable for age 8 – 18. Cost: £18

 

Crafts

Number 8 Craft Showcase
Thursday 9 July - Wednesday 12 August

Number 8 is proud to present a craft showcase of young artists’ work from four local schools; Vale of Evesham School, Holy Redeemer Catholic Primary School, Abbey Park and Bredon Hill Middle Schools.  The children worked hard to create craft items, with each school working on different themes to tie in with projects across a number of subjects. The exhibition includes rabbits made from chicken wire and mod-roc, African masks, clay gargoyles inspired by the book Flanimals by Ricky Gervais, and items inspired by the Cirque du Soleil. This showcase celebrates the talents of the younger generation. Admission Free

Seeking crafters, artists and makers - please share


Kidderminster Arts Festival is working with St. Georges Church to run a craft fair, on Saturday 15th of August between 12.00 & 4pm.  The church is very beautiful and has limited parking, just outside the centre of Town on Radford Avenue.

 You would need to contact Robert if you are interested in having a stall, details below. 

You kind find out more about the festival at www.kidderminsterartsfestival.org.uk.

Please help spread the word.

 

ROBERT HUDSON

EVENTS GROUP CHAIRMAN

ST GEORGE'S CHURCH


Tel:  01562 60370
Mob:  07778 412390