Worcestershire Arts Partnership Blog

Wednesday 30 September 2015

Kidderminster Creatives Creativity Jam

 
 
Kidderminster Creatives will be hosting a playful evening, encouraging small creative outbursts at the very lovely Cosy Cafe on the 29th of October between 5.30 and 7.30pm.
This will be an opportunity to meet fellow artists in an informal setting and hear about plans for next years Kidderminster Arts Festival. You’ll also get a goody bag J
Kidderminster Creatives will be encouraging you to bring ideas with you for one of their 2 new small scale commissions to be presented at KAF 2016. Two grants of £250 will be available for artists to create new work which will fit in with the festivals theme of ‘Music’.  Applications are encouraged from all art forms.
If you’d like to find out more about these commissions please email loz.samuels@wyreforestdc.gov.uk  for more information.
The Cosy Coffee Company is at 120 Coventry Street, Kidderminster DY10 2BH
You will be able to find a host of refreshments including great coffee and cake.  This is a FREE event.

Commission Opportunity


Wyre Forest District Council is looking for an artist to create artwork for hoardings around the site where our new Leisure Centre is now being built.  The facility is on the Silverwoods site between Kidderminster and Stourport, located in the centre of a large development of residential and retail premises on the site of the old Sugar Beet factory.

Whilst the work is in progress it is surrounded by hoardings on 2 of its boundaries, WFDC and PFPL would like to commission appropriate artwork to cover a minimum of 1 third of these hoardings. 

There are 139 hoardings in total and each hoarding is 1.2metres x 2.4 metres – this corresponds to approx 50 fully covered boards.

We would like the intensity of the images to be concentrated nearest the main entrance giving focus and leading the eye to the frontage of the building... 

The images for the art work should reference 2 themes:

  • History of the site (Sugar beet factory etc),
  • Olympics (please note the rings are copyrighted and are not able to be used), images of sports etc particularly linked with the facilities at the site or the district would be preferable e.g. swimming, indoor sports, cycling, athletics

 

The fee for the work is £2.5k all inclusive. 


Submissions must be made by close of business 02.10.15
Selection will be made by close of business 09.10.15
Initial design proposals submitted by 23.10.15
contract issued by 20.10.15

The completion of the work is anticipated to be the end of 27.11.15

 

To apply for this commission you will need to send you C.V, examples of your work and two references.  You will need to outline how you will approach the commission and if possible give a rough sketch of the type of artwork you propose to create.  You can apply by email to:

Loz Samuels 01562 732 977 loz.samuels@wyreforestdc.gov.uk

Tuesday 29 September 2015

Invitation to apply to Regional Theatre Young Directors Scheme


 

Applications are now open for theatres to join the next round of the Regional Theatre Young Director Scheme (RTYDS).

 

There are two programmes you can apply for in this round:

 

Introduction to Directing for groups of very early career directors

Apply for £2,000 to run an Introduction to Directing project for 5-10 people in their community.

 

A Three-Month Placement for individual early career directors

Apply for £4,000 to provide a young director with a three-month (full time or equivalent part-time) placement in their organisation.

 

RTYDS is especially keen to uncover talent that reflects the diversity of contemporary society, to support and nurture new and emerging directors and ideas from backgrounds and circumstances currently under-represented in artistic leadership of UK theatre.

 

The deadline to apply for both schemes is Monday 26th October 2015.

 

More detail, eligibility criteria and application forms are available on our website – www.rtyds.co.uk

 

If you would like to discuss your proposal before you apply please get in touch.

 

With best wishes

 

Sue and Frederica

 

Sue Emmas, Artistic Director and Frederica Notley Executive Director,

RTYDS

Regional Theatre Young Director Scheme

Tel: 020 7922 2993

 

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter


 

Board: Ben Cooper (General Manager, Young Vic), Sarah Frankcom (AD, Manchester Royal Exchange), Theresa Heskins (AD, New Vic Theatre), Jack McNamara (AD, New Perspectives), Grahame Morris (Theatre Advisor), Joanna Read (Principal, LAMDA), Indhu Rubasingham (AD, Tricycle Theatre), Nicola Thorold (Executive Producer, Roundhouse), Erica Whyman (Deputy AD, RSC)

 

Patrons: Michael Billington, Michael Boyd, Annie Castledine, Michael Grade, Phyllida Lloyd, Adrian Noble, Trevor Nunn

 

Regional Theatre Young Director Scheme, 66 The Cut, London, SE1 8LZ

The RTYDS is a Company Limited by Guarantee. Company No 08535161 and Registered Charity No. 1159966

Friday 25 September 2015

What's On at The Hive


Grandma Remember Me? - At The Hive - 15th October 7pm


Grandma Remember Me?
A play about dementia

Thursday 15 October, 7pm at The Hive, Worcester

 




A beautiful story about a special relationship between
a grandma and her granddaughter. Drawing on the
experiences of living with someone with dementia,
Grandma Remember Me is a moving story told
through a mix of puppetry, drama and storytelling.

Written by Belinda Lazenby, presented by AZ2B Theatre Company.

 

Tickets can be purchased here and cost £6.


Summary: Az2B Theatre Company, based in Penryn Cornwall set up in 2012 with the aim “to make a difference and act as a catalyst for change.”  The play, Grandma Remember Me? is their first production, written from personal experience by Artistic Director, Belinda Lazenby. It tells the story of a grandma who develops Alzheimer’s disease and the impact this has on the whole family.  After three phases of development, it was taken out in 2014 on a national & international tour to outstanding reviews. It has been embraced by a diverse range of partners and used as a creative innovative training tool to raise awareness and support understanding around dementia.

Dulcimer World Congress : Opportunity for Volunteer Film Makers to work with top UK TV Editor




 
 
 
 

 

 

The Dulcimer World Congress team are looking for 2 volunteers who are experienced at camera work to work Jamie McCoan to film the Dulcimer World Congress at Malvern St James School between Mon 26 - Thurs 29 October 2015. Jamie is a UK TV editor with over 24 years experience of working on shows including Silent Witness, Doctor Who and Holby City (IMDB listing:http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0566080/. As the event has three venues, Jamie is looking for 2 volunteers who would like to work alongside him.  

 

In October 2015 the Dulcimer World Congress will bring over 200 dulcimer enthusiasts from over 20 countries to Malvern for a week of events to celebrate the unique and beautiful dulcimer (also called many other things in countries across the world eg. santoor in India, hackbrett in Switzerland). Find out more about the Congress by visiting: http://www.dulcimerworldcongress.co.uk/

 
If you are interested in this opportunity contact mandagraham1@gmail.com to find out more

Performing Arts Centre - St Johns




 
 
Hello from, Studio B – Performing Arts Centre!

 

We are the newest performing arts centre based in St Johns, Worcester. We offer classes in Dance, Drama, Singing, Fitness and much, much more and we offer this to children and adults. Our classes are taught by professionally trained & qualified teachers with real professional experience in each discipline.

 

At Studio B, we are a performing arts centre which aims to provide the best teaching and support that we can in an environment which is inclusive of anyone and more importantly – fun! We will support you if you want to become a professional, we will support you if you want to gain qualifications and we will support you if you are doing this socially – our support is unconditional. The priority of Studio B is the nurturing of our students, allowing you to find your voice and helping mould you to the best of your abilities.

 

We have three contemporary studios that are available to hire. Already we have Pilates, cheerleaders, bands and more using our space. We feel we can accommodate everybody’s needs whilst providing a family friendly, child focused environment where visitors can feel safe and welcome. We come with a vibrant waiting room, offices, WiFi, changing rooms, toilets and more.

 

We really do want to become a positive resource for the community and already we are in discussions with a number of different services within the area to provide assistance in any way we can. If you are a community resource and would like to discuss any ideas, please do not hesitate to contact us.

 

Please do look at our website – www.studiobworcester.com to find out more information about us at a performing arts centre, our classes and studios! Alternatively you can call us on – 07496 767454 and we would be more than happy to show you around.

 

Thank you and we hope to speak with you soon.

 

Studio B - Performing Arts Centre

Wednesday 23 September 2015

Information for schools in Worcestershire

 


We are a hands-on pottery studio based in Honeybourne Worcestershire, delivering accessible and fun workshops to schools throughout the midlands. Our workshops provide children of all ages and abilities the chance to experiment and explore their creativity in a new way.

Clay is a flexible medium and can be incorporated easily into a wide range of curriculum or fun based activities.

We can tailor workshops to your class requirements, whether it’s a ‘changing material’ in science or constructing an ancient dwelling in history, the potential for a theme is endless. Some popular past workshops include collaborate sculptures, tile projects, the Ancient Greeks and Egyptians.

We will arrive at your school fully equipped with potter’s wheels, tools, and all materials. After the session we will clean up and transport the work back to our studio for firing. Once complete, the children's creations will be boxed and returned to school.

Alternatively we also offer schools the opportunity to visit us at our studio in Honeybourne, where we can accommodate up to 16 children at a time.




This works very well as a school outing and enables the children to experience first-hand what it is like to work in an artists' studio.

Additionally, we run after-school and holiday clubs for all ages.

Our workshops typically run for 2 hours and include the potter's wheel and clay modelling.

Price per head is £10. Discounts are available for large groups and full day bookings.

Should the above be of interest, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Best wishes,

Alan & Annabel Cusack
Honeybourne Pottery Studio

3 High Street, Honeybourne, WR11 7PQ | 01386 830410

www.honeybournepots.co.uk www.facebook.com/honeybournepottery

Jump Start Event


Tuesday 22 September 2015

Job Opportunity


Wyre Forest District Council is looking for an artist to create artwork for hoardings around the site where our new Leisure Centre is now being built.  The facility is on the Silverwoods site between Kidderminster and Stourport, located in the centre of a large development of residential and retail premises on the site of the old Sugar Beet factory.

Whilst the work is in progress it is surrounded by hoardings on 2 of its boundaries, WFDC and PFPL would like to commission appropriate artwork to cover a minimum of 1 third of these hoardings. 

There are 139 hoardings in total and each hoarding is 1.2metres x 2.4 metres – this corresponds to approx 50 fully covered boards.

We would like the intensity of the images to be concentrated nearest the main entrance giving focus and leading the eye to the frontage of the building... 

The images for the art work should reference 2 themes:

  • History of the site (Sugar beet factory etc),
  • Olympics (please note the rings are copyrighted and are not able to be used), images of sports etc particularly linked with the facilities at the site or the district would be preferable e.g. swimming, indoor sports, cycling, athletics

 

The fee for the work is £2.5k all inclusive. 


Submissions must be made by close of business 02.10.15
Selection will be made by close of business 09.10.15
Initial design proposals submitted by 23.10.15
contract issued by 20.10.15

The completion of the work is anticipated to be the end of 27.11.15

 

To apply for this commission you will need to send you C.V, examples of your work and two references.  You will need to outline how you will approach the commission and if possible give a rough sketch of the type of artwork you propose to create.  You can apply by email to:

Loz Samuels 01562 732 977 loz.samuels@wyreforestdc.gov.uk

We Need You!...For a Vamos Theatre Ideas Exchange Day



Vamos Theatre is hosting an Ideas Exchange Day on 22nd October from 10:30am – 3:30pm at Worcester Arts Workshop.

 

Are you involved in the arts in the region, or a voluntary organisation wanting to link up with artists? Looking to network, talk about projects, create collaborations, or get advice and support?

 

Worcester-based Vamos Theatre is the UK’s leading full mask theatre company. Our Ideas Exchange Day aims to encourage networking and partnerships, artistic collaborations, skills growth, technical and production know-how, apprenticeships and placements within the West Midlands arts scene.

 

If you’re innovative, fearless, inspired, and interested in being part of a vibrant, resilient, thriving arts scene in the West Midlands, then we’d love to meet you.

 

Call the Vamos Office on 01905 312921 or email info@vamostheatre.co.uk to let us know you are coming and book a time. Alternatively just call in for coffee and cake - everyone is welcome.

 

This event is part of our Arts Council England funded project ‘Resilience for Vamos and the Worcester Arts Scene’.

 

For more about Vamos Theatre visit: www.vamostheatre.co.uk

 

In the evening, why not join us at Worcester Arts Workshop for Crazy Little Thing by Kepow Theatre Company, part of a new season of programming from Shindig. Starting at 7.30pm, Crazy Little Thing is an improvised comedy show about love and relationships we can all relate to. For more information visit: http://www.worcesterartsworkshop.org.uk/

 

With very best wishes


Charlotte Gregory
General Manager

Vamos Theatre
Worcester Arts Workshop
21 Sansome Street
Worcester
WR1 1UH

Monday 21 September 2015

Weekend Cube are delighted to present 'Nine Lives' by Zodwa Nyoni


Book tickets through Ticketsource or pick up at Malvern Tourist Information:

 

 

Fri 23 Oct 7.30pm

Malvern Cube

Leeds Studio in association with West Yorkshire Playhouse present

Nine Lives 

 

More relevant today than ever before, make sure you book now for this remarkable, funny and moving play as Zodwa Nyoni (West Yorkshire Playhouse/ Channel 4 Writer in Residence 2014) threads together humour and humanity to tell the personal story behind the asylum headlines.





by Zodwa Nyoni, 

performed by Lladel Bryant 

directed by Alex Chisholm

Post Show talk

 

Fleeing from his home in Zimbabwe where a fresh wave of homophobia threatens his life, Ishmael has sought sanctuary in the UK. Dispersed to Leeds,

he waits to hear his fate and for a new life to begin amongst strangers. But not everyone is bad... can he find a place to call home again?

Some of us wanted to stop being afraid. Some of us wanted to find ourselves. Some of us wanted to belong.

 

‘the wit of the writing and lightness of the playing style gives the play its depth’
The Herald

“a cracking piece of theatre that offers a glimpse into an issue that’s present in the country and around the world today.”Adam Bruce, A Younger Theatre 

 

Friday 18 September 2015

Job Description - Arts in Schools Co-ordinator - WAP, CYP group


Job Description - Arts in Schools Co-ordinator

WAP - CYP Group

 

Introduction

The Children & Young People’s (CYP) sub-group of Worcestershire Arts Partnership (WAP) is looking to appoint a project officer to provide consultation with schools and arts organisations  regarding the development of both a new ambassadors project and the creation of a new membership scheme for Voices and Visions, the long running Arts Education project for schools.

 

The overall aim is to increase schools participation in the arts generally, get feedback from schools on how best to deliver both programmes to identify specific “arts ambassador” teachers in as many schools as possible.

 

The Worcestershire Arts Partnership (WAP)

 

The WAP is increasingly the delivery arm of the County Arts Service. It aims to develop a thriving, high quality arts offer for Worcestershire and champion the arts through partnership.

 

WAP will do this by

  1. Building a stronger, confident and more resilient arts sector

 

  1. Brokering opportunities for arts organisations to deliver high quality arts provision to meet the outcomes of non-arts sectors that...
    • Improve the lives of children and families
    • Provide life-affirming health and wellbeing choices for all
    • Make Worcestershire a vibrant, appealing place to live, work and visit – contributing to a buoyant economy and sustainable environment

 

  1. Advocating for and championing what the arts can offer with a louder, combined voice

 

The Ambassador Project

This is a new initiative that will create a number of named arts ambassadors in schools and in the arts sector who will be contacts who will actively promote arts activities in their local area and to their pupils.  In return they will receive regular CPD opportunities from the Worcestershire Arts Partnership as well as regular information and support from the County Arts Service.

 

Voices and Visions

Voices and Visions is a long running schools arts project led by Worcestershire County Council that showcases arts activities from schools and more recently arts organisations. It is planned that this will now be driven through the Worcestershire Arts Partnership.

The work culminates in an annual showcase takes place at Worcester Cathedral each year. The Worcestershire Arts Partnership is investigating how Voices and Visions can become a membership based organisation to create greater sustainability. In 2015 over 90 schools took part in Voices and Visions.

 

 

The Arts in Schools Co-ordinator will:

 

  Liaise closely with the WAP / CYP group and in particular Lee Farley, Chair of the CYP group and Steve Wilson, Vice Chair of WAP.

  Arrange meetings with arts contacts in Worcestershire schools - either individual meetings or group meetings. We expect there to be at least five meetings as well as some email consultation.

  Share information about WAP, local arts activity, Arts Award, “Voices & Visions”.

  Identify individual teachers who are keen to act as “arts ambassadors” & get schools signed up to projects.

  Act as an advocate for the “Voices & Visions” project and the work of the WAP CYP group.

  Make notes from meetings and complete a final report with recommendation on the best way forwards for both projects.

  Make recommendations to engage those schools who do not take part in arts activities out of school time

  Link the activity to the promotion of Artsmarks and Arts Awards Scheme

 

Timeline & Outcomes:

 

November – December 2015 - meetings & contact with at least 20 local schools. Identify at least 15 Arts Ambassadors.

Mid Jan 2016 - final report on arts & schools; final content to be decided but should include statistics, contact details, feedback & case studies.

 

Project fee £2,500

 

Please send:

 

CV & no more than two side of A4s explaining why you are suitable for the role

 

An outline of your  proposed methodology

 

 

Time Line

 

Submissions needed by 4pm Monday 5th October

 

Interview Date Thursday 15th October 2015

 

Work to commence from 1st November and to be completed by 18th December 2015

 

Report to be undertaken  by 13th  of January 2016

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Arts & Health CPD Opportunity’  - You are welcome to join  the next meeting of the New Prescription sub group ( arts & health subgroup of the Worcestershire Arts Partnership) , which is taking place on 1st October 10-12 at the Wychavon Civic Centre in Pershore .


This will be a CPD event and we have two exciting presentations to  share with you :

 
Emma Ford   freelance artist will share her experiences of working on the CHIPP shop project that has been undertaken through funding from the social care budgets within Worcestershire County Council to give people in receipt of social care budgets an opportunity to take part in arts activities .

Chipp stands for Culture and Heritage in Partnership with Personalisation and has been running through a mixture of subsidised funding and people's own finances. The project was undertaken as a way of bringing together mainstream arts activities to people who in effect were known to social care teams, but who had both little cultural provision to do and who were low in confidence and were interested in taking part in arts activities.

Rachel Freeman of everyBODY dance will share findings from the 360 degree evaluation of  its projects during summer 2014. Working with a professional evaluator  has enabled them to more clearly articulate and evidence the benefits and impacts of their our work; it has also helped them to develop ways to increase the positive outcomes, address criticism and support their fundraising for future projects and organisational development, so that they can benefit even more people. The R&D work demonstrated to potential funders/commissioners/partners how important evaluation, outcomes and impact are to everyBODY dance, as well as providing some inspiring resources to showcase the quality of the work. They have produced a TOOL KIT of practical resources that can be adapted to suit the needs of individuals. They provide templates that organisations and practitioners are invited to adopt, adapt and change for their own needs.

We anticipate that this will be very popular so please book your place with Diane Thomson DEThomson@worcestershire.gov.uk.

To enable us to devote as much time as possible to these   presentations; we would like to keep business to a minimum so please can you email your ‘partner updates’ to Di in advance and she will print them out for distribution at the meeting and we’ll then just take any  questions on the updates.

Thursday 17 September 2015

Dulcimer World Congress




everyBODY dance

Performers needed for film project

everyBODY dance is seeking performers with physical or learning disabilities, sensory impairment or a mental health condition to take part in our ‘Progress’ project.


’Progress’ is a participatory film and workshop project for disabled and non-disabled people of all ages, supported by The Heritage Lottery Fund and produced by everyBODY dance in collaboration with The George Marshall Medical Museum and The Infirmary Museum in Worcester.

The George Marshall Medical Museum and Infirmary Museum house some 8,000 exhibits that chronicle a rich medical history, telling the stories of medicine and health care, with particular reference to Worcester.

The performers are invited to work with the artistic team on a half-day tour and exploration of the museums and their collections, followed by creative response during a two day film shoot of improvised movement material.

The project takes place in a variety of spaces in Worcester city between 18th and 30th November 2015

‘everyBODY dance aims to inspire create and explore great dance experiences for disabled

and non-disabled people of all ages in unexpected spaces’

To register interest please contact Rachel Freeman

M: 07870429528
E: rfeverybodydance@gmail.com


Registered Charity Number 1147421 -Registered Company Number 7934348

M: 07870429528 -E: rfeverybodydance@gmail.com -W: www.everybodydance.org.uk

Twitter: @everyBODYdancin -Post: Longlands Barn, Whitbourne Hall Park, Whitbourne, WR6 5SG



everyBODY dance

everyBODY dance is seeking a Support Worker for their Progress project


(Part time, temporary post)

‘everyBODY dance aims to inspire create and explore great dance experiences for disabled

and non-disabled people of all ages in unexpected spaces’
’Progress’ is a participatory film and workshop project for disabled and non-disabled people of all ages, supported by The Heritage Lottery Fund and produced by everyBODY dance in collaboration with The George Marshall Medical Museum and The Infirmary Museum in Worcester.


The Support Worker will provide assistance to participants to ensure that they can fully take part in all activities. Duties may include ‘meeting and greeting’, locating of toilet facilities, help with organising lunch, travel and supporting participants during rehearsals and filming. Duties no not include personal care for participants.

15 days’ work in total between October 2015 and April 2016 and will include weekday, evening and weekend sessions.

The project takes place in a variety of spaces in Worcester city.

Fee £1,200

Please contact:

Rachel Freeman

rfeverybodydance@gmail.com

07870429528
Registered Charity Number 1147421 -Registered Company Number 7934348

M: 07870429528 -E: rfeverybodydance@gmail.com -W: www.everybodydance.org.uk

Twitter: @everyBODYdancin -Post: Longlands Barn, Whitbourne Hall Park, Whitbourne, WR6 5SG

Monday 14 September 2015

Artist Brief for Malvern Library


Artist Brief for Malvern Library   

 

Worcestershire County Council is seeking to appoint an artist or artists to produce a piece of visual art which will be displayed on a blank wall in the children's area of  Malvern Library The work will need to also include at least one workshop with the wider community and in particular children. The target age range is from 3 to 12 years of age.

 

The work will need to engage with the imagination of children and reflect the stories and adventures of the books within the library.

 

 

Approximate dimensions of wall  for Children's Library mural:

 

3.6m (width) x 1.5m (height) of the back wall inside the alcove

2.0m (Width) x 1.5m (height) Two side walls 

1.9m (width) x 3 m (Height) Wall containing the door frame and dinosaur height!

 

 

Timeframe

The initial piece of work should begin in October 2015 with the work being completed by the beginning of January 2016

 

How long will artwork be displayed for

Approx 10 years

 

Budget

The total budget is £2,500 including material costs

 

Artist selection process

Artists need to submit their CV plus plans in a letter including the following details:

 

·         Suggested content

·         Previous experience of work of this nature including experience in working with local authorities or libraries  

·         Previous experience in community development work

·         Proof of public liability insurance

·         Confirmation of self employed tax status

 

Selected artists will be invited for an informal conversation

 

For more details contact Delphine Telfer on dtelfer@worcestershire.gov.uk 

 

Closing Date to send submissions is Friday 25th September 2015 and these can be sent by e-mail to dtelfer@worcestershire.gov.uk or by post to Delphine Telfer, Malvern Library, Graham Road, Malvern WR14 2HU.