Worcestershire Arts Partnership Blog

Monday 26 October 2015

Wychavon Community Recognition Awards 2015


 

 

Hi we are looking once  again for artists or arts organisations that have made a difference to their community, to be recognised for what they do through our Community Recognition Awards.  This person or organisation needs to live in Wychavon or make a difference to Wychavon’s communities or has achieved an outstanding contribution to the arts. Attached also is the application form. Please can you share this with your contacts or if you want to nominate someone then the form needs to be back by Wednesday 10 February 2016.


ACE - New Funding in January 2016


 

Arts Council England to Launch New Fund in January 2016

The new £17.5 million Catalyst: Evolve programme aims to support arts and cultural organisations with a limited track record in fundraising to enable them to attract more private giving.

The Catalyst: Evolve fund aims to enable more private giving to arts and culture. It will do this by supporting organisations that have recently begun to fundraise to achieve step change in their ability to earn philanthropic income.

Through this programme, Arts Council England will:

·  Offer match funding to incentivise new philanthropic giving.

·  Invest in the skills, capacity and culture of organisations to better enable them to raise funds.

This programme seeks to build upon the work of Arts Council England’s first Catalyst programme. It forms part of the wider Goal 3 ambition to support organisations to become more resilient through diversifying their income sources.

Grants of between £75,000 and £150,000 will be available to arts organisations that:

·  Are a registered charity or community interest company.

·  Can demonstrate an emerging track record in fundraising form at least one of the following – individuals; trusts and foundations; and businesses.

Museums and libraries will not be able to apply for this fund, but they can look forward to applying to the Museum Resilience Fund which is due to open for a second round in 2016 dependent on the fiscal environment at the time.

It is expected that about 150 grants will be awarded to support organisations for up to three years. All activities funded by the programme must be completed by 31 August 2019.

The online application form will open on 14 January 2016. The deadline for applications is 19 February 2016.

Organisations that would like to learn more about this programme can attend one of the facilitated workshops which are to be held in November and December 2015. Information about these workshops will be published on the Arts Council England website in late October 2015. In the meantime, they can read the guidance notes that can be found on the Arts Council England website at http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/funding/apply-funding/funding-programmes/catalyst-arts/catalyst-evolve/

Peter MacKenzie-Shaw (BA Hons, MA, MBA)

 

Tel:      07980 605948


Visit:    www.shawfunding.co.uk

Tuesday 20 October 2015

Get Creativee Family Arts Festival - Take Part!



I’m writing from the Family Arts Campaign (www.familyarts.co.uk) to let you know that on Friday we launched the 2015 Family Arts Festival in partnership with BBC Arts’ Get Creative. We’re keen to have as many organisations across the UK as possible take part in this national initiative to raise family engagement with arts in their communities.  

 

I have supplied info below if you’d like to share with your cultural networks:

 


The national Get Creative Family Arts Festival (9 October – 1 November) has been developed as an opportunity for you to reach new audiences and to show your commitment to families. Registering your event as part of the Festival takes only ten minutes and is completely free, and means that you’ll benefit from the Festival's national PR and marketing campaign. New partnerships including BBC Arts' Get Creative, Arts Award, and The List mean that the Festival will be reaching a wide and diverse family audience nationally, so make sure you’re part of it!

 

To take part, simply upload an event listing to familyartsfestival.com.

 

Tweeting @FamilyArtFest is also really helpful..

 

The Get Creative @FamilyArtFest runs nationwide from 9 Oct - 1 Nov 2015. Find out how to take part here: http://www.familyarts.co.uk/family-arts-festival/

 

If you have any questions at all about getting involved in the Festival or in the Family Arts Campaign more broadly, I’d be delighted to hear from you.

 

Best wishes,

Jenny

 

 

Jenny Daly | Family Arts Campaign Manager

 

( 020 7557 6747


* c/o Association of British Orchestras, 32 Rose Street, London WC2E 9ET


Clik Clik Award Nomination


The Clik Clik Collective project 'Cabinet of Lost Secrets' at Nozstock: The Hidden Valley has been nominated for the AIF (Association of Independant Festivals) Festival Congress award 'Unique Festival Arena'!

Clik Clik produced this ambitious project with zero budget as a trial and through the dedicated work of the Cabinet of Lost Secrets team, were able to make this more than just a festival venue, turning a patch of ground into an  emmersive underground lair of surprises!

Kate Cox Clik Clik producer/director said " I'm totally thrilled about this nomination for the Cabinet of Lost Secrets. Its a great honour to be shortlisted alongside  Glastonbury and 2000 Trees. Thanks to Nozstock - The Hidden Valley  and the Cabinet team for making this dream come to life"

http://aiforg.com/festival-congress-award-nominees-announc…/

Photo by Toni Charles

Nine Lives - Malvern Cube 7.30 Friday 23rd October 2015


7.30 MALVERN CUBE - BOOK YOUR TICKETS THROUGH TICKET SOURCE OR PICK UP AT MALVERN TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE

OR CALL 07964458637 TO SEE IF THERE ARE TICKETS AVAILABLE ON THE DOOR


 

Tuesday 13 October 2015

Showcase Event - AKAAR - Mac Birmingham 22nd November 2015

We are inviting West Midlands based dance and music groups to take part in our showcase event, AKAAR at mac Birmingham on Sunday 22nd November 2015 at 5pm. 


Akaar 2015 is a special performance event that aims to celebrate emerging talent and support the interest and breadth of South Asian Arts being created across Birmingham. Both individuals and groups are invited to present their own work in a professional setting.  The work submitted doesn’t have to specifically South Asian music or dance but it’s to have a South Asian flavour or theme.

For further information please contact mel@ssco.org.uk.  Application form for the event is attached, please do not delay in returning as places are limited. Deadline for applications is Monday 26th October.

 

Please feel free to share this with your relevant contacts and local networks.

 

We would also like to make further connection with local music hubs and further our networking with you personally.  Therefore we would like to set up individual meetings in your venue to start a conversation on how to work together to develop a relationship and how we could benefit each other. If you would be interested to meet with us please contact me stating your interest and a few possible dates for a meeting.

 

Please see our Facebook page and website for further information about the company.

 

Kind regards,

 

Mel

 

Melanie Lewis
Projects Manager
Sonia Sabri Company
℅ Baithak House
202 Moseley Street
Birmingham
B12 0RT
UK

Tel. 00 44 (0) 121 622 3135
www.ssco.org.uk

Follow Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

www.ladypoolspeaks.co.uk


(Working Hours 9am till 5pm, Tues to Thurs.)


Akaar Showcase

supporting talent in West Midlands  

Sonia Sabri Company is inviting West Midlands based dance and music groups to take part in a showcase event, Akaar at mac Birmingham on Sunday 22nd November 2015 at 5pm.

Akaar 2015 is a special performance event that aims to celebrate emerging talent and support the interest and breadth of South Asian Arts being created across the West Midlands. Both individuals and groups are invited to present their own work in a professional setting; the main theatre at mac Birmingham.

This has become an annual regional platform for aspirational performers, with the support of others, SSCo expects the platform to grow in success each year.

Akaar is open to dancers and musicians aged 11yrs+ and as an intergenerational showcase, we will include a range of work in the programme from all ages and backgrounds. So if your passion for dance and music is classical, folk, Bharathanatyam, Bollywood, Kathak, or even new fusion or experimental South Asian arts, we would like to hear from you.

 

Akaar aims

SSCo would like to extend the invitation to performers across Birmingham. The event aims to provide opportunities for performers to:

 

Ÿ Showcase work that has been created by classes and groups

Ÿ Meet other performers

Ÿ See a range of both dance and music work

Ÿ Encourage and inspire performers to create and perform live

Ÿ Nurture new talent

 

Showcase - more details

On the day of the performance, all groups will have an opportunity to rehearse on stage in the main theatre. For those who are interested in taking part, please be aware that all performing groups will be needed on site, in the main theatre at mac from approximately 2pm onwards on Sunday 22nd November. The rehearsals will be a great opportunity for all groups to watch each other perform, so please schedule the date and time in your diary, attendance at the rehearsal is imperative.

 

Criteria/Guidelines

Akaar is open to:

Ÿ          Individuals and groups based in the West Midlands working in either dance or   music or      

            combining both art forms

Ÿ  You must be 11yrs+

Ÿ Groups from any background can apply to take part i.e. school, youth, community          or cross generational etc.

Ÿ All performers must be committed to taking part in the technical rehearsal at mac          on the day of performance at 2pm.

Ÿ Groups: leaders/coordinators/ or lead artists are responsible for applying for

            License/Exemption from their own local authority area for performers aged 11-

            16yrs. Performances by children are governed by The Children and Young Persons  

            Acts 1933 and 1963, and The Children (Performances and Activities) (England)               Regulations 2014. The application process is very straight forward, if you have         applied before, SSCo can assist you by putting you in touch with the appropriate       local authority contact. As a guide, most local authorities recommend exemption       applications are made a minimum of 3 weeks in advance.

Ÿ  Please note, for all performers under the age of 16, a parent or guardian must also

           give written consent for children to perform in Akaar, this must be organised by

           the individual group.

 

 

To take part

1.            Please send us a DVD or youtube link of the work you would like to perform.

2.            Complete the form below and return to: hannah@ssoco.org.uk or post it back to Hannah MacGregor, Administration and Marketing Assistant, Sonia Sabri Company, Baithak House, 202 Moseley Street, Digbeth, Birmingham B12 0RT.

 

The deadline for applications is Monday 26th October 2015

 

If you have any questions or would like to know more about the event please call Projects Manager, Mel Lewis on 0121 622 3135 or mel@ssco.org.uk

 

AKAAR SHOWCASE 22nd NOVEMBER 2015

Name of group/artist …………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Name of group leader/ coordinator / lead artist……………………………………………………………

Your role within the group………………………………………….....................................................................

Email………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..................

Contact telephone number …………..………………….………………………………………………..................

Where does your group meet? ……………………………………………………………………………………..

Address………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………Postcode……………………………………….

Youtube link………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Approx length of performance (5-10 mins max) ……………………………………………………………

We will acknowledge receipt of this form via email.

Please note there are limited performance slots available, therefore if we receive an abundance of applications we will have to go to a selection process. Once we have processed your application we will notify via email whether you have been successful.   

Akaar – an evening not to missed!

 

 

 

Baithak House, 202b, Moseley Street, Digbeth, Birmingham B12 0RT.

Tel: +44(0)121 622 3135  Email: info@ssco.org.uk  Web: www.ssco.org.uk

Get Creative Family Arts festival


I’m writing from the Family Arts Campaign (www.familyarts.co.uk) to let you know that on Friday we launched the 2015 Family Arts Festival in partnership with BBC Arts’ Get Creative. We’re keen to have as many organisations across the UK as possible take part in this national initiative to raise family engagement with arts in their communities.  

 

I have supplied info below if you’d like to share with your cultural networks:

 


The national Get Creative Family Arts Festival (9 October – 1 November) has been developed as an opportunity for you to reach new audiences and to show your commitment to families. Registering your event as part of the Festival takes only ten minutes and is completely free, and means that you’ll benefit from the Festival's national PR and marketing campaign. New partnerships including BBC Arts' Get Creative, Arts Award, and The List mean that the Festival will be reaching a wide and diverse family audience nationally, so make sure you’re part of it!

 

To take part, simply upload an event listing to familyartsfestival.com.

 

Tweeting @FamilyArtFest is also really helpful..

 

The Get Creative @FamilyArtFest runs nationwide from 9 Oct - 1 Nov 2015. Find out how to take part here: http://www.familyarts.co.uk/family-arts-festival/

 

If you have any questions at all about getting involved in the Festival or in the Family Arts Campaign more broadly, I’d be delighted to hear from you.

 

Best wishes,

Jenny

 

 

Jenny Daly | Family Arts Campaign Manager

 

( 020 7557 6747


* c/o Association of British Orchestras, 32 Rose Street, London WC2E 9ET


Monday 12 October 2015

Worcester Arts Workshop - Sarurday 24th October 2015


AN INVITATION TO COME AND CELEBRATE A NEW BEGINNING FOR WORCESTER ARTS WORKSHOP
 

Worcester Arts Workshop invites you to attend its Open Day on Saturday 24th October 2015. The event runs between 12pm - 4pm and we would be delighted if you could drop in between these times.

Worcester Arts Workshop will be opening its doors and inviting the community to come and see what is going on at this independent vibrant arts hub in the heart of Worcester city centre.

With lots happening all over this beautiful, quirky building including: taster art and pottery workshops, mask workshop, music, delicious food in our resident café (Café Bliss) and live performances for children, it will be a chance to escape the world for a few hours and immerse yourself in arts of every medium. Plus, you will be supporting Worcester only independent arts centre at the start of a new era!

Please let Kay Mullett know if you will be attending by email her at info@worcesterartsworkshop.org.uk.

You can find us at: Worcester Arts Workshop, 21 Sansome Street, Worcester, WR1 1UH. We are 2 minutes walk from Worcester Foregate Station and if you are driving we have a pay and display car park right next door.

 

Looking forward to see you.

Best wishes

The Worcester Arts Workshop Team

 

*Worcester Arts Workshop*
T: 01905 25053
E: info@worcesterartsworkshop.org.uk

Like Us On Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/WorcesterArtsWorkshop>    
Follow Us On Twitter


A crazy Little Thing Called Love


Need an excuse for a night out?

The funny and creative Kerpow Theatre are returning to Worcester Arts Workshop with their new show: A CRAZY LITTLE THING CALLED LOVE

A completely improvised show which looks at love in all its forms! A show with sketches, storytelling and stand up. If you liked "Whose Line is it Anyway" you'll love this show!

5 STARS "Hilarious, profound and heartwarming comedy!" Evening Standard

Thursday 22nd October, 7.30pm | Tickets £10 (£7 Concs)

To book email: info@worcesterartsworkshop.org.uk | Tel: 01905 25053

Please circulate friends, colleagues and anyone you know who likes to laugh. Hopefully see you there!

Workshop Opportunity - Devising Physical Theatre

WORKSHOP OPPORTUNITY: Devising Physical Theatre
Do you teach drama? Or are you an arts professional working with young people?  Need an injection of inspiration for your physical theatre lesson plans?
Our next public workshop is an exciting, interactive and practical twilight session for teachers and arts professionals working with KS 2,3,4 and above,  sharing the techniques that are used in the devising of Vamos Theatre’s award winning shows. With exercises and methods that can be fed straight back into unit planning or physical theatre practise, this two hour workshop will generate endless ideas for devising visual, physical theatre. The training explores the rules of how to devise in a group, physical theatre techniques, comedy, structure, pace and clarity in storytelling.
The workshop will be led by Vamos’s Artistic Director, Rachael Savage. Immerse yourself in this fun, non –threatening workshop looking at non-verbal theatre techniques, which develop a performer's awareness of audience, skills of movement, gesture and stance as well as clarity of expression.
Where and when
19th November 4pm – 6pm
Worcester Arts Workshop, 21 Sansome Street, Worcester, WR1 1UH
Cost
Cost is £40
http://www.vamostheatre.co.uk/education-and-training

Honor Hoskins
Marketing and Development Manager
Please note I work Tuesdays and Thursdays. If you have an urgent enquiry please contact the Vamos Office on 01905 312921
Vamos Theatre
Worcester Arts Workshop
21 Sansome Street
Worcester
WR1 1UH
01905 312921
www.vamostheatre.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/vamostheatre
Twitter: @VamosTheatre

Wednesday 7 October 2015


Wychavon The W Factor 2016

Wychavon District Council is looking for an experienced performing arts workshop leader and project manager to deliver our flagship project, The W Factor competition (and related tour of 5 local events in the summer) across the district working with a wide range of individuals and arts groups. The project will nurture and develop visual, digital and performing arts talent across the district with 11-18 year olds.

Programme of work

1.            The W Factor (January – March 2016)

The W factor has been running for eight years and has auditioned hundreds of young people aged 11-18 years from Wychavon in music, drama, dance, singing, visual arts, film and alternative (comedy, circus skills etc). We have run seven large scale final shows at the Public Hall, Evesham, Evesham Arts Centre and Number 8 Arts Centre. The young finalists have then gone on to perform and exhibit  across the district at various local events and at Wychavon’s Party in the Parks.

Key Elements (minimum requirements)

             Auditions x 3 20th January at the Civic Centre, Droitwich High School, Droitwich  5-7pm, Wed 20th Jan Simon De Montfort Middle School, Evesham  5-7.30pm and Thurs 21st Jan Civic Centre 5-8pm and to include the  provision of 1 other judge 

             Show rehearsals and coaching x 13-15 (dependent on how many finalists we have). You may want to bring in external artists to rehearse an art form that is not your direct skill

             Produce W Factor final show (including all equipment & crew) (Dress rehearsal Sun 6th March 2016, final show Mon 7th March 2016)

             Development, support and raising the profile of finalists throughout the summer through 5 performances at summer events and their consequent rehearsals.

Essential Requirements for the project

             An enhanced DBS check less than 3 years old will need to be seen for any relevant staff to be used on the programme

             Minimum £10 million public liability insurance (cert required)

             Previous experience of project/programme management in a similar environment

             Experience of editing and technical support

             Experience of working with young people

             Experience of producing live music events

             Experience of evaluating and monitoring projects

             Full detailed specifications (with breakdown of costs)

             Certified child protection policy

Application process

To apply please submit a quotation document to include the following:

             A budget breakdown

             What relevant experience you have (a minimum of 2 references required)

             A proposal detailing how you would run the project including how you would develop bands and individuals (content of sessions and coaching)

             How Child Protection and Safeguarding policies will be addressed

             How you would meet Health & Safety and security requirements at all times

             Anything else you may feel relevant to support or add value to your tender

Quotations and proposals to be received by Tuesday 27th October 2013 4pm

All shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview week commencing 2nd November 2014

 
Quotes to be no more than £8,600
For a full tender and more information contact Jenny Davis jenny.davis@wychavon.gov.uk 01386 565396
 
 
 

 

 

 

Tuesday 6 October 2015

Every Brillian Thing - Artrix


Every Brilliant Thing

 

You’re six years old. Mum’s in hospital. Dad says she’s done ‘something stupid’ because she finds it hard to be happy. So you start to make a list for her of everything that’s brilliant about the world. Ice Cream. Kung Fu movies. You know she’s read it because she corrects your spelling.

 

Every Brilliant Thing is a new play about depression and is a collaboration between Paines Plough, the national theatre of new plays, and Pentabus, a West Midlands touring company. Rather than dealing with the darker side of depression, this is theatre at its best. A one-man show that is life-affirming, clever, funny and uplifting.

 

Every Brilliant Thing is at Artrix on Wednesday 28th October at 7.30 pm. Tickets cost £14.00 ((£12.00 over 60s & students) and are available from the box office on 01527 577330 or online at www.artrix.co.uk
 
 

AUDITIONS For Swan Theatre Amateur Company’s production of




LITTLE WOMEN
by Peter Clapham. Adapted from the novel by Louisa M. Alcott

Open auditions will be held at the Upper Studio of the

Swan Theatre from 2.30pm on SUNDAY 25 OCTOBER.



The show will be performed on the main stage of the

Swan Theatre Tuesday 16 to Saturday 20 February 2016.
Set at the time of the turmoil during the American Civil War

the story follows the March family as they struggle with the

absence of their father as well as their declining social status

into poverty.
CHARACTERS

 
 
 
 

 
Press release

 
AUDITIONS FOR BUDDING ACTORS

Audition date: Sunday 25 October from 2.30

 

Swan Theatre Amateur Company is looking for a cast for their latest production of, Little Women to perform on the main stage at the Swan Theatre next February.

 

The story of Little Women is a classic novel by Louisa May Alcott. This adaptation for the stage is set during the turmoil of the American Civil War and follows the March Family (Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy) as they struggle with the absence of their father as well as their declining social status into poverty.

 

Director of the production, Curtis Fulcher, said: “No previous acting experience is needed. Swan Theatre Amateur Company are a friendly bunch, and it gives budding local actors the chance to tread the boards on a professional stage”.

 

The audition day will involve some reading from a script, no preparation is needed. The cast for Little Women needs four women aged 18-35, three women aged 50 plus, two men aged 50 plus and two young men aged 18-35.

 

The audition date is Sunday 25 October 2015 from 2.30pm. If that date is not convenient contact Curtis Fulcher on curtfulch@hotmail.com to arrange a different time or day. Little Women will be performed at the Swan Theatre from Tuesday 16 to Saturday 20 February 2016.

 

Notes to editors


For interviews or follow up information on the above information contact Curtis Fulcher on 07776 135093

Artrix announces appointment of new Director


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         


 


5th October 2015: The Artrix Board has announced the appointment of Hannah Phillips as the next Director of Artrix.

 

Hannah is currently Deputy Director (Outreach and Partnerships) at the Birmingham School of Acting, part of Birmingham City University (BCU) and will take over from Ros Robins, Artrix’s Interim Director, on 15th December.

 

Hannah’s current role involves her as part of both the Senior Leadership team at The School of Acting and within the Faculty of Arts, Design and Media at BCU. Her responsibilities include involvement in developing and delivering the strategic vision for the School, developing industry and outreach partnerships and running the BA (Hons) Applied Performance (Community and Education) programme. As a director and researcher, Hannah uses theatre and performance as a tool to raise awareness of social issues and specialises in making interdisciplinary work for young people.

Prior to her current position Hannah was Director of Young People’s Theatre at Birmingham REP and her career to date includes freelance directing of theatre, a stint as Head of BTEC and HND Performing Arts Programmes for Birmingham Theatre School (part of Birmingham Metropolitan College) and Teaching at the College of North East London. She has also been a Producer of the Birmingham SHOUT Festival – Festival of Queer Arts and Culture, a Film and Arts Reporter for BBC WM and Artistic Director of Birmingham Library Theatre Company.

Hannah Phillips said: 'I'm delighted to be joining Artrix during its tenth celebratory year. So much has been achieved in the last decade and I'm very much looking forward to working with staff, Trustees and volunteers to ensure that opportunities to engage and participate in arts and culture are available to as many people as possible.'

Dorothy Wilson, Chair of the Board said ‘We’re delighted to welcome Hannah and to anticipate the excitement of the next decade when Artrix will continue to offer outstanding artistic experiences to the people of Bromsgrove District. We are indebted to Ros Robins for steering Artrix through the challenges of the last year and for so ably preparing the organisation for the next chapter.’

For further information please contact Dorothy Wilson, Chair of the Board of Artrix at dorothy.wilson.artrix@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rosie Hamilton

Marketing and Fundraising Officer

Artrix

Slideslow Drive

Bromsgrove B60 1PQ

media@artrix.co.uk

01527 572692

Mobile 0777 9299860

 

Find us on Facebook – Artrix Arts Centre or follow us on Twitter - @ArtrixArts