Worcestershire Arts Partnership Blog

Friday 29 July 2016

Invitation from Vamos


FREE OPEN DRESS BEFORE EDINBURGH

We would love you to join us for an dress preview of Finding Joy before it heads to Edinburgh.

Join us Monday 1st August, 3pm (prompt) Worcester Arts Workshop Cellar Theatre, Worcester, WR1 1UH.
Running time 75 minutes.

Spaces limited please email info@vamostheatre.co.uk or call 01905 312921 to book a place

http://www.vamostheatre.co.uk/media/finding-joy-show-trailer

Finding Joy at Assembly Hall, Edinburgh 4-14 August To book: www.assemblyfestival.com/event/316/

Thursday 28 July 2016

A new part time job opportunity has become available at the Art in Minds Foundation!

Freelance Position Available
 

Job title
Office Manager (Self-Employed) – Sessional (Approximately 12 hours/ 3 half days per week)  £10 p/h
Reports to
Claire Hilton – Project Manager/Creative Director


 

 

 
Our Organisation
Art in Minds Foundation is a charity working with adults who have ongoing or past experience of mental ill-health within Worcestershire. We support our members' creative and artistic progression by facilitating a weekly art space and volunteer supervised art group as well as sending out newsletters, training volunteers and exhibiting our members work. We also run support days running up to exhibition time as well as arts workshops in varied media. We originated as part of Shrub Hill Workshop vocational NHS service, from an initiative encouraging exhibitions of clients work to promote a positive understanding of mental illness whilst increasing confidence and creative skill within individual’s artistic practice. 
 
Job purpose
 
To take on the day to day running’s of the organization when required (full training provided).
To aid the sustainability and progression of the organisation and enable more consistent delivery and public awareness.
Post will be based in our city center office and play a pivotal role in delivering and coordinating our activities throughout the year. This post funding dependent. 
 
Duties and responsibilities
To work alongside our Project Manager/Creative Director to:
Main Requirements:
 
To manage and implement the vision of AIMs, upholding and adhering to the AIMs constitution.
 
With the support of Trustees and by delegating to volunteers:
 
Create and implement operational policies and procedures.

Advertising and hiring Volunteers

Manage and oversee studio practice group along with volunteers/art students who are gaining work      
experience in the Arts and Health field.

Promote the role of volunteering and work together with the Volunteer Co-ordinator to ensure that the  
volunteers are adequately trained and supported in the role allocated to them.

Give general support to the members and volunteers with advice and guidance.  Seek new benefits for   
members at all opportunities (discounts at local arts stores etc) 
 
 
Monitor Outcomes
 
Develop and maintain the Management Information System

Monitor client progress, update the database with member contact details in line with data protection.

Oversee and manage feedback at the end of each project undertaken by the organisation, evaluate to review and where necessary, adapt future projects.  

 
 
Communications
 
Respond to enquires that come from the website, social media, e-mail and telephone for issues such as interest in our art groups, member art work, volunteer support and new exhibiting opportunities. 

Supervise volunteer in a confidential and regular manner, reporting any major concerns to our Project Manager in line with our policies and procedures.
 

 
 
Finance

Update monthly budget sheets and update the Profit and Loss spreadsheet.

Purchase invoices (includes voluntary donations, sponsorship and funding) keeping  accurate records for trustee and treasurer assessment.

Take art group subscriptions and action receipts.

Sale invoices (includes administering sales of member art work).

Assist in preparing and submitting accounts to the accountant and/or independent assessor (yearly).
 
 
Marketing
 
Assist with monthly newsletter as required.

Provide updates at the monthly members meeting.  

Keep promotional and information leaflets / flyers up to date.
 
Policies and Insurance
 
Ensure that all our policies are relevant and up to date and adhered to by staff and volunteers all times. Keep our SAA insurance (including public liability) up to date, adding new members as and when they register.
 
ALL OF THE ABOVE TO BE SUPPORTED BY OUR CREATIVE DIRECTOR, TRUSTEES AND OR VOLUNTEERS AS AND WHEN REQUIRED.
 
Qualifications/Experience
There is no minimum qualification necessary for this post although previous managerial experience is essential as are good communication skills and previous experience of community/project working is preferred. It would be ideal if the individual had an understanding of mental health services or mental health issues although this is not compulsory.
The applicant should be hard working, open-minded, enthusiastic and able to present themselves in a professional manner whilst being approachable to our members. It would be preferable if you were able to attend our open members meetings on the 4th Friday of every month, to provide a ‘friendly face’ to our members whom you will be working alongside. Previous experience of working within multidisciplinary teams would also be preferable.
 
The successful applicant will be required to be self-employed and will therefore be responsible to pay for their own DBS check (if they do not already hold one less than 6 months old that qualifies them working with vulnerable adults), insurance, National Insurance and Tax.
 
Working conditions
 
The role requires flexible working hours at times (especially during the exhibition) and will be working in a variety of locations such as:
             City Centre Office
    Hired locations such as Art Rooms and other Community locations
 
Please feel free to pass this information on to anybody you feel may be interested or suitable. To apply please send your CV and a covering letter stating why you would like to be involved in this project to our address below or via email. Closing date for applications: 20th Aug 2016. We are keen to get somebody in post as soon as possible to commence training with our Project Manager Interview w/b Monday 22nd Aug.  Proposed start date w/b Aug 29th.
 
 
 
 

 

Pls see the following job opportunity - Technical Officer.


Technical Officer

£18,638 (0.4FTE/ Annualised hours) with supplementary payments for any agreed additional hours worked.

 
It's an exciting time to join Live & Local. We are growing fast this year to support a network of over 300 voluntary organisations across eight counties in the east and west Midlands who choose and promote professional live performances and film screenings for their local community run venues. Live & Local is a National Portfolio Organisation of Arts Council England.

 
The role of Technical Officer is an important step in the growth of Live & Local and will help to future-proof the company by adding valuable skills to the team. It is a demanding role with planning, media preparation and office work alongside hands on technical duties at live shows, Big Picture Show screenings and other events. The Technical Officer will support the Development & Projects Manager and other staff in the delivery of a range of events and projects.

 
The post will be based in Warwick but with the expectation of travel across the east and west Midlands.


Deadline: Noon, Monday 8th August

Interviews: Between 18-22 August

Application: Via application form only. Application pack available for download on our jobs page: www.liveandlocal.org.uk

Job Opportunity - Tudor House Museum, Worcester!

Tudor House Worcester- seeks a new Museum Leader

To help write the next chapter in the development of our museum.
 
 
 
( www.tudorhouse.org.uk ) 18th July 2016


Background: Tudor House, run by Worcester Heritage and Amenity Trust (WHAT) is an independent, financially stable, volunteer-run museum, whose displays reflect the history of the house. The aim of WHAT is to provide a heritage attraction based at Tudor House, Friar Street, Worcester that is educational, accessible, and financially sustainable. WHAT is a company limited by guarantee (Reg No 5062948 Charitable Trust No., 1103730 ) with a Trustee Board that meets quarterly and an Operations Committee of key volunteers meeting every six weeks.

The museum is thriving with excellent and increasing visitor numbers, new partnerships being formed and expansion plans in hand. It is undergoing a period of growth and has recently been awarded accreditation status. An application for HLF funding is currently in progress. Since its inception in 2003 Tudor House has been run primarily by volunteers some of whom have designated responsibilities to support the current activities of the house. In the last three years a professional Curator/Manager has been employed to develop professional museum standards and the Museum has taken a stride forward. We now wish to replace this role with a Museum Leader to consolidate this advancement and take the performance of the Museum to a still higher level.



 
Purpose of Job: The Museum Leader will be the key person in the museum leading in its growth and development while giving due emphasis to Curatorial and General Management activities.



Key Functions
 
To develop new exciting projects with existing, new and loaned material and prepare funding bids related to these initiatives -specifically the current HLF bid activity.

To organise and drive marketing activities particularly through social media, trip advisor and the website.

To support the Board, and lead the Operations Committee (Ops) and the volunteers in developing strategies for collection policy, education, displays and events. The overarching challenge is to recognise and adopt best museum practice where possible.

To be commercially aware of the budget plans and the need to generate a surplus to reinvest in the sustainability of the Museum

To take the lead role in managing the day to day operational matters covered by the members of the Ops who have designated responsibilities. (EG Volunteer recruitment and training, open/close procedures, stewarding, Education, Café and shop activities, routine maintenance and cleaning.)

To maintain the standards laid down by the Museums Accreditation Scheme which was granted to Tudor House in 2015.

To continue and build the successful Tudor House Educational visit programme.

The Museum Leader will be responsible to the Board via the Chairman.
 


Key Areas of Responsibility
General Management/Commercial
 
 
 
Guide, and chair the Operations Committee (Ops Com) management team and attend quarterly WHAT Board Meetings.


Manage the website, social media and trip advisor content.


Take an active part in driving up visitor numbers and hence revenue generation via new commercial activities.


Develop new initiatives to constantly improve the performance of Tudor House.


Help to plan and participate in activities organised by Ops.


Review and revise policy statements to align with Organisational Health requirements of the Museums Accreditation Standard.


Maintain and review Health and Safety/Security/Maintenance procedures already in place.

 
Supervise house activities and support the Ops member responsible for volunteers on a day-to-day basis in matters of:-
 
o historical training to improve consistency of approach

o the area of public facing stewardship

o ensuring adherence to the volunteer handbook

o motivation and development of the volunteer team


The Museum Leader will be responsible to the Board via the Chairman.


Curatorial
 
 
Carry out Collection Management function/administration in accordance with best practice to maintain Museum Accreditation status.


To work with Ops Team, particularly the volunteer responsible for content, to identify opportunities to continually improve the content and relevance of the interpretation offered.


Liaise with events co-ordinator in organisation of content oriented events.


Liaise with education coordinator to build on the already well regarded opportunities for study by schools and the wider public.


Manage new exhibits, guest exhibitions and other Tudor House attractions.


Train volunteer staff in stewarding duties relating to historical/heritage content.


 
Desirable Qualifications/Skills/Experience
Three years experience in the museum sector with relevant further education qualification(s) and good knowledge of curatorial activities.


Experience in marketing via social media, website management and advertising.


The ability to take the lead and work, creatively and constructively within a voluntary team with an understanding of management, motivation and sensitivities of a volunteer force.


An interest in Worcester, Tudor House, Tudor History and its relevance to Worcester.


Enthusiasm and the ability to share that enthusiasm with an audience who are not experts in the field.

Experience of working in an organisation offering services to customers.

Willingness to contribute towards various tasks relating to the everyday life of a heritage centre with a clear focus on visitor experience and expectations.

Possess, or be prepared to work towards, the First Aid at Work Certificate.




Terms and conditions of service
Hours: Flexible ~30 hours per week. (4 x 7.5 hr days with 30 min lunch). It is expected that the incumbent would be available minimum of 2 out of 4 Saturdays.


Holidays: Equivalent to 28 days per year full time basis.


Salary: To be discussed with short listed applicants but guided pro rata 4/5ths of appropriate museum service pay scales. (Expected range for 30 hours £21k-£25k)

Term: Fixed term, two years, part time contract in the first instance on a probationary basis for 6 months.

References: All new appointments are subject to the receipt of satisfactory references, medical report and criminal conviction vetting clearance.


 
Interested parties should submit a one paragraph summary statement followed by two paragraphs highlighting relevant experience relating to the Curatorial and General Management requirements listed above. This to be supported by a short CV and two referees.

Applications should be addressed to: jim@jimpanter.co.uk (preferably) or Jim Panter, Chairman, Tudor House, 38/42 Friar Street, Worcester, WR1 2NA
 
The closing date for receipt of applications is 5:00pm 30th Aug 2016
 

Friday 22 July 2016

Opportunity!


Opportunity!
We are seeking four visual arts based practitioners for this new and exciting project. Please see below for details:



VISUAL ARTS PRACTITIONERS (freelance)

 

Tenure:                       Fixed term October 2016 to September 2018

Location:                   Herefordshire

Fee:                            £2,600 plus travel expenses and materials (year 1 fee)

Closing Date:           12 noon on Thursday, 25 August 2016

Interviews:                 Friday, 9 September 2016

 

The Courtyard Centre for the Arts is looking to recruit four visual arts practitioners to deliver a new Creative Ageing project.  This exciting opportunity is part of the innovative mentoring model and will allow you to develop your own practice whilst working alongside experts within the arts and older people field.  You will be provided with an expert mentor, receive initial training and have the opportunity to shadow your mentor, enabling you to develop how you use your practice to facilitate workshops for older people in a variety of care settings.  You will deliver 3 x 10-week residencies (1 session per week) in year 1 (October 2016- September 2017).  You will then be provided with further freelance employment for year 2 of the project (October 2017- September 2018).

 

The ideal candidates will have a real desire to strive towards improving the quality of life for older people through direct access to the arts.  You will need to have experience of facilitating visual arts-based workshops, however, experience working with older people is not essential as the programme is designed to support practitioners develop their skills in this area.  Those with some experience of working with older people are still encouraged to apply if they are keen to develop their skills further whilst working alongside an expert mentor.  We are particularly interested in receiving applications from mixed media artists.

 

The project is kindly funded by The Big Lottery Reaching Communities Fund.

 

This project will be based in and around the county of Herefordshire.  Practitioners will be expected to have access to transport in order to reach the various locations of the project. Please do not forget to include the 6 good quality images of you work, to support your application.

 

For more background information on the project, the expert mentor and for an application pack please go to https://www.courtyard.org.uk/about/job-vacancies/general-vacancies/  or contact Mel Langford at The Courtyard, email: mel.langford@courtyard.org.uk, tel: 01432 346507

 

 

Friday 15 July 2016

Please see the following job opportunity with Gloucestershire County Council - Community Heritage Development Officer


Job Vacancy - Community Heritage Development Officer


Gloucestershire County Council are in the process of recruiting another project officer to help deliver the For the Record project.  A Community Heritage Development Officer – someone who will grow the Gloucestershire Heritage Hub network and help the individuals and community groups/organisations that are part of it to engage with the onsite and online Heritage Hub offer.   You can find details about the post and how to apply here. 

http://myjobs.gloucestershire.gov.uk/pages/job_search_view.aspx?jobId=1483&JobIndex=7&categoryList=&minsal=0&maxsal=150000&workingPatternList=&keywords=&PageIndex=1&Number=25


The deadline for applications is midnight on 27th July 2016.


This full-time post is fixed term for three and a half years, and is being financed by Heritage Lottery Fund.

 

Please see this fantastic opportunity!


 

Community Open Day

Join us as we share our plans to transform
St Swithun’s into a city centre space for sound and art. 
 
Stone carving - Craft activities - Storytelling

Music and poetry - Summer Tea Party

Saturday 23 July, 10:30am - 4pm

 
St Swithun’s Church, Church Street, Worcester WR1 2RH

0117 929 1766

Free entry - donations welcome
Time for change at St Swithun’s
visitchurches

Thursday 14 July 2016

Please see the below opportunity for a public arts consultant from Berkeley homes


Consultant Briefing Document – Public Art Manager
Berkeley Homes (Oxford & Chiltern) Limited

Development: Former Royal Worcester Porcelain Works

Address: Severn Street / Portland Walk, Worcester





July 8, 2016
Introduction
This document sets out an introduction and initial brief for the above

project, in order to find an appropriate Public Art Manager / Consultant to

help deliver a coherent scheme of art for the development.

The contents of this document are confidential and are intended only for

the addressed consultant, and to the project which the appointment

relates. This document should not be copied or distributed except with the

express permission of Berkeley Homes (Oxford & Chiltern) Limited.
Page | 2

CBD-PA | Consultant Briefing Document – Public Art
Project Introduction
The project is located on the site of the former Royal Worcester porcelain

works and consists of two sites – Portland Walk and Severn Street.

Berkeley Homes bought the site in around 2005 following the closure of

the porcelain works on the development. A hybrid detailed and outline

planning consent was granted shortly after this, generating Section 106

public art obligations. More recently, detailed planning applications on part

of the Severn Street scheme have generated the requirement for public

art.
Berkeley Homes are looking to deliver the art requirements for this site in

order to enhance the public realm and satisfy the planning obligations.

In order to develop and inform the project, Berkeley Homes have enlisted

the support, guidance and experience of key stakeholders. They will form

the Steering Group, of which the appointed Public Arts Manager /

Consultant will be part of and report to. The Steering Group is currently as

follows:

· Berkeley Homes (Oxford & Chiltern) Limited (Client, landowner,


developer and architect)


· Museum of Royal Worcester (Neighbour and involved in local and


wider context art and heritage trails)


· Worcestershire County Council, County Arts Officer




To date, we have held two workshops to discuss Berkeley’s requirements

and explore how we take the project forward. From this, we believe that a

Public Art Manager / Consultant with appropriate experience of briefing,

procuring and delivering art within historic and sensitive locations will be

beneficial.

This document is intended to be used to find a shortlist of interested parties

to meet with the Steering Group. At this meeting, we would look to explore

your experience and thoughts in relation to this project with a view to

making an appointment following this.
Page | 3

© Berkeley Homes (Oxford & Chiltern) Ltd, 2015
Project Initial Brief

The overall requirement for public art is governed by the Section 106

planning obligations relating to the original planning consent (reference

P05D0432), and the planning conditions covered under the recent

applications for site areas B & C (references P13D0297 and P13D0385

respectively).

Under the Section 106, “…a work or works of public art on the

Development … of a maximum of £100,000.00” should be

delivered. Suggested uses for the money include the “enhancement of the

five open public areas on the Development”, “the interpretation of the

history of the site”. Previous discussions with the Local Authority have

indicated that this could be by means of a heritage trail.

The above planning applications for site areas B & C both contain the

following condition: “Full details of public art/realm improvements including

historical representations/display information including any details shown

on the submitted plans shall be submitted to and approved by the local

planning authority in writing prior to implementation as part of the

development hereby approved. The development shall not be undertaken

other than in full accordance with such approved details”.
 
The requirement for the conditions under the planning applications for site

areas B & C was derived from the proposed development for site area B

partially obscuring a painted elevation to the Museum. Whilst the work(s)

should not be an obvious signpost to the Museum, it may be installed in a

“gateway” location to signify the history of the development and encourage

people towards and in to the site.

The proposed work(s) of art will need to satisfy the requirements of the

above, with at least one piece of work installed on the corner of site area

C in the location shown on the attached plan.

Berkeley Homes will remain the point of contact with the Local Authority

for discharging these obligations.

In addition to the above, the scheme should take in to account the following

constraints/opportunities.

Planning Designation The site sits within the “Historic City”

conservation area within Worcester and

contains and abuts listed buildings including

the Bone Mill (grade II*, also referred to as the

Pan Grinding Shop) and the former Porcelain

Showroom (grade II). Planning conditions and

Section 106 obligations require the provision of

public art as detailed elsewhere.

Heritage The site is perhaps best known as being the

location where Royal Worcester was

established in 1751.
Page | 4

CBD-PA | Consultant Briefing Document – Public Art

Porcelain works were produced on the site through to the early 21st


century. Many of the original buildings remain

and have since been converted for residential

and commercial uses, complimented by new

buildings designed in a sympathetic

architectural style.

Archaeology Generally, archaeology within the site consists

of remains associated with the former

porcelain works. In addition to this, beneath

the northernmost part of the site sits a

medieval church on to which sat the former St

Peter’s Church (Victorian) both of which no

longer remain, and are accompanied with

associated burial grounds. The remains of the

former medieval City Wall also run from

Sidbury returning under the Old School House

and Museum.

Trees / Hedgerows There are no significant trees or hedgerows to

be taken in to consideration.

Ecology There is no significant ecology to be taken in

to consideration.

Existing Services Mains services run along Princes Drive and

Armstrong Drive and will need to be taken in to

consideration subject to the type of works

proposed.

Watercourses Both the Severn Street site, and Portland Walk

site sit directly alongside the Worcester and

Birmingham Canal. The southernmost part of

the Portland Walk site fronts on to the River

Severn. It is understood that the former would

have been used to service the former

porcelain works.

Highways Roads within the development are not adopted

by the Local Authority. The location of any

work(s) may need to be reviewed to ensure

vehicle movement and visibility is not affected.

Timescales for the project are not fixed and are open for discussion with

the appointed Manager / Consultant. However, a rough indication is as

follows

· Mid to Late 2016 – Interview and appoint the Public Art Manager /

Consultant; develop brief and strategy.

· Late 2016 to Early 2017 – Appoint artist(s) and refine brief.

· Early to Mid 2017 – Approve art work(s).

· Mid 2017 onwards – Installation of work(s), subject to intended

location(s) and construction works elsewhere within the

development.

It is envisaged that the above brief is the starting point for the appointment

of a Public Art Manager / Consultant, and will be developed further with the
Page | 5

© Berkeley Homes (Oxford & Chiltern) Ltd, 2015
input and guidance of such person alongside the steering group in order to

develop a clear brief for the intended work(s) of art.

Deliverables
 
The successful provider will be expected to:

· Undertake consultation work with the Steering Group and any
other such stakeholders as agreed

· Write the brief/tender for the work(s) of art and agree this with the
Steering Group

· Provide a shortlist of artists and work with the Steering Group to
narrow this to a single option

· Manage the process and budget on behalf of Berkeley Homes

· Liaise with Berkeley Homes as required in respect of H&S and the

timings and installation of the work(s)

· Report to the Steering Group on a regular basis (say monthly

unless otherwise agreed)

Budget
The overall budget for the public art shall not exceed £100,000 (inc. VAT).

Any proposal above this amount will be rejected. This figure shall include

your fee and all other costs associated with the management,

commissioning, procurement and installation of the art work(s).
 
Submission
The closing date for expressions of interest in the Public Art Manager role

shall be 12 noon on Friday 2 September 2016. The expression of interest

should be submitted by email only to the point of contact at the end of this

document. The expression of interest should include the following:

· Your proposals for the work(s) of art

· Details of how the proposals will be delivered

· A short statement of your suitability for the role

· A CV or statement of your relevant experience

· Examples of commissions you have been involved in

· A breakdown of the Budget (which must include a detailed

breakdown of your fees which shall be a Fixed Cost)

Selection Process
Submissions shall be made in accordance with the requirements above.

Shortlisted consultants may be required to attend a clarification meeting to

discuss their proposals. Applicants will be responsible for any costs in

obtaining information and preparing their application.

In completing your proposals you must not make any assumptions about

the Steering Groups knowledge of your organization or activities. Your

application will only be assessed on the information submitted.
Page | 6

CBD-PA | Consultant Briefing Document – Public Art
The timetable for the selection process is as follows:

Public Art Consultant Brief Issued – 15 July 2016

Submission Deadline – 2 September 2016

Evaluation and Potential Clarification Meeting – September 2016

Preferred Consultant Identified – September 2016

Berkeley Homes reserve the right to seek clarification or further information

about any matter covered in the application or clarification meeting.

Berkeley Homes reserves the right not to appoint a consultant if no

applicant satisfactorily demonstrates how they will meet the brief.
 
Point of Contact
During the project, all enquiries should be directed to:

Alex Burrows, Assistant Design Manager

Berkeley Homes (Oxford & Chiltern) Ltd

Berkeley House, Farnham Lane, Farnham Royal SL2 3RQ

alex.burrows@berkeleygroup.co.uk