Artrix Summer Exhibition 2016 - Wed 13th Jul - Sun 14th Aug.

 

Wed 13th Jul - Sun 14th Aug

Artrix Summer Exhibition 2016                    

Artrix Summer Exhibition celebrates the variety of work being produced by visual artists from around Worcestershire & the West Midlands.

Taking as its theme the words ‘Contemporary and Challenging’, it aims to showcase different artforms including photography, painting, collage, sculpture and digital work.

Submissions for this year’s exhibition are now closed and the team of Young Curators have now selected the works for display.

For more information, please email TC Peppercorn, Exhibitions Co-Ordinator on outreach@artrix.co.uk


Wednesday 13th July - Sunday 14th August 2016   

The Artrix gallery brings the best in challenging new work to Bromsgrove in its monthly exhibition programme of 2D, 3D and mixed media artwork.
Admission is free and is open 10am-4pm Monday-Saturday and on performance evenings.

Featured image: Sue Hayden: Towards Pwll Deri

- See more at: http://www.artrix.co.uk/whats-on/exhibitions/artrix-summer-exhibition-2016/#sthash.Hzxki6Zg.dpuf

Ledbury Poetry Festival - 1st - 10th July, Ledbury

Join us for 10 Sparkling Days of Poetry...

The Festival celebrates 20 years with a chorus of poets reading from the Festival's anniversary anthology Hwaet! James Fenton is making a rare and exclusive appearance in the UK. Carol Ann Duffy gives a gala performance which includes classic poems set to music by Little Machine. Eileen Atkins, Edmund de Waal and Peter Tatchell will chat about their desert island poems. Poets including Grace Nichols, John Agard, Frieda Hughes, Jacob Polley, Mark Doty, Andrew McMillan, Hannah Lowe, Sarah Howe, Hollie McNish and Fleur Adcock. Indian poet Karthika Naïr will give a re-telling of The Mahabharata. Sir Jonathan Bate will talk about Ted Hughes. There is cool poetry/ jazz-improv with Tongue Fu. The Festival welcomes poets from South Africa, turns the spotlight on refugee and migrant experiences. The poetry breakfast under the Market House is always a special occasion and this year entertainment is provided by poet-priest Malcolm Guite, who performs his beautifully crafted poems and plays the guitar! Juliet Stevenson reads her selection of poems by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, with narrative by Mark Fisher. Theatrical events include the highly recommended The Book of Job the Musical. Also Ovid’s Heroines with Clare Pollard and The Magnetic Diaries written by Sarah James. There are still a few places on the Poetry and Meditation Retreat led by Maitreyabandhu, Matthew Sweeneyand Fiona Sampson. Maitreyabandhu's illuminating Poetry East style interviews with Medbh McGuckian and Arundhathi Subramaniam. Maitreyabandhu's interview approach unpacks how poetry is relevant, accessible and meaningful and are an opportunity to enjoy thought-provoking conversations with some of our most challenging and respected poets. Punk 'n' Poetry combines great music and the voices of Spoz and Jonny Fluffypunk. There are talks on Frank O’Hara and Eleanor Farjeon and an event on poetry and neuroscience. A rare chance to hear Gaelic poet Aonghas MacNeacail. Another highly recommended event is Voices from the Cillín,  which is accompanied by an exhibition inspired by Ireland's unmarked graveyards. The Festival finale is Bards without Borders, an uplifting and inspiring performance by a troupe of multilingual bards who speak back to Shakespeare with newly written poems.   

 

 

 

 

Dear all, please see this important announcement regarding EU arts funding.

So it's LEAVE.

 

I will be upfront here – I think this will be a disaster for the UK across a range of areas – ranging from reinforcing a nationalist and isolationist tendency in the age of globalisation which will result in the UK being left behind by larger and more powerful trading blocs and countries, through to negative impacts on opportunities for European collaboration and funding.  There is a huge question mark over the future of the UK, and it is not completely fanciful to say that the Leave result could lead to the breakup of the UK – both Scotland and NI voted to remain in the EU.

 

But I want to use this newsletter to provide a brief overview of the practical implications for those interested in developing partnerships and applications for EU funding.

 

Firstly, in theory, the UK will continue to be eligible to be able to lead, or be a partner in, applications for EU funding – whether for Horizon 2020, Erasmus+, Europe for Citizens and Creative Europe – and this will certainly continue until the end of the 2 year period that will be triggered when the UK government invokes Article 50 – which at the moment seems likely to be sometime in the autumn.  It is possible that there could be agreement for the UK to be eligible until the final deadlines in 2019 for the current round of these programmes (the current funding round ends in 2020).  The UK will also continue to distribute its share of the EU Structural & Investment Funds via DCLG & the LEPs in England, and the various designated agencies and partners in the devolved nations and regions of the UK.

 

Beyond 2019/2020, however, this is likely to all change, and will be based on which of the several options is the one chosen by the UK for its formal relationship with the EU.  There are two clear options and a range of possible alternatives yet to be fully explored.

 

The first option is for the UK to be a Norway type member.  If this option is pursued, then things might not change very much – Norway is eligible to apply as a lead partner or co-organiser for most trans-national funds, for example. However, this is because Norway is an official member of the single market and pays roughly the same per head as does the UK for the privilege – and also accepts the freedom of movement of EU workers.  The problem here is that this is not the sort of post Brexit UK that has been voted for by those who voted to leave.  So a Norway type arrangement seems unlikely.

 

The other option is that the UK is completely independent from the EU with no arrangements or agreements of any sort – like Russia (!).  There are virtually no other European countries that have no “arrangements” with the EU – Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and even Switzerland are members of either EFTA or the EEA, and the Balkan countries and Turkey have committed to joining the EU one day and are therefore classified as “candidate” countries – there are even agreements of one sort or another between the EU and Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine.  A fully independent UK would mean that UK organisations could only participate in EU funding programmes as a “third country” associate partner, on the same basis as Israel, the USA, Colombia, Australia, Thailand, etc.

 

There could be options between these extremes, but it seems likely that almost any of these would mean the UK either paying a contribution or signing up to commitments that those who voted leave have rejected, so it is difficult at this stage to see the new arrangement being anywhere as open to the UK as it is currently.

Another obvious impact will be the UK's eligibility to be European Capital of Culture - it's next turn is 2023 and several UK cities have already begun their campaigns.  It is difficult to see how this invitation can stand if the UK is not an EU member after 2018/19/20 – and though there have been non EU cities as capitals of culture in the past (e.g. Bergen in Norway, or Istanbul in Turkey), these have been in countries who are part of the single market or official candidate countries – the UK will be neither of these.

 

In the broader context, there will be implications on visa free travel (gone), reciprocal healthcare arrangements (most likely gone), tax arrangements when touring (more complicated, at the very least), etc, etc.  The UK's interactions with the EU will be similar to those with the rest of the world – possible but less easy.  Many (larger) arts and cultural organisations will cope as they currently already manage international touring and collaborations – but for many smaller and middle scale organisations, and individual artists, the impact will mean fewer opportunities and more complicated arrangements.

 

There is the bigger picture too – we now live in a globalised world – the UK is a member of around 60 pan-national or international bodies (all of which are far less democtratic than the EU) as any country needs such memberships and relationships in order to function.  No country (with the possible exception of North Korea) exists without such memberships – and the financial contributions they levy, and having to obey their rules and regulations.  The idea that the UK can somehow exist in glorious isolation from global relationships is a mirage.  To function outside the EU, the UK will spend the next 5-10 years negotiating or renegotiating arrangements in a huge number of areas – with results that in many cases will be more disadvantageous than those that applied as a result of its membership of the EU.

 

I could write about the genuine fears that many leave voters have about the impact of EU sanctioned migration, and all the areas where the EU could do things better (or more cheaply) but all that is now irrelevant – the UK no longer has any seat at the EU table and thus no influence on any changes to the way it works.  In fact, the EU may well face further challenges from disgruntled citizens across other member states who also feel they would be better off out of it.

 

The UK's challenge is to find a new way in the world.  The tragedy is that this new way may well be less successful than the way we have been heading, and will certainly be in the context of an isolationist and nationalist mentality that seems to me to be at odds with the way the world is evolving.

Hey ho.  Of course, one has to note that we have (so far) decided to leave the EU – the UK is still in Eurovision.  If one is really scraping the barrel to find the silver lining, I note that the collapse of the pound in the last few days has meant that a 200,000 euro grant from the EU has now increased in value to the UK by around £20-25,000…

 

In the meantime, my show, “Knowing EU” is on at 16.05 from 5-27 August at the Edinburgh Fringe – though maybe I will rename it “(it's been good) Knowing EU”.  The fact that these performances will be in Scotland, which voted overwhelmingly to remain (which could trigger a further independence referendum – and the breakup of the UK) will mean I have plenty of material to work with – though the jokes may take on a slightly more nihilistic flavour….   If you're interested, you can book tickets for this show via www.edfringe.com - just search for “Knowing EU”.

 

Euclid will continue to run seminars on EU funding opportunities (7 July in London & 13 July in Manchester – see www.euclid.info) and offer advice and guidance to those developing applications – our success rate for those we advised for the 2015 Creative Europe Culture sub-programme deadline was 43% - compared to a 10% success rate of the other applications.

If anyone would like to discuss any of the above, please email me, geoffrey@euclid.info.

 

Geoffrey Brown, Euclid - 26 June 2016

ACE advised to change funding structures to promote everyday creativity.

ACE advised to change funding structures to promote everyday creativity.

Street parties, guerrilla gardening and engagement with cultural buildings must be encouraged if creativity is to become as accessible as sport, a new report has concluded. Arts Council England (ACE) should create a new small grants fund to ensure ‘everyday creativity’ is embedded across society, a new report has advised. It should also reconsider using language such as ‘excellence’ and ‘great art’, which ultimately discourages people without talent from practising creativity, and consider a more ‘democratic’ use of funded buildings and future capital developments.

The report, produced by campaign group 64 million artists with funding from ACE, is the result of a five-month nationwide study into how to move from ‘Great Art For Everyone’ to ‘Great Art By, With and For Everyone’. It defines ‘everyday creativity’ as grassroots arts activity, encompassing everything from breakdancing in open spaces to guerrilla gardening and painting in sheds. Its publication follows the Warwick Commission Report, which found only 8% of the UK population regularly attend funded culture. It hopes to build on the success of projects and organisations with a similar agenda, such as BBC Get Creative, Fun Palaces, and Voluntary Arts.

The report finds a number of barriers to everyday creativity, with one of the most important being the assumption that professional artists create art and ordinary people merely consume it. It says this is magnified by apparently divisive language such as ‘Great Art for Everyone’. Other barriers highlighted are:

• A lack of an accessible space, either virtual or physical, in which to be creative;
• A lack of general appreciation for process over product;
• A lack of creativity in education and work, with pressures on teachers and continual assessment stifling playful creativity;
• The apparent requirement to be ‘professional’ in everyday life, instead of expressing ideas and opinions.

The barriers to everyday creativity are contrasted against the relatively few perceived barriers in sport, in which amateurs and professionals are seen as equal contributors.

The report presents a series of recommendations for ACE and warns it not to deepen the amateur / professional divide by simply empowering its funded organisations to do ‘better engagement’. It suggests creating a small grants fund, as part of the Grants for the Arts programme or existing community funding models, to distribute grants of up to £5k with lower requirements. In addition, it recommends creating longer term funding opportunities for community development that match the length of funding agreements for national portfolio organisations, and focusing funding on people rather than projects. It also advocates embedding creativity in the curriculum, although it stops short of assessing the current state of arts education, which has seen a sharp fall in the number of performing arts courses taken in the past year. Other suggestions include creating a national campaign to highlight the benefits of everyday creativity; relaxing art form definitions in funding applications; establishing ‘citizen panels’ to contribute to funding decisions; and broadening the definition of cultural participation in research and population surveys

 

Children and Young People's Sub Group - invitation to meeting on 14th July, Artrix Arts Centre, Bromsgrove 2pm - 4pm

 

The next meeting of the Children and Young People's Sub Group which is taking place on Thursday 14^th July between 2pm and 4pm at the Artrix Arts Centre, Bromsgrove, will focus on next year's Voices and Visions programme.

We would love to get as many of you there to look at how we can create a wide offer for all young people in and out of education as well as sharing information from your plans too so we are extending this invitation to the wider arts community

 

Full Agenda

1.    Voices and Visions

2.    Ambassador Programme

3.    WAP update

4.    Members Update

 

Please can you confirm attendance with Diane Thomson (dethomson@worcestershire.gov.uk) for catering purposes.

WINN Wednesday

We are very excited to confirm booking for the next WINN Wednesday has now opened!
Please click on the link below, where you will be directed to our new WINN site and the WINN Wednesday booking form.
Please feel free to share as we would love to reach as many of our innovation communities as possible.
WINN Team
...

https://winn-hub.com/

Artworks e-news June 2016

 

 

WYCHAVON FAMILY ARTS WORKSHOPS
Drop in to these monthly arts and crafts workshops on 2^nd Saturday of the month at The
Meetbox (opposite Muffin Break) in St Andrews Shopping Centre, Droitwich Spa starting
from 9 July from 2-4pm, aged from 3 years+ £2 per child or £1 per extra sibling. This project
is supported by Wychavon District Council. Contact The Canal Side Studios 07725 488513
thecanalsidestudios@gmail.com

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NUMBER 8
Number 8 Opens Call for Gallery Submissions

Number 8 is calling for exhibitors that would like to submit up to two pieces of work to an
Open Exhibition that will take place between Thu 6 Oct - Wed 26 Oct 2016 and for artists
that would like to have a solo or group exhibition in 2017.

The deadline for Open Exhibition submission is Mon 18 July, 11am.

The deadline for 2017 solo or group exhibitions is Mon 25 July, 11am.     

If you are an artist or groups of artists interested in exhibiting at Number 8. Further details
and Submission Forms are attached or  available to download from their website
http://www.number8.org/downloads/ or contact exhibitions@number8.org / 01386 561906

Other shows and projects include Calamity Jane Sing-a-Long (U), Ciné Concert: The Battle
of the SommeConductor Michael Lloyd, Chandos Symphony Orchestra, Olympics Play in a
Day for 8-18 year olds, Chance to Dance - Carnival Summer School for over 55’s

www.number8.org

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SONIA SABRI COMPANY
Salaam. Salaam meaning ‘peace’ is Sonia Sabri Company’s latest stunning creation.
This two part programme cleverly weaves a dialogue between live music and Kathak dance,
celebrating harmony, inner–stillness and the simple bliss of being alive.

Thursday 7 July, 7.30pm The Courtyard,  Edgar Street, Hereford, HR4 9JR
Box Office – 01432 340555
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WORCESTERSHIRE EARLY MUSIC
Friday 24th June, Vivaldi Four Seasons, 7.30pm College Hall, Worcester Cathedral

tickets £15 (£5 under 18), 2 for £15, or £25 family ticket wegottickets, ref 353276

 

Friday 19th August lunchtime recital, 1pm Songs from medieval and renaissance times
composed by women, Old St Martin's, Cornmarket given by Ruth Hopkins, from K'antu

Retiring collection

 

Summer events at St Swithuns, Worcester include lunchtime organ recitals each Friday at
1.10pm throughout June, July and August (retiring collection) and on Saturday 16th July at
7pm, The Elgar School of Music end of term concert will take place in St Swithuns, featuring
the recorder group and Baroque choir amongst others.

 

Old Chapel Court Concerts, Tewkesbury, Sunday 10th July The Border Waites 15.30

perform a programme entitled Shipwreck! Sunday 31st July Under the Greenwood Tree 15.00

a programme of music from 18th century England. For more details of these and many other
events visit www.severnmuses.net

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NATIONAL YOUTH ORCHESTRA
NYO Inspire Orchestra Play the Hub!

When: Saturday 9th July 2016, 11am (sign in from 10:30 am) – 6pm

Where: South Bromsgrove High School, Bromsgrove B60 3NL

Who: Teenage instrumental musicians grade 4+ Free!

 

Come and join in a day of workshops with the NYO Inspire Orchestra culminating in a performance
of Nino Rota’s La Strada by the NYO Inspire Orchestra. Play in the parade, pick up tips on orchestra
techniques, and enjoy a theatrical performance by the NYO Inspire Orchestra. If you’re a teenage
musicians playing at grade 4+, then this day is for you!

 

To sign up please contact Monika Cockcroft at Worcestershire Youth Music on
mcockcroft@worcestershire.gov.uk by Friday 17th June
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FREE TRAINING COURSES
Droitwich Spa and Rural Council for Voluntary Service are running some free training courses in
First Aid and safeguarding  to employees and volunteers of community organisations and charities.
If you want to find out more and dates etc. then contact Tonia Enderby
Tel: 01905 779115

Email: tonia@droitwichcvs.org.uk

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DANCEFEST-VISTA CHOIR
NO SINGING REQUIRED! NO DANCE EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!

They're looking for 100 people of all ages to be part of a 'movement choir', performing simple
movement, created with choreographers David McKenna and Yael Owen-McKenna, to be part
of their Summer performance experience in the beautiful grounds of Croome Court. No experience
is necessary and it's FREE to take part (or you can donate to their crowdfunder). There is no
singing required with this performance. It involves simple co-ordinated movements performed by
a large group of people of all ages and abilities in a well-loved heritage site.

Please note that UNDER 14s should be with AN ADULT TAKING PART.

You'll need to be able to make all of these dates:

Rehearsals - Sunday 10 July, 10am-4pm / Friday 15 July, 6.30-9pm at Croome.

Performances - 16 & 17 July, 1pm-4.30pm at Croome.

Please register at www.dancefest.co.uk/performances/vista/vista-movement-choir
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

EVESHAM FESTIVAL OF WORDS
They have two fringe events coming up before the Festival - the free Picnic at The Valley on
Sunday 26 June (1-4pm).  Hopefully the sun will shine, they will have story tellers, pony rides,
an optional steam train.  Everyone is encouraged to come along in fancy dress, as a character
from a favourite book, with prizes for best boy, girl and family.  By complete contrast there is a
two course lunch followed by a talk on Evesham Bell Foundry at Holland House on Tuesday 28th
June.  Details of both are on the website www.eveshamfestivalofwords.org

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LITTLE BUCKLAND GALLERY
Brass Monkey Group
Coming out of the cold for their first group show in four years with a richly diverse exhibition of
ceramics, painting and sculpture. 25 June – 3 July 2016, 10am – 5pm, daily

Join them for drinks, Sun 26 June, 12noon – 4pm
Little Buckland Gallery, Little Buckland, Broadway WR12 7JH

www.littlebucklandgallery.co.uk
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NORBURY THEATRE

Hello, Dolly! tells the story of Dolly Levi – a glamorous, wise cracking woman with a big heart who
is also a professional matchmaker, focused on bringing love to the great and good of Manhattan.
However, she soon realises that one of the suitors brings more than a little sparkle to her own eye too

with hilarious consequences! Boasting a dazzling score which has inspired great artists such as
Louis Armstrong and Frank Sinatra, this bold and brassy musical is full of fantastic numbers including
“Put on Your Sunday Clothes”, “Before the Parade Passes By”, and  “Hello, Dolly!” Wednesday 22^nd

- Saturday 25th June & Wednesday 29th June - Saturday 2nd July

Tickets £14/12
Also some PLAY READING Friday 8th July 7:30pm in the Green Room, Dangerous Corner by J. B. Priestley
www.norburytheatre.co.uk
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RAINBOW DAYS
New! Adult day opportunities for people with learning disabilities. Make new friends whilst having fun and
learning new skills. Arts and crafts, photography, drama, film days, cinema, keep fit and more!
Dodderhill Equestrian, Crutch lane, Droitwich, WR9 0BE
www.rainbowdays.co.uk
info@rainbowdays.co.uk  07426 041619

Please enter Visit Worcestershire Awards

Please see the link to the Visit Worcestershire Awards http://www.visitworcestershire.org/Visit-Worcestershire-Awards.aspx which we encourage you to enter. Please take a special look at the best festival community which we would encourage our many festivals to enter.

 

 

Free Poetry Workshops

Wednesday 6th July 10.30-12.30 or 1.00-3.00 A Taste of Words FREE poetry workshops Museum of Carpet, Green Street, Kidderminster DY10 1AZ

The workshops, with Worcestershire Poet Laureate 2015/16 Heather Wastie, are suitable for all abilities and will draw inspiration from Kidderminster's wonderful heritage, including current research from the Weavers Cottages project. At the end of the sessions, participants will be encouraged to work on a piece for inclusion in the final Weavers Cottages open day and celebration events later in the year.

See http://www.weaverscottages.info/Events.htm

Sessional Artist Role - Art in Minds

Freelance Position Available

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 support and assist our Project Manager in 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.

Assist in exhibition organization and curation - Each year we run an exhibition in Worcester City

Centre to promote World Mental Health Day. This usually runs simultaneously in more than one

venue and has many events/opportunities for our members running alongside it.

Alongside our project manager the Support Artist will be based in our city center office at the

Bradbury Centre and play a pivotal role in planning and coordinating the exhibitions and other

related activities. This post funding dependent.

Duties and responsibilities

To work alongside our Project Manager to:

 Liaise with other community, voluntary and commercial organisations to arrange events

and services as and when required (e.g suitable exhibition space)

 Assist with completing applications when required - for use of space, grants, low level

community fundraising and project applications

 Prepare promotional material for the exhibition such as posters and invitations and use

the guest database to contact all interested parties as well as communicating with printers

and outside agencies to ensure completion by specific deadlines

 Assist with social media and online presence of the organisation

 Communicate with members and guests accordingly to obtain work to exhibit and liaise

regarding private view

Job title

Support Artist (Self-Employed) – Sessional (Approximately 6 hours per

week) 15 p/h

Reports to Claire Hilton – Project Manager

 Work alongside volunteers to curate the exhibition space by planning as work is

submitted and being able to hang the work in a professional and organized manner with

minimum disruption to public areas

 To adhere to all confidentiality, data protection and safeguarding protocols at all times as

outlined by Art in Minds Foundation

 Work alongside our members and volunteers in a non-judgmental and inclusive way to

encourage participation and reduce discrimination

 Catalogue work accurately and store safely for transportation to and from venues

 Attending meetings with outside organisations about specific events and topics as well as

networking opportunities on behalf of our members and our organization

 To attend managerial supervision on a regular basis

 and any other duties as required to support the project manager within this role.

Qualifications/Experience

There is no minimum qualification necessary for this post although any previous art experience

would be relevant. Good communication skills are essential and previous experience of curating

and exhibiting artwork 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.

Physically hanging the exhibition and transporting work can be quite a physical task so please

bear this in mind before applying. This post would be most suited to somebody who has a creative

history and has or is currently making artwork themselves as this would help towards working

with others' artwork. 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 or volunteering within charitable or community organisations

would also be desirable as would experience of working within teams.

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), 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

 Exhibition Location – Curating and Maintaining Displays

 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 July 2016

Art in Minds Foundation
The Bradbury Centre
Sansome Walk, Worcester, WR1 1LH, tel 07442496046 or contact@artinminds.org.uk

Freelance Position Available - Arts in Minds

Freelance Position Available

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 support and assist our Project Manager in 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.

Assist in exhibition organization and curation - Each year we run an exhibition in Worcester City

Centre to promote World Mental Health Day. This usually runs simultaneously in more than one

venue and has many events/opportunities for our members running alongside it.

Alongside our project manager the Support Artist will be based in our city center office at the

Bradbury Centre and play a pivotal role in planning and coordinating the exhibitions and other

related activities. This post funding dependent.

Duties and responsibilities

To work alongside our Project Manager to:

 Liaise with other community, voluntary and commercial organisations to arrange events

and services as and when required (e.g suitable exhibition space)

 Assist with completing applications when required - for use of space, grants, low level

community fundraising and project applications

 Prepare promotional material for the exhibition such as posters and invitations and use

the guest database to contact all interested parties as well as communicating with printers

and outside agencies to ensure completion by specific deadlines

 Assist with social media and online presence of the organisation

 Communicate with members and guests accordingly to obtain work to exhibit and liaise

regarding private view

Job title

Support Artist (Self-Employed) – Sessional (Approximately 6 hours per

week) 15 p/h

Reports to Claire Hilton – Project Manager

 Work alongside volunteers to curate the exhibition space by planning as work is

submitted and being able to hang the work in a professional and organized manner with

minimum disruption to public areas

 To adhere to all confidentiality, data protection and safeguarding protocols at all times as

outlined by Art in Minds Foundation

 Work alongside our members and volunteers in a non-judgmental and inclusive way to

encourage participation and reduce discrimination

 Catalogue work accurately and store safely for transportation to and from venues

 Attending meetings with outside organisations about specific events and topics as well as

networking opportunities on behalf of our members and our organization

 To attend managerial supervision on a regular basis

 and any other duties as required to support the project manager within this role.

Qualifications/Experience

There is no minimum qualification necessary for this post although any previous art experience

would be relevant. Good communication skills are essential and previous experience of curating

and exhibiting artwork 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.

Physically hanging the exhibition and transporting work can be quite a physical task so please

bear this in mind before applying. This post would be most suited to somebody who has a creative

history and has or is currently making artwork themselves as this would help towards working

with others' artwork. 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 or volunteering within charitable or community organisations

would also be desirable as would experience of working within teams.

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), 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

 Exhibition Location – Curating and Maintaining Displays

 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 July 2016