ArtWorks
Wychavon District Council
View our BlogVisit our website
Jenny Davis, Wychavon Arts Development Officer

Welcome to May/June's edition of ArtWorks e-news from Wychavon District Council. Finally we are having some good weather and there is, as always, loads to go out and do and see in the Arts in Wychavon. We want to hear from you about the arts projects and intiatives we are doing so if you have anything to say then don't hesitate to get in touch. The deadline for the next e-news is Monday 29th June.

Jenny Davis

 
News

Visual arts festival in the Vale of Evesham is set for the month of October 2009. A small sub-commitee of Vena (Vale of Evesham Network of Artists) has been set up to organise a visual arts and crafts festival in and around Evesham and Pershore. Some organisations have already committed to it. We are currently looking for artists interested in exhibiting 2d and 3d painting, photography, sculpture or projection, artists that want to exhibit from their studios, galleries and arts workshop leaders. We are also keen for any volunteer help with the festival, any small amount of time would be appreciated. Please get in contact with Jenny Davis 01386 565396 or e-mail jenny.davis@wychavon.gov.uk to show initial interest.

Vena (Vale of Evesham Network of Artists) are still looking for members. If you are an artists or arts group and want to network and connect with other artists in the area then this is a good place to start. Coming up is a social evening at Evesham Arts Centre on 31st May for members from 6pm. If you want to join membership is free up until January 2010. We are also still looking for people that want to join the committee and be part of the decision making of the network. Contact Jenny Davis as above for more information.

Droitwich arts network are also looking for members that live or work in and around Droitwich. It is in its earlys stages so its a good time to shape the focus of the network. If you want to join then let Jenny Davis know, contact as above.

Droitwich Arts 4 All this year is in November at The Norbury Theatre. If you are a local arts group or artist and want to publicise your work to the local community, then this is the place to do it. This can be through performance, workshops or displays. To show initial interest then please contact Jenny Davis.

Worcestershire County Council are looking for professional craft makers who would like to exhibit their work. They have two glass cabinets 6ft by 3 which contain three shelves (which can come out). This is a great opportunity to showcase individual or an organisations work. The cabinets are situated by our busy council chamber which has a regular footfall of people. The dates when available are from 1st July to Mid September. It would suit craft makers more than artists. They can't provide direct sales but can arrange for individuals to be contacted if people want to buy the work on offer. Please contact Stephen Wilson swilson@worcestershire.gov.uk 

Worcestershire Economic and Social Impact Study Launch
Worcestershire County Council and the Elmley Foundation have recently launched their Economic and Social Impact Study for the arts. Six case studies were looked at to give a snap shot view of the arts in Worcestershire. Number 8 Community Arts Centre was one of them. Headline findings include that for every £1 invested in the arts £32 is generated because of this and 250 jobs were created. Also the key social impacts are on education, volunteering and engagement in the arts. 

Archive Arts a company archiving local culture through the arts The first directors have now completed paperwork to form Archive Arts as a Community Interest Company. However, we would welcome interest from individuals with background or experience in the following
- Marketing and PR
- Education 
- Book keeping/ finance
Any queries please contact : Lisa Kimberley 07971 -675432 or email. lkimberley@hotmail.com
 
Arts Council's Own Art scheme. Networking and development days. Monday 1 June , Eastsides Projects, 86 Heath Mill lane,Birmingham, B9 4AR 10-45 to 4.30pm www.artscouncil.org.uk A scheme to help people to purchase art.

Lady Georgianna are again providing workshops after school- this time for Cutnall Green C of E School, near Droitwich, which culminated on 1 April.  They also have a fun gig celebrating Samuel Johnson's life in March, and on 16 May they're performing 'Ladies of Misrule' at Upton Memorial Hall. They're working on the final touches for their CD- just getting that artwork sorted out; and their new posh frocks are halfway there.  On top of it all, they've also received an 'Excessively Diverting Blog Award.'  If you are interested in finding out more, contact us on info@lady-g.co.uk or visit www.lady-g.co.uk

 

National Poetry Competition 2009 deadline: 31 October 2009
The winners of this competition, organised by the Poetry Society, will be published in Poetry Review, on the Poetry Society website, in Aesthetica Magazine and also get the chance to read at Ledbury Poetry Festival. You can enter the competition online, download an entry form, or send a SAE to Competition Organiser (web), 22 Betterton Street, London WC2H 9BX. www.poetrysociety.org

London 2012 Open Weekend Dates: 24 to 26 July 2009
You don't have to wait until 2012 to be part of the Olympic and Paralympics Games. London 2012 is already encouraging and inspiring people to open up and join in, through the London 2012 Open Weekend. Take advantage of the PR and marketing support on offer from London 2012 for your events by taking part in the Open Weekend - a platform for culture, sport, and sustainability initiatives across the whole of the UK.

Your organisation can use the Open Weekend to:
• Create and / or promote events taking place over 24 to 26 July;
• Launch up-and-coming activities;
• Profile any plans or forthcoming projects for London 2012;
• Initiate new activity for the lead up to London 2012;
• Attract new audiences and visitors.

Last year's Open Weekend featured 655 events around the UK including festivals, arts performances, free films, music performances, workshops... to name just a few!

The organisers are looking for culture, sport, and environment activities which demonstrate examples of the Olympic and Paralympics values in action. These values are respect, excellence, friendship, courage, determination, inspiration and equality.

The call for projects, events and activities is now open. To find out more or to register your event, go to: www.london2012.com/openweekend.

Government announces ‘empty shop’ measures
On 14 April, Communities Secretary Hazel Blears announced measures to make it easier for local groups in England to turn stores into showrooms for local artists. Arts Council England subsequently announced that it was to contribute £500k to the fund. The details have yet to be worked out, including how the fund will be administered. Measures are expected to include £3m of funding, faster planning procedures and standard short-term leases. There will also be extra powers to allow councils to take over premises.

More information is available at www.communities.gov.uk/news/corporate/1201277.


Events
Evesham Arts 4 All Sunday 31st May from 12-5pm at Evesham Arts Centre, Victoria Ave, Evesham FREE Come and see what arts activity is available to you! Drama, dance, art, craft and writing peformances, workshops, information and displays. For more information www.eveshamarts4all.co.uk
Also there is still some space for performers and exhibitors that want a table or have a display. The cost is £5 for non-profit making and £15 for profit making business's. Contact Chris Bloomfield chrisbloomfield611@bt internet.com 
 
Showell Gallery at the Civic Centre, Pershore. Currently there is a double exhibition from Lisa Gardener acrylics entitled 'By the Sea' and Cherrie Mansfield oil and acrylics entitled 'Discovery'. The exhibitions are open from 9-5pm Mon-Fri 9-12pm Sat.
 
Wyre Piddle presents a day of music featuring a wide variety of local musicians and bands. It will be held at Smith's Meadow, Church Lane, Wyre Piddle Saturday 16th May 2pm until 10pm. £5 per ticket available in advance tel Ali 07792 974 164. Food available or why not bring a picnic.
 
Art for all with Rita Thorn Saturday 9th May 10-1pm at Number 8, Pershore 'Images in Ink' £20 including refreshments and all materials. Suitable for adults. E-mail artforall@ritathorn.co.uk www.raitathorn.co.uk tel 01386 462327
 
FRAME 09 music and Arts festival will be held at the Lenches Sports Field on Sunday 5th July

Number 8

Number 8 Open Day Mon 25 May, 10 – 4pm  Admission FREE
To celebrate Carnival 2009 Number 8 will be opening up the whole of the building, providing backstage tours, free screenings and activities.  A banner produced in workshops with young people will also be on display on Carnival Day and exhibited alongside the WANA exhibition which runs from 14th May – 3rd June 2009.

Monsters Vs Aliens (PG)

Half Term - Tues 26 May - Sat 30 May inclusive, 2pm daily

A computer animated action adventure with super-sized visuals and eye-popping effects, Monsters Vs Aliens is fun family fare conveying an easy sense of humour that will delight both kids and adults.  Running time: 94mins.

 

The Edge presents Car Wash

Wed 24 June & Thur 25 June, 7.30pm
 An exciting musical packed with songs and dances from the 1970s from musical theatre group The Edge. Worcestershire Arts Education’s new musical theatre group for talented young people aged between 9 to 14 years. For more information about the group please contact Worcestershire Arts Education, email - voicesandvisions@worcestershire.gov.uk

 

The Age of Stupid (12A) Screening & Discussion
Thurs 4 June 7.30pm An ambitious film starring Pete Postlethwaite as a man living alone in the devastated world of 2055, looking back at footage from 2008 and asking: why didn’t we stop climate change when we had the chance? The screening will be followed by a Discussion with Lily Kember, Events and Campaign Coordinator from the Not Stupid campaign.

www.number8.org Box office 01386 555488

 

Evesham Arts Centre, coming up in June
Constantinople/Istanbul - EDFAS talk on two cities in one Wed 10th
Stand-up Comedy - Three comedians, one compere, loads of laughs Fri 12th
Young Musicians & Orchestra of the Swan - local pupils and professionals Wed 17th
Soul Man - Sedgeberrow First School show Thu 18th - Fri 19th
Let Me Entertain You - the John Wood Players do their thing Sat 27th (only)
www.eveshamartscentre.co.uk
 
The Norbury Theatre
Films and performance on this season include New Perspective's Theatre Company "Wasteland" Sat 30th May 7.30pm £8.50 (concessions £7.50), Sex and the City, Atonement and a musical trio "The 50's and 60's are alive and well" 12th June 2009 £7.50 in advance £8.50 on door www.norburytheatre.freeserve.co.uk
 
Weekend arts courses at Farncombe Estate 01386 854100 www.farncombeestate.co.uk
Their Open Day this year is taking place Sunday 13 September 11am-4.30pm.We are now allocating exhibition/display space and we would very much like to invite you to take part - this is a free admission event to the general public and has attracted between 3-600 visitors in previous years. 
Please let me know if you are interested in joining us.  There is no exhibitor charge but I will need to confirm details for the programme which will be released mid July.  All Open Day exhibitors or performance artists will also be advertised (free) in the Open Day programme - so it's a great promotion opportunity to reach a wider audience. Contact details above.
 
A curious photographic exhibition opening this month reflects a woman’s skill in transforming everyday objects into striking images. Hazel Green is showing the latest version of her exhibition Surroundings at the Winds of Change gallery, Winchcombe Gloucestershire, opening on the 25th May.

Winds of Change Gallery, 8, High Street, Winchcombe, Gloucester GL54 5HT

Tel: 0124 603836    Mob: 07531844823

www.windsofchangegallery.co.uk

 

Dance at 8

Start your weekend with something fun and good for you. Argentine Tango dance classes for Beginners  will be starting at 7:30pm Friday, May 15th in Pershore at Wulstan Hall on Priest Lane (WR10 1EB). Fun & surprisingly easy to learn. The essence of Argentine tango is about life and especially, about the relationship between a man and a woman. It is often called "The History of Love-for three minutes." The Argentine Tango was features on Strictly Come Dancing by Vincent & Flavia. The dance is emotional, dramatic and easy to learn. No previous dance experience necessary. Sessions are £4 - Pay as you go.  For more information contact  'Dance at 8' - Worcestershire (IDTA) on  01386 556 665 or visit www.danceat8.com

The Big Draw October 2009
The Campaign for Drawing invites everyone to join in the The Big Draw's 10th anniversary using drawing to engage with the past, present and future. Events will take place in may different venues including galleries, museums, libraries, shopping centres etc. You can register by logging on to www.campaignfordrawing.org/bigdraw

 


Training

News from MusicLeader West Midlands

MLWM is part of a national network for anyone who leads or supports music activities for young people. MusicLeader West Midlands membership is free for both individuals and organisations to register go to  www.musicleader.net  

To give you an idea of some of the training on offer,

1. Business Skills Training - free one-day workshop for our members!  We are planning this event for June. The day will be divided into 2 parts:- The basics of creative business planning (led by an experienced business advisor) and Registering as self-employed and what this means for you (led by HM Revenue & Customs) There is a £10 refundable booking fee for this workshop for MusicLeader members. For non-members the £10 booking fee is not refundable.

3. Code of Practice workshop- we are looking to run this workshop in May, to register your interest now, get your name on our list! Cost: £50 for the full day training.

To register for any of these courses please email us at west-midlands@musicleader.net or call   on 0121 236 7978

Get Sorted 2: Budgeting and Fundraising for Youth Arts Projects
11th June 09 10am-4.15pm Warwickshire Association of Youth Clubs, Leamington Spa
This course is aimed at organisations and individuals who already have an idea for a youth arts project but are unsure how to finance it and includes advise on the best way to fill in funding applications and where to go for funding.
Prices are from £150 to £110. Enyan members receive a 5% discount artsplanbookings@artworks.org.uk 02380 682535

The fundraising Programme from Directory of Social Change
Various fundraising courses in Birmingham and London www.dsc.org.uk/fundraisingprogramme

 


Jobs  non this time

Funding
Wychavon Community Grants
It's your last chance to get an application pack for this years round of grants. The deadline is 12 noon 29th May.This years theme is sustainability. The last date for the community grants briefings will be held in the Chamber at the Civic Centre, Pershore on 13th May – 6.30pm

If you want a pack please call Tracy Grubb on 01386 565 168 or email tracy.grubb@wychavon.gov.uk

 

Worcestershire First Base Community Arts Grants 09

The deadline for this community arts funding is 15th May. For an application pack look under  www.worcestershire.gov.uk under the voluntary section

 

Fundraising
Mouthpiece is an Inkberrow based company. In 2001 we set up and ran a 60 seat theatre in the Bulls Head Inn, Inkberrow and produced plays, storytelling evenings and music and comedy nights there. Since then we’ve gone on to tour plays regionally and nationally and we’ve also produced comedy and variety shows.

 

Recently we worked with Inkberrow Football Club to help them raise funds for much needed new football pitches and this arrangement worked so well we’d like to extend it to other organizations and charities that also need to raise funds.

 

How does it work? We provide the entertainment at no cost to you. For every ticket sold we will give you part of the ticket price. We provide publicity, press releases and so on. In return what we need you to do is to work with us to promote both the show and your organization by helping us to sell the tickets to make the event a success. We also suggest you run extra activities on the show night, such as a bar or a raffle, with all proceeds from those activities going to you.

 

If you would like more information please contact me Keith Potts.Telephone: 01386 792 546 or 07950 024 561 Email: keith@mouthpieceuk.co.uk

www.mouthpiece-entertainments.co.uk

www.mouthpiecetheatre.co.uk

Investment Fund

Screen WM's Investment Fund for 2009/10 is now open for applications. We're now able to accept applications via our brand new online application forms which can be accessed via our website. We hope this will make the application process simpler, quicker and more cost effective for our applicants.

The Investment Fund can award grants for film-related projects in the West Midlands including film festivals, exhibition and audience development projects, education and training projects, film archive projects, script development, festival or market attendance, and talent development projects.

They have application deadlines throughout the year.For more information, or to apply online, please visit the Investment Fund page of our website www.screenwm.co.uk

The Young Writers' Charitable Trust

In 1995, ‘Young Writer’ magazine was set up as a platform for work by young people up to the age of 18. It offers space for their writing and supporting articles, competitions, etc to inspire and inform them. Eighteen months ago the magazine was passed on to Warners, who also publish ‘Writers News’ for adult writers.

In the meantime, the publishers have established The Young Writers' Charitable Trust. This is designed to help young people through their writing. In the past most of its funds went to fund the magazine, but now it can look at new projects and see how it can best help.

The Trust is looking for suggestions of possible projects it could fund. It wants to use its funds to help the widest range and number of young poets (and other young writers) as possible.
www.youngwritertrust.org

The Dulverton Trust
Registered charities and organisations with charitable status active in the areas below have the opportunity to apply for funding through the Dulverton Trust in the following areas:

• Youth and Education
• General Welfare
• Conservation
• Religion
• Preservation
• Peace and Security
• Africa

The Trust provides two principal types of grants. These are:

• Major grants of up to £25,000 for national or regional projects.
• Minor grants of up to £3,500 aimed at organisations operating at local or county level.

There are no application deadlines and the Trustees meet four times a year to consider applications. For more information, visit www.dulverton.org.

The Batty Charitable Trust
The Batty Charitable Trust makes one-off grants of between £1,000 and £10,000 to smaller charities throughout the UK, especially those working at grass roots and local level. The Trustees have wide interests, with the main stipulation being that grants should make a significant difference to your ability to do the work you have in mind.

Applicants need to underline why the grant will make a significant difference to their work. A project budget should be supplied, and you need to send a signed copy of your latest accounts. There are no application deadlines, but you need to allow up to four months for a decision to be made. You should apply six months before you need the money.

For further guidance and information on how to apply, visit www.battycharitabletrust.org.uk. 

 Awards for All programme
 A BIG Lottery new-look Awards for All programme is now open in England and Wales. BIG’s Awards for All programme will be the Fund’s biggest-ever commitment to a small grant scheme supporting community projects, offering a more easily accessible programme with even quicker decision times.

 A total of £45 million is available in England offering Big Lottery Fund grants of between £300 to £10,000 to grassroots groups in the community and voluntary sector, health bodies, schools and parish or town councils. In Wales grants of between £500 and £5,000 are available with a total of £2.4 million available.The programme aims to make a difference to communities and the lives of those most in need and will focus on social and environmental projects that benefit local communities.

The new easy-to-use application form, available in English and Welsh, can be downloaded, filled in and emailed direct to the Big Lottery Fund as well as being available in hard copy.

Application forms are available from www.awardsforall.org.uk or phone 0845 410 2030 for all enquiries.


Youth
After School arts clubs Extended Services and Wychavon Arts Development will be working together again this year to offer eight more schools after school arts clubs. These schools are; Bredon 1st, Church Lench 1st, Inkberrow 1st, Elmley Castle 1st, Upton Snodsbury 1st, Crowle 1st, Simon De Montfort Middle and St Egwins Middle. They will be working on arts and crafts and dance.
 
Party in the Park is back again this year. From 12-4pm Tuesday 25th Droitwich Lido Park, Wednesday 26th Pershore Abbey Park, Thursday 27th Evesham Abbey Park. Keep an eye on the website for more details www.wychavon.gov.uk
 
Art in the Park is also returning after a successful pilot year last year with lots for children and young people to do including some sports activity. This year there will be the return of Vamos Theatre with Storybag 2 with stories from all around the world. Also, this years W Factor finalists will also be singing, playing, dancing and juggling. For the visual artists out there, there will be drop in craft workshops and for the musicians there will be African drumming workshops from Drumlove. Dates are 28th, 29th, 30th July and 4th, 5th and 6th Aug from 11-4pm. Check out www.wychavon.gov.uk for more details
 
A Taste of Art makes a return to Wychavon's villages this summer holidays with arts workshops for children and young people working alongside village halls and Number 8. More information will be available nearer to the time www.wychavon.gov.uk
 
Summer holiday activities. Music workshops. Early Music in the Vale/Lady Georgianna contact Micaela Schmitz 01386 859648 e-mail earlymusica@permutation.com
 
Honeybourne Pottery. Holiday workshops. Fun workshops, potters wheel, modeling, ceramic painting. All ages. Contact Paul Sillence to book a time. 01386 832855 e-mail honeybournepots@tiscali.co.uk www.honeybournepots.co.uk
 
Badsey Summer of Fun Badsey First Out of School Club, 8am to 6pm every day, Arts and craft activities and more! contact Shirley Tutton 01386 830325/07740 286941 shirley@speleo.freeserve.co.uk
 
Evesham and District Girl Guiding UK summer activities. Contact Mrs Elizabeth Bolland 01386 830638 e-mail lizral.bolland@btinternet.com
 
Plug and Play website lists local arts activites for young people  www.plugandplay.com
 
The Family Information Service lists activities for children and young people 01905 790560 e-mail familyinfo@worcestershire.gov.uk

engage events for Children’s Art Day -deadline: 15 May 2009
engage is inviting visual arts venues and museums, schools, youth and community organisations to take part in Children’s Art Day 2009 by organising a visual arts event during the week of 6 to 12 July. Registration is free and the first 150 events registered can claim £50 funding on completion of their events. This is an opportunity for organisations to devise their own creative events and get some PR and funding support for their work.

engage still has a limited amount of funding left and it’s keen to reach a wide audience. Register now at www.engage.org. For information, contact Laura Cherry at laura.cherry@engage.org or call engage on 020 7729 5858.
Wychavon District Council - Copyright 2009