Worcestershire Arts Partnership Blog

Monday 21 December 2015

Arts Fundraising









Changes to Arts Council England's Grants for the arts application process


I’m writing to let you know that we are changing the way that we manage grants.

 

From 27 January 2016, all new applications for Grants for the arts will be processed through a new online system. Applications for other funding programmes will move to the new online system over time and we’ll let you know as this happens.

 

We know that many local authorities have applied to Grants for the arts, as well as offering support and advice to artists and organisations on their Grants for the arts applications.

The main change that you will notice is that the application process will become more interactive.

 

Anyone making an application will need to register online to create an account, and all activities related to the application will then be managed online. For example, once your account is set up, you will be able to make a funding application, receive your decision online and if successful, upload any documentation that we ask you to provide to us.

 

Why we are making this change

This new system represents the final stage of the cost cutting measures that we began in 2012, when we had to find major savings from our administration budget. We estimate that the system changes will save us £1million each year - money that can be spent on supporting arts and culture in other ways.

 

Making sure the system is accessible to everyone

We want to encourage the widest range of people to apply for funding for arts and culture. To make sure the new system is accessible to everyone and no-one is disadvantaged by the new online application process, we have consulted widely with specialists in the field.

 

Lots of information and guidance about using the new system will be available from our website from January. Our Enquiries team will also be available to support people through this change. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact them on 0845 300 6200.

 

Kind regards,

 

Hugh

 

 

Hugh James

Senior Relationship Manager

Arts Council England

 

0121 631 5772/07540 669291

The Foundry, 82 Granville Street, Birmingham, B1 2LH

 


 

I think #culturematters – do you?

 

Monday 14 December 2015

Heather Wastie - Weaving Yarns



'Weaving Yarns' - poems, songs & real life stories from the Kidderminster carpet industry with archive photographs
available from the Museum of Carpet and Black Pear Press http://blackpear.net/authors-and-books/heather-wastie/


WAP Christmas Message


Dear all

 

I wanted to wish you all a merry Christmas and a great 2016.

 

We have had a great year with the Arts Partnership. There has been some excellent events including Moving on Staying On with The University, the Creative Cultural Commissioning Event with the New Economics Foundation and three excellent Jump Start Events. Our Health Group had a brilliant event and our Children and Young People's Group gets stronger with each meeting.

 

Our partnerships continue to develop and I would especially like to thank The Elmley Foundation, The University of Worcester and Arts Connect for their on-going support.

 

I want to thank all our sub group leads; Lee, Louisa, Jan and Sarah for their hard work and for making all our sub group meetings such a pleasure to attend.

 

Thanks to the work undertaken by Jan, Paul Sutton, Manda and Rose in the Transition group. It was much appreciated by us all.

 

Thanks to Judith our Chair for keeping our Steering Group together and a big thanks to Debbie for her work in developing a future plan for us.

 

Most of all thanks to you all for supporting WAP during this year. It's not easy at times to keep it all going but having such loyal partners as yourselves means so much. I love our work in the arts partnership and I am proud of it too.

 

Have a great break and see you all next year.

 

 

 

Steve

 

Stephen Wilson

County Arts Officer

01905 765754

07850 923358

Bewdley Museum studios available



Craft Studios at Bewdley Museum



Bewdley Museum
In 1969 a private Museum Trust was formed by the local people who considered Bewdley’s historical past worthy of preserving. The museum opened in 1972 and Wyre Forest District Council became trustees of the museum in 1975. The museum is housed in historic 18th century buildings including a Butchers’ Shambles and Brass Foundry.



In addition to illustrating the area’s history, the museum encourages working crafts through demonstrations, exhibits and resident craftspeople.

Visitor numbers have increased significantly over the past 10 years. In 2014 over 160,000 visitors came through the museum’s doors. There is also a varied programme of activities, events and exhibitions throughout the year.
Opening hours - 10am-4.30pm during March to 1St November



11am-3pm Friday, Saturday, Sunday throughout November and December
Studios and licences
Studios vary in size ranging from 128sq ft to 341sq ft.

Electricity is included within the rent along with a listing on the museum’s website. Craftspeople can also sell their work through the museum/TIC shop with a reduced commission rate of 10%

The site is closed during January and February, however craftspeople can still access their studios during this time and arrange for individual clients to visit.

Licences are renewed every 5 years with a break clause on either side with two months notice.
Application process
All applications will be considered, however studio space will only be allocated to craftspeople who meet the museum’s aims and objectives and have demonstrated that they can fulfil the criteria set out in the application form.
Studios are not allocated on a first come, first served basis



Decisions will be based on the following criteria:
Variety – preference will be for crafts people demonstrating an unusual or traditional skill



Quality of work and professionalism
Commitment and enthusiasm – we require all crafts people to be present in their studios for at least 3 weekends per month and 2 days per week (11am – 3.30pm) throughout the open season. Bewdley Museum



The studios

Sawyard units
Each unit is approx.

128 sq ft

£770 per annum
Shambles studio 1
243 sq ft

£1460 per annum
Shambles studio 2
231 sq ft
£1390 per annum Bewdley Museum

Application for a studio at Bewdley Museum Name
Address
Telephone
Email
Date of birth
Are you currently self employed? Yes/No
Employed? Full time / part time / unemployed / retired
Other? E.g. training scheme

Tuesday 8 December 2015

Routes2Roots - funding available



What is Routes2Roots?

 

Heritage Lottery Fund West Midlands (HLF WM) have launched a new campaign called #Routes2Roots. The campaign aims to inspire and challenge young people to explore heritage, culture and identity and to raise awareness about the Young Roots grant programme.

 

You can apply to Young Roots (£10,000 - £50,000) for projects for young people, aged 11-25, to explore the heritage that matters to them. Any not for profit organisation can apply, there is no minimum match funding and you can get a decision in just 8-10 weeks. Through these projects young people not only find out about heritage but gain confidence and new skills from curating exhibitions to film making.

 

Young Roots projects have to be delivered by a partnership between youth and heritage organisations. Youth organisations are anyone who works with young people. Heritage organisations are those who have expert knowledge or resources on the heritage you want to investigate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How can we help?

Do you have an idea for a project? Do you know a group of young people who may be interested? Or do you need help finding a heritage or youth partner?

 

For free advice on your ideas, how to apply and possible partners please send in a project enquiry form through the Heritage Lottery Fund website www.hlf.org.uk/your-project-idea This form is not part of the formal application process and is just a way to start a conversation with us about your ideas.

 

 

What next?

o   Tweet @HLFRoutes2Roots using the hash-tag #Routes2Roots with your ideas or stories about the heritage of Birmingham

o   Ask Amerah if there is anything you’d like to discuss amerah@beatfreeks.com

o   Keep your eyes peeled for a special event happening in Spring 2016

o   Visit www.beatfreeks.com/routes2roots for more information on the campaign and to see videos and read blogs from past projects!

o   Find out more about Young Roots on HLF’s website www.hlf.org.uk/youngroots

Monday 7 December 2015

Tuesday 8th December Invite to Hive events Planet Art , working on ideas for the Cornmarket Area

  • Make Your Mark - Tue, 08 December

    Worcester's unique Cornmarket Square is being transformed!
    Planet Art will be creating six sculptured bollards reflecting the area's fascinating history, to be installed in the area.
    Come and share your artistic ideas at a special drop-in session here at The Hive, 11am - 1pm on Tuesday 8 December.
    You can examine historical research and artefacts relating to Cornmarket, create designs, bring in your own artefacts for us to look at, or simply find out more from Planet Art about the project.
     
  • Sunday 6 December 2015

    Community Funding available


    A fund for community groups, schools etc to apply for between £8k - £12k to create community gardens, plan orchards or anything related. He says the process is really easy and they are a bit undersubscribed in Worcestershire, so if you would benefit, now's a really good time to apply as there's less competition, deadline is 11/12/15.
    http://www.groundwork.org.uk/Sites/tescocommunityscheme/Pages/large-grants-tes

    Wednesday 2 December 2015

    Jump Start - call for new work


    Dear Practitioner,

    I’m writing to you because you’ve either been involved in a previous Jump Start event or expressed interest. Jump Start is an initiative run by Worcestershire Arts Partnership to provide opportunities for new theatre works to be performed. This will be our fourth event and we are excited about the project’s progress  - more people are being engaged and we’re so pleased to be working with so many local theatre makers.

    We are looking for:

    New theatre work that has not previously been performed 

    Work that is 10 - 15 minutes long 

    Work that is low-tech and does not require any get-in or get-out time 

    Ideally, work from Worcestershire-based practitioners 


    We can also provide an opportunity for writers to link with directors & actors so don’t worry if you have a text or an idea but no company!

    Submissions (either an outline of the work or a script) should be made by email to me by FRIDAY 15th JANUARY 2016. We will then select 5 submissions and  invite people to a meeting where writers, practitioners & actors can link up and start rehearsing. The performance night will be SATURDAY 5th MARCH 7pm at Worcester Arts Workshop. There may be some rehearsal space available at WAW, but generally each group will be expected to rehearse independently and to sort out their own space & timings.

    If you’re an actor / director who’s interested in the project, please drop me a line and I’ll keep you up to speed with the February meeting date.

    We are pleased to be able to offer a small fee of £100 to each of the 5 submissions chosen to perform at Jump Start. The fee is offered on condition that each of the 5 chosen pieces of work will be performed without a script at the event on 5th March.

    Please pass this message onto your networks & anyone who might be interested.

     

    The Jump Start Facebook group is here - https://www.facebook.com/groups/248446278623071/ - so please like it & use it to share details, ideas, questions etc.


    Thanks everyone, please let me know if you have any questions. I look forward to receiving your submissions!

    Lee Farley


    Perfect Circle Theatre Company
    www.perfectcircletheatre.com
    07800 892840
    07878 789313

    Company no: 6764190

    facebook: Perfect Circle Theatre
    twitter: @perfecttheatre

    Monday 30 November 2015

    Art In Minds - Volunteer Opportunity

    Welcome to Art In Minds Foundation
    www.artinminds.org.uk
    Art in Minds Foundation is looking for an art based volunteer to supervise a small adult art group of artists who have suffered with mental health issues. You will need to be DBS checked or we can do one with you) and it will be in Worcester city centre, starting in the new year for 4 hours a week on a Thursday (10-1 or 1-4 depending on when you are needed). Artistic practice and using the art space and materials (which are provided) is compulsory. Please send CV to contact@artinminds.org.uk to show your interest. See www.artinminds.org.uk for more info about the organisation. Thanks.

    It's A Wonderful Life - 5th December 7.30pm - Worcester Arts Workshop


    Looking forward to Christmas all ready? Get even more in the mood with:

    It's A Wonderful Life
    Saturday 5 December - 7.30pm
    Worcester Arts Workshop

    Tickets £10/£7
     
     

    Heart-warming theatre based on Britain's favourite Christmas film, as named by the Radio Times, 'It's a Wonderful Life'. Frank Capra’s classic 1946 movie tells the story of George Bailey, a desperate middle-aged clerk discovers the difference he has made to his family, his friends and his home town, with a little help from Clarence, the apprentice angel.

    Celebrated theatre company, Farnham Maltings, is bringing the struggles and joys of 1940s small town American to the villages and towns of England. Using their own inimitable style, they have created two hours of theatre that promises to warm the coldest of places through the long winter nights.

    Box Office:
    Telephone: 01905 25053 (please leave a message and we will call you back)
    Email: info@worcesterartsworkshop.org.uk

    In person: Tuesday - Saturday 10am -3pm

     

    See you there!

    The Worcester Arts Workshop Team

    St Paul`s Creative Group Showcase event December 17th



    Friday 27 November 2015

    Message from Hannah Cox


    Hi All,

     

    You may have already heard that with effect from 1st December 2015 Worcester City Council is transferring the day to day management responsibility of the Sport, Art & Play Development service, along with it’s four leisure facilities in the City to Freedom Leisure.

     

    From Tuesday 1st December, my new email address will be hannah.cox@freedom-leisure.co.uk

    And the generic one for the service will be sportdevworcester@freedom-leisure.co.uk

    My new mobile number will be 07710 708867. My landline will be known after the transfer so please get hold of me on my mobile or via email.

     

    Please save the new contact details as I wont be receiving any calls via 01905 721164 or 07917623399 nor emails through either Hannah.cox@worcester.gov.uk or sportsdevelopment@worcester.gov.uk from the 1st December. Please update my new details on any distribution lists too.

     

    Our office will be at the Worcester Swimming Pool, Sansome Walk, Worcester WR1 1NU until its closure.

     

    Regards,

    Hannah

     

    Hannah Cox

    Sport, Art & Play Development- Worcester City Council


    telephone: 01905 721164

    mobile: 07917 623399

    postal address: The Guildhall, High Street, Worcester, WR1 2EY

    Tuesday 24 November 2015

    Job Opportunity

    Administrator (maternity cover)

    We're looking for an Administrator to join our Operational Team to cover maternity leave.

    Salary: £14,287 per annum (£11,429 pro-rata per annum based on working 28 hours per week)

    Contract: Initially for 9 months to cover maternity leave working 28 hours per week/4 days per week (days to be agreed)

    We will consider applications for a job-share to cover this post.

    Dancefest is the dance development organisation for Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

    Our vision is that dance makes a difference to people’s lives.

    A registered charity, Dancefest works in Worcestershire and Herefordshire specialising in creative and contemporary dance working with people of all ages and abilities. With creativity, quality and inclusion at the heart of our work, our mission is to be an outstanding dance organisation that demonstrates the ability of dance to engage people in different ways and different settings.

    As part of Dancefest’s Operational Team the successful candidate will be part of a team who plan, coordinate and deliver an ambitious programme of high quality dance in Herefordshire and Worcestershire. As Administrator (maternity cover) you will responsible for day-to-day office administration, the collation and maintenance of information and other administrative duties required in order for Dancefest to deliver its programme of activity.

    The successful candidate will have at least two years’ experience in an administrative role, excellent communication, organisational and management skills and experience of working in an arts or community organisation.

    For more information about the role please visit http://dancefest.co.uk/about-us/vacancies

    To apply for this post, please send a covering letter and your CV to Melissa Porter, Business Development Manager, Dancefest, The Angel Centre, Angel Place, Worcester, WR1 3QN or melissa@dancefest.co.uk no later than 5pm on Wednesday 2 December.

    Interviews will be held on Tuesday 8 December.

    Karey Parsons
    Administration and Marketing Officer
    Dancefest, The Angel Centre, Angel Place, Worcester, WR1 3QN
    01905 611199
    karey@dancefest.co.uk
    http://dancefest.co.uk
    Facebook: dancefestuk
    Twitter: @dancefest


    Perfect Circle Youth Theatre Presents.....



    Behind Open Doors devised & performed by Perfect Circle Youth Theatre

    Friday 4th & Saturday 5th December at Malvern Cube. 7pm start, Tickets £3 on the door.

    A strange, grotesque, badly behaved cast of characters live in a small town somewhere in the Midlands. They’re all going to the same party on New Year’s Eve 2016. Relationships unravel, friendships are formed and secrets are revealed as Perfect Circle Youth Theatre examine life behind open doors with an equal mix of comedy & savagery.

    *contains strong language and may not be suitable for anyone under 13.

    Coming soon...

    Auditions (ages 14-19)

    ‘Citizenship' by Mark Ravenhill Monday 7th December 5.30pm - 7.30pm at Malvern Cube. We're looking for cast & crew for our next production, part of the National Theatre's Connections programme. Rehearsals will be Mondays and Wednesdays with performances in March 2016. We will also be touring to Warwick Arts Centre on the 30th April & 1st May 2016.

     
    Claire & Lee
    Perfect Circle Theatre Company


    07800 892840

    07878 789313

     

    Company no: 6764190

     

    facebook: Perfect Circle Theatre

    twitter: @perfecttheatre

    Monday 16 November 2015

    Art at County Hall


    There is a new display of artwork in our Art at County Hall exhibition space, which is just outside the Council Chamber.  This exhibition features work from 2 local Arts Organisations,  Worcester Snoezelen, an independent charity for people of all ages who have disabilities, and f:action, a small group of Worcestershire photographers with wide ranging interest and styles.  Both the work from these Artists would make great Christmas gifts and we would encourage you to go along and support them.

    If you wish to purchase any of the art please contact Stephen Wilson on swilson@worcestershire.gov.uk



     

    Worcester Arts Workshop - Exhibition


     


    Calendar Competition


    We have just launched a Community Resilience and Safety Calendar Competition and wondered if you might be able and willing to help us promote it through your networks?

     

    All Year Eight aged children (12/13) from across Worcestershire are invited and encouraged to design and enter a poster for one of the twelve themes, the information for these is attached. These themes include winter weather, flooding, first aid, power cuts and a number of other scenarios that are important for children to have an understanding and awareness of.

     

    A winner will be picked for each month and there will be a £10 book token prize in addition to being published in the final Calendar, which will be distributed across schools and organisations in Worcestershire.

     

    If there is someone else that would be better to speak please let me know,

     

    Many thanks and kind regards,

     

    Victoria

     

    Victoria Crooks
    Emergency Planning Officer
    Adult Services and Health Directorate (DASH)

    Worcestershire County Council
    County Hall
    Spetchley Road
    Worcester

    WR5 2NP
     


     

    Monday 2 November 2015

    Epic Awards



    Welcome to the Epic Awards 2016

    From singing to knitting, amateur dramatics to painting, over 60,000 groups across the UK and Republic of Ireland provide regular opportunities for creative cultural activity.
    The Epic Awards celebrate their achievements.

    Could your group be an Epic Award winner? Nominations are now open! Click here to read the criteria and download a form. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook



    http://epicawards.co.uk


     

    Young Poet Laureate For Worcestershire 2016


    Display of artwork in the Showell Gallery, Wychavon Civic Centre


    Display of artwork in the Showell Gallery, Wychavon Civic Centre
     
    Conditions


    The Showell Gallery has 5 boards on which to exhibit your artwork. The area itself is fully accessible to all potential visitors.

     

    Security

    Although Wychavon District Council will try and make sure the artwork is safe and secure, we can not take any responsibility for the damage or safety of the artwork. The artist or organisation should therefore have adequate insurance provision.

     

    There is a security camera in the area of the exhibition. People will be passing through the Showell Gallery in the day, but significantly less so in the evenings. We advise, strongly, that the artwork is secured properly to the boards provided. The boards themselves are MDF which are in turn affixed to the walls.

     

    Hanging space

    • The total available hanging space is made up of 5 walls with board dimensions 135cm high by 255cm wide/107cm high by 120cm wide/138cm high by109cm wide/140cm high by 100cm wide/140cm high by 109cm wide
    • The Showell Gallery is sometimes used for other events, e.g. as a reception area for blood donors, so please be aware of this.
    • You will be responsible for the hanging and taking down of the artwork

     

    Lighting

    • Natural lighting from windows
    • Fluorescent lighting for the room

     

    Sales

    It is fine for you to sell your work. Please make sure that the price details are displayed clearly. The Council will not charge you for your exhibition but will expect 15% commission of any sales you have. You will need to put contact details up for yourself so people can approach you direct to buy them. The Council cannot take responsibility for any sales. The sold artwork will need to stay in the exhibition until the end of the time allocated. The commission is expected to be paid once the exhibition has finished. Please make cheques payable to Wychavon District Council.

     

    Publicity

    The artist or organisation will need to publicise the exhibition themselves. However, we can mention them on our Arts Development newsletter and e-news.

     

    Applications for exhibitors

    Potential exhibitors are expected to fill out an expression of interest form by 17th November and send three images of your work, either by e-mail or photographs by post. Please make sure photographs are clearly labelled. A decision will be made by 19th November and you will be informed of the outcome just after this.
     
     
     
     
    Expression of interest for an exhibition at the Civic Centre, Pershore
     
    The Showell Gallery
     
     
    Please complete and return this form with 3 images e-mailed or photographs to Jenny Davis, jenny.davis@wychavon.gov.uk .
     
     
    Would you like to be considered for a solo or group exhibition………………………
     
    Name of Artist/group…………………………………………….
     
    Address……………………………………………………………………………………………
     
    Tel no……………………………………………………….
     
    E-mail address…………………………………………………
     
    Brief description of proposed exhibition……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
     
    Preferred months for exhibition (please tick)
     
    May, June July 2016……………..
     
    Aug, Sept, Oct 2016……………..
     
    Nov, Dec 2016 Jan 2017 ………..
     
    Feb, March, April 2017…………….
     
     

    Declaration

    If selected, I confirm my acceptance of the attached conditions.
     
     
    Signed………………………………………           Date………………………