Worcestershire Arts Partnership Blog

Wednesday 28 June 2017

Artist Opportunities... 2 tender opportunities to transform Libraries


Are you interested in testing out creative ideas that inspire imagination and learning in and out of library settings?

 

With funding from the Summerfield Trust and through the Art of Libraries pilot programme, 3 "early adopter" libraries are looking for designers, makers, performers, visual and digital artists who are experienced in working with children and young people to creatively transform spaces inside the libraries and out on the road in the mobile library bus during the summer holidays.

 

More information on the two tender opportunities are here and more details attached.

 

I hope you are interested. Please do share with artists in your networks.

 

Many thanks 

 

 

Louise Bardgett

Creative Project Manager - Children & Young People

CREATEgloucestershire

 

I work part time for CREATEgloucestershire and will get back to you as soon as I can.   Thank you.

 



 

Follow us on Twitter @createglos

Tuesday 27 June 2017

National Porfolio Funding

Fantastic news for our 4 National Portfolio Organisations, Dancefest, Meadow Arts, C&T and Live and Local. But why stop at 4 when you can have a 5th NPO and we are thrilled that Vamos now join the group too! Fantastic news and well done to all five!
Steve

VAMOS - Good News . Arts Council Englan's National Portfolio Organisation from April 2018


Good Afternoon,

I am delighted to share with you that Vamos have been selected as one of Arts

Council England’s National Portfolio Organisations from April 2018.

 

As one of the only full mask theatre companies in the UK the investment will allow

for increased opportunities for audiences and participants to access and celebrate

the unique world of mask theatre.

 

The investment will enable the company to deliver their award winning and critically

acclaimed full mask theatre to audiences and participants, both nationally and

internationally. Vamos will continue to lead the way in inspiring audiences with their

trademark style that marries full mask theatre with engaging storytelling, physical

dexterity and emotional insight. This investment from the Arts Council will further

enable Vamos to continue working with some of the hardest to reach audiences due

to complex barriers of engagement and ensure that art is accessible and enriching

for all.

 

We are thrilled, elated and joyous! It's a truly magnificent achievement and a

statement of belief, trust and confidence in the Company from Arts Council

England; a recognition for all the years (11yrs) of hard graft, quality work, national

and international touring; work delivered with devotion, integrity, honesty and with a

true social spirit. Inspired work which has touched the hearts of people of all ages

across the spectrum; it could only have been achieved with the most incredible and

ambitious team. Vamos is a family of immensely loyal, devoted and talented people

for which I thank each and every one. 

 

Best wishes

Rachael

Rachael Savage
Artistic Director


Vamos Theatre
01905 312921
www.vamostheatre.co.uk

Wednesday 21 June 2017

JOB OPPORTUNITY- Technical Officer, Live and Local


Technical Officer

£18,638 pro rata (Annualised hours- 910 per year) with supplementary payments for any for any agreed additional hours worked.

 

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: 5pm Thursday 29th June 2017

Interviews: Monday 17th July 2017

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

Tuesday 20 June 2017

1000 years of song.. a WAP project between Severn Atts and Voices and Visions - 6th July, 7pm at Kidderminster Town Hall


♫ 1000 YEARS OF SONG ♪

A Worcestershire Arts Partnership project between Severn Arts and Voices & Visions

featuring schools from across the county

Thursday 06 July | 7.00pm | Kidderminster Town Hall

Interval & Bar

 

Tickets £7 (£3 children & concessions)

Available from 01 June | Kidderminster Town Hall Box Office

01562 732158 | Open 9am – 2pm Monday–Friday

 

 

To avoid disappointment for this popular event, please buy your tickets in advance via phone or in-person.

The Box office will accept credit or debit cards and will post your tickets to you.

 

Nearest parking: Pike Mills, New Street, DY10 1AF (Aldi Supermarket) or Weaver’s Wharf. Both are free after 6.30pm

Venue: Kidderminster Town Hall, Vicar Street, Kidderminster, DY10 1DB

Disability access via alternative entrance – please ask when booking.

Wednesday 14 June 2017

Job Opportunity - The Ring.. closing date 28th June 2017


 

Programmer & Social Media Manager (Freelance)

The Ring (Worcestershire)

Contract: Part-time Casual or Contract Basis: July 2017– January 2018

Location: Home Based

 

Fee:

£7,560 based on 42 days at £180 per day inclusive of travel and expenses over 7 months from July 2017 – January 2018 (with option to extend the role).

 

About the Role

The Ring is a series of new exciting commissions and events inspired by 21 miles of connecting waterways in Worcestershire. We are looking for an individual to help us to invite and coordinate the participation of local artists and public in our programme and provide support setting up and managing all social media and web content for the programme. This role forms part of Artistic Director Cathy Mager’s inclusive curatorial vision for the Ring that seeks to engage artists and public from across the West Midlands to create and take part in new work that reveal new perspectives of the rivers and canals of Worcestershire.

 

This role is mostly home based with regular meetings via skype, but travel to the Worcestershire area will be required. This role will be line managed by Cathy Mager, Artistic Director and Manda Graham, Project Manager of the Ring on behalf of the Canal & River Trust.

 

For more information and to apply for this role:

·         Visit the Canal & River Trust job page.

·         Please apply online; including a covering letter of no more than 2 pages and your CV, explaining why you are interested in the role, your suitability, any links, images, video clips and examples of social media content you have generated. 

  

Closing date for applications: 28th June 2017

 

Please note that interviews will be held on 4th July in Worcester for shortlisted candidates.

 

We aim to reflect the diversity of the communities in which we operate. We welcome applications from all sections of the population.

 

Programme Supported by:

Wednesday 7 June 2017

The Bell Tower and Evesham Almonry - TENDERs - job opportunities


Wychavon District Council is looking for an experienced individual or company to design and replace the exterior lights for The Bell Tower in Evesham. They are also looking for an experienced individual or company to research, design and install a video mapping installation on to The Almonry museum, Evesham and help to design the accompanying community engagement programme. Both projects are with heritage buildings and are separate contracts. The Bell Tower is on scheduled ancient monument land so will need permissions.

These projects are phase 1 of the Evesham Creative Lighting Trail which links the lights on the River Avon to the Almonry museum via Evesham war memorial, Abbey Park memorial  gardens, All Saints Church and St Lawrences church.

The Evesham Bell Tower contract will include;

1)            researching and creating a design for the lighting with a detailed plan

2)            working with the project management team to gain permissions

3)            supply and installation of the new lighting equipment

4)            attendance at the launch event

The Almonry museum projection project contract will include;

1)            researching and creating a design for the projection with a detailed plan

2)            helping to design the community engagement programme

3)            working with the project management  team

4)           supply and installation of the projector and design

5)           attendance at the launch event

The projects are due to start in July 2017 and are aiming to be completed by end of December 2017 (subject to permissions being granted)

The Council is using the e-procurement portal known as the Due North Pro-Contract portal https://procontract.due-north.com to conduct this procurement exercise.

To gain access to the procurement documents, suppliers will need to register their details at the above website. Once registered, suppliers will be emailed a log-in and password which will allow them to gain access to the procurement documents. Suppliers will need to electronically submit an expression of interest and electronic copies of the procurement documents will be sent. 

Suppliers should submit their completed Invitation to Quote (ITQ) and any accompanying documentation via the Due North portal by;

For Evesham Bell Tower Lights by 5pm on 28 June 2017
For The Almonry Projection Project by 5pm on 5 July 2017

 

Any clarification questions should be submitted, via the Due North portal. Responses to clarification questions will be issued to all suppliers via the portal.

If you have any problems or queries gaining access to the Pro-Contract portal please contact the Service desk on 01670 597136 who are available between the hours of 08:30 and 17:30 Monday to Friday (excluding UK Public Holidays), or alternatively email procurement@wychavon.gov.uk.

 

Tuesday 6 June 2017

Inspiring Futures through the Arts - 2017 / 2018 - ARTIST RECRUITMENT - deadline for response - Monday 26th June 2017


Inspiring Futures through the Arts 2017/18

Funded by the West Mercia Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), Worcestershire County Council (WCC), the Elmley Foundation, and led by Worcestershire Arts Partnership (WAP)

Summary

The Worcestershire Arts Partnership are looking to work with Artists and/or Arts Organisations on an exciting project with people over 18 who are at risk of offending or who have previously offended.

This project has been the result of a successful funding bid by WAP to the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner’s Grant Scheme.  It builds on the success of the same project in 2016/17 where over 60 people in Worcestershire who had offended, or were at risk of offending, engaged with arts activities, many of whom showing positive results.  A film of last year’s project can be seen here:   https://vimeo.com/216976305

We have established relationships with Warwickshire and West Mercia Community Rehabilitation Company (WWMCRC) – sometimes referred to as Probation – and with YSS Ltd, a community based support service for vulnerable people who face life challenges, and we plan to run sessions with their service users.

The aim is to reduce (re)offending by supporting people into accessing positive artistic activities and meeting an agreed set of outcomes with West Mercia Police.

We are looking for a wide range of art forms.

Last year’s artists provided very positive feedback about their experience on this project, having found it both rewarding and enjoyable.

What is expected of you:

-          Creation and delivery of a programme of artistic activity for a group of people referred by WWMCRC or YSS.  Programmes are likely to take the form of a 2 hour weekly session for an 8 week block.  (This 8 week block may be run three times with different service users).    

 

 

-          Each session to contribute to a range of outcomes for those who attend, such as increasing self-esteem, developing empathy with others, managing emotions.  The outcomes will be defined by the Outcome Star for Justice, on which you will be trained, but additionally we want you to enable participants to develop artistic skills.

 

-          The last sessions of each block to focus on embedding the learning and next steps for service users - this may include signposting to future training, apprenticeships, volunteering and mainstream activities.  Sustaining the impact is something that both we and our partners feel strongly about.

 

-          You will need to attend two training sessions, both provided by West Mercia Police;

o   Evaluation using the Outcome Star for Justice

o   Safeguarding training

 

-          You will need to complete an Outcome Star for at least half of the participants on your course – ideally measuring their progress three times, but at least twice (start and end).  You will be able to work with their key workers on this.

 

-          You will also need to keep a record of numbers attending each session and collect some qualitative data about their experiences – this may include photographs and quotes. 

 

-          You will need to have an up to date DBS certificate and be able to provide your DBS number on request

 

 

What support we will provide:

 

-          We will provide project management support for the whole project, someone who you can refer to and with whom you can raise any concerns

 

-          We will make the relationships with the other partners and will take referrals onto your course. 

 

-          We will provide the venues

 

-          We will request that partner key workers are in the room with you during the activity, or that you are in a building where that support exists and is readily available

 

-          We will provide you with a contribution to materials for your courses (up to £200 per artist)

 

-          We will provide you with media consent forms for clients to sign before any photography or filming takes place

 

-          We will recruit a film-maker to record some of your sessions, which aims to publicise the project, change perceptions about offenders, promote the work of WAP, but also can be used by your own organisation to show the work you do and help you with future funding applications and work

 

-          We will organise a training day for WAP members about cultural commissioning and our experiences with this project, at which you will receive a free place

 

 

Overall outcomes for the referred service users are that they will have:

-       Improved their position on their personal Outcome Star (last year’s clients all improved in 9 out of 10 areas on the Outcome Star whilst they were undertaking the arts courses)

-       Developed their interest and skills in the arts

-       Challenged their views of themselves and raised their aspirations

-       Engaged with learning

-       Connected with new education, training and employment opportunities as a result

 

Fees

-       Each weekly session (2 hours) will be paid at £150, inclusive of expenses and VAT

-       Attendance at the two training sessions will be paid at £100 to your organisation per training session

-       As stated above, up to £200 is available per artist as a contribution to any materials

 

How to apply

Please send a CV and a letter of no more than two sides of A4.  The letter needs to outline your experience and suitability in relation to the following criteria:

Essential

·         High quality arts activity

·         Experience of working in an arts context successfully with people who are at risk of offending or who have offended, or with vulnerable and disadvantaged people

·         Empathy, tolerance, tact and diplomacy

·         Experience of running arts activities to an agreed series of outcomes

·         Understanding of safeguarding procedures

·         Ability to evaluate social based outcomes

·         Ability to outline your programme of arts activity, including how it will contribute to the ‘overall outcomes’ above and how the learning may be embedded

Desirable

-       A background – not necessarily in the arts - of working with vulnerable or disadvantaged people or people with mental health conditions, eg: working in social care

 

Please send applications to

Steve Wilson

County Arts Officer

Worcestershire County Council


By 4pm on Monday 26th June 2017

 

Shortlisted artists will then be asked to attend an interview in mid-July.  This will involve you providing a 20 minute taster session for service users who have agreed to contribute their views to the decision making process.  This will be followed by questions from project partners.  (As empathy and gaining the confidence of the client group is such an important part of these activities, we would like to see you engaging with service users before selection is made). 

 

Timetable

Tender issued
Monday 5th June 2017
Closing date for submissions
Monday 26th June 2017 at 4pm
Interview date (NB: Interviews will be held with partners and service users)
W/c 10th July  
Artists selected
21st July 2017
Artist training (evaluation and safeguarding)
Expected August/September
Arts programme
Between Sept 2017 – Mar 2018
Post-programme evaluation
March 2018

 

Please note:

·         If you have an alternative proposal to the 8 week block model, but one which will deliver on the outcomes, please contact us to discuss this – it may well be that we will also welcome your application. 

·         Tailored projects for 13-16 year olds at risk of offending are also being developed in parallel.  Artists for this will be sought separately but you are welcome to apply for both.

 

If you have any enquires, please email Steve Wilson, County Arts Officer on swilson@worcestershire.gov.uk

The Hive at 5 - Be part of The Hive's 5th Anniversary Celebrations


Be a part of the Hive's 5th Anniversary celebrations

To celebrate The Hive's 5th Anniversary in July, we are hosting a community and family day event on Saturday 8th July, 10am - 4pm and we would like to invite some local artists, bands, choirs, dancers to come and perform outside the front of The Hive to help bring a celebratory vibe and fun atmosphere to the day. Alongside local food and drink stalls, craft activities, story time for kids, the Hive at Five exhibition and the "Great Hive Cake-Off" competition we hope to create a fun-filled day for everyone to enjoy.

If you are interested in performing at this event and helping us to celebrate The Hive's 5th Anniversary please contact Caroline Hill, Events Manager (chill3@worcestershire.gov.uk) by Friday 16th June

Artists needed from Worcestershire


Artists from Worcestershire, we need you! 

Kidderminster’s Swan Shopping Centre  is hosting a community art project to bring a little bit of colour to the centre. Schools, colleges and community groups will be invited  to take part in a competition to find four winning designs to decorate its wooden seats. 

Budding designers taking part in the competition will be invited to submit designs based on the theme of the four seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn. The designs could be in any art form, from traditional to new media, from fine art to graffiti.

The winning designs will be painted on the seats and that’s where you as an artist can get involved.  The centre is looking to commission artists to replicate the winning designs on to the seats. The selected artists will be paid £600-£800 per bench depending on the complexity of the designs involved and materials required. 

If you would like to be considered as an artist please register your interest by emailing the event organisers. Please send your contact details and some examples of recent artwork to Hannah@onlyonthehighstreet.com

Rosalyn Darby, Manager at the Swan Centre, said:  “The wooden seats are a favourite facility for many of our shoppers but they are in need of refurbishment.  We thought this would be a great opportunity for the community of Kidderminster to get involved in a fun and creative project. It will bring together the local community  and showcase the creativity and flair that the people of Kidderminster have always been known for.”

Deadline close of business 30th of June