Tuesday 30 August 2011

Support networks for anyone involved in arts marketing, fundraising, programming, working as an individual practitioners...

As it is so often the same faces, generally organisation Directors who sit around the networking tables, we thought it was about time we helped all of the other essential people who make the arts happen in Wiltshire, meet each other.

I am hoping to organise informal networking sessions for those involved in marketing, fundraising, programming, producing, venue managing, working as an individual practitioner or technician. Are there any others that you think might be useful?

I am aware that many of you wear more than one hat for your organisations so please feel free to be involved with as many of these networks as you feel is useful.

My suggestion for a loose agenda would be:

1. Introductions and sharing of areas of work (Under relevant heading, eg: marketing) that each person feels they/ their org is particular strong at and one that is more challenging
2. Informal response, advice, offers of support identified from sharing
2. Identify areas where there may be benefits in working together
3. Actions: Long and short term

An opportunity to continue more informal conversations, sharing thoughts, ideas and support over a glass of wine or soft drink will be facilitated following the main agenda.

These sessions will be confidential (with only actions minuted) so that all those who attend feel able to talk openly about their work in order that the groups can most effectively support each other.

These events will be FREE to WAP members and £5 for non members (remember it only cost £10 to become a WAP member for individuals and £30 for small organisations).

I have made a start by booking the following sessions:

Marketing network: Wednesday 28 September 4 - 6pm Salisbury Arts Centre
Fundraising network: Thursday 6 October 4 - 6pm Pound Arts Centre, Corsham
Individual Practitioners: Wednesday 12 October 2 - 4pm Fat Fowl, Bradford On Avon

Please do let any colleagues who don't receive WAP emails know about these sessions. It would also be useful for you to let me know which of the other networks suggested you might be interested in attending. Feel free to leave a comment on the blog or email me wiltshireartspromoters@gmail.com. Please let me know if you would like to attend either of these sessions by email also.

Free Open University Course Materials for Sector Managers

Thanks Grow for this also:

CharityWise is a collection of Open University materials online (with no charge) at http://www.open.ac.uk/blogs/CharityWise/ for people who are responsible for leading and managing small charities and voluntary and community organisations. Ten Openlearn Units have been tailored for CharityWise, direct link here. (Source: Volresource)

Update on Registration of Excepted Charities

This was also in Grow's E Bulletin:

Updated guidance from the Charity Commission sets out the latest position on excepted charities, which include scout and guide groups, armed forces charitable funds and charities connected with some Christian churches. (Excepted charities fall under the regulation of the Commission but haven't been required to register.) The exception from registration for such charities with annual incomes of less than £100,000 has been extended until 2012, allowing for the forthcoming review of the Charities Act 2006 to consider registration thresholds. Click here to view..

Community Grant Programme for the South West

I picked this up from Grow's E Bulletin:

South West Foundation in Partnership with the Learning Curve and the Skills Funding Agency, will shortly be opening a new grant programme for the South West. The Community Grants programme, funded by the European Social Fund and the Skills Funding Agency, is aimed at supporting voluntary and community organisations with charitable aims, to deliver projects that will help and support people furthest removed from the labour market to pick up the skills and confidence that will enable them to move toward employment. This particular programme covers all of the South West (excluding Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly – these areas are being handled by a different agency). Grants up to £12,000 will be available although it is envisaged that most grants will be in the region of £6,000 to £8,000. In connection with this programme the South West Foundation is holding a number of information seminars throughout the region. This is a notification about the first sessions to be held in August and September. We will be organising seminars in Bristol and South Devon in early October and will send these details out later on. All those organisations that would like to find out more about this programme are welcome to attend. Click here to find out more information and the event dates.

Fringe Arts Bath Invites aspiring curators to devise and organise a show as part of FAB 2012.

FAB curator shows can include: Performance, intervention, installation, multi-media and video work through to photography, drawing, painting and sculpture (and all spaces in between).Anyone can apply with any level of experience - students, graduates and artists all welcome.Check out some of this years shows http://www.fringeartsbath.co.uk/fab-at-the-officers-club-stall/
Submission is by a 500 word proposal detailing the underpinning themes with supporting images (optional) and C.V all saved as a PDF or word doc.
via email fringeartsbath@ymail.com or post hard copy to Fringe Arts Bath 103 Walcot Street Bath BA1 5BW. Deadline 7th October 2011

Arts Audiences: Insight

I'm working from The Pound Arts Centre today and Ian (WAP's Chair and Director of The Pound) handed me a beautiful, unmistakably Arts Council published document entitled Arts Audience: Insight and said 'So which one are you?'. Confused, I began to explore the document full of lovely 'wordle like' art work and fold out pages.

So what is it?

It is the culmination of what must have been extensive research which has moved away from the traditional ACORN and MOSAIC definition of the population to that focused on arts attendance. Groups are divided into three sections: Highly engaged, Some engagement and Not currently engaged. Within these sections are sub sections:

Highly Engaged: (Reps 9% of population)
Urban Arts Eclectic (5%)
Traditional Culture Vulture (4%)

Some Engagement: (Reps 70% of population)
Fun, fashion and friends (18%)
Mature Explorers (11%)
Dinner and Show (20%)
Family and Community focused (11%)
Bedroom DJs (3%)
Mid-life hobbyists (4%)
Retired arts and crafts (3%)

Not currently engaged: (23%)
Time-poor dreamers (7%)
A quiet pint with the match (8%)
Older and home-bound (6%)
Limited means, nothing fancy (2%)

The document goes onto to define these groups by their leisure pursuits, arts engagement, demographic, and their media use (with rather clever artwork to illustrate that information).

I am left wondering whether the investment in this is worthy of the usefulness in terms of an audience development strategy, having said that the section that looks at engaging each group is fairly useful. It does feel a little like reinventing the ACORN and MOSAIC wheel to limited value, although given that there is apparently 70% engaging 'sometimes', and 23% not currently engaged it does suggest we have some work to do! What do you think?

Oh and in reply to Ian's question 'which one are you?' I think I am probably 'Family and Community Focused', though I would like to have fitted into the 'Urban arts eclectic.'

So which one are you?

http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/media/uploads/Arts_audiences_insight.pdf

NB: I am sharing my own personal opinion in this post and is not intended to represent the opinion of WAP members!



Friday 26 August 2011

Bath Dance post

Bath have funding for Dance Development and are looking to appoint a creative producer for Dance. I went along to the first meeting attended by a vast and varied representation of all of those passionate about dance in Bath, there is obviously a great deal already happening but some key areas that such a development agency could support were identified on the day. I'm happy to share my thoughts from the day if that would be helpful.

Have a look at CEW's website for more information:

http://theatreworks.org.uk/jobs/icia-creative-producer-for-dance-freelance

Project Officer Post

This is not strictly an arts appointment but requires the project management and public engagement skills that are so strong within our arts practitioners. There is also an element of the project that is around performance which is being delivered by Salisbury Playhouse. Anyway here are the details:

Project Officer

The Wiltshire Black Archives Partnership SEEME oral history project requires a part-time freelance Project Officer
£5,600 working approx 56 days over 14 months

SEEME is a partnership of statutory and community organisations and individuals who have come together to promote the history of black & minority ethnic (BME) communities in Wiltshire to everyone. The initiative will work through community participation and learning and aims to collect, preserve and make accessible written, pictorial and oral heritage relating to BME communities in Wiltshire, past and present.

SEEME is a programme that both collates oral histories and uses them to inspire creative retellings. The project will engage the whole community in intergenerational learning activities in response to people's life stories, through theatre, music, performance and film; raising awareness of the history of BME communities in Wiltshire through touring exhibitions and publications; and engaging young people, teachers and schools through innovative educational resources available in a range of format.

Description of services required:
The project officer will be responsible for the recruitment and support of volunteers, and will need to work closely with the local community, including schools and with other freelancers.
Assist the project management committee in monitoring the performance of facilitators and practitioners against objectives and deadlines.
Provide feedback to the project management committee that indicates project progress against the project action plan and recommend changes to ensure deadlines are achieved.
To identify and implement problem solving techniques appropriate to the situation.
Develop project communications strategies in consultation with the project management committee.
In conjunction with the project management committee, undertake the research, collection and collation of project data to evidence project objectives.

Health & safety:
To be responsible for your own health and safety and that of anybody else who may be affected by your acts or omissions.
Other duties:
The project officer may be required to perform duties other than those given in this job description.
Person specification
Skills, experience and knowledge:
• Ideally, experience of working in communities, either through local authority, third sector roles, or through private sector (for example consultancy) roles.
• Experience of developing and landing new ideas/projects.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including writing, presentation and ICT skills.
• Strong project management skills and a keen interest in establishing rigorous processes to support delivery and quality of outputs.
• Significant research experience in community development, regeneration, or a related field.
• High degree of professionalism, self-motivation and self-direction.
• Ability to think laterally and creatively.
• Ability to work autonomously and as part of a small team.

People Skills:
• Proven interpersonal and influencing skills that enable ideas and concepts to be effectively explained at all levels in both formal and informal circumstances.

• A working style that supports and empowers.

Essential Skills:
• Computer literacy
• Good oral communication skills and ability to deal with people at all levels
• Ability to take responsibility and act on own initiative
• Excellent timekeeping and organisational skills.
• Interest in and enthusiasm for heritage based projects
• Good administration skills
• An understanding of communities, community development and individual developmental needs
• Accurate keyboard skills
• Excellent personal and office organisation skills
• Self-motivation and personal drive to complete tasks to required timescales and quality standards
• The flexibility to adapt to changing workload demands and new organisational challenges
• Creates and executes project work plans and revises as appropriate to meet changing needs and requirements.
• Identifies resources needed and assigns individual responsibilities.
• Manages day-to-day operational aspects of a project
• Ensures project documents are complete, current, and stored appropriately.

Personal circumstance:
• Willingness to travel around the county as necessary
Special requirements:
• Some evening and weekend work will be necessary

All committee members, volunteers, freelancers, practitioners and facilitators must be committed to equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice.

SEEME is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults and all paid staff, committee members, volunteers, consultants, practitioners and facilitators are expected to share a commitment to this.

If successful you’ll be required to apply for disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau.

How to apply

To apply for this role, please submit your CV (including 2 referees) together with a covering statement explaining why you are a good match for the work and how you meet the person specification to Terry Bracher, Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre, Cocklebury Road, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 3QN or by email to Heather Patrick, seemewiltshire@gmail.com

Closing date 9th September
Short-listing 12th September
Interviews will be held: w/c 19th September

For informal enquires please contact Heather Patrick, Project Manager, 07784725084






Exciting commissioning opportunity, DEADLINE 31 August

Ellie Malone from ACE has highlighted this opportunity to work with Lone Twin and their Cultural Olympiad 'Boat' project. Here are the details:



Tuesday 23 August 2011

Funding info from Grow's E Bulletin

Wiltshire Funding Information
The following funding information is provided by Charities Information Bureau – South & West (CIB). We are Wiltshire's Funding Advice Service and are here to help you to raise money for your group or organisation. So please give us a call and speak to a funding advisor on (01380) 729279 or email: enquiries@cibwilts.org.uk. For groups in the South West of England, you can register for access to our FREE funding database, please visit: www.cibsouthandwest.org.uk

GARFIELD WESTON FOUNDATION
A general grant- giving charity that makes grants in the areas of the Arts, Community Education, Medical, Environment, Health, Religion, Welfare and Youth.

MARSH CHRISTIAN TRUST
Provides grants to registered charities working in the fields of social welfare, literature arts and heritage, environmental and animal welfare, healthcare and medical research, education and training and a small number overseas

£1000 Match Funding!

Oh I like this rom Grow!

Get your Hands on £1000 of Matched Funding Money

Tell a great story you could win £1000 of matched funding for your project (thanks to our generous Mystery Millionaire). We choose the best stories each month, check out the latest projects to be selected. The best stories are surprising, simple to understand, great value, have a clear need and very tangible. It takes 2 minutes to tell us your story by answering the 3 questions below and you can enter as many different projects as you like. Add your pitch here.

Reshaping update

I've just received this from Catriona at ACE!

Trading for Sustainability

The Devon SSE is running a special tailor-made action learning programme aimed at practitioners, artists and organisations in the arts and creative industries that are facing the loss of public funding for their work. The course aims to fill the gap by offering expert, in-depth practical support as you move away from grant dependency. Trading for Sustainability will also include distilled content from their highly successful social entrepreneurship fellows programme. The Trading for Sustainability course is structured to run in three blocks of two days over a three months period giving you time to implement changes between sessions and will support you to re-think your business model to meet the changing environment and develop your future financial sustainability while keeping your creative and social purpose firmly in mind. Please see attached pdf for more details.

Kind regards

Catriona

Catriona Hunter

Assistant, Regional Planning

Arts Council England



Direct line: 01392 229209

Email: catriona.hunter@artscouncil.org.uk

Web: www.artscouncil.org.uk

Arts Prize For Young Artists

I shared this with you back in June, but just thought I'd remind you as there's only a few weeks to go until the deadline!

Sky Arts is offering five young artists £30,000 each to fund their work for a full year as part of the Sky Arts Ignition: Futures Fund - in association with IdeasTap. The fund is designed to help bridge the gap between formal education and becoming a working artist. The Sky Arts Ignition: Futures Fund is open to individual artists working in visual art, theatre, performance art, film, music, dance or literature. To apply, you must be an IdeasTap member aged 18-30 on 19 September 2011 and be based in either the UK or Ireland. It’s free to become an IdeasTap member and just takes a few minutes to sign up. Two winners will be selected during this round of funding. The next round will open in early 2012 from which three further winners will be chosen. Applications close at 5pm on Monday 19 September 2011

Wednesday 17 August 2011

What would you like to see programmed in Marlborough's Theatre On The Hill?


What would you like to see at The Theatre on the Hill, Marlborough?



We have created a survey to find out what you would like to see or take part in at

The Theatre on the Hill.

Please enter the following web address into your address bar:

www.wiltshire.gov.uk/theatreonthehill.htm

If you would prefer to fill in a paper copy of the survey please call Kate O’Connor on 01672 519537

To offer our thanks for your support with developing the Theatre on the Hill we are holding a competition with the chance to win either 2 complimentary tickets to the show of your choice at the Theatre on the Hill or dinner for two at Brasserie Gerard. All you need to do is enter your name and address at the end of the survey and check the competition box.

Did you know?

Did you know Grow Wiltshire hire out Laptops, PA, Display stands and the like? Have a look http://developecs.ning.com/page/printing-equipment-1

Training opps in Fundraising using Social Media

Grow have a half or full day training session delivered by Ask and Company Solutions! It's on September 22 from 9.30 in Trowbridge and costs £30 for the morning session and £50 for both (The afternoon session focuses on the use of Twitter)

Here's a link to more information: http://developecs.ning.com/events/ask-company-solutions-present-fundraising-using-social-networks-9

Monday 15 August 2011

WAP on Facebook!

Hi all

I think you can like our Facebook page here, have a go! When you're on the page do click on most recent to see the latest posts. Please like and encourage your friends to and I'll try to keep adding interesting things? If anyone wants to use this for give aways and competitions let me know.

How effective is your Local Area Board?

Hi all

You have an opportunity to feed back on how well you think your local Area Board works, I've just filled it in, it's taken me about 15 minutes but I had rather a lot to say. Please do take the time to feed back on this if you have been going along to your LAB, these are absolutely key forums for decisions to be made about were you live and/ or work and my experience so far has been a bit worrying as to their effectiveness. I believe the boards across the County are all quite different so please do share your own experience.

NB: I thought I might go along to Corsham's Area Board on Thursday, would anyone like to join me?

Dear Community Area Network member,

http://www.housing.ucsb.edu/survey/start-button.gif


Many thanks to all those who have completed the Area Boards Survey; we now have 1,000 responses from all round the county. This will give us really detailed information about how Wiltshire residents think this Wiltshire Council initiative is working and how it is helping the local decision-making process.

If you have not yet completed the on-line survey, there is still time to do so. Click on the link here and let us know what you think of Area Board meetings in your local area. Please do have a look at the survey even if you have never attended an Area Board meeting as we are still keen to hear from you.

The final results will soon be available I will make sure you receive a copy as soon as the analysis is complete.

Many thanks,

Andrew Jack

ANDREW JACK
Community Partnership Development Officer
Communities, Libraries, Heritage & Arts
Wiltshire Council
01225 713109

07769 917270

Devizes Carnival & International Street Festival

21 August to 3 September 2011

Do have a look at what's going on during Devizes Carnival and International Street Festival this year. You can find details at www.devizescarnival.co.uk Here are some highlights:

Sunday 21st August – Picnic in the Park (Hillworth Park, Devizes SN10 4HR, 12.00 to 4.30pm). Free music from Kyla Brox, Zoe Schwartz Blue Commotion and Jackie Leven. Children’s entertainment includes storytelling by Lulu Stevens, circus workshop with Mark Russell. Bar by Devizes CAMRA. Bring your own picnic.

Thursday 25th August - Comedy Night (Bell by the Green, 8.30 for 9.00pm). Headline Mitch Benn (Radio 4’s Now Show), Wes Packer and Martin Brown. Tickets £10 from Devizes Books.

Wednesday 31 August - Confetti Battle and Fireworks (Market Place, 8.00 – 9.00pm). Devizes’ traditional event!

Bank Holiday Monday 29th August (Town centre, 10.30 – 6.30pm). Grandest one-day festival of music and street arts in the SW and a free event! A host of excellent bands and some of the best street arts from UK and Europe including music from Peatbog Faeries, Phantom Limb, Baraka, Smokin Joe Kubeck and Gugge2000 and street shows by Ramshaklicious, Motionhouse (Underground), Nakupelle, Jason Maverick, Gracie Spoon, Bootworks Theatre, Sputknicker Sisters, Bambolina & Dodo, Jonny & Sybil, Benny Formaggio, Rimski’s Piano, etc.

Saturday 3rd September - Devizes Carnival (from The Green, 6.00pm). Big procession with mix of traditional and contemporary style entries (lots from community workshops). Bands include Portsmouth Batala, Grupo Ilu Axe, Swindon Samba, Oi Sambistas and Rainbow Steel Orchestra.

Highlights from the opening speaker at AMA

I've just watched the first key note speech made at this years Arts Marketing Associations conference, there were some great ideas. Here's a potted version:

All about mitigating the risk for our audience:

1. Think about where the event is, may get more engagement if an AGM or the like is held in a pub over a pint!
2. Offer a money back guarantee: 'If you don't like the event or leave at the interval we will give you your money back' A venue in the states did this and in 3 years had not refund requests (alternatively you can offer a 'credit back' guarantee giving the audience member credit to see/ take part in another event).

Research in the states shows that 56% say they are going to/ taking part in the arts because of time and only 16% because of money!

Ideas to tackle people's time poverty:
1. Sell an event in two halves where appropriate, if Orchestra playing different pieces before and after an interval give people to opportunity to see the first half, they may then want to go to dinner, or see the second half, might need to get the children to bed first!
2. Programme/ create shorter pieces, eg 1 hour, have two performance per night say 7 and 9. Less rehearsal, cheaper programming, more people, more money.
3. Have an opening party not reception, (reception sounds dry) go on until 11pm, more attractive to younger people to begin night later then go on to clubs etc.
4. plan an evening event to begin with drinks, 70 min show done by 9 then people able to have late dinner etc.

We are challenged to look at the experience our audience has coming to our event/ venue. should be so exciting that people would go even without an event happening!

People need to have a clear perception of what the benefits of attending an event are! Free tickets is not enough. This is most effectively shared from person to person, is not only a job for marketers.

1. Communicate with your ticket buyers 3 weeks, 1 week and 2 days before they attend an event, this is about creating a 'readiness to receive' to make the whole experience better resulting in them encouraging other to attend and to attend other events themselves.
2. In The Washington Post they put out a call for amateur musicians to perform with the national orchestra. They downloaded the music, self certified that they were able to play it, then 100 amateur musicians performed with 25 professional musicians. Result was people paid to take part and friends and family came so events sold out!
3. Use testimonies on websites and other marketing, quote and picture of someone talking about what the get from your event or venue will give people confidence to buy tickets and encourage donations.
4. Get your audience to vote for a piece to be performed, having engaged at that stage more likely to attend and encourage other to also.
5. Don't save best parking for VIP's, Easy parking for new comers, give a parking pass and pack with first tickets, more important that they are able to find their way.
6. Look at your exchange policy, States research showed that Orchestra's with most liberal exchange policy did the best. People won't bother booking if they fear they'll be penalised if something prevents them from making it.

I think there are some fantastic ideas there. Please do share these with your marketing teams, If you're lucky enough to have them, or better still encourage them to watch the AMA webcasts (Link is on earlier post).


Edinburgh Festival Tweets

Ian Martin, Director of The Pound Arts Trust and Chair of WAP is basking in the delights of Edinburgh Festival this week. If you're heading up and want to know what's hot and what's not, or you want some programming ideas why not follow his tweets at www.twitter.co./ianjmartin

NB WAP is hoping to secure some subsidised accommodation for Edinburgh festival next year so if your budget hasn't allowed you to make it this year maybe you can make use of the WAP flat next year! (We should know by November if we can offer this)

Other Worlds - the final exhibition


Works by four artists and four servicemen exploring the world of the soldier
Rfn. Adam Davies
Fran Donovan
WO2 John Galletly
SAC Joe Heard
Richard Hoare
C/Sgt. Barry John MBE*
Prudence Maltby
Jeff Walker

* Winner of the Armed Forces Art Society’s 2011 Templer Award

Salisbury Library & Galleries
Saturday 1 October to Saturday 26 November 2011
Open Monday 10-7, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 9-7,
Thursday & Saturday 9-5


Other Worlds is an inspirational community arts project supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. The concept was originated with the intention of giving the general public an insight into the little understood world of the men and women of our Armed Forces.

This unique show, marking the culmination of the project, is the result of a two-phase programme designed for four volunteer servicemen. After six months of sessions in which they explored and developed their foundation art skills, the servicemen were carefully matched up on a one-to-one basis with four practising artists for mentoring sessions. These are aimed at taking the particular artistic interests of each individual forward, and exploring the artists’ and servicemen’s different experiences of conflict – both in its military sense and in its wider meaning.

This exhibition throws light on the experience of the serving soldier in modern British society and on the interface between military and civilian worlds by offering art created by the servicemen in collaboration with their mentors, alongside the practising artists’ own responses to the project. It tells the story, not so much of the direct experience of conflict itself, as of the hidden facets of our servicemen’s physical and emotional lives, whether on tour of duty or in civilian life. The result is one expressive, resounding voice concerned with the many faces of conflict.

Showing will be up to 40 pieces of work exploring various mediums including oil on canvas, drawing and sculpture.

The exhibition will tour in 2012.

The Other worlds Project

Other Worlds started in July 2010. It has comprised a series of unique exhibitions by practising artists exploring the theme of conflict; arts skills workshops and professional mentoring for active service personnel; and a major schools project. With the war continuing in Afghanistan, and many soldiers deployed on the frontline, this project has served both to provide servicemen and women and their families with the opportunity to use the visual arts to tell their story, leaving a permanent legacy for others to see; and to provide the general public with a window on the world of our service personnel and a greater understanding of their experiences.

Creative England seeks members for National Board


Friday 12 August 2011: Creative England is now inviting applications for membership of its national Board.

This non-executive Board will have overall responsibility for the development of Creative England as it begins to provide support for film, digital media and other creative industries throughout the English regions.

Creative England currently has an interim advisory group, or Establishment Board, made up of the Chairs of the existing Regional Screen Agencies, to advise Creative England Chair, John Newbigin, in the run-up to the new organisation going live on 1 October.

John Newbigin, Chair of Creative England, says: “We’re looking for a dozen exceptional individuals who not only have a deep understanding of film, TV, games and other digital media industries, but can also speak with real authority for the regions of England.

“The creative industries are a vital part of the national agenda for growth and new jobs, not just in London but right across the country. They’re also at the heart of our contemporary culture and identity, especially for young people. So getting this right could not be more important.

“Creative England has a great opportunity to build on the legacy of the Regional Screen Agencies in developing creative talent, business skills and a strong media culture. Our job is to extend that to an even wider spread of talent and communities. To do that we need the very best – and that’s exactly who we’re looking for.”

From October 2011, Creative England will work to support the sustainable growth of independent creative businesses, and the talent that feeds them, in every part of England outside London. It will build on the work of the Regional Screen Agencies that, for the past ten years, have assisted the development of the film, TV, interactive, games and digital media industries, and the growth of film culture in England.

One of Creative England’s first objectives is to establish a new infrastructure for film in the English regions, laying the foundations for the development and sustainability of a vibrant film and moving image culture outside of London. It will endeavour to ensure that the best talent is supported, that audiences have access to a wide and diverse range of moving image products, and that the public benefits from a range of opportunities to engage and participate in contemporary film and moving image culture. It is also bidding to a number of other central government and European funds for funds to support wider creative industry initiatives.

Deadline for Board member applications is Friday 9 September 2011. Interviews will take place w/c 19 September 2011. For more information on how to apply, or to download an information pack, visit www.creativeengland.co.uk/jobs.

In addition to the national Board, Creative England will establish three advisory boards on a regional basis for the North, Centre and South of England, and will be advertising shortly for applications for membership. These three boards will be advisory to the main board only.

Monday 8 August 2011

Tuesday 2 August 2011

Arts Project Grants

Voluntary and community organisations in Wiltshire are being encouraged to apply for grants to support local arts projects taking place between November 2011 and October 2012

The Wiltshire Council Arts Project Grant Scheme aims to support the Wiltshire arts sector, which covers a wide range of creative opportunities, including visual arts, crafts, media and digital forms, literature and performing arts.

The deadlines for applications is midnight on 30 September 2011. Groups can apply for up to £1,000 towards their project costs. The project should be able to demonstrate evidence of community need, partnership working and a legacy for the community.

Further information including the full criteria for the scheme and an application form can be obtained from contacting Wiltshire Council’s arts team at arts@wiltshire.gov.uk or details can be viewed on our website www.wiltshire.gov.uk/arts

If you wish to discuss your project with an arts officer before sending in an application please ring: Faye Bradley on 07827 081039 for projects in South and East Wiltshire and Meril Morgan on 01249 705531 for projects in North and West Wiltshire

Wiltshire Council arts team contacts are arts development officers Faye Bradley (South and East Wiltshire Projects) faye.bradley@wiltshire.gov.uk 07827 081039 or Meril Morgan (North and West Wiltshire projects) on 01249 705531 or meril.morgan@wiltshire.gov.uk

Monday 1 August 2011

WAP is on Facebook!

We have taken another big bold step into the world of social media. The feeling is that there are many people out there who would benefit from being part of our network and our network from them. Facebook and twitter seem like a good way to start to spread our wings further. Please do like our page and invite anyone you think may be interested in our work to do so also. I will try to keep feeding the page with interesting information (do let me know if there are things you would like to share through the page)

Here it is! http://www.facebook.com/tracy.sullivan3#!/pages/Wiltshire-Arts-Promoters-WAP/194491707278326?sk=wall

Cultural Olympiad for Wiltshire

Hi all

Those of you who were able to join us at our last meeting may recall Peter Tyas talking about Team Wiltshire, who are working with LOCOG (London Organising Committee of The Olympic Games) in delivering the Cultural Olympiad to Wiltshire.

It is a little complicated but Team Wiltshire have decided to develop some subgroups one of which is to be focusing on Heritage and Arts. I don't want to go into too much detail here, you can visit http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/leisureandrecreation/teamwiltshire.htm if you would like to find out more. Here are a few highlights that it might be worth you knowing!

Inspire Mark!


1. It is now been made easier to apply for the Inspire Mark, here's the link: http://www.london2012.com/about-us/our-brand/inspire-programme.php If you need any help or have any questions regarding applying for the Inspire Mark do contact Tamzin Ewers, Team Wiltshire Co-ordinator on 07824 414507.

Benefits of having the Inspire Mark
:

1. You're project could feature in a printed regional brochure (deadline for this would be November 2011)
2. There will be a website dedicated to Inspire Projects
3. The LOCOG communication team will be aware of all Inspire projects which will provide profile raising opportunities within national, regional media and Visit Britain
4. You can promote your activity as being an event 'Celebrating the Olympics' or part of the 'Cultural Olympiad'.

The only real challenge about securing the Inspire Mark is that your project can not be supported by a corporate sponsors!

Challenges to not having the Inspire Mark are
:

1. There can be no mention of the Olympics in any marketing for an event without the Inspire Mark.
2. No logo, picture of the Olympic rings, association with the Olympic Torch or medals can be used in any marketing, and only be agreement with LOCOG if you do successfully apply for the Inspire Mark.

I think it's fairly widely acknowledged that there has been a lack of clarity around the Cultural Olympiad and why people should get involved, and even some ill feeling but I think we have a fantastic opportunity to highlight to the world what we're doing in Wiltshire and it need not be too arduous. It may be possible for you to use or adapt projects already planned to be part of the Cultural Olympiad!

Torch Route

As you may know it has been confirmed that the Olympic Torch will come through Salisbury on July 11 and have an overnight stop! The rest of the torche route will be revealed in November. Having activity happening to animate the torch route is another vital part of Team Wiltshire and LOCOGs ambition. Please do begin to think about what you might be able to do to be part of the route, maybe have all of Wiltshire youth dance companies learn a piece of dance that can be performed at the nearest points of the route to where the groups rehearse, or bands learn a new piece of music and do the same or just have your staff, volunteers,. friends in uniform cheering the torch on!

Wiltshire Projects

There are a number of bigger projects that Wiltshire hope to secure as part of the Cultural Olympiad, including: Salisbury International Arts Festivals project looking to illuminate all of Wiltshire White Horse, maybe create some new ones and even a flying one! a National Music Project 20 x 20 where 20 outstanding new works will be commissioned and Wiltshire Council are looking to support the training of Arts Awards Assessors inorder that many young people achieve Arts Awards both focused on the Olympics and into the future.

Here is a list of a number of project ideas from WAP members I compiled and updated in April. If you are interested in collaborating with any of these do get in touch with those leading on the project.



I will continue to attend the Heritage and Arts meetings and keep you up to date with what's going on.

Bidding for new contracts or retaining old ones? This training might be useful!

Are you currently bidding for new contracts or trying to successfully retain the ones you already have?

We would be delighted to welcome you or a colleague to a one-day workshop on the 1 September in London or the 29 September in Newcastle which is designed to help charities maximise their chances of retaining their current public sector contracts and win new contracts from the same commissioners.

Download brochure


The workshop is designed for key staff responsible for managing service delivery contracts and has been very well received (see delegate comments below). Presented by Derek Smith, formerly Director at RNID and a leading authority in this field, the course is limited to 18 participants and examines how to:

* maximise your chances of retaining your current contracts, despite the cuts and increasing private sector competition
* work with commissioners to identify new service delivery opportunities as part of the Big Society agenda
* develop a structured approach to contract management which can benefit your organisation and service users
* ensure your key staff achieve a high level of commissioner satisfaction, rather than just focusing on delivery targets
* understand the needs of your commissioner, so that you deliver more value for money than your competitors
* ensure all team members know how they can contribute to improved efficiency and effectiveness
* enable you to build a win/win contractual relationship by agreeing realistic objectives and expectations
* gather evidence of value for money and added value to demonstrate performance
* provide simple planning, review and audit tools that provide a focus for staffing teams.
* use marketing, communications and public relations to build your reputation as an effective deliverer of public services.

Your attendance fee of £187 includes lunch and all resources including a comprehensive handbook, with a range of resources for your ongoing use. You can book your places online and we will send you an invoice. Alternatively, you can complete the form on the course brochure. We also deliver the course in house, which may be a cost effective option if you have several colleagues requiring this training. Please email us if you would like to explore this further. Here are some comments from those who have recently attended the course:

"As always with Action Planning, a really helpful course which meets my needs."
Inez Smith, Young People Development Manager, YMCA Cambridgeshire

"Very incisive and valuable learning."
Victor Momodu, Organisational Development Adviser, London Voluntary Service Council

"I have experience as both a commissioner and provider of services, but got new insights into the role of contracts manager, marketing and VFM (value for money)."
Andy Pallas, Partnerships and Contracts Manager, TACT

Arts Award training next week!

If anyone is interested in getting themselves arts award advisor training ASAP do contact Mark Powell!

“Arts Award adviser training –places available 9th August, 10-4pm Salisbury Playhouse

Attend this one day training session and your young people can get going doing bronze or silver Arts Award during summer projects or start in the Autumn. Trainer: Ruth Jones

Arts Award is a qualification for young people that can be delivered in any setting - from schools and youth groups to arts organisations, creative industries, home schooling or project based.

Cost £140 book online here:

http://www.artsaward.org.uk/course_search/index.php?script=course_details&course_id=3637”

Mark Powell

Director of Participation

participation@salisburyplayhouse.com

Symposium on creating participatory visual artworks

This might be of interest to some of you!

Stretching New Boundaries: Participation in Visual Arts is a practitioner led symposium which will examine the power of creating participatory visual artworks and explore future opportunities for the sector.

The event will include case studies and discussions presented by international artists and more details can be found via the Strange Cargo website: http://www.strangecargo.org.uk/news/2011/stretching-new-boundaries-participation-visual-art/