Arts About Manchester / News and events / AAM Forums

Curatorial Talk by Emily King

Cube gallery — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:21:47 GMT

Design Museum exhibition curator, Emily King will be giving a talk on Alan Fletcher: Fifty years of graphic work (and play) at 12:30pm on Friday 5th March at the University of Salford's Allerton Theatre. Emily is a renowned curator and editor of graphic design publications including Frieze and Wallpaper, and author of Restart: New Systems of Graphic Design.

In addition, CUBE will be having a late night opening, where visitors will be able to view the exhibition until 8pm.

For more details on booking your place at the talk, please contact: info@cube.org.uk

Late Night at CUBE

Cube gallery — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:20:52 GMT

CUBE is open from 12 till 8pm on 5th March due to the demand from people who have been unable to attend the exhibition Alan Fletcher: Fifty years of graphic work (and play) during normal opening hours. For group bookings please contact info@cube.org.uk

The late night opening will follow the curatorial talk by Emily King, the curator of the original Alan Fletcher exhibition at the Design Museum, London.

The talk will take place at 12.30pm on 5th March. For further information please go to www.cube.org.uk

COOKIES + COOLIES - exploring experiences of the Chinese diaspora

New Object Lessons — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:19:56 GMT

COOKIES + COOLIES
Part of NEW OBJECT LESSONS 2010
19/02/10, 10.00 am-1.00 pm
WAI YIN CHINESE WOMEN SOCIETY, Mosley Street, Manchester

Recommended to anyone with an interest in local heritage + migration, COOKIES + COOLIES will look at the history of the Chinese diaspora through everyday objects as well as items found in museums, archives + libraries. The starting point of this new global journey will be a bottle of beer - which will be used to explore Darwinism in China.

Throughout the workshop, participants will also be invited to reflect on:

a. the socio-political functions of storytelling + local history
b. museum strategies supporting the preservation + the transmission of community heritage
c. art history as a diversity tool to generate cross-cultural content

* Programme:

Wai Yin Chinese Women Society, Mosley Street, Manchester
10.00 - 10.15: Registration

Krispy Kreme, Mosley Street, Manchester
10.25 - 10.45: Talk on the History of Homosexuality in China

Manchester Art Gallery, Mosley Street, Manchester
11.00 - 1.00: Diversity Challenges (or activities) inc. the development of a short tea trail inspired by items on display at Manchester Art Gallery

* Next NEW OBJECT LESSONS workshops:
26/02: Peace Concluded
05/03: Manchester Blues

Thanks to the kind support of the Wai Yin Chinese Women Society, participants will only be charged £5 per workshop.
Further information + bookings: naturalcontent@googlemail.com

* Recommended links:

Nancy Kwan - Interview at the Chinese American Museum
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsUG-aCPOQE

Paul Robeson sings the Chinese national anthem
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJv0jMLLRcw

Ama May Wong - A Study in Scarlet
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-eo0q9t0_c

Beyond the Arch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFoM2OO639g

Fu Manchu
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yxw-YS-ljHE

* Recommended reading:

Chinese in Germany at the end of the Quing Dinasty by Dr. Hong Meng (with references to London)
http://www.gcpd.de/publication/wuli03/meng.pdf

The Riddle of Chung Ling Soo
http://archive.thisislancashire.co.uk/2003/2/25/565008.html

The Coolie Trade in China by Charles Dickens
ALL THE YEAR ROUND
28/07/1860
p. 360

Young Inventors' Club

janeangel — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 14:02:37 GMT

Young Inventors' Club: Come along and change the world for the better

Join us for a fun and interactive workshop at Manchester Metropolitan University Didsbury campus.

Following the success of DEP’s first Inventors’ Club events during Manchester Science Week last October, we are now planning another event for young people age 8 to 10.
The event will run from 2.30 - 4.00 on Saturday 13 March and will cost £5 per child.
All workshop staff are CRB checked.
For more information please phone 0161 921 8020 or book online at www.dep.org.uk.
For more information about DEP (Development Education Project) please see our website http://www.dep.org.uk .

PANDA Spotlight On Next Steps for Performing Arts Graduates

panda — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 10:37:25 GMT

[b]Date: Thursday 4th March 2010, 3.00pm – 6.00pm
Venue: Nuffield Theatre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 1YX
Cost: Free [/b]

[u]Choosing what to do next. Tools for getting your performing arts career started.[/u]

Performing Arts Network and Development Agency (PANDA) are pleased to announce details of the first event in our Spotlight On programme for 2010, run in partnership with Nuffield Theatre.

This free practical panel-led information and networking event is open to all performing arts students and graduates in the North West. Join us at Nuffield Theatre in Lancaster on Thursday 4th March 2010 as our panel of guest speakers share their experience on how to make the transition from university into a career in the performing arts.

Key topics will include:

• The performing arts sector today – opportunities and constraints of the current climate, the jobs market, funding and the effects of economic and political change.

• Choosing a direction – how to decide what to do next, combining your skills and preferences, exploring options and building your CV whilst developing a portfolio career.

• Finding employment – where to look for jobs, getting the edge on applications, freelancing, means of supporting yourself while searching for work, alternative options within and outside of the sector.

• Starting out as an artist – how to develop your practice and create work full or part time, funding and other sources of income, sharing and touring your work, planning for the next stage of your career.

• Tools for survival – marketing yourself and your work, maintaining work-life balance and where to go to get support with self-employment issues, negotiating contracts and rates of pay.

The guest speakers for [b]Spotlight On Next Steps for Performing Arts Graduates[/b] will be announced soon at [url=http://www.panda-arts.org.uk/nextsteps]www.panda-arts.org.uk/nextsteps[/url].

The panel discussion will run from 3.00pm – 5.00pm and will be followed by an informal networking session. Stay and chat with the guest speakers and participants from the Spotlight On panel session.

You are invited to stay on campus for the evening’s show at Nuffield Theatre, ‘Why I Don’t Hate White People’ by Lemn Sissay. Spotlight On participants will be eligible for a special offer on tickets for this event – details to be announced at [url=http://www.panda-arts.org.uk/nextsteps]www.panda-arts.org.uk/nextsteps[/url].

To book a place at [b]Spotlight On Next Steps for Performing Arts Graduates[/b] contact Rachel Morton on 0161 274 0626 or email rachel@panda-arts.org.uk.

BOMBAY MIX - part of NEW OBJECT LESSONS 2010

New Object Lessons — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 13:50:04 GMT

BOMBAY MIX - Part of NEW OBJECT LESSONS 2010
Friday 05/02/10, 10.00am - 1.00pm

WAI YIN CHINESE WOMEN SOCIETY
61 Mosley Street, Manchester M2 3HZ

05/02 BOMBAY MIX was inspired by Bombay Africans – an exhibition produced in 2007 by the Royal Geographical Society. It will explore hidden cross-cultural stories embedded in our collective scientific + cultural heritage. It will also look at the history of a selected number of museums established throughout the British Empire with a special emphasis on Manchester and Bombay (Mumbai).

Programme:
Facilitator: Dominique Tessier, Local Historian
Locations: Wai Yin Chinese Women Society, Krispy Kreme + Manchester Art Gallery
Duration: 3 hours

10.00am - 10.15am
Wai Yin Chinese Women Society, Mosley Street, Manchester

* Registration
* Short introduction to New Object Lessons

10.15am - 10.50am
Krispy Kreme, Mosley Street, Manchester

* The Fetichism of Collecting, a reflection led by Mark Greenwood, Manager of Wai Yin's Mental Health Project

11.00am - 1.00pm
Manchester Art Gallery, Mosley Street, Manchester

* Short (t)walk at the Manchester Art Gallery, which starting point will be a jar of curry sauce made in Manchester
* Diversity challenges (or practical activities including analysis + interpretation of paintings on display at Manchester Art Gallery)
* Discussion on the (re)presentation of Englishness + Otherness - see reading list

Websites:

1. A History of Manchester Spice (Bombay Restaurant)
http://www.theasiannews.co.uk/community/heritage/s/530/530530_a_history_of_manchester_spice.html

2. Manchester Art Galleries Collections
http://www.manchestergalleries.org/the-collections/

3. Bombay Africans
http://www.rgs.org/WhatsOn/Exhibitions/Exhibition/ba01.htm

Reading list:

1. The Moonstone, Wilkie Collins
http://www.gutenberg.org/files/155/155-h/155-h.htm

2. Around the World in 80 Days, Jules Verne
http://etext.virginia.edu/etcbin/toccer-new2?id=VerDays.sgm&images=images/modeng&data=/texts/english/modeng/parsed&tag=public&part=1&division=div1

'' Mr. Phileas Fogg lived, in 1872, at No. 7, Saville Row, Burlington Gardens, the house in which Sheridan died in 1814. He was one of the most noticeable members of the Reform Club, though he seemed always to avoid attracting attention; an enigmatical personage, about whom little was known, except that he was a polished man of the world. People said that he resembled Byron -- at least that his head was Byronic; but he was a bearded, tranquil Byron, who might live on a thousand years without growing old.

Certainly an Englishman, it was more doubtful whether Phileas Fogg was a Londoner. He was never seen on 'Change, nor at the Bank, nor in the counting-rooms of the "City"; no ships ever came into London docks of which he was the owner; he had no public employment; he had never been entered at any of the Inns of Court, either at the Temple, or Lincoln's Inn, or Gray's Inn; nor had his voice ever resounded in the Court of Chancery, or in the Exchequer, or the Queen's Bench, or the Ecclesiastical Courts. He certainly was not a manufacturer; nor was he a merchant or a gentleman farmer.''
BOMBAY MIX is recommended to anyone involved in celebrations such as the Chinese New Year, National Science + Engineering Week, Local + Community History Month, Museums + Galleries Month, Black History Month, Manchester Science Festival, Manchester Literature Festival + the 2012 Cultural Olympiad.

Next NEW OBJECT LESSONS Workshops:
12/02: Darwin in the Community
19/02: Cookies + Coolies
26/02: Peace Concluded
05/03: Manchester Blues

Thanks to the kind support of the Wai Yin Chinese Women Society, participants will only be charged £5 per workshop. They will also be entitled to a FREE booklet (Manchester Creole Connections) + access to the NEW OBJECT LESSONS blog.

Information + Bookings: naturalcontent@googlemail.com

Call for Artists - Community Arts Day, Hulme

Venture Arts — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 15:00:05 GMT

CALL OUT FOR ARTISTS AND CRAFT MAKERS

Venture Arts presents

[b]Hulme Is Where The Art Is[/b]

A community arts event celebrating the artistic talent in Hulme and the surrounding area

An opportunity to show and platform your work.

On the 20th March 2010, Venture Arts is presenting a day of art workshops, art and craft stalls and live poetry and music. Taking place in the creative hub of Old Birley Street, the day aims to celebrate the artistic and diverse community of Hulme and the surrounding area. ‘Hulme Is Where the Art Is’ is hosted in collaboration with local organisations, including Hulme Community Garden Centre, Yard Theatre, X.trax, artist studios and Kim By The Sea café.

This is an excellent opportunity for artists from the area to show and platform their work. Stalls will be available to rent for a contribution of £15 and no commission will be taken from works sold.

If you would like the opportunity to show your work at this event, please send the following to k.nowotynski@hotmail.co.uk by 19th February:

o Artist CV
o Artist Statement
o Maximum of 5 images of your most recent work (no more than 3 MB in total)

Applications will be judged for selection by a panel of artists and craft makers

PANDA Spotlight On Programme to Tour North West in 2010

panda — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 17:04:02 GMT

[b]Performing Arts Network and Development Agency (PANDA) are pleased to announce that our successful programme of Spotlight On events for people working in the performing arts is set to tour venues across the North West in 2010. [/b]

This will allow PANDA to better meet our regional remit by improving access to our services for members based outside of Greater Manchester, building relationships with regional partners and increasing the organisation’s profile across the North West.

[b]Spotlight On [/b]are practical information and networking events providing a broad introduction to a specific and focussed topic relevant to the performing arts today. The panel sessions are led by speakers with a broad range of experiences, backgrounds and perspectives on the topic, and the optional workshops and networking sessions enhance the learning by providing relevant, practical applications. With plenty of opportunity for discussion and debate, plus signposting for further exploration, participants can pursue the issues raised in a way which suits their own individual needs.

In 2009 we ran six [b]Spotlight On[/b] events in Greater Manchester, which were attended by a total of 179 people. You can see details of our past events at [url=www.panda-arts.org.uk/spotlightonprogramme]www.panda-arts.org.uk/spotlightonprogramme[/url].

[b]In 2010 we are teaming up with four regional partners to deliver Spotlight On events in…[/b]

• Lancashire in March, in partnership with Nuffield Theatre, Lancaster.
• Cheshire in June
• Cumbria in September
• Merseyside in December

Discussions are well underway to develop a programme of four stand-alone events, each focussing on a different topic which has particular relevance to the work of each partner organisation. There is also scope to slot in additional [b]Spotlight On[/b] events around these four core dates if a particular project is programmed in or a major industry issue arises.

This year, the [b]Spotlight On [/b]events will take place in the afternoon rather than an evening slot, to make it more convenient for members travelling from farther afield. We are also working with each of our partner organisations to tie in a ticket deal for a show on the evening after the [b]Spotlight On[/b].

Details of the dates, venues, topics and special linked ticket deals for all of the four Spotlight On events in the programme will be released as they are confirmed.

More information about our first [b]Spotlight On[/b] of 2010 in partnership with Nuffield Theatre will be announced soon on the PANDA website www.panda-arts.org.uk.

If you have any suggestions for topics that you would like to see covered or speakers that you would like to see on the panel at a [b]Spotlight On[/b] event please send your suggestions to Rachel Morton, Network Manager, on 0161 274 0626 or email rachel@panda-arts.org.uk.

MOOR CULTURE IN BRITAIN

New Object Lessons — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 16:12:12 GMT

MOOR CULTURE IN BRITAIN - Part of NEW OBJECT LESSONS 2010
Friday 29/01/10, 10.00am - 1.00pm

WAI YIN CHINESE WOMEN SOCIETY
61 Mosley Street, Manchester M2 3HZ

29/01: MOOR CULTURE IN BRITAIN will explore links between China, Morocco + various UK cities. Through a series of activities, participants will access a diverse range of paintings, artefacts, historical facts + information, which will reveal cross-cultural components embedded in our respective local heritage. In the process, they will be shown how cross-cultural content, based on little known aspects of our popular culture, can easily be generated.

Programme:
Facilitator: Dominique Tessier, Local Historian
Locations: Wai Yin Chinese Women Society, Krispy Kreme + Manchester Art Gallery
Duration: 3 hours

10.00am - 10.15am
Wai Yin Chinese Women Society, Mosley Street, Manchester
Registration
Short introduction to New Object Lessons
10.15am - 10.50am
Krispy Kreme, Mosley Street, Manchester
Creating + Defining "Otherness" - a reflection on identity building + labelling, using the term "Moor" as a starting point.
11.00am - 1.00pm
Manchester Art Gallery, Mosley Street, Manchester
Short (t)walk at the Manchester Art Gallery
Diversity challenges (or practical activities, including the development of a Tea Trail)
Short presentations by participants

MOOR CULTURE IN BRITAIN is recommended to anyone involved in celebrations such as the Chinese New Year, National Science + Engineering Week, Local + Community History Month, Museums + Galleries Month, Black History Month, Manchester Science Festival, Manchester Literature Festival + the 2012 Cultural Olympiad.

Next NEW OBJECT LESSONS Workshops:
05/02: Bombay Mix
12/02: Darwin in the Community
19/02: Cookies + Coolies
26/02: Peace Concluded
05/03: Manchester Blues

Thanks to the kind support of the Wai Yin Chinese Women Society, participants will only be charged £5 per workshop. They will also be entitled to a FREE booklet (Manchester Creole Connections) + access to the NEW OBJECT LESSONS blog.

Information + Bookings: naturalcontent@googlemail.com

The Diversity Survival Kit

New Object Lessons — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 15:39:18 GMT

THE DIVERSITY SURVIVAL KIT
Friday 22/01/10, 10.00am - 1.00pm
WAI YIN CHINESE WOMEN SOCIETY
61 Mosley Street, Manchester M2 3HZ

Aimed at artists, cultural heritage professionals, academics + students, NEW OBJECT LESSONS will demonstrate how to generate sustainable cross-cultural content through a unique range of activities + global (t)walks inspired by items held in museums, libraries + archives.

22/01: THE DIVERSITY SURVIVAL KIT will take you on a NEW fascinating global journey, starting at the birth place of the umbrella + leading you through the streets of Manchester. Using Manchester as a template, it will demonstrate how to generate sustainable cross-cultural content for a wide range of local heritage projects aimed at ALL audiences. Throughout the session, participants will be invited to take up a series of diversity challenges (or practical activities).

Programme:

Facilitator: Dominique Tessier, Local Historian
Duration: 3 hours
Locations: Wai Yin Chinese Women Society + Manchester Art Gallery

10.00am - 11.00am
Wai Yin Chinese Women Society, Mosley Street, Manchester

* Short introduction to New Object Lessons + the Diversity Survival Kit

* Collecting Objects: Pathology or Survival Mechanism? a reflection by Mark Greenwood, Manager of Wai Yin's Mental Health project

11.00am - 1.00pm
Manchester Art Gallery, Mosley Street, Manchester

* Short (t)walk at the Manchester Art Gallery inspired by the Diversity Survival Kit

* Diversity challenges (or practical activities)

* Short presentations by participants

THE DIVERSITY SURVIVAL KIT is recommended to anyone involved in celebrations such as the Chinese New Year, National Science + Engineering Week, Local + Community History Month, Museums + Galleries Month, Black History Month, Manchester Science Festival, Manchester Literature Festival + the 2012 Cultural Olympiad.

Next Workshops:
29/01: Moor Culture in Britain
05/02: Bombay Mix
12/02: Darwin in the Community
19/02: Cookies + Coolies
26/02: Peace Concluded
05/03: Manchester Blues

Thanks to the kind support of the Wai Yin Chinese Women Society, participants will only be charged £5 per workshop. They will also be entitled to a FREE booklet + access to the NEW OBJECT LESSONS blog.

Information + Bookings: naturalcontent@googlemail.com

NEW OBJECT LESSONS 2010

New Object Lessons — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 14:39:05 GMT

NEW OBJECT LESSONS 2010

15/01/10 - 05/03/10
Fridays, 10.00am - 1.00pm
WAI YIN CHINESE WOMEN SOCIETY
61 Mosley Street, Manchester M2 3HZ

Aimed at cultural heritage professionals, academics + students, NEW OBJECT LESSONS will demonstrate how to generate sustainable cross-cultural content through a unique range of activities + global (t)walks inspired by items held in museums, libraries + archives.

15/01: Curating for 2012
22/01: The Diversity Survival Kit
29/01: Moor Culture in Britain
05/02: Bombay Mix
12/02: Darwin in the Community
19/02: Cookies + Coolies
26/02: Peace Concluded
05/03: Manchester Blues

Thanks to the kind support of the Wai Yin Chinese Women Society, participants will only be charged £5 per workshop. They will also be entitled to a FREE booklet + access to the NEW OBJECT LESSONS blog.

Information + Bookings: naturalcontent@googlemail.com

Cafe Historique: 200 Years of Black Arts in Manchester

New Object Lessons — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 13:03:25 GMT

The next Cafe Historique will be on Monday 14/12/09, 6.00pm-8.00pm
@ Krispy Kreme (Mosley Street, Manchester)

Theme: 200 Years of Black Arts in Manchester
http://www.meethelocals.blogspot.com/

The Cafe Historique is open to anyone with an interest in Manchester's cosmopolitan heritage.

PANDA Spotlight On Working for Free in the Arts

panda — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:52:58 GMT

[b]Date: Tuesday 15th December 2009
Time: 6.30pm - 8.30pm (followed by optional networking session: 8.30pm – 9.30pm)
Venue: Contact, Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6JA
Cost: Free to members of PANDA and Redeye / £5 non-members [/b]
[b]
Working for the love but not the money? How to get experience without getting exploited. [/b]

Performing Arts Network and Development Agency (PANDA) are pleased to announce the speakers for Spotlight On Working for Free in the Arts, in partnership with Contact and Redeye.

This practical panel-led information and networking event is open to anyone working in the arts in the North West. Join us at 6.30pm on Tuesday 15th December 2009 as our panel of guest speakers examine the pros and cons of working for free in the arts.

[b]Paul Herrmann[/b]

Director of Redeye, the photography network for the North West.

Paul Herrmann has been a freelance editorial photographer since the mid 1980s. In the late 1990s he helped start, and now runs, Redeye, the Photography Network, which offers support and advice to all photographers. Paul will raise issues and discuss possible solutions around exploitation of creatives and arts professionals who are encouraged to work for free, the exclusion of people on low incomes, and the devaluation of the work of the individual and the sector as a whole. He will then share details of a checklist that you can use to decide whether it’s of benefit to accept an offer of unpaid work.

[b]Holly Ball[/b]

Freelance young people’s theatre facilitator, Creative Breaks placement and Changemakers Young Advocate for PANDA.

Holly will bring a unique perspective to the discussion, having experienced the challenges of getting a foot on the ladder from both sides. As an emerging young people’s theatre facilitator Holly has worked for free on various projects in order to gain valuable experience. She joined PANDA on a voluntary placement in October as part of Creative Breaks, our work placement programme for young and disabled people interested in a career in the performing arts. Through this placement, Holly was successful in applying for a paid position as Changemakers Young Advocate for PANDA. Holly will report on the progress of the Creative Breaks programme and contribute her personal insights into the joys and frustrations of establishing yourself in the arts.

[b]Rose Durbin[/b]

Music technology tutor at The Manchester College and board member for National Skills Academy for Creative and Cultural Skills (NSA).

Before entering the education sector, Rose worked in the Live Sound Industry for 18 years and toured extensively with many high profile acts. She is now Live Sound Coordinator for The Manchester College and on the board of NSA, a network of creative and cultural organisations, freelancers and industry trade associations working to improve skills in theatre and live music. Rose has a wealth of experience in assisting people to break into a career in live sound, and will advocate the benefits of working your way up through working for no or low pay. She will then explain how you can break the cycle and start getting paid for your work and outline some of the attributes that will help you to make this transition.

[b]David Corden[/b]

Actor and Chair of Equity North West of England General Branch.

Equity is a Trade Union representing artists working in theatre, film, TV, radio and other media, including performers, choreographers, stage managers, theatre directors and designers. David is well placed to examine the debate around working for free in the arts, both from his perspective as actor and through his role at Equity, which works to negotiate minimum terms and conditions of employment throughout the world of entertainment. David will discuss when it is appropriate to offer or take on unpaid work, outline the legal responsibilities involved and the paperwork required, as well as updating performing arts practitioners on the latest Equity rates and debates. All before dashing off to the Equity Christmas party up the road!

[b]Plus there’s more…[/b]

After the panel event we will be running a couple of workshop sessions which you are welcome to attend.

Running alongside the workshops and continuing afterwards for those who have been taking part, we’ll be holding a festive social and networking session in the Contact Lounge bar. Stay and chat with the guest speakers and your friends, colleagues and new contacts from the Spotlight On panel event and workshop sessions and relax over a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie. The PANDA team will be there too to hear your ideas and suggestions for the Spotlight On programme next year.

Full details of the workshop sessions to be held after Spotlight On Working for Free in the Arts will be announced soon at www.panda-arts.org.uk/workingforfree.

[b]Book your place[/b]

To book a place at Spotlight On Working for Free in the Arts contact Rachel Morton on 0161 274 0626 or email rachel@panda-arts.org.uk.

[url=http://www.panda-arts.org.uk/workingforfree]www.panda-arts.org.uk/workingforfree[/url]

Call For Scripts for 24:7 2010

Admin — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:04:09 GMT

Call For Scripts for 24:7 2010

Although it's cold today, flash forward to next summer! Your show may be one of those participating in 24:7 Season Seven...

From today until 14 January you can submit a script for adjudication.

It must be original, unpublished and no longer than 60 minutes. We seek to present premières, so your script must not have been performed in a mainstream context, in any medium. If it has had a rehearsed reading or ‘test’ performances, that may be OK. If you have questions about a specific submission, it would be best to email us before submitting.

We can confirm that the reading fee has been maintained at £30 per script submitted.

Full details are available on the website www.247theatrefestival.co.uk, along with our new online submissions procedure.

Manchester's First Cafe Historique

New Object Lessons — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:52:27 GMT

MANCHESTER'S FIRST CAFE HISTORIQUE will be launched on Monday 30/11/09, 6.00pm-8.00pm at Krispy Kreme, 26-28 Mosley Street, Manchester. Open to anyone with an interest in Manchester's cosmopolitan heritage, The Cafe Historique, will take place Mondays, 6.00pm-8.00pm, from 30/11/09 until 21/09/10.

The forthcoming themes will be:

* From Castlefield to Aldi: a short introduction to the history of the German community in Manchester, inc. references to Frederick Mauritius Halle, whose mother was from New Orleans.

* 200 years of Black Arts in Manchester

* Baking History: Greggs, Martins, Wong Wong, Barbakhan + Co.

* Binge Stories
* The Stories of M: Magic + Migration

For further information + updates: http://meethelocals.blogspot.com/2009/11/manchesters-first-cafe-historique.html

National Exhibiting Opportunity

Admin — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:04:44 GMT

National Exhibiting Opportunity
Waterside Arts Centre

Waterside Open 2010: Open all artists/makers in any medium except live art.

Waterside Open 2010 is a national Open exhibition and competition selected by artists' Walter Kershaw and Alice Kettle and curator Julie Clarke with six cash prizes ranging from GBP150 to GBP500.

Deadline for Submissions: Friday 8 January (1-6pm) and Saturday 9 January 2010 (10am-4pm) at Waterside Arts Centre.

Fee is GBP5 per artwork with a maximum submission of three works per artist.

To apply; download the Waterside Open 2010 entry form and guidelines from:

http://www.watersideartscentre.co.uk

or contact Box Office, Waterside Arts Centre, Sale, Greater Manchester M33 7ZF on 0161 912 5616

Rhino Mania: Call for Design Submissions

chesterperforms — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:38:29 GMT

Artists, individuals and groups from across Cheshire are invited to put forward designs for Chester’s very own mass participation public art programme.

Rhino Mania is a celebration of arts, culture and the environment brought to you by Chester Renaissance who has collaborated with Wild in Art - the team who brought Go Superlambanana and Go Penguins to Liverpool.

From early July – for ten weeks – herds of rhinos, evocative of fun, creativity and self expression – will form a trail around the cultural and retail quarters, creating a ‘stampede’ to act as the visual centerpiece to highlight Chester’s extraordinary cultural offer.

Rhino Design and Artwork

Design proposals can be in any art form - from traditional to new media, from sound and video installations to poetry and photography. Designs should be appropriate for public display and family audiences. Designs that are overtly religious, political or sexual in nature will not be accepted.

Deadline and Fee

Deadline for design submissions: Friday 29^th January 2010

The portfolio of submitted designs will be presented to sponsors in March 2010. Artists whose designs are commissioned will be paid an honorarium of £800 on completion of artwork.

Artist’s Packs can be downloaded from www.rhinomania.co.uk

For further information please contact Amber Knipe at Chester Performs amber@chesterperforms.com or call 01244 409113 www.chesterperforms.com

For all non artist related queries regarding Rhino Mania please contact Katie Wild or Sally Williamson at Chester Renaissance on 01244 402042 info@rhinomania.co.uk

Call for artists/designer - makers

open culture — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:44:07 GMT

After the overwhelming success of our Piazza Art Markets we’re back with a seasonal special: the Winter Arts Market inside the grand St Georges Hall! This festive celebration will present a treasure trove of creative items from the region’s most imaginative and skilled artists and designer-makers.

The date for your diaries is Saturday 28 November 2009 and the Hall will be open 10am – 5pm for seasonal sales where browsers can snap up the best gifts, cards, artworks, vintage clothes, homewares and more!

If you are interested in selling your work please visit www.culture.org.uk Deadline for applications Fri 6 November

Thinking of a career in the creative industries?

Admin — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:42:06 GMT

Click here to find out more about Manchester City Council's open day about employment opportunities in the Creative Careers sector

Eat Your Art Out

Admin — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:06:28 GMT

As part of Stockport’s Food and Drink Festival, Stockport Art Gallery is once again running the successful Eat Your Art Out competition. The competition, which celebrates the culinary art of cake-making, aims to promote healthy eating and cooking through art.

Entrants are asked to visit Stockport Art Gallery or one of the other participating Stockport museums for some food for thought and bake a cake that is inspired by a creative masterpiece, or a cake that is nice but not naughty! The competition is open to everyone, however, all registrations must be received by 29 November. To find out more information about how to enter the competition, the participating museums, and the entry groups please click here.

It's A Wonderful Life

chesterperforms — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:50:19 GMT

Part of Chester Performs' SOAPBOX programme
It’s A Wonderful Life (PG)
Thursday 10^th December 2009
Doors open 7.30pm
Guildhall, Watergate Street Chester, CH1 2LE
£10/£8 – includes festive treats

Screening of the all time classic Christmas film It’s A Wonderful Life, in the splendid setting of Chester's historic Guildhall (in the city centre). The screening will be part of a festive evening of mulled wine, mince pies and Christmas treats.

0870 428 0785, www.chesterperforms.com or from Chester Tourist Information Centre.

i-witness by Volcano Theatre

chesterperforms — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:46:01 GMT

i-witness by Volcano Theatre

Thursday 26^th & Friday 27^th November

8pm, £9/£7

St Mary’s Centre, St Mary’s Hill, Chester

Have you ever read a book that changed your life? i-witness is a performance of four people’s obsession with an extraordinary book they have read, recently selected for Best of British Theatre Award.

Box office

0870 428 0785, www.chesterperforms.com or from Chester Tourist Information Centre

i-witness by Volcano Theatre

chesterperforms — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:45:25 GMT

i-witness by Volcano Theatre

Thursday 26^th & Friday 27^th November

8pm, £9/£7

St Mary’s Centre, St Mary’s Hill, Chester

Box office

0870 428 0785, www.chesterperforms.com or from Chester Tourist Information Centre

Film screening Let the Right One In

chesterperforms — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:41:39 GMT

Film screening Let the Right One In

Thursday 12^th November

8pm, £6/£4

The Deaf Centre, South View Road, Chester

Acclaimed Swedish Vampire film: winner of 55 awards, Let The Right One In, tells the story of Oskar, a bullied 12 year old, who dreams of revenge. He befriends a peculiar girl who gives him the strength to fight back.

Box office

0870 428 0785, www.chesterperforms.com or from Chester Tourist Information Centre.

Creative Breaks

Admin — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 15:22:21 GMT

Are you interested in a performing arts career?
Are you a young person aged between 14 and 18 or a disabled person?
Are you working or living in the North West?

Creative Breaks can give you the chance to do a 2 week placement with a professional performing arts company or artist in the North West. This is a great opportunity to gain an insight into different jobs in the industry and learn more about the work you’d love to do. You could even gain an Arts Award qualification for taking part.

For more information about Creative Breaks contact Nicky Hatton, Project Officer for Young People at nicky@panda-arts.org.uk or on 0161 274 0652

Call for Artists/Designers/Makers

Admin — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:07:01 GMT

Call for Artists/Designers/Makers

Contact want artists/designers/makers of all disciplines to be a part of their new weekly art market, Art Rumble. Tables will be available to sell anything from cards and jewellery to accessories, ceramics, prints and one-off pieces of artwork every Saturday from 17 October, midday to 5pm. This relaxed regular event is FREE to the public and also features a live chilled soundtrack by Contact’s DJs on rotation and great food & drink available in the Contact Lounge. For more information, and all expressions of interest, please contact Charlie Buckley, Front of House Manager via email at ArtRumble@contact-theatre.org or call 0161 274 0603.

New Members, New Director and New Projects at PANDA

panda — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:32:17 GMT

PANDA is the Performing Arts Network and Development Agency for the North West. We are here to support anyone working in the independent performing arts sector in the region.

[i]"PANDA is an invaluable resource for the North West and beyond. The brilliant work the organisation does with artists from across the region is felt in theatres and arts centres across the UK." [/i]David Micklem, Producer, Battersea Arts Centre

[b]This year so far, PANDA has:[/b]

• Said goodbye to Director and PANDA founder, Liz O’Neill, who left the organisation after 6 and a half years to take up the post of Chief Executive at Zion Arts Centre in Hulme.

• And greeted in her place new PANDA Director, Anne-Marie Crowther, a former dancer and experienced arts and business manager, coach and mentor.

• Increased our membership to an incredible 850 individuals and more than 230 organisations from all disciplines of the performing arts; theatre, dance, live art, street art, spoken word and circus.

• Welcomed over 200 new members from Merseyside, Cheshire, Lancashire and Cumbria since expanding our geographical reach in 2008 to cover the whole of the North West region.

• Supported members working as performers, writers, directors, producers, choreographers, technicians, designers and photographers; people working at venues, rehearsal spaces, training providers and industry organisations; plus many others working in the performing arts or related services.

[b]We've also:[/b]

• Delivered 38 Network Newsletters to our members, packed with an average of 40 different news items, opportunities and events each week.

[i]"I have found the PANDA network an invaluable service which has kept me in touch, in work and in theatre!”[/i]

• Admitted around 250 people to 8 Creative Conversations and 5 Spotlight On events.

[i]"The event was fab and I feel re-energised and ready for work and the world tomorrow. Thanks."[/i]

• Recruited five new incubated producers onto the PANDA Producers Consortium, who will receive mentoring and development support from PANDA to grow their careers.

• Supported a total of 18 artists through the North West Artists Development Programme (NWADP), providing 5 bursaries, 26 one-to-one advice sessions and free marketing support to enable them to make the most of the opportunities afforded by the Decibel Performing Arts Showcase.

• In addition to this intensive programme of support for selected artists, we delivered a series of three Spotlight On events in partnership with Contact and Zion Arts Centre as part of the NWADP, which attracted a total of nearly 100 participants.

[b]Plus, PANDA has:[/b]

• Developed our services for young people through the work of a dedicated Project Officer, running a careers day and going into schools to provide information on performing arts careers choices.

• Received Awards for All funding to develop our young people’s services further by setting up Creative Breaks, a placement programme for young people and people with disabilities to gain valuable work experience in a performing arts organisation.

• Embarked on an exciting new partnership project alongside GMMAZ, Music Leader NW and Substance. Funded by the Cultural Leadership Programme, the Leadership Lab project will develop an experimental, credible and aspirational model of leadership learning.

[b]Get involved[/b]

All that and we’ve still got over two months of 2009 to go! There is plenty more to look forward to for the rest of the year and on into 2010. So don’t miss out, make sure you’re involved with PANDA as we move forward into this exciting new era in our development.

[i]"Any young or emerging performing artist or company would find it a far harsher environment to exist in, let alone flourish, without the invaluable support, guidance and warm encouragement offered by PANDA." [/i]George Harris, arts and business consultant, formerly of Horse + Bamboo and Lanternhouse International

[b]Not a member yet? [/b]Register for your three month free trial to take advantage of our range of services at [url=http://www.panda-arts.org.uk/join]www.panda-arts.org.uk/join[/url]

[b]Membership expired?[/b] The annual membership fee of £20 is equivalent to less than 39p per week! Subscribe now at [url=http://www.panda-arts.org.uk/pay]www.panda-arts.org.uk/pay[/url]

[b]Interested in a challenging voluntary role? [/b]PANDA are currently seeking a new Chair for our Board of Directors. We're looking for a strong, well-connected individual who is knowledgeable and passionate about supporting a dynamic and viable performing arts sector in the North West. Find out more at [url=http://www.panda-arts.org.uk/chairvacancy]www.panda-arts.org.uk/chairvacancy[/url].

For more information about PANDA, to have a chat about the Chair role or discuss how we can work together please contact Anne-Marie Crowther on 0161 274 0629, email anne-marie@panda-arts.org.uk or visit the website at [url=http://www.panda-arts.org.uk/updateoct09]www.panda-arts.org.uk[/url].

[i]We look forward to working with you and for you! [/i]

Spaces now available for 2010

Admin — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:59:46 GMT

New opportunities with Platform2 are now available for volunteers who will have the opportunity to spend 10 weeks in a developing country. Whether it’s woman’s groups, sport, construction, animal work, youth work, conservation or working in schools that you are interested in, Platform2 is the fully funded experience for you!

Now’s a great time to invite all the people you know who are aged 18 to 25, live in the UK and might be interested in signing up – at the moment Platform 2 are filling spaces for January and March departures. The deadline for January is Monday 12 October so there's still time to apply if you want to begin 2010 with something really special. And the only thing you have to pay for is the £9 return bus journey to Heathrow…

Take a look at the new Platform2 film

To find out how to apply visit www.myplatfform2.com

Artists Studios available at Cow Lane, Salford

arch+ways — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 09:32:04 GMT

Cow Lane Studios provides affordable workspace for over 20 artists.

Established in 2002, Cow Lane Studios is based in Salford, close to the City Centre of Manchester.

Cow Lane regularly hosts open studios and exibitions.

Cow Lane is a not for profit organisation supporting artists through the provision of affordable workspace. The artists work in a wide range of media including painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, illustration, animation and photography.

Cow Lane Studios is part of the Casket Works, a complex of artists studios including The Hot Bed Press and SUITE.

contact us:
e: info@cowlanestudios.com
www.cowlanestudios.com
text: 0777 342 5353

BLACK HISTORY MONTH LUNCHTIME TALKS

New Object Lessons — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:37:53 GMT

BLACK HISTORY LUNCHTIME TALKS at your premises

During BLACK HISTORY MONTH (October 09), local historian Dominique Tessier is offering a programme of Black History talks to organisations based in the North West.

Talks available:

1. Manchester Creole Connections (45 minutes)
2. Mrs Paul Robeson: scientist, artist + political activist (45 minutes)
3. 200 years of Black arts in Manchester (45 minutes)
4. A Short Introduction to Black History in the North West (45 minutes)

Each talk will be delivered a time of your choice. If you would like to book one or more talks for your organisation, please contact Asli Tedros at 07956080845 or mancunian1980@hotmail.co.uk

LIVING ANCESTORS TRIBUTE - Meet the Artists

New Object Lessons — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:21:15 GMT

Date + Time: Friday 9 October 2009, 1.30pm-4.30pm (FREE event)

Location: Committee Room, Central Library, St Peter Square, Manchester M2 5PD

This unique tribute in portraits and stories to ten centenarian Dominican women has been exhibited in Dominica, Africa + Europe. Artist + feminist Gabrielle Le Roux + Hip-Hop artist Be invite you to join them to find out more about LIVING ANCESTORS. Just drop in: bring your own lunch, we'll provide drinks.

You can also join the LIVING ANCESTORS TRIBUTE at The Abraham Moss Theatre, Crescent Road, Crumpsall, on Thursday 8 October, 6.30pm. Tickets:£10/£5

Information + Bookings: livingancestors@ymail.com or 07906686944

BBC Journalism Trainee Scheme Launch Night

Admin — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:15:59 GMT

BBC Journalism Trainee Scheme Launch Night
BBC Manchester, 21st September 2009.

The scheme is for anyone who is over 18 years of age, is a good writer and communicator and who is not a professional journalist.

Do you have the ambition to be a journalist; working around the UK in TV, Radio and Online? A one year paid scheme which trains you to become professional journalists. You will be working throughout the UK gaining invaluable experience and creating a great networking base.

This launch night at BBC Manchester will inform you of the scheme as well as the opportunity to take part in a few workshops designed to help you apply and hopefully be successful in gaining a place on the coveted Trainee Scheme.

There are 100 places available for the launch night on a first come first served bases.

If you are interested please email nicola.stead@bbc.co.uk to register for a place

Please send the following details:

Forename

Surname

Date of Birth

Phone Number

Address

Email Address

Interests

Salomé - presented by Sound Affairs

chesterperforms — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:14:22 GMT

Salomé - presented by Sound Affairs

Thursday 29th October, 8pm

Christ Church, Gloucester Street , Chester CH1 3HR

£9/£7

Part of SOAPBOX, Chester Performs’ regular programme of contemporary performance and film, presented in non theatre spaces.

An evening that brings together the magic of the silver screen and the thrill of live performance. Acclaimed composer Charlie Barber’s dramatic new score, is performed LIVE by four percussionists to the stunning silent film Salomé.

Adapted from the controversial Oscar Wilde play, Salomé is set in the tyrannical court of King Herod. Salome will be performed in the 18^th century Arts and Crafts style church.

Tickets on sale now book online,call 0870 428 0785, or call into Chester Tourist Information Centre, Northgate Street, Chester.

Where Does the Gallery Start?

islingtonmill — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 16:44:25 GMT

Where Does the Gallery Start?

An Exhibition by Islington Mill Art Academy and

Curator in Residence Helen Kaplinsky

Private-view, Friday 11^th Sept 2009, 6pm-late (with Fol Chen playing live in the club and projections by artists Ruth Todmartin in the Courtyard)

7^th- 13^th September 2009, Islington Mill, Salford

Events include:

· Internship and Volunteer Open Day, Tuesday 8^th Sept, 2-8pm

· Open discussion group on “Where does the Gallery Start” with the artists, curator and local artists, Wednesday 9^th Sept, 7-9pm

· Art Academy Open Day for New Members, Thursday 10^th Sept, 2-8pm

The exhibition is a culmination of six months of collaboration between the Art Academy and Curator in Residence, Helen Kaplinsky. The white cube gallery space in Islington Mill (previously Bureau Gallery) formed the starting point for a research based project into the resources needed to re-asses and eventually re-launch the space. The project has seen the Academy meet with many professionals working within the creative industries. It has been an opportunity to explore the relationship between artists and the art market and a chance to consider what it might mean to be an artist working within this circle. The exhibition is being used as a vehicle for recruiting newly created Intern positions, as well as showing work that considers the mechanism of the gallery, such as its history and architecture.

For more info see: www.islingtonmill.com/events

SOAPBOX Film: Black Sun

chesterperforms — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 16:19:09 GMT

Black Sun (PG)

Thursday 1st October, 8pm

Stanley Palace, Watergate Street CH1 2LF

£6/£4

Gary Tarn's remarkable film, winner of many international awards, tells the story of Hugues de Montalembert, a French artist and filmmaker living in New York who was blinded during a violent assault in 1978.

Tickets on sale http://www.quaytickets.com/WhatsOn/EventDetail.aspx?EventId=3677 call 0870 428 0785, or call into Chester Tourist Information Centre, Northgate Street, Chester.

Up The Wall - An adventure in sound and light

chesterperforms — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 16:17:04 GMT

Up The Wall

An adventure in sound and light

Friday 23^rd and Saturday 24^th October 2009

Join us anytime between 7-9pm

Chester Roman Garden CH1 2BN

FREE EVENT

This year’s Up the Wall is inspired by the decline and fall of the Roman Empire…

Audiences will embark on a celebratory promenade witnessing live art, contemporary performance, sonic art and architectural projection. Creating a vivid and rich journey through, along and around some of Chester’s oldest architectural features.

www.chesterperforms.com 01244 409 113

Artists Studios available - Salford/Manchester

arch+ways — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 21:10:50 GMT

Cow Lane Studios provides affordable workspace for over 20 artists.

Studios available from around £40 per month.

Established in 2002, Cow Lane Studios is based in Salford, close to the City Centre of Manchester.

Cow Lane is a not for profit organisation supporting artists through the provision of affordable workspace. The artists work in a wide range of media including painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, illustration, animation and photography.

Cow Lane Studios is part of the Casket Works, a complex of artists studios including The Hot Bed Press and SUITE.

contact info@cowlanestudios.com

see www.cowlanestudios.com

The hunt is on...

Admin — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 12:18:29 GMT

The hunt is on to find the third and final artist for the Transformations commission at The Lowry.

The commission, open to mid-career artists living or working in the UK enables the successful artist to create a site-specific exhibition, responding to the unique architecture of the Promenade Gallery whilst exploring new approaches to their practice.

The prestigious selection panel includes Clare Lilley, Senior Curator at Yorkshire Sculpture Park; Artist Hew Locke and Sarah Staton, winner of Transformations 2.

Michael Simpson, Head of Galleries at The Lowry, commented: “The Transformations commissions have allowed us to present extraordinary and sometimes contentious work in one of our most challenging exhibition galleries. The response from artists too has been wonderful and we are looking forward again to having a wide selection of ideas and proposals to select from.”

Five shortlisted artists will receive up to £1,000 each to develop their proposals and present them to the selection panel in late September. The winner will be announced on Mon 28 September and their exhibition will be shown from April 2010.

Applications for Transformations 3 will be accepted in any medium or material including sculpture, light, sound, installation, painting, text and multi-media. The deadline for submission is Mon 7 September and those interested should log on to www.thelowry.com/transformations for further details or write to Kate Farrell, Curator (Special Exhibitions), The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, M50 3AZ

The Transformation commissions have been funded over three years by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.

The Lowry Centre Trust is a not-for-profit charitable organisation and registered charity (no. 1053962). All income supports our world-class Theatres and Galleries programme, the care and display of the LS Lowry Collection and our life-changing Community and Education work.

New Object Lessons: BOMBAY MIX

New Object Lessons — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 17:13:54 GMT

BOMBAY MIX
20/07/09
2.00pm – 5.00pm
Wai Yin Chinese Women Society, 61 Mosley Street, Manchester M2 3HZ
£2.50
Information + Booking (not essential)
naturalcontent@googlemail.com

Inspired by Bombay Africans – an exhibition produced in 2007 by the Royal Geographical Society, BOMBAY MIX will explore hidden cross-cultural stories embedded in our collective cultural + scientific heritage. It will also look at the history of a selected number of Natural History museums established throughout the British Empire with a special emphasis on Manchester and Bombay (Mumbai).

BOMBAY MIX is recommended to anyone involved in the following celebrations:

-Darwin 200
-Manchester Science Week
-Black History Month
-Chinese New Year
-National Science + Engineering Week
-Local + Community Month
-Museums + Galleries Month

MOOR CULTURE IN BRITAIN

New Object Lessons — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:41:50 GMT

MOOR CULTURE IN BRITAIN
13/07/09
2.00pm – 5.00pm
Wai Yin Chinese Women Society, 61 Mosley Street, Manchester M2 3HZ
£2.50
Information + Booking (not essential) naturalcontent@googlemail.com

MOOR CULTURE IN BRITAIN will explore links between China + Morocco, using items held in museums, libraries + archives in Manchester or any other UK cities. Through a series of short activities, participants will access a diverse range of documents, historical facts + information, which will reveal cross-cultural components embedded in our respective local heritage. They will be shown how cross-cultural content, based on little known aspects of our popular culture, can easily be generated.

Using as a starting point excerpts from letters written by Karl Marx, the second part of the workshop will focus on otherness, identity building + labeling. Participants will be invited to study various definitions of the term moor + analyse a series of images.

MOOR CULTURE IN BRITAIN is recommended to anyone involved in celebrations such as Local + Community History Month, Museums + Galleries Month, Black History Month or Chinese New Year.

MOOR CULTURE IN BRITAIN is part of the NEW OBJECT LESSONS programme supported by the Wai Yin Chinese Women Society.