Mediacitizen

Two new exhibitions at the Burslem School of Art DIVERSE and UNSTEADY HANDS

2009-06-23T23:30:00.001-07:00

While you're in Burslem, be sure to visit the (new) Old Post Office which is packed with new art: http://www.theoldpostofficestudios.co.uk/artgallery.asp

UNSTEADY HANDS
An exhibition of obsessive drawing from Christopher Guest
Private View: Friday 3rd July 7pm
Refreshments supplied by local businesses.
The Burslem School of Art,
Queen Street,
Burslem,
Stoke-on-Trent,
England.
ST6 3EJ
[tel] 01782 810808
About the Featured Artist:
Christopher Guest was born in Shropshire and completed his B.A and Masters degrees in Fine Art at Staffordshire University. He has work shown both in the United Kingdom and abroad. He was selected as an Emerging Young Artist in 2002 and has contributed work for Birmingham's bid for European City of Culture. As well as many successful solo exhibitions he has shown work at The Lowry Gallery and the New Art Gallery Walsall. In 2008 he co-founded Creative Arts North Staffs, an arts organisation working with disadvantaged young people and the community. He is also founder of The Luna Collective, a motley crew of street artists, designers and poets.

The first dedicated photographers' gallery in Stoke-on-Trent invites you to

DIVERSE

An introduction to the Photographers Collective North Staffs

featuring works from -

Eleanor Babb
Darren Washington
Tony Jones
Penny Vincent
Lisa Watson
Mark Brereton
John Webbe

Come and join us on our preview night and meet the collective on
Friday 26th June 2009 at 7pm - 9pm
at the Burslem School of art.....
Queen Street
Burslem, Stoke on Trent

Freelance role: creative editor

2009-06-22T00:03:00.001-07:00

Creative Central Online Editor

£150 daily rate x 50 days

(£7500pa)

The North Staffordshire Creative Economies Forum (NSCEF) has been developing a new web portal to support the area's creative economy. We now need an enthusiastic, multi-skilled communicator who can capture and connect all the good things in our area.

The person awarded the contract will work on a freelance basis, reporting to the manager of Cultural Services and the communications lead of NSCEF. You will commission, create and share content related to our creative industries, with a wide range of networks.

Working knowledge of production processes online and in print is required. Knowledge and experience of a range of technical equipment, social networking websites and Adobe CS or equivalents will be necessary and we will consider collaborative applications where strong evidence of teamwork is present. You will need to show how you will make good connections quickly into the

diverse creative communities of North Staffordshire and develop content that will engage people in many different ways. We may be able to coordinate training for a strong candidate who needs development in a particular area.

This is an opportunity to be at the centre of exciting, creative central web portal in North Staffordshire.

The editor post is funded for 2 years; the applicant must be self-employed and is fully responsible for tax and national insurance contributions.

Applications received until Friday 3rd July, interviews Monday 6th July 2009

For more information and application details please email: culturaldevelopment@stoke.gov.uk or tel: 01782 232542

Staffordshire University, Degree Show 2009 - Industry/Stakeholder Evening - 10th June

2009-05-22T07:30:00.001-07:00

Taking place on Wednesday, 10th June, this event will allow you to:

Be the first to see the work of our emerging, new talent.
Hear about the ways in which the University is supporting the region's Creative & Cultural Industries
Network with fellow practitioners/ industry support agencies.

For full details and joining instructions for the evening email l.reynolds @ staffs.ac.uk

The UKASFP (Solution Focused) conference Keele University, 12th June 2009.

2009-05-19T07:23:00.001-07:00

We are hosting a world cafe on the 12th June 2009 in the beautiful venue of Keele hall. In the true spirit of world cafe approach we would like to invite people to shape their futures through conversations that matter.

The event will host a number of guest speakers from diverse backgrounds to share their experiences of creativity and collaboration in with individuals and communities.

We the UKASFP, hope to connect people from various backgrounds and nurture conversations that inspire and inform the participants.

The UKASFP are a not for profit organisation and so we hope the conference fee of £80 non UKASFP members and £50 members suits such a fantastic opportunity to connect, create and collaborate.

Please see the www.ukasfp.co.uk for details and book online through the conference page.

We look forward to having a conversation that matters.

Carl Plant
http://www.skittlr.com/carlplant

Artists taking the lead - only two weeks to go

2009-05-19T05:46:00.001-07:00

Artists taking the lead - only two weeks to go

Artists taking the lead is the most ambitious and wide-ranging commission fund in the UK, offering up to £500,000 to 12 projects around the country.

With just two weeks left until the application deadline of Friday 29 May, here are some reminders why the project is so unique:

* the application process is really straightforward - you just need to describe your big idea in 400 words
* organisations and collectives can apply, as long as the idea is led by an artist
* artists can apply at any stage of their career, whether they have a wealth of experience or are straight out of art college - we will provide guidance and support to help realise the projects
* the ideas can take any artform - from music, theatre or performance to sculpture, literature or installation - the only limit is your imagination
* ideas will be judged by expert panels of artists around the country, ensuring that artists lead this project from start to finish

There won't be another opportunity like this, so why not give it a go?

For full details and submit your idea, visit www.artiststakingthelead.org.uk

Talking Shop go to LIverpool

2009-05-12T15:36:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, 14th May, we have taken up the challenge to "make an exhibition of ourselves" by taking part in "Climate for Change" at FACT's Gallery One in Liverpool.

http://thetalkingshop.tumblr.com/

What it's all about:

This is an experimental initiative that offers up gallery space for use by groups with appropriate aims and projects, so that the groups and their activities become the exhibition. To participate in this The Talking Shop collective have decided to take our lively discussions on the road and stage our next event as both an open-ended conversation between ourselves, as well as a means for allowing an audience to take part.

This conversation will consists of a number of inter-connecting layers, from the secret to the global:

a) a secret, low-tech layer where anyone (within the group or the audience) can write a comment, question, etc. on a sheet of paper, fold into a paper airplane and fly it into a specified corner of the room. These would accumulate through the course of the day and would not be opened until after the event.

b) a physical, spoken, face-to-face discussion in the gallery, between the members of our group, where each organisation would take ten minutes to present on a topic - this could be a simple update on activities, news, etc, but it could equally be a series of questions, a rant on a particular issue, a plea for help, etc.

c) laptops and data projectors positioned around the gallery space to allow both members of the group and the audience to interject comments, observations and questions that can be simultaneously displayed on the gallery walls.

d) a global, hi-tech layer where parts of our conversation are relayed via Tumblr and Twitter to a potentially global audience. (You will be able to follow us on Twitter via: #talkingshop)

More details on how to get involved to follow soon…

(This event is contributing to the Climate for Change exhibition at FACT (Foundation for Art and Creative Technology). Climate for Change is a unique experiment in activism, engagement and networking taking place from 13 March - 31 May. FACT is located at 88 Wood Street L1 4DQ. www.fact.co.uk).

Burslem Arts New Look Gallery

2009-05-11T05:36:00.000-07:00

Burslem Arts Gallery at 7 Queen St, Burslem is the only non for profit art gallery in Stoke on Trent. Established in 2007 by the Burslem Arts Festival Group and supported by Moorcroft and Moorland Pottery Firms the gallery provides the opportunity for emerging and professional artists from all backgrounds to exhibit in the heart of the creative sector of The Mother Town.

The recently transformed and rebranded gallery has introduced a new 'Featured Artist' scheme that showcases the talent of a new local artist with a dynamic window display and launch event that guarantees fresh exciting new artwork in the gallery every month. May 2009's featured artist is Andy Turner, better known as FAMOUS WHEN DEAD.

"Famous When Dead blurs the boundaries between surrealist art, abstract art, pop art, graffiti and street art. Classically trained as a robot he now works from his home studio that he shares with his wife and two very critical but equally creative young children. His highly original art is becoming increasingly sought after around the world." (ARTIST STATEMENT)

June's Featured Artist will be Basford based portrait artist Dan Robbins.

Burslem Arts, run by artists for artists, solely run by volunteers who dedicate their time to provide this exciting venue for the growing creative community. Profits generated by the gallery are put towards the Burslem Summer and Winter Arts Festivals.

Photographs show FAMOUS WHEN DEAD Andy Turner speaking at the launch inside and outside the gallery

www.famouswhendead.com

www.burslemarts.co.uk

Exhibitions/news

2009-02-26T00:09:00.001-08:00

Rather than send several emails, here are updates received this week from: Airspace, Artwaves, Planet Sound and the Nicholson Institute.

AIRSPACE: A NEW AGE

Featuring new work by:
Linda Birmingham Barry Felton Richard Hepenstal Jill Impey Matthew Mcafferty Sarah Morgan Andrew Nash John Newton Stephan Oates Chris Parkes Laura Slack Russell Willett Cal Woolley
February 27^th – March 7^th 2009 I Opening Reception Friday February 27^th, 6-9pm
www.airspacegallery.org | AirSpace Gallery 4 Broad Street Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire UK ST1 4HL Open Tues - Sat 10am - 5pm

ArtWaves invites you to the preview exhibition of local artist Bruno Santos.
7pm Friday 6th March.
Bruno Santos paints unique African abstract art using acrylics, his style is a vigorous combination of powerful colours from the world of imaginary abstract forms. Influenced by a fusion of Stoke-o,n-Trent and Africa

Planet Sound move

http://www.planetsound-arts.co.uk

With the the Mitchell Memorial Theatre currently undergoing renovation and rebuilding,Planet Sound has completed the move to the Burslem School of Art.

The Planet Sound Drumschool due to start back on Sunday 1st March 2009 at 4pm with the recently formed Samba Cultura taking place on alternate Sundays. Both are due to take place in the School of Art public workshop areas.There is plenty of car park space and we can't wait to see you all again!!

Society of Staffordshire Artists Exhibition ends Saturday March 7^th, so catch it whilst you can!

You'll find it in the Arts Gallery, Nicholson Institute, Stockwell Street Leek. ST13 6DW

The following exhibition will be retrospective of paintings, drawings and ceramics by celebrated artist Raymond Mee, who lived here in Leek and later in Italy.

Saturday 21^st March - Saturday 25^th April 2009

People Dancing

2009-02-06T02:58:00.000-08:00

If you have an interest in the development of opportunities in dance in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent I would encourage you to find out more about how to access the funding and resources available through the Legacy Trust.

Some of you will already be aware that the Staffordshire Arts Development Officers Group is in the process of commissioning the development of a Dance Strategy for the sub region. This will form the basis of a proposal to the People Dancing programme.

If you would like further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Chris Kirkland

Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Co-ordinator for the 2012 Games
01785 223121

Stoke Twestival

2009-01-30T00:45:00.001-08:00

What is it?
Twestival is a global festival that will bring hundreds of communities together to raise funds for charity: water. It is being organised using Twitter, a popular online communications service. The whole organisation of the event will happen in less than three weeks by volunteers putting in small bits of time towards one big cause.

Where is the Stoke Twestival?
Stoke Twestival will take place at 6.30 on 12 February in the Leopard, Burslem.
Tickets for the event are on sale now for £5. We're also selling virtual tickets for anybody who can't make it but would like to donate and be entered into the raffle - we'll be aiming to share as much as we can of the night for people to join in from wherever they are.

How can I be involved?
What we really need right now is offers of raffle prizes and entertainment for the evening as well as people who would like to volunteer to do anything to help (don't volunteer just to get a free ticket though, everyone will need to be a ticket holder on the night, it's fairer that way and otherwise we'll have capacity problems).

We are very grateful to the Leopard for free use of the room and of course to all the global sponsors who are creating free infrastructure for us to use. More sponsors and prizes will be announced on the website as confirmed.

Why charity:water?
The Twestival is organized 100% by volunteers in cities around the world and 100% of the money raised from these events will go directly to support charity: water projects. By rallying together globally, under short timescales, for a single aim on the same day, the Twestival hopes to bring awareness to this global crisis. Right now 1.1 billion people on the planet don't have access to safe, clean drinking water. That's one in six of us. Unsafe water and lack of basic sanitation cause 80% of all sickness and disease, and kill more people every year than all forms of violence, including war. Many communities in developing nations often have a plentiful supply of clean drinking water just below the ground, but no way to get to it. The Twestival is organized 100% by volunteers in cities around the world and 100% of the money raised from these events will go directly to support projects.

Where can I find out more?

• Please follow us at http://www.twitter.com/stoketwestival
• Buy your tickets at http://www.amiando.com/twestivalstoke.html and read updates at http://stoke.twestival.com/
• If you're a bit suspicious of Twitter, join the Facebook event page and invite your friends: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=48534288837
• Offers of raffle prizes should be made here: http://blurbonline.ning.com/group/stoketewestival/forum/topics/raffle-prizes
• Offers of bands & entertainment should be made here: http://stokebands.ning.com/forum/topics/stoke-twestival-bands-music

Global press release: http://twestival.com/downloads/twestival-global-press-release.pdf

A creative future

2009-01-13T09:29:00.001-08:00

There are a lot of people in our area facing redundancy at the moment. Here is an inspiring article about the Julies, founders of Artwaves.

Home Photographic competition

2009-01-13T08:34:00.001-08:00

Home!

Home may be a place, space, location or situation where we are comfortable and at ease; this could be indoors or out, in or around our own house, shed, garden, neighourhood or town. We all have our own interpretation of what home is.....
You are invited to take part in the 4th annual Urban Vision North Staffordshire photographic competition and exhibition by submitting photographic work that is inspired by the theme of “Home”.
Photographs will be exhibited at Burslem School of Art in March 2009 where awards will be presented for the best entries in each category.

Enter here

The Deadline for entries is 3pm on Monday 2nd March 2009.

Innovate through the Recession

2009-01-12T04:21:00.001-08:00

Creativity – Innovate Through the Recession
Work with Staffordshire University and
stay ahead of your competition

The Business Broker Project and Staffordshire University cordially invite you to attend an exciting and innovative event on Creative Industries.

This FREE event is taking place at The Potters Club, Stoke, in the Potters Room on 4th March 2009, from 6:00pm until 8:30pm. A buffet and refreshments will be available for all guests.

Click here to book now. More details …

Rob Pointon @ Burslem School of Art

2009-01-06T11:27:00.001-08:00

Regent Theatre wins DCMS free theatre initiative

2008-12-17T08:04:00.001-08:00

REGENT THEATRE SELECTED TO TAKE PART IN DCMS FREE THEATRE INITIATIVE

The Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, is today celebrating the news of a £30,000 boost to get more young theatre goers through its doors.

The news comes from Arts Council England, as part of an announcement of successful applications to the Free Theatre Initiative, which will see 618,000 free theatre tickets given to under 26 year olds across England over the next two years in an attempt to increase young audiences.

New social network for creatives

2008-12-15T05:40:00.000-08:00

Although some of you in councils are trapped behind firewalls, this is one that it's worth calling the IT department to get into.

Blurb has been started by Mark Brereton, who came on the first NSCEF trip, and it is growing quickly. You can add images, RSS feeds and videos, post opportunities and start groups.

http://blurbonline.ning.com/

For those who are interested in such things, the site is hosted by Ning, which has free space for any type of social network. Another useful network for this sector is Who Needs the Sea http://whoneedsthesea.ning.com/ where West Midlands creatives are discussing opportunities available around the 4iP funding. If you've signed up for one Ning site, you can use the same login for others or those you create.

Community pARTnerships - being creative together

2008-10-30T03:30:00.001-07:00

"being creative together" on Friday 5th December at Burslem School of
Art is the first networking event organised by Community Partnerships.

Community Partnerships brings together -

. people who want to take part in creative activities in the community,

. artists who are working with or want to work with communities,

. and organisations who want to commission creative approaches to service
delivery.

Artists - you are invited to show your community arts practice and give
people the chance to try out your creative activities.

Commissioners - you are invited to come and see the range and quality of
creative community practice in North Staffordshire.

Everyone - please pass on details of the event to people you know who would like to take part in creative activities in the community. We are particularly keen that people who do not usually get the chance to do arts-based things with other people get this information. We are thinking for example of people who are often excluded and only do "art" at a day centre/ drop-in for people who have the same label as them. This event is for everyone!

We hope that this event will enable you to meet people who will help you achieve your aims for creative practice and service delivery.

To book your space, please contact cath@schoolofart.co.uk by 21st November 2008.

Who are your stars of the arts?

2008-10-27T05:46:00.001-07:00

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council is seeking out our local arts heroes in seven categories;

1. Young Arts Person,

2. Professional Artist,

3. Arts Group,

4. Arts School,

5. Arts Organiser,

6. Arts Volunteer

7. Alan Hurst special achievement (for outstanding long-term achievement),

Artists of all disciplines are eligible providing they live, work or study in the Staffordshire Moorlands.

Visual artists, writers, musicians, dancers, photographers, actors, crafts practitioners, creative industries, community groups, organisers, volunteers etc......

It's quick and easy to nominate on-line by clicking the link.

Opportunities: 4iP

2008-10-27T05:36:00.000-07:00

4ip is a new investment fund from Channel 4 that responds to the UK’s growing online user base. It “aims to deliver publicly valuable content and services on digital media platforms with significant impact and in sustainable ways. It represents one of the biggest and most exciting calls-to-action for new and emergent digital media companies in the UK”. They are likely to be supporting “really big ideas” and risky smaller ones with the pilot fund over the next three years.

In a joint package with AWM and Screen WM, Channel 4 are making the biggest investment in the West Midlands of £10 million. Birmingham is likely to become the first major commissioning centre for the project. At the launch, 4iP indicated they would be trying to bring ideas together, encouraging collaboration, partnerships and matching people with skills. The creative sector are starting to discuss their networking needs across the West Midlands.

Examples given of projects that might be supported include websites, games and mobile services. They have also indicated that they may support start-up ideas if they are powerful enough as well as funding networking events, showcases and development support.

Links
• West Midlands network set up by 4iP & Screen WM
• Notes from the West Midlands launch
• FAQs
• Useful links from 4iP’s social network
• An example of a social network already formed in relation to 4iP in Scotland

Unity Launch in Burslem

2008-10-21T04:00:00.001-07:00

What's On in Biddulph : November 2008

2008-10-20T23:46:00.001-07:00

Your support is needed for some of the fabulous concerts and events which are taking place in Biddulph over the next few weeks.

Biddulph Up in Arms Concerts.

Wednesday 29 October : Vin Garbutt at The Biddulph Arms

There are only a few seats left as one of the legends of the folk world, Vin Garbutt performs his annual concert in the upstairs room of the Biddulph Arms. Vin is from Teeside and his North-East humour is in evidence as he holds his audience spell-bound with his song-introductions, which as sometimes longer than the song it's self. He has the ability to, one minute make people laugh , the next have them on the edge of their seats listening intently to one of his socially-aware songs.

Booking is essential which may be reserved: Admission £12.00 (pay on the door).

Start: 8.00p.m. for 8.30p.m. Contact Eric Cox: 01782 514896.

Saturday 1 November: Julie Fowlis Band (supported by Emily Smith): Biddulph Town Hall

Julie Fowlis is currently BBC Radio 2 "Singer of the Year". With her band she plays Scottish music at it's best and on her present UK tour she is playing much larger venues including The Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester. Her music crosses boundaries and was featured in the BBC Transatlantic Sessions a series of programmes broadcasted in December 2007 featuring Scottish musicians and singer and has played major festivals including Cambridge and Cropedy. Julie is a much sought after artiste and already people have purchased tickets from as far away as Nottingham, Glossop and Northwich, but not many from Biddulph yet!! Support will be Emily Smith from Dunfries and Gallloway who is an award winner in her own right.

Admission: £15 (tickets available). -"bring your own drink!"

Start: 7.30p.m. for 8.00p.m. start: Contact Eric Cox 01782 514896

Wednesday 5 November: Heidi Talbot and Boo Hewerdine : Biddulph Town Hall

Heidi has a fabulous voice and is part of the success group Cherish the Ladies. Her latest solo album "Love and Light" She is performing with a very talented musician/singersongwriter, Boo Hewerdine, who performs and writes for Eddi Reader.

Admission: £12.00 (tickets available) - "bring your own drink"

Start: 7.30p.m. for 8.00p.m : Contact Eric Cox

Biddulph Literary Society and Biddulph Historical and Genealogical Society are promoting a joint event: At Home With The Gaskells at Biddulph Town Hall on Saturday 8 November,

A dramatic presentation by Delia Corrie and Charles Foster about the passionate life of Elizabeth Gaskell, the famous author of Cranford, and her husband and Unitarian Minister William Gaskell.

Start: 8.00p.m. for 8.30p.m. Tickets: £5.00 (including refreshments)

For tickets : Craig Pickering: 01782 523277

Biddulph Players Amateur Dramatic Society presents

Lord Arthur Savile's, a comedy by Constance Cox at Knypersley First School on

Wednesday 19th. to Saturday 22 November at 7.30p.m.

Tickets available from Biddulph Town Hall or Gary Smith 01782 258141

Do you want to be a live music promoter?

2008-10-08T01:56:00.000-07:00

Make Your Mark in Music

Make Your Mark in the Music Business is a place for those of you who are
driven by music or have ideas in music. We've got the information and
opportunities that help spark your ideas and move ideas into action!.

________________________________

Do you want to be a live music promoter?

Make Your Mark in the Music Business is partnering with live music
promoters Curious Generation to find young people (aged 18-30) from across the UK who are looking for support to set up and run a regular, live music night in their home town or city. Read
Curious Generation's inspiring story.

We know that there are young people with a keen interest in music who want to create or expand their local music scene but don't have the financial backing, contacts or support to go it alone. Curious Generation want to offer their experience and infrastructure to aspiring
young music promoters across the UK.

If you love music, have a genuine interest in the music scene in your area and want more experience of the music industry, you could become one of the next generation of music promoters.

This is an opportunity to run a regular live music event (it could be weekly, fortnightly or monthly) but it is not a full-time job - you can do this in addition to your usual work or study.

More information: Cheryl Garvey
Make Your Mark
T: 02476 236 438
W: www.makeyourmark.org.uk

Jazzpoetry on October 30th

2008-10-06T13:01:00.001-07:00

Neo2soul Promotions in conjunction with UAACO

Celebrating with the Staffordshire University Diversity Week

Calling artist musicians, poets , performers

to this opening mic night called

JAZZPOETRY

which will launch

on the

Curry Club Night

October 30th

7pm - 9pm

@Ember Lounge

Staffordshire University

Students Union,

College Road,

Stoke on Trent,

ST4 2DE

Jazzpoetry will be off night dedicated to bringing different people and cultures together under one umbrella and to showcase the talents of local poets, musicians, artists with exhibition of sculptures or pictures (fine art)

The main impetus for the creation of Jazzpoetry was their mutual participation in Word ism (an open-mic poetry jam and incorporated live music into performances). With the ending of Word ism, there were no events of that nature

Jazzpoetry introduces collective improvisation by challenging people to come up to the mic and free-style, or use their existing works in an improvisational way, while the Dj also improvises music. This is what it is all about! The idea is for everyone to listen to each other and for the music to represent, or not, the nature of the poem. It can be the decision of the reader, the band, or both as to a theme or groove.

The Cultural Olympiad 'Open weekend'

2008-09-23T04:53:00.000-07:00

This coming weekend (26-8 September) sees the launch of the 4 year Cultural Olympiad, with the 'Open weekend'. There will be more than 40 events taking place in every part of the West Midlands – including heritage, arts, film, museums, sports activities and events celebrating the landscape. The complete listing for the region is attached. Some of the highlights include 'Extraordinary Cycles' in Coventry, 'Corner Shop' in West Bromwich, outdoor performance with 'Sabrina and the Engineer' in Bewdley, Worcs and the lighting up of Stoke's impressive Bethesda Chapel – as well as the 'opening up' of rare habitats in Herefordshire and Shropshire.

Report: Learning Journey to Wigan and Preston

2008-09-17T01:45:00.000-07:00

Photos to follow

Yesterday we undertook our first ‘Learning Journey’ to St Helens and Wigan to find out what creatives in Lancashire have been up to. The day was an interesting mix of the modern and traditional in places that have strong parallels to communities in North Staffordshire. What was perhaps most inspiring about the trip was that much of what we saw is already within our grasp. The trip included a number of public sector officers from the different councils and workers from the arts, music, health, university and community sectors.

The first stop was George Street cultural quarter in St Helens. Although dampened a little by the persistent rain, we were interested to hear that the regeneration process had started at a grassroots level, by tackling the petty crime and physical barriers such as high fences and advertising hoarding that were putting people off using the area. A bulbous new glass rail station and several other modern buildings provide effective contrast with the historic fabric of the area, which had been protected through a conservation order and enhanced with grant funding. Although the rain meant the streets were quiet, we could still see that the older character of the area had not been pushed out by the developments to encourage creative industries, with a dry-cleaners operating underneath the Catapult apartment development and busy window-cleaners maintaining the new buildings with their local glass.

Moving fairly quickly indoors, we enjoyed a coffee (not quite a latte but near enough for us aspirational creatives) in the World of Glass, pondering links between high-quality pottery and glass design and watching fishermen brave the canal.

Then it was on to Preston with our musicians using the coach time to do a bit of jamming with Macbook and sysnthesisers. It is difficult, I found, to fulfil my role as social reporter by Twittering while listening to the interesting bits, so my observations were limited to such insightful comments as "Arriving in Preston, past another clone retail park". The Twitterati were thrilled, I'm sure.

The UCLAN media factory is an impressive building from the outside and in, very modern and full of contrasting spaces. In the Sandbox we experienced some futuristic "supportive agitation". For those of us for whom the best chance to handle gadgetry comes when we go to Hanley and pop in to the new MCC store, the Sandbox's vast screen is a thrilling thing to behold. Second to notice is the spotlighted podium which leads you to believe Steve Jobs is about to come on and do something witty with the screen. Then a very effective guided session to demonstrate the difference between your normal, hardly-interactive Powerpoint presentation with a few muted answers being thrown out from the group and a version in which all participants can join in with their own keyboards with entries being swiftly edited to build up powerful collaborative maps. Moving away from the screen, we then built representations of our barriers in lego. Both these exercises led to some very eye-opening honesty within the group, but, as is often the case, there was no time to go beyond the problems. I left hoping I'd get the chance to see more of what that big screen could do.

Stimulated by our play and a look at the Sandbox's attractive business units, we moved on to meet Charles Hadcock at his Watermark development. Originally from Staffordshire and very passionate about the Potteries, Charles is a renowned sculptor who ploughed money from his work into developing the Watermark from a derelict building in the industrial area of Preston. His aim was to recreate the atmosphere of his art college, London's RCA, for businesses and this had clearly worked with a complementary buzz combining relaxed studios with highly lucrative contracts and a combined turnover of £8 million a year. Charles' fellow artists had been involved in much of the renovation work, leading to a variety of welcoming spaces for very different types of businesses. What was worthy of note, however, was that there was nothing particularly inspiring or spectacular about the building. What made you want to explore these spaces was a very friendly, encouraging atmosphere centred around Charles' very lively, positive persona. While many of us found ourselves wishing that Charles would come and buy a building in Stoke, we can take away his belief that with our much stronger creative heritage than Preston, if it can be achieved there, we can do it too.

More inspiration came from our final presentation of the day from the very bubbly Creative Lancashire team headed by Ruth Raban. Facing many of the same problems as North Staffordshire, they imparted several useful lessons:
- they see their main role as a 'translation' service between creative industries and the public sector and also making the supportive infrastructure very apparent.
- the traditional industries that will survive in the UK will be those who appreciate the creative industries as complementary to their product, for example bike manufacturers need a strong creative team to maintain their brand and bring in new, desirable products that justify the expense of British quality.
- different sectors engaged with a number of different networks depending on their interests and this worked very effectively.
- giving grants out to people doesn't work: they prefer to invest in high quality supportive programmes. In the end, the responsibility it with the business to do the work to succeed.
- one area they have found successful is supporting people through building the track record that the public sector requires to work with them
- their best feedback has come from mentoring and support programmes and they have had very enthusiastic support from high-profile successful figures to give a little help
- they have made links with those who 'get' what they're doing, rather than trying to persuade those who don't.
- creative businesses have built trust in the organisation through 'soft', designer-led informal events which has then led to them requesting more professional skills as they network with inspiring role models. "People understand brands, not acronyms".
- they are working to prepare the industries for the arrival of Medi acity:UK (Wikipedia entry) and Lancashire firms have already landed contracts.
- they use a "solutions-focussed" coaching approach and match grassroots-led networks with government funding to support interventions the industries want
- because their capacity is quite stretched, they hope to focus on building 'learning sets' for peer-based learning and support

The people I spoke to were very positive about the day and what we had learnt. It left me reflecting on the importance of cooperation rather than central control. While we have learnt to rely heavily on public money because there is such a shortage of money in the area, this is focussed on very centralised long-term strategies. Earned funding adds an important degree of freedom to test out risky ideas and demonstrate what can work, which feeds in to those strategic projects and unlocks further funding. In addition, there is a deep vein of human capital and goodwill in North Staffordshire that can be empowered and supported, particularly when it comes to the hands-on activities and projects that bring life to an area. All three strands working to their strengths, interacting and respecting each other's importance are what will lead to a successful economy.

Other people wanting to add comments and reflections are very welcome to do so in the comments section. Also, if you are interested in joining a future learning journey with the Forum, please contact Stoke city council's cultural development team, tel. 232077.

Stoke on Trent Contemporary Arts Festival

2008-09-03T09:31:00.001-07:00

Staffordshire University's Faculty of Arts, Media and Design is working with partners across the city to establish "Conjunction" as a contemporary arts festival for Stoke on Trent, complementing the British Ceramics Biennial, with the two events occurring in alternate years. Partners include the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, AirSpace Gallery, the city's Cultural Development Team and Let Them Create.

Funding has been provided by Arts Council England: West Midlands, the North Staffordshire Regeneration Partnership and Business Link.

Conjunction will stimulate a significant growth in the level, quality and visibility of contemporary arts activity in Stoke on Trent by creating a dialogue between local, national and international arts practices, debates and productions. This year's festival (Conjunction 08) will be based on the theme: Fantastic, Found and Fake, engaging with ideas and issues in contemporary arts practice, while embracing a wide diversity of approaches and interpretations. 21 artists have been commissioned to produce new work for the city and an exciting series of exhibitions and events is being arranged.

As you are all aware, Stoke on Trent is changing and the organisations involved in the project want to ensure that contemporary art is at the forefront of redevelopment and regeneration in the city. Conjunction 08 will take place throughout November 2008.

If you are interested in getting involved with the festival, or would simply like to be kept informed, let me know: Naomi Lovekin n.lovekin@staffs.ac.uk

Learning Journey

2008-09-02T06:28:00.000-07:00

NSCEF is leading a Learning Journey to see some successful projects in Wigan and St Helens on 16 September. We have a few places left so if this would be of interest to you please email a few words about yourself to melchior @ thewhiteroomcec.com.

We will also be reporting on the trip here with lots of photos.

Auditions for a new sitcom!

2008-08-26T02:45:00.001-07:00

Williamson and Jones - Brides of Comedy are developing a new sitcom set in Stoke called Screens.

If you are a local actor interested in auditioning email paula.williamson @ yahoo.co.uk

for more details.

Cobridge Park Mela

2008-08-21T06:44:00.001-07:00

Cobridge Park Mela

(junction of North Rd and Elder Rd, Cobridge)

on Sun 31st Aug from 12-5pm

The event will be aired by Aap TV Sky Channel 803

Acts booked for the event include:-

* Hussain Brothers Qawwali Group
* Break Dancers
* World Famous African Drummer
* Fashion Show featuring Miss World finalist
* Bhangra Dancers/Dhol Players
* Singers
* British Twaekando Champion
* Pyrotechnics and Firework Display
* Sumo Wrestling, Gladiator Games
* Street Sports
* Bouncy Castles
* Henna Painting
* Face painting
* Balloon Modelling
* Competitions
* Food and Clothes Stalls
* Stalls by various business's, partner agencies etc (any other Businesses or agencies are welcome to book their places now ! )

More information:

Imran Shah

Community link officer

North Staffs British Muslim Welfare Society

01782 769300

Welcome

2008-08-17T03:51:00.000-07:00

This is the blog for the North Staffordshire Creative Economy Forum which is currently under development.

We'll be using this site to share updates and opportunities on the creative strategy for North Staffordshire, which will support improved partnerships and support for the creative industries across the region.

If you would like your organisation to be linked from this site or you have any news or information that you'd like to share across our networks, please leave a comment here.

Job vacancy - arts development ( Newcastle under Lyme)

2008-08-14T10:12:00.001-07:00

Job advertisement for Community Arts Development Officer at Newcastle Borough Council (Part time post)

If you are interested please see -

http://www.newcastle-staffs.gov.uk/jobdetails.asp?job=437

MA in Community Arts at Staffordshire University

2008-08-05T04:44:00.001-07:00