Dorset Drama Conference

Bournemouth Theatre in Education, WAVE & DEPARTURES present
Dorset Drama Conference 13 July 2007


DRAMA – TEXT, SPACE AND OBJECTS
Friday 13 Jul, 9.00 – 4.30pm at Bournemouth Centre for Community Arts, Boscombe
Drama and theatre education can span subject areas, artforms, environments and communities. How can we use drama and theatre in new ways, working from new stimuli and in new environments, to deliver inspirational learning opportunities for children and young people?

This exciting course offers a great opportunity to join other drama practitioners running drama workshops with young people in formal and informal settings in an inspirational day of talks, workshops and performances, run by leading national drama educators and theatre practitioners. From adapting novels for drama, to performing in new, site specific settings, DRAMA – TEXT, SPACE AND OBJECTS, will allow you to learn and play yourself, trying out other artforms and reminding you just why you like to practise drama!

With Paul Bunyan (NATE Drama Representative), Anthony Waller, Nettie Scriven and others. Don’t miss this chance!!!

£70 for teachers in schools
£40 for freelance drama practitioners
For further details T.01202 452720 or e-mail tie@bournemouth.gov.uk

Attention Writers

The next South West New Writing Network Meeting will be held at the Lighthouse Poole on July 6th from 1.30pm – 4pm at the Lighthouse in Poole. The South West New Writing Network is a network of writers and producers from throughout the South West region. We meet quarterly in different parts of the south west to update each other on what we’re doing, network, and discuss emerging issues. We’ve also had some workshops and other events, and are seeding more for the future. The network first came out of an invitation in Spring 2004 by the playwright Kaite O’Reilly and some of her colleagues at Exeter University to meet with them to begin discussions on new theatre writing across the South West. The intention was to explore what is happening and what is not and what might be done. Specifically - we hoped, over time, to foster better connections between activity and initiatives that happen across a very large area. The network’s membership is now at around 150 playwrights and producers and is growing all the time. Members meet when they can at the regional meetings, but are also kept up to date with information through an email list. In December 2005 we were awarded money by Arts Council England to continue to fund and develop the network. This money is now coming to an end, but we are currently working with Theatre South West on a bid to fund a further 18 months worth of activity. It would be wonderful if you would be interested in coming along to this meeting. Please let me know if you are interested in hearing more, or if you cannot make the meeting, would like to be added onto the email list and kept up to date.



Sarah DickensonInformation and Research Consultantwriternet...giving dramatic writers the tools they need to build better careers and redefine the culture in which they work....Cabin V, Clarendon Buildings, 25 Horsell Road, London N5 1XLT: +44 20 7609 7474 F: +44 20 7609 7557 E: sarah@writernet.org.uk W: www.writernet.org.uk

A Training the Trainer Event for Creative Industries Advisors

A Training the Trainer Event for Creative Industries Advisors
10th July 2007, Heelis, Swindon. Fee: £45, including lunch
Arts Compass -
navigating creative success!
Arts Compass is a training course for
advisors, coaches and mentors working
with creative businesses. Arts Compass
aims to develop skills in helping creative
enterprises navigate their way to business
and creative success.
You will come away from this event
with innovative methods for supporting
the growth of creative businesses, an
understanding of the economic impact
of the creative industries in the South
West,and an introduction to developments
in key issues affecting creative
businesses. The day also provides an
overview of the range of support agencies,
advice services and training opportunities
available to creative businesses locally
and nationally.
The course is suitable for anyone working
with creative businesses and artists in an
advisory capacity, formally or informally,
including art form specialists, business
advisors, mentors, coaches, and local
authority arts offi cers.
Booking deadline: 29th June
This Arts Compass event forms part of
the ‘Training the Trainer’ strand of the
South West creative industries Skills
Development Programme, funded by the
South West Regional Development Agency
and Arts Council England South West.
Places for this event are strictly limited
and booking is essential. To receive a
bookingform, please contact ArtsMatrix on
info@artsmatrix.org.uk
or call 0117 915 0190.
www.artsmatrix.org.uk

Low cost training for artists and makers.

Walford Mill Crafts and Arts Matrix are inviting expressions of interest>from artists and makers for a series of Continuing Professional Development programmes scheduled for September/October 2007. This programme will need to secure a minimum of 20 artists/makers to go ahead and we would ask that if you are interested in participating that you send your details to Jenny Gordon, Education Officer, Walford Mill Crafts, Stone Lane, Wimborne, BH21 1NL or email education@walfordmillcrafts.co.uk asap. We are offering two seminar and work based learning programmes:
Makers to Tutors and Makers-Gallery Success
Makers to Tutors This programme offers artists and craftspeople training and work based learning on how to make the transition from artist/maker to workshop tutor. This programme has arisen out of the need to expand the pool of artists able to offer workshops to adults and children in Dorset. Teaching workshops can>be a valuable source of extra income for artists as well as being a very rewarding experience. This low cost training is designed to provide you with all the skills you need to get started as well as providing mentored workshop shadowing and practical experience. The programme has three parts:Part 1 Proposed date Friday 28th September 2007>9.15am - 4.30pm Packaging workshops for Art and Craft Centres* How to Structure and Teach Workshops* Child Protection Training, working with vulnerable adults, Health and Safety* Tips from experienced workshop leaders* A practical toolkit to take away
Part 2 Workshop Shadowing - Maximum 9 hours training We will offer students the opportunity to shadow an experienced workshop tutor who will mentor them. Students will be able to choose from the following packages. Children's Workshops:Students will shadow 2 X 2 hour children's workshops = 4 hours mentoring Adult Workshops: Students will shadow 1 X 5 hour adult workshop = 5 hours mentoring
Part 3 Work Based Learning Students will be offered the chance to submit a proposal of either a 2 X>hour children's workshop or a half day 3 X hour adult or teenage workshop. Successful candidates will have their workshops programmed at Walford Mill Crafts. The workshop will be assessed by the Education Officer for quality,>content and delivery. On successful evaluation students may become regular tutors for Walford Mill Crafts. Students are encouraged to take part in all parts of the programme; the approximate cost of taking part in all aspects of the programme will be around £100. Workshop leaders with some experience wishing to attend only>Part 1 may do so, fee tbc

Makers - Gallery Success This programme offers makers and craftspeople the opportunity to improve their approach to galleries and their success rate in gaining works through exhibiting or selling their craftwork. This programme has arisen form the need for makers and craftspeople to be aware of simple marketing techniques>that can improve their chances of getting their foot in the door. Making that initial approach to galleries and craft centres can be a daunting process. This package will give you the practical skills needed to help you make a well researched and professional approach, awareness of how your work will fit into that gallery, what elements of your work are saleable /commercial, pricing your work, as well as practical tips on being a self-employed maker.
Part 1 Seminar - Proposed date 24th October 2007 9.15am - 4.30pm - 6 Hours Making the approach to Art and Craft Centres* Introduction to Marketing* Tips from successful makers* Research, Pricing and Saleability* A practical Toolkit to take away
Part 2 Critique Sessions Proposed dates 25th&26th October 20 places. Each artistwill receive a 30 minute session with a panel of three highly respected craft professionals. The panel will look with you at your portfolio and advise on the direction of your work and possibilities for commercial sales and exhibitions.

Continuing Professional Development sessions are also available to book. These sessions will be led by Keturah Warren at Arts matrix on an individual appointment only basis. Students are encouraged to take part in both parts of this programme; the approximate cost will be around £60.
Keturah Warren, Professional Development Coordinator, ArtsMatrix Dorset, Enterprise Pavilion, Fern Barrow, Wallisdown, Dorset BH12 5HH tel: 01202 853642 Please note that there is now a £10 booking fee for our one-to-one>professional development sessions. Thanks to generous support from South West Regional Development Agency and Arts Council England South West, we are still able to offer this popular service (worth £300-plus in the private sector) at a significantly subsidised rate. The booking fee is a once-off charge and there will be no fee for follow-up sessions. ArtsMatrix is the professional skills development agency for the arts and creative industries in the South West. Visit www.artsmatrix.org.uk><http://www.artsmatrix.org.uk/> for news, resources and opportunities and to sign up for our free bulletin.

Open Mike June

Click on the Image for an Enormous version

Reghu Nadhan

Reghu Nadhan will be doing workshops at GO GLOBAL FESTIVAL, Stourhead, Fontmell Magna, 16th/17th june

KATHAKALI Perfomances at

THE EARTHOUSE.
Ancient Technolgy Centre, Cranborne, Dorset
23 June 7.30 pm Tickets £7.50 adults £3.50 children unmder 16 from east Dorset heritage trust, Allendale House, Hanham Road, Wimborne Minster BH21 1AS tel: 01202 888992 cheque payable to A.T.C Friends account (sae please)


ARTSREACH Performance at LANGTON MATRAVERS VILLAGE HALL
Sunday July 1st at 7.30pm
Bookings tel 01929 426654

Creative Teas

To launch Creative Dorset we held breakfast network meetings in May in Blandford, Bridport, Sherborne and Poole. Over 140 people working in a huge variety of creative industries attended to find out what we are about and how we might help them. The response was amazingly positive and dynamic so now we are holding Creative Teas in different corners of the county to enable more people to get together and help those who find it difficult to function so early! If you would like to join us for a free cream tea and to hear from some of the people who can provide training and support for you, let us know as soon as possible.

All of the teas will run from 4-6pm and the dates are:
July 11- Sundeck Room, Weymouth Pavilion
July 16 - The Blue Pool Tea House, Wareham
July 18 - The Boathouse Restaurant, on the Quay at Christchurch
July 19 - The Enterprise Connection, Poundbury

Please pass this on to anyone else who works in a creative business – if you are not sure what that includes there is a definition below. If you have a burning issue, or question, or service you would like to share at the Creative Tea please email us and we will try to accommodate you. Dominic Tambling Director, Creative Dorset dominic@creativedorset.co.uk 0798 361 8 361

The creative industries are defined as being based on individual creativity, skill and talent or those that create wealth and jobs through developing intellectual property. They include: advertising, architecture, art and antiques markets, computer and video games, crafts, design, designer fashion, film and video, music, performing arts, publishing, software, television and radio

Durlston Shapeshift Project

Dear all

To let you all know that the private view prior to the opening of the exhbition from the work of the Shapeshift project at Durlston has been set for 6pm to 8pm on Wednesday 11th July at Durlston Castle.
For further information on the Project see http://www.durlston.co.uk/index.php?nid=84&id=59

If there are people who you think would like to receive an invite please let me know

Best wishes
Cleo

Open Mike

If you haven't been before, now's your chance. Whether you're a poet, stand up comic or hip hop artist come and have a go. And if you want to sit and listen, sip a glass of wine (bring your own bottle) and savour the ambience, this is your chance for a wonderfully whacky night out. Nobody knows what's going to happen but we can guarantee it will be different.

This month we're at Earthlights (opposite the Library), High Street Swanage.

That's Tuesday 19th June at 7.30.

Bring Aunty Mabel.

Strata some Thoughts

Paul Angel - 5th June 2007
30 word simple mission statement:
“Strata is a group of creative people who aim to promote and encourage the arts in Purbeck by helping to attract funding, to organise events and to support arts projects.”

Seven things we should be focussing on:

1 - Getting Strata known amongst the broader arts community in Purbeck.
How? Hosting a regular informal arts networking opportunity, on the first ……………. of the month in the same pub at the same time - in the style of the Bournemouth & Poole networking evening. Invites should be sent to everyone we can think of with an interest in the arts in Purbeck, both by post and online. This would be something where you might just be meeting a group of friends every month, but NOT a meeting, and not an event, so no pressure for anyone, but worth doing for the networking.

2 - Get the website sorted out.
The website should be a potential first point of contact. It should represent both the arts and Purbeck, and should be completely inclusive of all Purbeck’s creatives. People should want to be on it. Personally, I’m happy to work on it without funding, though of course funding would help.

3 - Get some paperwork.
We need business cards and maybe even a leaflet. Something beautiful to give to people that we meet, something more than a winning smile and burst of enthusiasm.

4 - Supporting arts projects to raise our profile.
How? We already are, with Swanage seen. Exactly as we should be.

5 - Finding funding for an ‘exhibition organiser‘.
How? In my opinion, Strata’s key role should be in helping to create ‘showing’ opportunities for local artists, and even for well-known artists from outside. This could be by liaising with local showing spaces, including cafes, pubs etc, with advice on choosing the right artwork for the space, timings, fees/commission, publicity etc.. This could take up a lot of time, which is why funding for the person involved could be important.

6 - Keeping a log of funding opportunities.
Working with DCA, perhaps, we need a list of potential funding bodies, either bodies specifically interested in the arts, or with coastal communities. This could be kept on the website. If someone has an idea for funding, they can ask Strata for support, and if we agree that the application is a good one, we can provide support in appropriate ways.

7 - Being inclusive.
Some people still question the value of Strata and don’t feel as though they can be, or want to be, involved. The points above would help remedy this, particularly point 1, but it is important to make sure that we are absolutely clear that we welcome all of Purbeck’s creatives, and that we make positive invitations to any get-togethers to all of Purbeck’s galleries, art clubs, crafts groups and festival organisers. We need to get Swanage working together, guys!

Strata Minutes for May

Minutes of Strata Arts Group Meeting

Held on 2nd May 2007

Those present:
Nick Goulding, Karen Delahay, Carlotta Barrow, Chris Burke, Paul Angel, Tara Dominick, Keith Roker and Lesley Licudi. (Jon Bowmer of Bournemouth University, arrived towards the end of the meeting).
Apologies from Wendy Wharam, Jane Ramsey and Peter Cooper.

Wine and welcome

Matters arising from meeting of 4th April
Nick said that in future the minutes would be emailed to everybody on the Strata list as well as appearing on Peter’s blog.
No other matters arising.
Formation of Company
Nick stressed the need to progress with the issue of charitable status now that Strata Arts Ltd is up and running. Karen felt that it was not essential until funding applications are made.
Membership fees were discussed and the scale of fees are as previously agreed: £5 for individuals and £25 for companies/groups. Paul suggested that a form should be drawn up for those wishing to apply for membership.
Karen, Lesley and Keith agreed a time for the following week to meet at Lloyds Bank to open a company account.
Tara asked about aims and objectives for Strata and these were briefly outlined; Karen suggested that they should be posted on the website. Tara also said that the artist Rob Hughes is interested in making links with Strata.
4. Website Development
Paul met with Shannon Ribbons and Richard Jefferys concerning website funding. Paul will follow up on any progress from Shannon’s meeting with Gwynneth Brookes.
An Events function has been added to the website which any Strata member can update using a password obtainable from Paul. Information can be transferred from Peter’s blog as well and any information should be given to Paul. The website address is strata.org.uk.
More links are essential for the website, any information should be emailed to Paul or Shannon who will add them on. Paul said he was happy to help individuals wishing to develop their own websites.
All work on website development will move forward much faster after Purbeck Arts Week. Karen felt that a map on the website showing locations would be useful and Paul said that he and Shannon are already working on this. Karen also said that photos could be placed on Google Earth.
Tara referred to the opportunities for advertising on the site.


5. Reghu Nadhan
Keith had spoken to Wendy concerning the refusal to grant Reghu a visa, stating various reasons given by the authorities. Nick wrote on behalf of Strata to protest, along with a large number of other organisations and individuals registering an enormous amount of support for him. A fresh application was emailed to David Oswald (the named official dealing with the case) on 2nd May which hopefully will prove successful. It is hoped that Reghu will be here by the 18th May.
6. The Old Malthouse School
Nick referred to the closure of the Old Malthouse School in September which Karen has brought to the attention of Strata following an email received by her from Ann Faulkner on 2nd May. Its future usage is currently undecided and it was agreed that it would be an ideal site for all kinds of events and projects that Strata could promote. Karen had been in discussion with Ann and Richard Wilson from PDC prior to the meeting. It is significant that Strata via Karen (as sitting on the MCTI) was informed of and invited to be part of the possible future use of the Malthouse (from external and relevant individuals/bodies i.e. Ann Faulkner as vice chair of Swanage Town Partnership and MCTI Swanage 20 Year Plan) at such an early stage.
Nick then read out emailed correspondence between Ann Faulkner, Richard Jeffery and Karen discussing the interest of the Market and Coastal Towns Initiative Working Group in the site. Paul asked if Karen would email Ann Faulkner and write to Mr. Spooner of the Old Malthouse on behalf of Strata to register our interest. The group agreed that the site has massive potential as an Arts Centre including workshops, play readings, Open Mike events, tea rooms, artists space, University outreach, exhibition areas etc. Nick expressed the hope that minutes of the meeting would raise further ideas for the usage of the site. Paul referred to the Transitions Towns Network as a resource.
Nick said that the Langton Matravers museum has a considerable interest in part use of the building and that approaches had already been made. They have a huge collection that needs to be housed. Keith also said that the radar collection may also be interested in the space. It was agreed that a hybrid use of the building involving partnerships would be the most viable outcome.
A draft letter for Karen to send to Mr. Spooner was written listing possible partnership interests and Strata’s desired involvement in the use of the site. (Copy attached for information)
7. Project Progress
Carlotta and Chris showed the layouts for the Artists Trail project. The Council did not approve of the free standing display boards for health and safety reasons etc but were happy to have them placed on the walls of certain buildings. The Tourist Information Centre was a possible site and possibly the walls of shelters. The first display could be up within a few weeks. A response from Wessex Water is still awaited.
Articles have appeared in Muse Magazine and Dorset Life along with local papers. Carlotta asked for help from the group in lobbying the Council, writing to the media etc.
Tara introduced to the group Jon Bowmer of Bournemouth University who listed several contacts that would be extremely useful to Strata and particularly in our involvement in the opportunities for the Old Malthouse. Jon felt certain that Bournemouth University would be very interested in a number of projects and was willing to be a main contact for the group as the university are already involved in the local area including the Swanage Town Plan. Jon also said that the university had a particular interest in facilitating the opening up of local museum collections.

Tara and Karen said that the Creative course run at California Barn (by Tara) was very successful, many good connections were made including Rob Hughes.
8. Future Meetings / Socials
The next Open Mike will be on Tuesday 15th May at Earthlights at 7.30pm. Bring a bottle of wine, it’s not known whether corkage applies.
Purbeck Arts Week starts on May 26th to 3rd June.
9. Publicity and Funding
Karen attended a very useful funding workshop and made some interesting contacts including a trainer who would be willing to help Strata.
10. Any Other Business
No other business was discussed.


Date of next meeting: Wednesday 6th June 2007 at 7.30 pm at the Quarr Gallery.


Copy of letter sent by Karen drafted during the meeting and completed afterwards:
California Cottage
Priests way
Swanage
Dorset
BH19 2RS

4.5.07

Dear Mr Spooner,
I am contacting you on behalf of Strata Arts, a newly formed arts support organisation based in Swanage. The aim of the organisation is to support all those who have an interest in the arts in Purbeck, including the education and access to the arts for the local community and to assist those who which to make an income from the creative industries.
As you may well know the government has designated Dorset as a county that relies heavily on creative industries and recognises that as such the county should be assisted in developing such industries and support those with creative skills.
The Cultural Olympiad of the 2012 Olympics should also be considered as being relevant to the development of cultural events and facilities in the area.

I am one of the directors of Strata which recently became a non-profit making company limited by guarantee. We shall be applying for charitable status soon.
I also sit on the MCTI with Ann Faulkner who contacted you the other day regarding the Old Malthouse. My particular area, of the 20 year plan we have put together, is culture.

Following a Strata meeting on Wednesday evening and feedback from other possibly interested parties regarding the future usage of the Old Malthouse School site, I have been asked to contact you as chairman of the board of Governors of the school voicing our considerable interest in the site.
Members of Strata feel the site has considerable and viable potential for community arts and local educational organisations as an outreach base for their own existing activities.

Being aware of existing plans or desire by certain educational organistaions, to expand into the Purbeck area and the current shortfall of facilities and funding for educational and arts activities in Purbeck, we believe that the following groups and organisations would be interested in using the facilities/site or supportive of such a use:-

Strata,
Bournemouth University,
Weymouth College
Poole College
Study Gallery, Poole
Bournemouth Arts Institute
Bournemouth Rep Theatre,
Artsreach
The Keystone project group
Activate
Atrium
Living Creatively
Purbeck Arts Group
Purbeck Film Festival organisers
Jurassic Coast Arts Initiative
PACE
Cultural Olympiad org
School of Conservation Sciences
Dorset Youth Jazz Festival org.
Swanage jazz Festival
Swanage Blues Festival
Swanage Folk Festival



It would also be ideal as:-
A workspace for local artists and craftpeople and relevant local businesses. A colleague is interested in setting up a system to encourage young local people to find an income from their creativity and maybe develop creative apprenticeships. The apprenticeships offered by the local stone industry could be futher supported at the site ( I am well aware of the Keystone projects and recently had a meeting with Duncan Forbes from the project scheme to discuss this issue)
An exhibition and selling space for artists/crafts work, supported by an attractive visitor centre and social hub for networking opportunities. Having been involved for several years in the Dorset and Purbeck Art weeks I know that the school is a suitable location for such activities.
A performance space and location for rehearsals and play readings, dance and dram workshops.
An ideal location for activity holidays - outdoor activities Climbing/cycling/walking etc, art holidays, wildlife and special interest holidays. I am already involved in this area ( I own a holiday let that includes studio /workspace) and recognise the increasing demand for such holidays. Leeson House and the Allnat centre already deals with young visitors to the area and Brenscombe with adult, primarily outdoor, visitors. However the MCTI have recognised the uniqueness of the area and wish to encourage specific visitors and see activity holidays as a good way to extend the season and increase local trade and income in the quieter periods.

The nature of the site, the existing facilities, accommodation and outdoor space makes it an ideal opportunity to put into place the aims and ideas of so many local user groups. We feel the site could potentially fulfil the criteria and aspirations of the 20 year for Swanage (and the area as defined by the plan) and would consequently receive the necessary support from local and national authorities and relevant organisations.

We as a group (Strata) are willing to take this project forward on the understanding that I (as designated director) will be informed as soon as the Board of Trustee confirms how the site can be used ( a note from Richard Wilson implies that the site is unlikely to be used for residential, but could affordable housing be considered? I will be contacting him directly. Local accommodation on site for those with businesses would be a major consideration) and that the Trustees are informed as soon as possible of our (Strata) interest in the site.

We believe our intended aims and proposed use for the school site would fulfil the criteria/remit of major fundraisers and the needs of potential users. This would therefore put the project in a good position when considering viability and partnership funding.

I and my colleagues are currently contacting relevant organisation and individuals to assess interest and possible users of the site. Initial discussions are very positive.
I look forward to hearing from you and would be interested in meeting you or a colleague to discuss various issues.

Yours Karen Delahay,