Open Mike April

Tuesday 17th April 7.30
(and 3rd Tuesday every month)
Strata's OPEN MIKE EVENING

Poetry, stories, comedy

Come and read or sit and listen

Downstairs at Alfie's, Institute Road, Swanage

Winter Sun Exhibition at Quarr Gallery

We have a new show of work by Stephen Bishop from this Friday. We will not be having an official private view but if you would like to drop by on Friday evening from 7 for a glass of wine you will be very welcome. Our show of Stephen's paintings last summer was very successful.

I hope you can make it.
Keith and Jane

Bogdan's War

“Bogdan’s War” was challenging and funny. It was deeply disturbing yet warmly human. Jeremy Paul’s new play about the war in Serbia may have appeared slightly unpromising to the Swanage theatre goer – and, what’s more, performed as a reading rather than a fully staged piece. But it turned out to be a really worthwhile evening’s entertainment (no charge and a glass of wine thrown in free)

The story of the rise of tensions in Belgrade before the war, the eventual bombing of the city and aftermath was told through the eyes of a group of residents and concentrated on their personal interactions. What we needed to know about the politics of the time was delivered to us in intelligent snippets as the protagonists began to understand it themselves.

The cast were excellent and made up in vocal skill what may have been lacking in visuals. For the record they were:
Roger Martin - Tomas
Tara Dominick - Galina
Kraig Thornber - Jiri
Boyd Thompson - Rade
Luke Atkins - Sasha

Patricia Garwood - Narrator.

Directed by the author


It was really refreshing to see good original theatre in Swanage where there are no public facilities or support for the arts. The play was read in the Vista bar and that proved an ingenious way of getting round the fact that we have no theatre available in the town (!) I sincerely hope we see many more projects like this.

Kathakali

An Introduction to
KATHAKALI
and
SOUTH INDIAN DANCE
with
REGHU NADHAN
Kathakali actor
teacherof Kathakali and Kuchipuddi
From Kerala South India.

8 week course starting APRIL 26 th
Thursdays 7p.m-9pm

THE STUDIO, California Farm, Swanage.


Reghu’s web-site www.reghunadhan.com
Email:wendylallawharam@yahoo.com:
Tel: 01929 426423

Science Art Environment Residency

Artist Abigail Reynolds will be working with a Micropaleontologist, Samantha Gibbs and a Mathematician, Björn Sandstede to highlight the amazing microscopic story of the rocks in and around Durlston Country Park, near Swanage that form part of the 185 million years of geological time along this World Heritage Site coastline.
She will work with a small group from the local community over May and June 2007 to explore the science behind the landscape and how art can be a tool in considering the significance of the geology along the Jurassic Coast. The final artwork will be exhibited in August and September at Durlston before touring other venues.
We are looking for people who know and love Durlston, and who would like to join a group of 12 people of mixed ages and backgrounds to work with the artist Abigail Reynolds and the selected scientists. This group will work on the research, shape the artworks and this will be an opportunity not only to work with an artist, but to explore the geology of Durlston in great detail. The time commitment for group members will be five meetings in May and June of two-hour duration.
To find out how you can be involved, please come to a presentation by the artist/scientist team on Monday 26th March at 7pm at the Lookout café, Durlston Castle. This will give you details of the project and how you can contribute. If you would like to join the group but unable to attend this meeting please contact Cleo Evans, Visual Arts Development Officer for details of how to register your interest. Cleo.evans@dorsetcc.gov.uk , 01305 224244.
This presentation is not only for potential group members, but for anybody who wants to know more about the residency that will be held over May and June when Abigail Reynolds will be working on site using the front room of Durlston Castle as her studio.

This artist/scientist collaborative project has received funding from Arts Council England, Dorset AONB Partnership through its sustainable Development Fund, the Fine Family Foundation and the Jurassic Coast Trust and has the support of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Team, Dorset Countryside and the Natural History Museum.

Minutes of Strata Meeting 7th March 2007

Those present:
Nick Goulding, Keith Roker, Peter Cooper, Karen Delahay, Carlotta Barrow, Chris Burke, Wendy Wharam, Paul Angel and Lesley Licudi. Apologies from Matt Wilkinson, Sandy Clarke (we wish her success in her new location), Philippa Sherborne and Jane Ramsey.
Wine and welcome
Matters arising from meeting of 7th February
Minutes were available on the website. No matters arising.
Formation of Company
All paperwork regarding Directors, Company Secretary and Treasurer is underway and signatories have been agreed, essential forms have been signed. Keith apologised for the delay, information cannot be easily accessed and the process was much more time consuming than previously thought. It was agreed that Keith would complete the company formation through Company Wizard.co.uk for a fee of £70 who will handle all the administration and legal cover. Membership fees that have already been agreed upon will pay the costs.
Peter emphasised the need for rapid action on this as Strata members who are applying for funding for projects would like to do so within the Strata company status. Karen said that those applying under Strata’s umbrella need to be very clear about charitable status.
Matt and Shannon will develop logos for headed paper, etc.
4. Website Development
Minutes will be available on Peter’s blog. Members should send any information to Peter to be included. Paul reported that development of the structure of the website was likely to be completed fairly soon after development of the Purbeck Art Week website. Paul, Shannon and Richard Jefferies are pooling their skills. He is also researching funding to allow Strata to pay people for their time and expertise rather than rely on volunteer work, Peter agreed and said that the Arts Council will expect to see admin costs, etc.
Paul and Karen thought that photos of the artists should be shown next to their work.
Wendy suggested and it was agreed that all arts should be represented on the site. Strata will promote all the arts and events such as Open Mic, dance, theatre, music and these should all be used to establish what Strata is all about.
Nick and Paul discussed ways of getting information out to people, Paul will work with Shannon and Richard on this. Karen will also provide support by emailing information to all.
Peter stressed the need for all to be kept informed of individual applications to avoid conflict and duplication.


5. Project Progress
Carlotta’s Artists Trail project is developing well and has featured in the Advertiser and The Echo. She showed the group a brochure of photos and writing that will be displayed, sites, Chris’s plans and Paul’s computer generated impression of how the displays will look. Chris and Carlotta have written to the Mowlem management submitting the brochure and are awaiting a response. They have funding for three projects, the first of which could be ready for Purbeck Arts Week. Chris said that the Heritage Centre will allow us to display a board but that they are still waiting to hear from Wessex Water. The Artists Trail team were thanked for all their hard work.
Wendy announced that Reghu is coming in April and has many bookings but sadly none in Purbeck. As Reghu will be coming every year and is keen to work in Purbeck Wendy would like him to be a member of Strata. This was agreed enthusiastically. Nick asked about the possibility of Reghu working in local schools including Purbeck View - Wendy will research. Wendy will write an article for local papers mentioning Strata. She will also discuss the possibility of a Spoken Word/Poetry Fair with Peter.
Peter said that the Open Mic sessions have been very successful and he is making many links including the Dorset Literature Network with a view to developing a Spoken Word Festival. Many significant writers and performers live within the area e.g. Elvis McGonagall. There was a general discussion about venues and timing aiming for next autumn or post Xmas, any ideas should be forwarded to Wendy and Peter.
Keith noted the success of the Landcrab Festival at the Mowlem and was struck by the potential for bringing people and significant events to the area using Strata’s resources. He has spoken to the organisers who are keen to develop this.
Peter thought it important to make an impact and suggested a sound launch to establish Strata professionally. Other organisations should be specifically invited with a view to establishing Strata as the lead organisation and gaining official recognition as such.
Paul suggested that the group work together to come up with a strong description of who we are and what we do, no more than 15 words, and all agreed to work on this.
6. Notices
Nick announced that Tara Dominick is running a creative development workshop at California Barn on 27th and 28th April.
Karen also announced a play reading with Tara and Jeremy Paul at California Barn on 31st March at 7.30.
7. Publicity
Wendy reported on a funding workshop that she attended and has sample forms etc available for anybody interested in applying for grants. This was handed to Karen as Treasurer, many thanks to Wendy.
Peter again stressed the importance of the Cultural Olympics as an opportunity for attracting “big art and big money”. Destination projects are needed urgently to attract people to Dorset and Swanage in particular.
Paul attended an Arts Council Funding Seminar and he would like a meeting at the Quarr Gallery to hand over information. Purbeck was described as an ideal area for attracting funds, giving us and ideal opportunity.
8. Future Meetings / Socials
The next Open Mic will be on Tuesday 20th March at 7.30.
Jem Maine at the Study Gallery is very keen to support Strata and would like to come and talk to us re: regional arts development, Nick will arrange this.
Wendy announced the Poetry Day at the Study Gallery on the 9th May and Reghu will be there.
9. Any Other Business
No other business.
Date of next meeting: Wednesday 4th April 2007 at 7.30 pm at the Quarr Gallery

Living Creatively

From Tara Dominick

Revealing your Creative personality

A weekend of discovery exploring how to live your life more creatively

Friday April 27th - Sunday April 29th
At California Barn, Swanage

For full details www.livingcreatively.co.uk

Prequel to Cannes

Prequel to Cannes is a Film Festival Networking Party aimed at all filmmakers, performers, screenwriters, crew, bands, dancers and anyone wanting to network on film projects or wanting to discover how you can attend international film festivals and markets.

It is happening at The Study Gallery of Modern Art, Poole in Dorset. Supported by South West Screen, Borough of Poole Arts Development Unit, Southbank Publishing, The Writers' Guild of Great Britain and a host of other partners. SWS and The WGGB will be on hand to answer questions on either funding, membership or how to gain accreditation and will be holding pre-booked consultations bookable with your £10 ticket through Lighthouse, Poole on 08700 668701. This is a non-profit making event.

It takes place Thursday, 26th April, 2007 between 6 and 9.30 pm.

A Wall of Words will be available for scriptwriters' to pin up their treatments, pitches, log lines, synopses, maybe even first few pages of their script. In the Talent Circle performers, crew, composers or musicians looking to work in film or maybe talk about how they can get a music video made, or any other film associates, will also available to pin up their pictures CV's, past and present projects along with their preferences for future involvements.

Independent Producers, Directors and Production Companies will be present on the night looking to discuss or commit to new projects.

If you live in the Wessex area and work independently in the film industry this party is definitely for you.

Book early to avoid disappointment as places are limited.

Rosie Jones,
07763 988662
rosiecreativethoughts@btinternet.com

Cool Poems 20th March

Purbeck Arts News

This site is open to everybody interested in the creative world of Purbeck. Please feel free to add comments or messages. Just click on the "comments" link and I'll put them on the page.

Peter John Cooper

Sketch Dorset

Want to be creative? We want you to send us your artwork of Dorset for our new Sketch Dorset gallery.
Get your paint brushes out as the weather gets better and splash Dorset's beauty onto your canvas.
Dorset is full of inspiration for creative people. The countryside and the Jurassic coast are an artist's paradise.
Your weather photos have shown us how creative you are with your camera. Now we want you to help us build a gallery of artwork showing us picturesque Dorset.
Your artwork can be a detailed sketch or a simple doodle. Or you might want to make it vibrant and use acrylics, oils, pastels or watercolour. It's entirely your choice.Once you've created your masterpiece, we want you to take a digital photo of it and send it to us at :
dorset@bbc.co.uk
Please include your name, location and the name of your artwork.
Don't have a digital camera handy? You can bring your artwork to us at the BBC Dorset office in Dorchester where we can take a snap of it.
Mike Hadley

Swanage Seen by Painters

Swanage Seen - display board mockups
Please note that these are only mockups at present - final text and layout to be agreed!

Purbeck Art Week 2007

"We hope you will take part so we can repeat the very successful event in 2005.

Our intention is to provide a quality selling opportunity for artists and galleries in this locality and to promote their work to both locals and the very large number of visitors that come here on holiday over the last May Bank Holiday weekend. We feel it is important to fill the gap in the interim years of Dorset Art Weeks to maintain some continuity of expectation in the minds of our visitors. We also want to give those artists who are unable or unwilling to exhibit at their place of work an opportunity to show their work by providing group exhibitions. Our shows at Rollington Barn are becoming increasingly successful and this year we also plan a themed group show at Slepe Farm. More info in due course! "

Date Saturday 26th May - Sunday 3 June 2007

For more information contact:

Antonia Phillips, 81 Queens Road, Swanage, BH19 2EP
antonia@antoniaphillips.co.uk

Application form and fee to be received by Friday 23rd February.

Open Mike Happening Wednesday 21st February

Click on the image for full view

Stata Meeting 7th February 2007

Strata Arts Group Meetiung
7th February 2007 7.30 pm
Quarr Gallery

Those present::

Keith Roker, Phillipa Sherborne, Wendy Warham, Karen Delahay, Jonathan Sells, Shannon Ribbons, Peter John Cooper (minutes), Matt Wilkinson, Nick Goulding (Chair), Carlotta Barrow, Chris Burke. Paul Angel joined later

Apologies:
Jane Ramsey, Lesley Licudi, Antonia Phillips

2. Minutes of last meeting. No matters arising

3. Formation of company. The paperwork is now in place and just needs assembling and signing by putative directors. The following votes were taken:
i) That Strata should constitute itself as a group with a membership
Proposed: Nick Goulding
Seconded: Karen Delahay
Carried: Nem. Con.

ii) The membership fees until AGM should be £5 for individuals, £25 for corporate organisations. Concessions for members to include reduced rates for entrance to events and free web page on Strata web site.
Proposed: Wendy Warham
Seconded: Carlotta Barrow
Carried: Nem.Con.

It was agreed without a vote that the AGM should be September 2007.

iii) That a charitable company be set up with the following directors:
Matt Wilkinson, Paul, Angel, Nick Goulding, Lesley Licudi (Company Sectretary), Karen Delahay. Gary Suttle to act as Accountant
Proposed: Shannon Ribbons
Seconded: Keith Roker
Carried: Nem. Con.

4. Website. Shannon pointed out that no-one had yet contacted him with web-page requirements. Paul and Richard Jeffrey will meet with Shannon to talk about content management software. Peter and Matt will continue with content and diary.

5. Project Progress. Carlotta reported on continuing progress with the Paintings on the Prom. There had been a meeting with PDC who had come back with some objections to sites chosen. Planning is now the main hurdle to overcome. There are some alternatives to preferred sites. Carlotta was still planning for an unveiling of the first three sites by Purbeck Art Week..

It was suggested that these paintings could form the basis of a calendar and diary.

The Hoteliers had expressed interest in developing an Arts Festival in Swanage. The week before Art Week had been suggested. Keith urged Strata to get involved in planning for this. Karen agreed to communicate ith Hoteliers.

Matt announced a 2 day festival at Holton lee on 15th to 17th June.

The Youth and Community Centre is due to take delivery of a digital recording studio on Friday this week. Bookings can be made through Matt.

The Circus Skills School at the Youth and Community centre was in some danger of closing because of new booking arrangements by Dorset County Council. The School cannot afford new advance fees. It was suggested that this is an ideal subject for a grant application.

The first Open Mike Happening at Bar One proved to be a good evening with 25 people attending. The second happening will be downstairs at Alfie’s Restaurant on Wednesday 21st February at 7.30

Members were reminded that projects were required by the Creative Dorset partnership.

There is a Quiz Night at California Barn on 17th February. Everyone invited.

The Meeting running late, no further business was conducted.

Next meeting: Wednesday 7th March at 7.30 pm at Sandi Clarke's House.

Purbeck Art Week 2007

Purbeck Art Week is gearing up for 2007... Details will be forthcoming on costs and the like very soon, but it would help to have a better idea of who is likely to want to take part this year. Numbers affect size of brochure which affects costs. The last time we ran independently, costs were of the order of £70 to take part as an open studio and be listed individually in the brochure and website, and about £45 to be in the group show in Rollington. We hope to keep costs broadly similar, but I suspect a small increase is probable.

Our start for planning is everyone who took part (in the Purbecks) in DAW 2006, or the Rollington exhibition, or the Mowlem show in November (which we hope to repeat as a venue in PAW), or who came to the Corfe Castle meeting last week, or who figures on a very short list of names passed to Tony Viney over the last 9 months or so. Simple, eh?

If you think you are not in that list somewhere and want to express an interest in taking part - or you just want to be absolutely certain you are on our list, please reply to this email - this week if you can.

For the non-visual artists out there, you might want to think about how North Somerset Arts Week operate - they seem to successfully incorporate a small amount of music and poetry into the event, often sharing venues. No - we've no idea how that would work here but seems worth exploring.

hope that makes sense

cheers

Richard

Strata - Down to Basics

Keith has suggested this wording for the objects of the Charity:

To advance the education of the public in the arts

the promotion for the benefit of the public of urban and rural regeneration in Purbeck by
a) the provision of financial assistance, technical assistance or business advice or consultancy in order to provide training and employment opportunities in cases of financial or other charitable need through help: (i) in setting up their own business, or (ii) to existing businesses.
b) the creation of training and employment opportunities by the provision of workspace, buildings and/or land for use on favourable terms

Peter has suggested this:

To promote, maintain improve and advance education in Purbeck by the promotion, production, performance and encouragement of the arts including, by way of example only and not limitation, drama, dance, music, singing,literature, sculpture, painting, photography and cinematography.

To provide facilities for recreation and other leisure time occupations inthe interests of social welfare with the object of improving the conditionsof life for the public at large and to heighten the understanding andappreciation of the arts among the inhabitants of Purbeck.

To promote the welfare of those working in the creative industries.

Can anyone come up with a compromise?

Open Mike

Twenty-five people turned up at Bar Onefor the first Open Mike spoken word evening. There were five readers plus Matt and Joe providing music (and PA so we had to let them have a go). Wonderful relaxed atmosphere. There were problems with sound levels so we continued from half time without Mike which worked just as well. However, Mike did give confidence to a couple of more timid readers. Everyone there was keen to make the evening a regular event but it depends on licensing application for Long (the bar owner). So next event may be Thursday Nights or Tuesdays at Crows Nest. Watch this space.

A Warning to Artists

Watch out for a worrying scam directed at artists (and principally female artists) selling work over the internet.

The operation seems to go like this:
The artist is approached for details of artworks for sale and after a number of e.mails an offer is made to purchase a number for a private collection. The payment will be by bankers draft which appears to be watertight when it arrives. Arrangements are made for pick up by a carrier company. The only wrinkle is that the bankers draft or cheque appears to be made out for too much. The artist is asked to return the overpayment by Western Union. Of course, the cheque bounces or is refused because it is stolen.

The wise artist does not do anything with their artwork or make repayments until any cheque has been safely cleared.

Carlotta Barrow of Waterside Studios in Swanage was too wise to fall for the scam but she was able to make one or two useful observations. The con artist went to a lot of time and trouble to set up the mark ( grooming). The closer to the deadline the more anxious and agressive he became. He had obviously gone to a lot of trouble to make the operation look believable (except for a wildly inappropriate name).

It looks as though something like fourteen artists have been approached this way in Dorset. It is probable that names are being selected from the Dorset Art Weeks website.

If you are approached in this way inform Dorset Trading Standards tradingstandards@dorsetcc.gov.uk and, if money has changed hands, the police.

Be on your guard but don't lose any sleep

Strata Meeting 3rd January 2007

Those present:
Nick Goulding
Carlotta Barrow
Chris Burke
Peter Cooper
Sandie Clarke
Philippa Keeling (and dog)
Karen Delahay (Joined later)

Apologies:
Keith Roker
Jane Ramsey
Lesley Licudi

1) Happy New Year to all artists in Purbeck

2) “Papers for company formation must be submitted before next meeting on 7th February”
Proposed Chris Burke
Seconded Nick Goulding
Carried unanimously
Nick Goulding undertook to talk to company formation group

3) Purbeck Arts Week meeting. 2 o’clock at the Square and Compass

4) Carlotta reported on progress with the Paintings on the Prom Project. Would like a snappy title for the project.
Also needs a subcommittee of Strata set up to drive things forward.
The aim is to have the unveiling during Purbeck Arts Week

5) Philippa reported the Purbeck Strings Festival would be March 17th and 18th
The Purbeck Strings website is currently being updated.

6) Karen suggested we look at some day out visits to arts venues and thought we might like to consider the Goodwood Sculpture Park in Sussex.
Peter reminded the meeting of the Activate Theatre visits which are available for subsidised prices

7) It was agreed that there be a new regular agenda item on fundraising.

8) Peter reminded everyone of the Open Mike Evening at Bar One on Tuesday 16th starting at 7.30. Bring your poetry to read and dress in 1960s beatnik style.

Next Meetings Wednesday 7th February
Sandie Clarke invited everyone to meet at her house for Strata meeting on 7th March