Author: Creatabot

Fuse Festival a Real Success and Plans Already Underway for 2013

Creative and Art News

Fuse Medway Festival came to a close this Sunday after a fabulous weekend of free entertainment from local, national and international outdoor performers.  Huge audiences enjoyed the Friday night’s Opening Parade, an explosive weekend programme of street theatre, dance, circus and music and Saturday and Sunday spectaculars. This was new artistic director Lélia Gréci’s first full year at the helm and her choice of artists and programme proved to be a winning formula.

Says Artistic Director Lélia: ‘It was an incredible weekend for audiences and performers alike – from circus all the way from India, provided by Kawa, to our very own ‘home grown’ commissioned artist Jane Pitt and her floating festival choir Ri-zound.  It was also an honour to host the premiere of a unique piece of work for the under-fives, Little Universe, which surprised and delighted its young audiences and their families.’

In order to plan for next year, Fuse will be taking on board all feedback provided through audience surveys gathered during the festival. People can still offer their feedback on www.surveymonkey.com/s/fuse2012. If you want to have your say about next year’s Fuse in a more informal manner, why not pop along to the Brook Theatre, Chatham, on Monday 9th July at 6pm and make the festival truly yours?

Fuse Medway Festival is jointly funded by Medway Council and the National Lottery through the Arts Council England and the 2013 Festival runs from 14-16 June.  For more information visit the website at www.fusefestival.org.uk, or join them on Facebook or Twitter.

Area – South East

#Digibury – Meet Up For Digital Types – July 11th 2012 at 7pm – Canterbury

Creative and Art Events

Digibury is the meet-up event for digital types in Canterbury!

They meet up on Wednesday 2.0 (the second Wednesday in the month – oh hai!) for talks, demos, messing about with digital stuff and drinks.

Around 50 people show up every month and they have 2 or 3 speakers giving talks which are short, sweet and personal with plenty of time for questions and conversation.

Lineup

He’s going to talk about ‘ethical hacking’, ‘penetration testing’ and other exciting stuff in relation to hacking the mainframe, being a l33t h4x0r and his research on “the GIMP ScriptFu buffer overflow vulnerability.” Whatever that is when it’s at home.

The speakers are going to talk about how they took advice from previous Digibury speakers and knocked out a geo-fencing game in a couple of afternoons.

Daniel made a robot. Keith developed the neural network which made the robot afraid of the colour blue. They’re coming to Digibury as part of their community service.

The event takes place at 

The Farmhouse, 11 Dover Street, Town Centre, Canterbury CT1 3HD 

– it starts at 7pm and finishes at 9ish.

For more details please visit http://deeson-online.co.uk/digibury

Tea presents: Stuart Turner and the Flat Earth Society – 16 June 2012

Editorials

There is something about small venues and they don’t come much smaller than the cellar of the Singapora Lounge in Rochester. TEA presented an excellent evening of guttural blues-rock form Stuart Turner and the Flat Earth Society, stomping through a set to launch their new album ‘On The Brink Of Misadventure.’ Ably supported by somewhat settled hobo, William Harper, they created an oasis from the football and towiesque pseudo-hell usually occupying this part of town. Surveying a catalogue of slide, picked and thumping numbers, whilst haunting the dimly lit nowhere, the band mesmerised an audience set on looking beyond an easily packaged night out.

The brutal cry of ‘Decimation’ leapt out from the set, calling us all back to the workhouse on a well deserved Friday night, as Mr Turner threw aside his megaphone to focus on some thorough guitar beating.

Rochester has been in dire need of an alternative High Street venue. Somewhere unshackled from the zombie march towards clubland, and although a cellar full of music lovers might seem a small start, there is hope below ground.

More about Stuart Turner and the Flat Earth Society can be found at http://www.myspace.com/stuartjamesturner

By Roy Smith

www.royalansmith.co.uk

Area : South East

East End Film Festival – 3rd to 8th July 2012 – London

Creative and Art Events

Founded in 2000, the East End Film Festival is one of the UK’s largest film festivals. An annual multi-platform festival held in London, the EEFF presents a rich and diverse programme of international premieres, industry masterclasses, free pop-up screenings and immersive live events. The EEFF’s mission is to discover, support, and exhibit pioneering work by global and local independent filmmakers, and to introduce viewers to innovative and challenging cinematic experiences.

Attracting an annual audience of more than 30,000, the EEFF has established itself as a major international film festival situated at the heart of London’s most dynamic quarter, hosting an active year-round programme as well as producing its own fringe festival in CINE-EAST, a day of completely free cinema across 100 East London venues. Committed to the work of first and second time directors, the annual EEFF showcases more than seventy features film screenings, several short film programmes, and a variety of cross-arts events and industry activities across a six day festival. The EEFF’s established awards system includes: Best Film (reserved for first and second features); Best Documentary; Best UK Short Film; and the EEFF Short Film Audience Award. Featuring in the jury for EEFF2012 will be industry experts Dexter Fletcher, Sandra Hebron, Adrian Wootton and Joe Wright.

The EEFF boasts large audiences, ever-increasing industry support, high levels of international press coverage, and a large and incredibly diverse range of partnerships with organisations such as Amnesty International, Sheffield Doc/Fest, World Pride, Digital Shoreditch and Film London. As the only film festival operating in the Olympic zone during the Olympic period, the festival will be receiving unprecedented levels of attention in 2012, and will be showcasing films to diverse, engaged audiences in record numbers.

EEFF 2012 takes place 3rd – 8th July 2012 for more details visit http://www.eastendfilmfestival.com/

Area:   UK   Britain   East of England   East Midlands   London  North East   North West    Yorkshire    Scotland   South East    South West    Wales   West Midlands  

INDIE GAME : THE MOVIE – Film Screening – 29th June 2012 – Rochester – Kent – UK

Creative and Art Events

Creatabot have their first event! And its a biggie! We are hosting the screening of INDIE GAME : THE MOVIE in Rochester, Kent on the 29th June 2012.

This brilliant film looks at the underdogs of the video game industry, indie game developers, who sacrifice money, health and sanity to realise their lifelong dreams of sharing their creative visions with the world.

Following the making of the games SUPER MEAT BOY, FEZ and BRAID, this Sundance award-winning film captures the tension and drama by focusing on these developers’ vulnerability and obsessive quest to express themselves through a 21st-century art form.

As you can tell, Creatabot treasures creativity so we are thrilled to be hosting this screening!

For more details about the film visit http://www.indiegamethemovie.com/about/

Details are as follows:

INDIE GAME : THE MOVIE

Ticket price: £6.60 BUY TICKETS

Date – 29th June 2012

Location – Rochester Visitor Information and Art Gallery – 95 High Street – 
Rochester
 – Kent – ME1 1LX

Time:    Doors at 7.15pm       Film starts at 7.45pm

Popcorn and refreshments will be provided!

Attendees can also attend the Tigercats gig at the Deaf Cat for FREE – compliments of TEA concerts!

 http://indiegametigercats.eventbrite.co.uk/

For more information please email natasha@creatabot.co.uk

Area – South East Kent London UK Britain

My Life’s Fascination With Fashion – The Story Of Henrietta Franklin

Featured Creatives

Henrietta Franklin is a fashion label run by Sharon Richards from her shop and studio in Gillingham, Kent. Designing and making made to measure garments for women and children, Sharon is one of the few fashion designers that still see’s through each stage of her garments being made – from her initial sketch through to the finished garment. Sharon talked to Creatabot to tell our readers how she got into fashion and remains independent as a designer…

I progressed into fashion naturally, I believe because I was an only child for the first 8 years of my life as well as the fact  I was also an only child among my parents’s piers. Let me explain: on birthdays and at Christmas I received many presents, one year when I was about 8 I had accumulated 7 dolls and they all needed clothes! My mother dabbled in making curtains and the odd dress for me, which is where I got started, by using the off cuts. I began by making dolls clothes and my hunger for clothes making and design progressed from there. At John Burn’s primary school, Battersea, we had needle work lessons, which stretched my imagination. At secondary school, Garret Green, Tooting, I took needle work and art as subjects, which I enjoyed. I remember my art teacher Sue Skelton, she was very inspirational. She opened my mind to many options in art and design.

I went onto to study at the London College of Fashion, I remember the interview day.  I remember what I wore, of course I do, I designed and made it! To this day I believe that was the biggest and most important event of my life to date. I got in! I studied there for 4 years, it was a wonderful time. I was one of the lucky ones: I was offered a job at my end of year fashion show: for an outer wear company.

“To succeed you would need to stand out and have contacts in large established fashion houses or be prepared to globetrot to places like China and India”.

From my experience I would say that my formal fashion education was paramount in facilitating my path in fashion. Unfortunately the fashion industry is an ever decreasing circle in this country. The combination of the intervention of computers and ever shrinking world make it feel almost like a pointless venture for new students leaving universities. To succeed you would need to stand out and have contacts in large established fashion houses or be prepared to globetrot to places like China and India.

The fashion industry “Rag Trade” that I worked in was primarily run by 3 ethnic groups. The largest of which was from a Jewish background mainly based in the West End of London, North London: Greek/Turkish Cyprian backgrounds, and the smallest group was in East London from Pakistani and Bengali backgrounds. I personally did not fit into any of these backgrounds so could only go so far. I started out as a designer/pattern/cutter at a Jewish company and ended up in design/sales at a Greek Cyprian company actually based in Cyprus. I felt that was the top of my career within the “Rag Trade”.

I soon reached a point though when I realised I wanted to be independent in my career, so the next natural progression was working for myself. This is when Henrietta Franklin came out of the shadows.

When I think about who inspires me today, I have to say Natasha Steer locally, she is an eclectic little maverick, she helps people to stand up for themselves, something she has done for herself successfully. She exudes confidence subtly. She is a bright light in the community that can only get brighter. Universally I have to back into history. Samuel “Sam” Sharpe – a Jamaican slave who played an instrumental part in the beginning of the journey that ended slavery. He is a part of why I am free and here today.

What about the future? I can answer that kind of question easily – to have a successful international business. Truly, in today’s economic climate my goal is to keep my business going.

Henrietta Franklin specialises in day wear, evening wear, wedding dresses, bridesmaids dresses and mother of the bride outfits. Sharon has also created the label “Tropical Fruit” which is her new range of hand made children’s wear made from natural fabrics wherever possible.

Visit www.henriettafranklin.com to see more of Sharon’s work.

You can contact Sharon on 01634 321 522

Area:   UK   Britain   East of England   East Midlands   London  North East   North West    Yorkshire    Scotland    South East              South West    Wales   West Midlands

Faversham Festival Presents – Mad, Bad and Misunderstood – Opera – 15th June 2012

Creative and Art Events

More about Faversham festival at http://www.favershamfestival.org.uk/

Area – South East

Stepping Stone Studios – Maidstone – Kent

Creative Communities and Inspiring Websites, Creative Opportunities

Stepping Stones Studio is a community interest company set up and driven to promote aspiring and established artists in Kent.

Their vision is to encourage and enable visual artists by providing:

  • An affordable studio space in which to create work, and attend/ hold your own workshops
  • A cafe in which to connect and collaborate with other artists
  • A gallery and shop to showcase the range of emerging talents
  • A subscription to the studio granting incredible opportunities and discounts

Their space will stay affordable for artists and – unlike most studios and galleries – will favour applications from those without previous exhibition credentials. The aim is to keep the studio neutral, to play host to a variety of artistic groups in this area, and to showcase under-represented artists.  Through the central location and overarching love of visual arts, they aim to create a centre of art activity for the artists and art enthusiasts of the Maidstone and wider Kent district.

This opportunity offers a professional environment in which to gain indispensable experience in the organisation and publicity of ones own exhibitions, and brings local artists together as a collective.

The studio encourages artists to hold their own classes, workshops and open studios for the public.

This unique artist’s venture is run by artists, for artists, and the only space in this area promoting local untapped talent through a collaborative voluntary effort.

To find out more visit www.steppingstonestudios.co.uk

Area – South East

West Sussex Opera Return With Cosi Fan Tutti – July 2012

Creative and Art Events

Following their successful productions of ‘Hansel & Gretel’ (December) and ‘Dido and Aeneas ‘(March), WSO return with Mozarts most popular comic opera ‘Cosi Fan Tutti’. WSO will bring a night of sheer delight not to mention Fianceé Swapping under the baton of renowned tenor Jon Grave.

Two rascals decide to put their lovely fiancées to the test and pretend to be conscripted and go away to war. Secretly they return in disguise and try to woo each other’s girl with hilarious results – this great opera is up their with any Whitehall Farce. But Whitehall farces don’t also give you the Mozart’s wonderful music.

The company was formed by Artistic Director and tenor Jon Grave, who performs worldwide in famous concert venues; on major film soundtracks, Radio, TV and solo recordings. Classic FM said ‘one impressive tenor’. Through his work lecturing at the University of Chichester and Prebendal School, the company has formed strong educational ties, providing opportunities for local talented musicians to perform in the chorus and alongside the professional orchestra.  
Principal Guest Conductor Rachel Grave is an exceptional cellist, film composer and has conducted the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra. Her award winning work has lead to her music being heard in cinemas all over the world.

Soloists have performed at the Royal Opera House, Glyndebourne and with other top international opera companies.

‘Cosi Fan Tutti’ takes place from 7.30-10.00 (bar opens 6:30pm):

Fri 13th July at West Wittering Memorial Hall.

Sat 14th July at the beautiful Assembly rooms, Chichester

Tickets cost £5-20 at West Wittering and £6-£25 at Chichester Assembly Rooms. These prices include concessionary discounts and half price for under 16’s.

Tickets are available online at www.wsopera.com – book in advance for special ticket offers.

Disabled access is available

Area – South East

Wigmore Arts Weekend – 30th June to 1st July 2012 – Wigmore – Kent

Creative and Art Events

St Matthew’s Church and Community Centre will be holding an arts weekend on the 30th June and 1st July. Over 100 artists and crafts people will be exhibiting and demonstrating their work. Paintings, crafts, dance and live music feature throughout the weekend. Entry is free to the general public and the event will be start at 10.00am (to 4.30pm) Saturday and 11.00am (to 4.00pm) Sunday.

The art show will be held in St Matthew’s Church and the demonstrations and workshops in the community centre and grounds. About “100 metres run” of art will displayed in a variety of media, including poetry, ceramics, and all paint media. The art show will fill the church. Also on Saturday as the art show is in progress there will be some live music entertainment. Outside, there will be demonstrations of Morris Dancing, Fire Breathing, Fire Poi, Belly Dancing and some Bollywood Antics!! A lot of fun for everyone.

Children are well catered for with puppet making, face painting, lino cutting and plenty of other activities to keep them interested.

There will be a Variety Show on Saturday featuring many of Medway’s talented people and on Sunday a recital by David Griffiths (accompanied by his wife Christine). They are internationally acclaimed musicians from New Zealand and they will perform Schumann’s Dichteliebe (Op 48) and a range of songs from New Zealand.

There will be art workshops taking place and a few places are still available, but be quick and book a place.

We hope you will agree that there is something for everyone. Do come along and put Wigmore on the Arts map!!

A full programme is available, so e-mail wigmore.arts@hotmail.co.uk, sae to 42 The Goldings, Rainham ME8 0AX or telephone 01634 372508

To book a place on a workshop e-mail wigmoreartsworkshops@hotmail.co.uk or sae/telephone as above.

Picture:

Paul Warren of St Matthew’s Church, Wigmore.
Wigmore Arts Weekend organiser

Area:   South East

Hansel Of Film 2012 – Travelling Film Screenings

Creative and Art Events, Creative and Art News

A ‘hansel’ is a Shetland dialect word meaning a gift that marks an event such as the launch of a new boat, the birth of a child or the creation of a new enterprise. John J Graham – The Shetland Dictionary.

Shetland Arts is taking a UK-wide part in the London 2012 Festival celebrating the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.  ‘A Hansel of Film – Shetland to Southampton and Back’ is a relay of screenings of short films made by the public in each of the nations and many of the regions of the UK.

It will be launched in Shetland on 10th June with the arrival of the Olympic Torch in the isles as it reaches its UK most northerly point. The films will be relayed between participating venues by ‘runners’; that is, creative and energetic individuals who will employ whatever means of transport they can devise to get the right films to the right venue on time. This will culminate in a marathon screening of over 100 short films at Shetland’s annual film festival, Screenplay 2012, between 4th and 9th September.

The project will take films made by Shetlanders and others to twenty one venues around the country and will form a celebration of ‘home made’ short films similar to that which takes place annually at Screenplay. 

Acclaimed film critic Mark Kermode and film historian Linda Ruth Williams, who are the curators of Screenplay, will be very active in promoting the project across the country, although they will not be able to attend all the events. They will be greeting the ‘runner’ at The Harbour Lights Cinema in Southampton at the project’s half-way point, and will visit some of the other participating venues in between.  

The Hansel Team is delighted to be launching this exciting, nationally inclusive film relay, spreading the spirit of the London 2012 Festival from Shetland in the north to Southampton in the south and back again, and taking in many points east and west along the way. We are looking forward to partnering up with cinemas, arts centres, film societies and film-makers across the UK who are as enthusiastic as we are about watching films, about people making their own films and about taking movies on the road.

The project also comes at a very exciting time for Shetland Arts in the opening year of Mareel, Shetland’s new £12.2m music, cinema and creative industries centre. We will be inviting representatives from the participating regions and nations to come and join us back in Shetland for Screenplay 2012, making it a truly celebratory event.

The London 2012 Festival is the culmination of the Cultural Olympiad, the largest cultural celebration in the history of the modern Olympic and Paralympic Movements.  Spread over four years, it is designed to give everyone in the UK a chance to be part of London 2012 and inspire creativity across all forms of culture, especially among young people.

Medway filmmaker Mdhamiri Á Nkemi will be having his short film “String Theory” shown on the following dates:

              Kino Digital, Hawkhurst                            Monday 9 July

                Salisbury Arts Centre, Salisbury                 Thursday 12 July

              Harbour Lights, Southampton                    Sunday 15 July

 

“String Theory” follows a couple of school boys who invent the world’s first cup and string telephone, which gets popular as more and more people find out about it. Their playful existence is threatened however, when a business-man makes an unexpected appearance.

To find out if there are screenings in your area please visit:

 http://hansel2012.org/get-involved/attend-an-event

@hansel2012

Area:   UK   Britain   East of England   East Midlands   London  North East   North West    Yorkshire    Scotland South East    South West    Wales   West Midlands

Billy Childish – Frozen Estuary Exhibition – Review

Editorials

Cult labels can obscure the viewer’s perspective of the artist’s work, with associations of niche celebrity given meaning by sycophantic fans and media observers. Childish is touted as a ‘cult’ figure in his latest exhibition at Chatham dockyard. This could scream popular or ‘cool’ to the ‘right’ people or celebrate an alternative and underground status. Childish’s character(s) loom large, set on pleasing themselves before courting the crowd, perhaps at the risk of eclipsing his work. In a 2010 video for the Tate’s ‘Sound and Vision’ series, he dons the costumes of painter and musician to playfully interview himself, with respectably awkward questions. When the artist asks about his influence on the musician, the answer is ‘no’ followed by a wistful smile.

The frozen estuary series offers something pleasantly different. The dockyard exhibition gives some space to history and personal mythologising – displays of album covers, books and memorabilia to greet the audience. Maybe this is a triumphant return to a place he left with little love lost.

13 oil and charcoal on linen paintings cover the main walls, some with the paint still wet. Despite featuring friends and family, the subject seems less personal, the focus is the river itself, depicted in vivid blues and whites and frozen in time and canvas. Inspired by photos of the winters of 1895 and 1947 when both estuaries froze over, Childish captures a stark landscape, where workers pose with boats locked in ice, dominated by blue skies and glaring white. Details run in earthy browns, a muck upon the landscape, as wet paint dribbles down many of the canvases, forming icicles of dirt and snow.

Here is something about place rather than person, escaping the ‘cult’ cliché and exploring the relationships between time, place and identity. A full size nude stands by the entrance, leading visitors through the memorabilia to something else entirely. Something brave.

The exhibition is on at the Historic Dockyard, Chatham, until 30th September 2012. Details are available at: http://www.thedockyard.co.uk/NetsiteCMS/pageid/1023/Billy%20Childish.html

By Roy Smith

@roy_smith 

www.royalansmith.co.uk

Guest Writer

Area:   UK   Britain   East of England   East Midlands   London  North East   North West    Yorkshire    Scotland South East    South West    Wales   West Midlands  

Whatever Floats Your Boat – Open Air Family Theatre – Medway – June 2012

Creative and Art Events

Taking place during Medways Fuse Festival “Whatever Floats Your Boat” is an open-air family theatre show presented by Students of Drama, Applied Theatre and Education (DATE) from London’s Central School of Speech and Drama.


Area:   UK   Britain   East of England   East Midlands   London  North East   North West    Yorkshire    Scotland South East    South West    Wales   West Midlands

SureShotFilmsUK Launch New Video

Creative and Art News

SureShotFilmsUK are a small production company of 10 film makers lead by Director Cameron Ward with the assistance of Henry-Ashton-Ward. Set up in August 2011, the aim of the Blackpool based crew is to create special effects videos through limited means. Launching their new video ” Sentinel 22″ they hope to create a bigger, more consistent fan base and continue to bring out high quality videos on a weekly basis.

Using just a Canon 600D, tripod and a homemade fig-rig they have managed to create short films with special effects, which is something they want to make people more aware of in the UK. FreddieW (YouTube) has made this genre popular in the US  and they would also love to create their own series of shows based on a storyline.

The video was made in Poulton-Le-Fylde near some abandoned buildings, it took about 5 hours to shoot and 25 hours to edit.

Follow Cameron on Twitter

@cam_ward

along with

@sureshotfilmsuk

Cameron Ward

Area:   UK   Britain   East of England   East Midlands   London  North East   North West    Yorkshire    Scotland South East    South West    Wales   West Midlands  

Fuse Festival Programme Released – Medway – 15th to 17th June 2012

Creative and Art Events

The timetable for Fuse Festival 2012 has been released and you can now plan your  inspiring weekend!

http://fusefestival.org.uk/festival-programme/

Area   South East

Call For Illustrator – Single Artwork

Creative / Artist Wanted

James Colah requires help from an illustrator to design cover art for his new single which will be available to download through iTunes. The track entitled ‘Cha Cha Chiwawa’ requires artwork of a Chiwawa dog dancing the Cha Cha Cha. 

James is a very successful Smooth Jazz artist and record producer with his music being played all over the world. He has also just won the ‘Coffee Talk Jazz Radio International Songwriter of the Year Award’.

James is looking for someone who would like more exposure of their work as the song will be released on all major digital music platforms including iTunes, cdbaby and Amazon. He has a huge fan base around the world which will add to the illustrators publicity when the single is released. There is no budget available so he hopes that the amount of promotion the illustrator will gain through the opportunity will make up for this.

For more information about James, please check out his website here:

http://www.jamescolahproductions.com

If interested please send examples of your work or link to your website to jammy.c@hotmail.co.uk

Area: UK Britain East of England East Midlands London North East North West Yorkshire Scotland South East South West Wales West Midlands

Artists & Illustrators launches the 2012 Artists of the Year competition – Closing 16th August 2012

Creative / Artist Wanted, Creative and Art News, Creative Opportunities

For the fifth consecutive year, artists of all abilities are being invited to submit their best artworks for entry into the Artists & Illustrators Artists of the Year competition, in association with the Victoria & Albert Museum.

 Last year saw a record number of more than 3,000 works submitted from around UK and abroad and this year is set to be even bigger.

 Artists from around the world are encouraged to send in their very best artworks for consideration for this year’s prizes and, to further encourage creativity, there are no categories for this year’s submissions to fall into. Participants are free to submit their very best artworks, whatever the subject or medium may be.

 “We are very excited about this year’s competition in particular as the new ‘open entry’ system will pave the way for all kinds of interesting and imaginative works to come through,” says Artists & Illustratorseditor, Steve Pill. “Since its inception in 2008, the competition has steadily generated more and more interest, both among our regular readers and also the general public. Remarkably, the standard of work also seems to get better and better with each passing year.”

After the 16 August 2012 closing date, a shortlist of works will be drawn up by a panel of expert judges, lead by Royal Watercolour Society’s new president, Thomas Plunkett. Readers of Artists & Illustrators will also have the chance to vote for their favourite works online.

The creator of the overall winning artwork will be crowned the Artists & Illustrators Artist of the Year 2012 and will receive gallery representation from a leading London art dealer and a practical art course of his or her choice at Newlyn School of Art.

Three additional prizes will also be awarded to outstanding artworks of our panel’s choosing. These are The Maimeri Watercolour Prize, The Society for All Artists (SAA) Prize and The West Design Prize. All four winners will also take home a £200 voucher to spend on Canson products and receive a free year’s membership to Artists & Illustrators online art community, Portfolio Plus.

To find out more about Artists of the Year visit www.artistsandillustrators.co.uk/artist-of-the-year

Or, for further information, please contact will.delmont@chelseamagazines.com

Area:   UK   Britain   East of England   East Midlands   London  North East   North West    Yorkshire    Scotland South East    South West    Wales   West Midlands

Summer Arts Carnival – 14th July 2012 – Maidstone – Call For Artists – Stepping Stone Studios

Creative / Artist Wanted, Creative and Art Events

Stepping Stone Studios are holding an Arts Carnival on Museum Avenue , Maidstone, on the 14th of July. They are joining up with local businesses and want to involve the town’s art groups.  This is the call out to get stall holders and performers involved. 

They are thinking bunting, hot food, arts and crafts stalls, performance. If anyone has any suggestions simply pitch your ideas in!

Here are some things to get you started:

1. Pitches and Stalls going for £6! Be one of the 15 stalls taking part.

2. Ideas for entertainment / food / performance. Know any awesome musicians or street performers? Pass the details on – the more acts the better!

3. Exhibit over the week! With all the fuss of the carival, increased footfall and a summer of exciting events it’s pretty good exposure in town centre.

4. Fabric donations required! For bunting workshops to start in June!

The event will kick off at 12pm

Please get in touch via bookings@steppingstonestudios.co.uk

www.steppingstonestudios.co.uk

Area – South East

Win Tickets To Weald of Kent Craft Show – 7th to 9th September 2012 – Penshurst Place – Kent

Creative and Art Events

The Weald of Kent craft show returns in September for another weekend of showcasing creative talents from across the UK. There will also be a stunning show garden and delicious food and drink.

Over 200 skilled craftspeople from all over the UK will bring you the very best in handmade gifts and treats. With unusual wares you wouldn’t often find on the high street, there’s something for everyone from ceramics to glass, and jewellery to paintings.

Following their success with an award winning garden at the 2011 RHS Chelsea Flower Show, “How Green Nursery” along with “Chilstone of Tunbridge Wells” will be returning to the Weald of Kent with ‘The Chilstone Ice Garden’. This stunning show garden will house some of the fantastic ‘ice’ sculptures from the renowned sculptor Jane Robbins and showcase a sumptuous selection of plants and flowers that will whisk you off into the Garden of England.

Brand new to this year’s show, the Informed Design Graduate Marquee will showcase the work of the best newly qualified designers and makers from across the UK.

The Good Food Live area is a must-visit for foodies and you can match the perfect wine to your feast at the Tutored Wine Tasting. With a selection of wines from around the world, it’s your chance to pick up tips from the experts and leave ready to impress.

If you have always wanted to see a hawk, eagle or peregrine falcon in action make sure you visit the Birds of Prey Display where The Hawking Centre, based in Doddington, Kent will bring this thrilling experience to life. Two of the UK’s most famous falconer’s and television presenters, Leigh and Jo Holmes, will be bringing their favourite birds along to wow the audiences and give both young and old an unforgettable experience.

COMPETITION NOW CLOSED

All winners have been notified.

Show Details

Weald of Kent Craft Show

Penshurst Place

7-9 September

Open 09.30 – 17.00 (17.30 Saturday)

Tickets:

Adult £6.50 (Advance £5.00) Senior £5.50 (Advance £4.00)

(Advance tickets need to be booked before 5:00pm on 3 September 2012)

Child under 16 free if acc by parent – otherwise £3

BUY 10 ADULT OR SENIOR TICKETS Get One Adult Free (In advance only)

Combined Weald of Kent Craft Show & Penshurst House & Gardens

Adult and Senior £10.00 (In advance only)

Buy tickets online at www.ichf.co.uk or phone Ticket Hotline 01425 277988

*COMPETITION TERMS AND CONDITIONS

  • Closing date is 12th August 2012
  • One entry per person.
  • There are 4 pairs of tickets on offer, a total of 8 tickets.
  • Employees (and immediate family members) of any company involved in the Competition or, if relevant, any advertising agency connected with the competition are not eligible to enter the Competition.
  • In the event that any entrant is disqualified from the Competition, in our sole discretion we may decide whether a replacement contestant should be selected. In this event, any further entrant will be selected on the same criteria as the original entrant and will be subject to these Terms.
  • You must not sell the tickets. If you are unable to attend the tickets may be passed on to another creative or returned to Creatabot so another winner can be selected.
  • Competition entries must be made in the manner and by the closing date specified on the Competition Notice. Failure to do so will disqualify the entry.
  • We reserve the right to disqualify any entrant if we have reasonable grounds to believe the entrant has significantly breached any of these terms and conditions.
Area:   South East

Trace – Call for Artists and Contemporary Craft Makers – Closing 1st June 2012

Creative / Artist Wanted, Creative Opportunities

Covered By Attribution-ShareAlike (CC BY-SA) Creative Commons Licence – Credit http://www.creatabot.co.uk

Background and Concept: The exhibition will explore the boundaries between art and craft, creating an environment where each are the same and each deal with the idea of a Trace.

Dates: 24th & 25th Hanging the exhibition, 26th to the 29th Exhibition Open, 26th Private View – July.

Venue: Motorcade/Flashparade Gallery, Bristol

Other details: This is a free opportunity to exhibit in Bristol at one of the leading galleries.We’re looking for Contemporary Craft Makers, Visual Artists, Film Makers, Performance Artists, Sound Artists and Text Artists that create work with an idea that there is a Trace – a Trace of something that once belonged, a Trace of something that once happened, a Trace of a suggestion.

The title can be taken literally or ambiguously as we invite a variety of ideas and art forms to create a collaboration between artists, ideas and mediums. The brief is open so as to hopefully inspire and conjure recognition in the subject. We welcome all applications.The exhibition will be curated by Context, a project led group that aims to create opportunities to provide support and provision for both artists and audiences. Within the exhibition held at Motorcade/Flashparade there will be a Private View which will include a short introduction to the exhibition, those exhibiting, and a debate about the differences and similarities between art and craft.

How to apply: Applications are invited from all who find this brief and exhibition relevant to their work, geography is no boundary.To make an application please submit a covering letter introducing yourself, your work and a proposal for the piece(s) you’d like to exhibit, along with documented examples of your work.Applications will be considered by Emily Bull, the project manager for Context and the Curators at Motorcade / FlashParade.

Please send applications by email to context.arts@googlemail.com
Should you need to post applications please send them to 15 Sidmouth Road, Bristol, BS3 5HT.
Deadline for applications:The deadline to receive applications is Friday 1st June.
Contact details:Emily Bull, Context Project Manager07720646314
Area:   UK   Britain   East of England   East Midlands   London  North East   North West    Yorkshire    Scotland South East    South West    Wales   West Midlands

My Favourite Things – Building Confidence In Speaking – 1st June 2012 – 7PM

Creative and Art Events

“My Favourite Things” is an opportunity to discuss your favourite “things” to other people in a relaxed atmosphere over tea. Talk about things that inspire you! The aim is to strengthen your public speaking skills so that you can express yourself better as a freelancer. Or you can just listen and learn something new! If you are happy to present your favourite “thing” then just pick one “thing” and discuss it with others in the room. Be prepared for others to ask questions (you can always Google 😉

Subjects could include books, films, music, art, food, animals, people…anything you love talking about.

The event will be held at 161 High Street, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1EH on 1st June at 7pm

After the workshop many  local creatives will be going to “Moogie Wonderland” at the Singapora Lounge on Rochester High Street. Moogie Wonderland is an artist run club night.

  • Please note, our venue (http://coFWD.org) is a very old bank building that is being slowly shaped by a community of individuals for long-term Community Interest. Sadly the startup project is in its infancy and being run on limited funds so the building currently has some accessibility issues. If you have specific access or disability requirements and would like to participate in an event or activity please let us know at least 5 days before the event date so that we can do our utmost to resolve any potential problems to accommodate.

Garden Poetry Party – Launch of Rochester Literature Festival – 22nd July 2012 – Rochester – Kent

Creative and Art Events

A brand new festival for Rochester will launch in July under the banner of the Rochester Literature Festival.

With the inaugural Festival planned to coincide with National Poetry Day in October 2013, a number of fringe events will take place beforehand, the first of which is The Garden Poetry Party, on Sunday 22nd July, at Eastgate House Gardens.

Celebrated Medway Poet Bill Lewis will be joined by storyteller and founding RLF (Rochester Literature Festival) member Philip Kane, The James Worse Public Address Method and singer songwriters Abigail Zeiring-Delmado and Didi Bergman. Comperes for the afternoon will be stand up comics CO Jones and Mat Wills.

Among the entertainment will be at least one open mic session and a children’s creative corner, with more activities available for visitors to join in with.The event will take place between 12 noon and 4pm and there will be refreshments available to buy, courtesy of Dot Cafe, Sonya’s Cupcakes and The Cocktail Club.

Should it rain, the event will be held inside Eastgate House itself. A Medway Archive exhibition entitled ‘Metal Men of Medway’ is taking place inside at the same time, which looks at the stories of the art and memorials of Medway’s streets.

A number of book and craft stalls will also be in the garden. Enquiries on how to secure one can be made to rochesterlitfest@gmail.com

Promotions Director Jaye Nolan outlined the aims of the festival: “The Rochester Literature Festival wishes to bring writers, performers, directors, producers and film makers together, anyone, in fact, whose work has creative writing at its heart.

We’ll be looking for challenges and events, and the chance to collaborate with likeminded folk.

Rochester has a fantastic reputation for festivals incorporating dance, music and art, and, of course, our most celebrated author, Charles Dickens. We’re sure he would approve of a dedicated literature festival, especially one that will bring Medway’s huge variety of writers, old and new, to the fore.”

To keep up to date with all the news from the Rochester Literature Festival, visit their website here http://rochesterlitfest.com/ follow them on Twitter @RochLitFest  and like their Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/RochesterLiteratureFestival

Area: South East

Join a French Theatre Company and be part of the Fuse Medway Festival 2012

Creative and Art Events, Creative Opportunities

 

As part of the annual outdoor festival’s commitment to the local Medway community, it is offering a very unusual opportunity to anyone up for a new challenge.  French theatre company Houdart-Heuclin is bringing their new piece of theatre to Medway and Fuse would like to bring a group of people together with the company to produce a stunning piece of outdoor entertainment.

If you’d like to try something new (you never know, you may discover a hidden talent) then do read on.  Fuse and Compagnie Houdart-Heuclin are looking to develop a ‘roving’ piece of theatre called ‘The Padox’, which will perform at the Festival during the weekend of the 15-17 June.  Workshops will take place at Gillingham Adult Education Centre from Wednesday 13th to Friday 15th  June (9.30am to 2.30pm) in preparation for the big weekend.  Participants will learn new skills from the renowned company such as theatre, singing, use of puppetry and other animation techniques. Best of all, they will play a crucial role in this year’s Festival.

The Padox have been developed by Compagnie Houdart-Heuclin and are an incredible collection of characters never seen before in the UK.  They perform everyday acts within the crowd, but they stand out and make us see our surroundings as never before.

Padox participants will appear at the Opening Parade on Friday 15th (4.30 – 5.30pm) will stroll around Chatham town centre on Saturday 16th at the Street Arts Day (12 noon to 5pm) and then wander through Rochester Castle Gardens on Sunday 17th (12 noon to 5pm) There will also be an opportunity for the group to work on a full show of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons.

Participation is free and all those who fancy a challenge should contact Fuse’s Artistic Director Lélia Greci by emailing Lelia.Greci@medway.gov.uk or by phoning her on 07594 578 646.  Places are limited, so please call by Wednesday 23rd May at the latest.

About Fuse

Happening over the weekend of 15-17 June, Fuse Medway Festival brings the very best artists together, taking the colourful and unusual onto the streets of Chatham, Rochester and Gillingham, bringing people together for fun and celebration. Events are free and no tickets are required.  For more information go to the website at www.fusefestival.org.uk or join them on Facebook or Twitter.

Area – South East

Nucleus Artists at Nucleus Arts Centre – Medway Open Studios – 7th to 8th July 2012

Creative and Art Events

Nucleus Artists will be opening their doors and studios to the public for one weekend running 7th – 8th July 2012 as part of the Medway Open Studio & Arts Festival. 15 resident artists and craftspeople will be opening their studios, and up to 14 associate artists, designers and craftspeople will be displaying their work in the conference room of the art centre.

With artists ranging from painters, photographers, sculptors and jewellers this event will present an unequalled opportunity for art lovers, gift hunters or just the curious.

An affordable art deposit scheme is available by arrangement so why stick to the “high street” when you can have original art by original local artists.

Nucleus café will also be open both days for delicious cakes, tea, coffee’s and cold drinks.

Nucleus gallery will also be open with an exhibition by Val Weller 

(see www.nucleus-arts.com for more details).

Event address – Nucleus Arts , 272 High Street, Chatham, Kent ME4 4BP

There is partial Disability Access across the Nucleus Art Centre & Studios (details available on request)

Resident artists open studios:
Katie Blench Photography
Sian Bostwick Jewellery
Alex Cooley
Jon Gubby
Marissa Mardon
Maggie Osborn
Pete Reeds
Christopher Sacre
Deborah Saunders
Sophie Jongman
Anne Taylor
Donna Chapman
Angie Berkley
Alexandria Welch
Sarah Langstone

Area – South East

Call For Artists – For London Luton Airport’s Gateway Gallery (Deadline 6 June 2012)

Creative / Artist Wanted

London Luton Airport is looking for talented local artists from Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire to display inspirational artwork in their Gateway Gallery in 2012 or 2013. The Gallery, delivered in partnership with Luton Culture and advice from Arts & Business is located in the main terminal building adjacent to the Onward Travel Centre. London Luton Airport is the fifth busiest Airport in the UK and expects to see over 10 million passengers in 2012.

With an average of 25,000 passengers travelling through the Airport every day the Gateway Gallery provides local artists with a fantastic opportunity to showcase their artwork as well as giving Airport passengers greater access to local artistic talent. 
The Airport is looking to hear from talented artists who believe they can offer an original, impactful exhibition for the Gallery. This can be in any 2D medium.

For your artwork to be considered please visit and download an application form at www.londonlutoninthecommunity.com.

Applications must be submitted by 12pm 6th of June.

The winning three entries will win free display space for a minimum of two months during a period in 2012 or 2013. 

From www.artsandbusiness.org.uk

Area – London      South East

Zine Reading and Zine Work Shop -12th May 2012 – Rochester – Kent

Creative and Art Events, Creative Opportunities

Come along and learn about the wonderful world of zine making & self publishing. zinesters Tukru (your pretty face is going straight to hell) and Emma (fanzine ynfytyn) will give you a lowdown on zine making, answer your questions and help you make your own mini zine and/or a workshop compilation zine! They will also read from their zines + some of their personal favourites.

LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE. PLEASE BOOK YOUR PLACE IN ADVANCE TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT AT http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/event/3389138003

Zine reading will be free to attend, but the workshop has a sliding scale of £2 – £5 suggested donation ON THE DAY for materials + space hire, however booking a space is free.

Unfortunately the space isn’t currently wheelchair accessible, but if you have accessibility needs and are interest please let us know and we’ll see if we can arrange an accessible place for the next workshop (if there is one).

Visit www.medwayzines.tumblr.com for more info!

BUT WHAT IS A ZINE?
A zine is a self published magazine (for the lack of a better word) zines are not just for wannabe journalist, but also a great medium for putting out pretty much anything you can think of that can be put on a piece of paper!

Area – South East

South East Open Studios – 1st to 17th June 2012

Creative and Art Events

Open studio events have flourished in recent years and can be found in many regions across the UK. Participating artists open their studios to the public at certain times of the year, exhibiting their work and often their creative processes. Visitors enjoy the opportunity to meet the artists and glean something of the artist’s passion and dedication.They can also take part in workshops, view demonstrations, commission a piece of work, buy work on display or simply have a chat with the artist.

Open studio events provide an informal network for artists and are a great opportunity for member artists to meet like-minded people and showcase their work to a wider audience. SEOS (South East Open Studios) is one of the oldest and largest open studio events and encompasses the whole of Kent and the East Sussex borders. Numbers of participating artists continue to rise and now typically reach around 300. Membership is open to all visual artists and crafts-people in the region and includes many disciplines such as painting, print-making, ceramics, textiles, photography, illustration, jewellery-making and sculpture.

There is an annual fee to join but members benefit from group publicity throughout the year and are advertised on the group website and in the annual full-colour printed guide available in libraries, tourist information centres and art galleries throughout the region.There is also help and advice on hand regarding marketing and how to make the most of membership. Other benefits to artists include regular newsletters, information on opportunities/special events, and access to group public liability insurance.

As well as being a platform for regular members to connect with an established audience these events are often an ideal starting point for new artists looking to lay good foundations for their burgeoning careers.

For more information on SEOS please visit http://www.seos-art.org.

Image is of Dani Humberston 

Area – South East

Fuse Festival – Medway – 15th to 17th June 2012

Creative and Art Events

Fuse has announced some of the programme highlights for its fun-filled weekend of FREE outdoor arts – filling the streets of Medway with unexpected happenings between 15 and 17 June. Fuse will be presenting a huge array of theatre, dance and musical performances – from Indian circus, a medieval alchemist, 2 roving grannies through to nautical storytelling and even a floating festival choir! It’s a line-up for everyone to enjoy and which promises to bring people out onto the streets of Chatham, Rochester and Gillingham for fun and celebration.

Fuse kicks off with ‘Lighting the Fuse’ – a week of workshops and performances in schools and communities, including a rural tour of Whatever Floats Your Boat, a family show specially commissioned to the Central School of Speech & Drama. Then the river-themed Opening Parade on Gillingham High Street and site specific performances from the Central School of Speech and Drama and Tangled Feet lead into the main Festival.

Saturday 16th is Street Arts Day on Chatham High Street and the Riverside. The day culminates on the Great Lines (Gillingham) with Barricade, a circus extravaganza by No Fit State, co-commissioned by the festival. The Fuse Big Picnic rounds off the Festival on Sunday, with a day filled with family-oriented activities, workshops and performances at Rochester Castle Gardens.

A spectacular range of performers from the UK and around the world will be visiting this year’s Festival, making it one of the most exciting yet. These include Kawa Circus and the Jaipur Kawa Brass Band, all the way from India, No Fit State Circus with their exhilarating show Barricade, Dante or Die with their playful and enchanting promenade La Fille A la Mode and a new performance specially commissioned for the under-fives by Small Wonders– Little Universe, from Fevered Sleep. Two exciting river–themed performances come from local artists receiving Fuse’s Spark Commissions this year – Ri-zound, a floating festival choir project by renowned Jane Pitt and Changes in the Current, a celebration of the River Medwayand its history through dance, photography and the written word, presented by Sophie Fuller, Alix Godden and Rebecca Ashton.

FUSE Medway Festival is for everyone and will be making its presence felt across the weekend and in different locations with numerous opportunities to get involved, including dance, circus and theatre workshops and even a Dance flashmob on the Saturday.

The Festival is jointly funded by Medway Council and the National Lottery through the Arts Council England and runs from 15 – 17 June. For more information visit the website at www.fusefestival.org.uk, or join them on Facebook or Twitter.

Area – South East

A Road of Marvels – Talk by Philip Kane – 24th May 2012 – Chatham Library

Creative and Art Events

Myth and folktales are the subject of a talk by Chatham-based author, poet and storyteller Philip Kane at Chatham Library on the 24th May.

The talk entitled “A Road of Marvels” will argue for the continuing importance of myth and folktale to our imaginations and to our everyday lives.

Philip, who is the author of The Wildwood King, and a founding member of the London Surrealist Group, will give an engaging talk, interspersed with retellings of several traditional stories.

The talk is on Thursday, 24 May at 7.30pm at Chatham Library.

Places are free, but booking is essential.

Phone 01634 337799 or email chatham.library@medway.gov.uk

Local Artists From The Past Exhibition – Strood Library – May to July 2012

Creative and Art Events

Medway libraries in Kent are hosting an exhibition about forgotten artists of the Medway area during May and June. The exhibition covers the work of artists between 1850 and 1950 including Richard Dadd, Henry Hopper, Charles Spencelayh, Donald Maxwell, Frank Algernon Stewart, Henry Hill and Evelyn Dunbar. 

Their lives were as event-filled as they were varied, as two of the artists worked during war time and produced war inspired by their experiences. If you were thinking that there were no artists in the Medway until the 1970s, this exhibition proves otherwise! The exhibition will be at Strood library during May and will move onto Wigmore library at the beginning of June where it will stay until mid-July. 

If you are interested in exhibiting your own work, Strood library is one of three libraries in Medway that holds an exhibition space that is available for use by local artists for free. These are Strood, Wigmore and Rainham libraries. If you have any questions about this exhibition or the exhibition space, please call Strood library on 01634 335890  

Area – South East

Where to Find Creative Jobs and Commissions in the UK

Creative Opportunities

Keep an eye out on the artist wanted section of Creatabot https://creatabot.co.uk/category/creative-artist-wanted/

 

Without a shadow of a doubt the jobs section on the arts council website should be your first point of call when looking for jobs and artist commissions. http://www.artsjobs.org.uk/

Another place to look is on the Guardian website –  http://jobs.guardian.co.uk/jobs/arts-and-heritage/

The Stage Newspaper and Online is not just for actors and actresses –  http://www.thestage.co.uk/recruitment/

Creative Boom have a jobs section – http://www.creativeboom.co.uk/jobs/

A smaller site – http://www.periscopeuk.com/

For film and production – http://www.filmcrewpro.com/uk/jobs.php

This is an open article – please add where you also find is useful in the comments box below.

Californian Based “Blackbird Blackbird” To Play In Brighton – 15th May 2012

Creative and Art Events, Creative and Art News

Blackbird Blackbird (formerly Bye Bye Blackbird) is the moniker/musical outlet of San Francisco, California guy Mikey Maramag.

His reverb-laden musical collages tend to lean towards anthemic, inspirational, and dream-driven themes. Maramag’s influences range from various ends of the musical spectrum. Blackbird Blackbird often tweaks nature-samples and mixes electronic textures with organic instrumentation (guitar, drums, synths, vocal-harmonies). Ghostly female vocals are chopped and screwed, spun around a paint-splattered collage of sound.

Maramag’s deep, textured, and hypnotic pop songs pay homage to the psychedelic pop that the Beatles could have imagined but cannot make today. Blackbird Blackbird’s music is made with the warmth of analogue instrumentation spliced with digital bells and twinkles.

Blackbird Blackbird’s debut album Summer Heart was self-released by Maramag in July 2010, and was really just a collection of his past EPs: Happy High and Let’s Move on Together. His standout singles “Pure” and “Hawaii” received the most attention, and his single “Ups and Downs” helped Mikey capture the ears of Pitchfork, Transparent, Prefix Magazine, The Fader, Brooklyn Vegan, and other musical tastemakers.

Support from Us Baby Bear Bones and English Bore.

 15th May 2012 – 7.30PM –  At Sticky Mike’s Frog Bar, 9-12 Middle Street, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1AL // Map

£7 advance // £8 door

TICKETS // WeGotTickets // See Tickets

Facebook Event

Source – Tea Concerts

www.blackbirdblackbird.com


Area:   UK   Britain   East of England   East Midlands   London  North East   North West    Yorkshire    Scotland South East    South West    Wales   West Midlands

Developing Your Creative Writing – Free Short Course – Starting April 25th – Gillingham

Creative and Art Events

Interested in creative writing, but not sure how to get going on your own? Perhaps you would like to join in with others to share ideas? Harness the power of the round and gain inspiration.

These sessions will provide you with some starting points for new pieces of writing, and some suggestions on how you might continue. There will be the opportunity to try out different techniques for writing stories and poems and have a go at creating some pieces, all in an informal and positive atmosphere.

The Creative Writing course will start on Wednesday 25th April, 6pm – 8.30pm at Brompton Academy, Marlborough Road, Gillingham, Kent ME7 5HT.

For further information or to book your place please contact Mary Murison on 01634 583536 or email marymurison@bromptonacademy.org.uk

Short Films of Mr Young – Screening – 26th May 2012 at 4pm – Chatham

Creative and Art Events

To celebrate the release of the new compilation DVD ‘Caged Fire – The Short Films of Mr Young’ – the UCA Pop-Up Gallery, Chatham, UK, present an evening devoted to Mr Young’s short films.

Mr Young has seen 6 of his films broadcast on UK TV and screened at over 30 festivals and screenings over the world.

The event and DVD release draws a line under past achievements for Mr Young who is currently developing two new feature films.

Is this the end for Mr Young’s short film adventures?  Probably not.  Two new short films have already been written and there is a couple of new music videos in the pipeline with up-coming Medway bands.

The DVD release will contain a new version of his very first film, plus a rare chance to see the first ever video by Brighton indie band The Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster.

Mr Young will present each film and there will an opportunity for a Q&A with the acclaimed filmmaker and copies of Mr Young’s first feature film DVD East 3, his CD collaboration with 7th Adventure Recordings and the new Caged Fire DVD will be available to buy.

Location – UCA pop up gallery – upper level of Pentagon Shopping Centre – Chatham

Time – 4PM on 26th May

Area – South East

Fashion On Trial – Presentation and Discussion -19th April – Rochester

Creative and Art Events


FASHION ON TRIAL is all set for Thursday 19th April. It will be held at the Good Intent pub, John Street, Rochester, from 8pm (in the back bar, accessed via the garden). Come and join Medway Mutiny in the middle of London Alternative Fashion Week, for an evening of discussion and entertainment on the theme of…you guessed it…fashion. We’ll be talking about clothes, brands and nudity; plus there’s comedy, music and storytelling. Including, of course, the ever popular speed debating. And it’s free!

We’ll be hearing from Marta Patlewicz and Abigail Ziering-Dalmedo (fresh from taking part in Alternative Fashion Week herself) about the downside of the fashion industry. Kevin Elam makes the case for nudity. Sam Hall talks about tattoos, and there will be a rant against retro-ism.  Abigail will also be contributing on the musical side. There will be stand-up comedy from CO Jones and Mat Wills; and storytelling from Philip Kane.

Most importantly though, FASHION ON TRIAL is all about opening up a space for discussion and debate, a place where your voice can be heard.  So come along and take part in the most exciting forum in Medway.  Everyone who came to Love On Trial, in February, agreed they’d had a brilliant evening.  And hopefully we’ll get even better at this as we progress!

FASHION ON TRIAL is organised and hosted by Medway Mutiny, a loose collective formed in broad sympathy with the Occupy movement.  Newcomers are welcome to get involved with the collective, and with planning or participating in the On Trial events – just let us know that you’re interested.  If you have something that you’d like to promote at On Trial evenings – whether it’s an event or a cause – and have material (eg flyers) that you’d like to distribute – please turn up as early as possible so that your material can be included in our Goodie Bags, which everyone can take away with them at the end of the evening.

Look out for the next event after this, too.  MONARCHY ON TRIAL is due on Thursday 21st June – a good antidote to the Jubilee festival of sycophancy and forelock-tugging!  Keep an eye on the blog at http://medwaymutiny.wordpress.com for news and updates.

You can also contact Medway Mutiny direct by emailing medwaymutiny@btinternet.com.

Area – South East and London

Contemporary Art and Craft Fair – Henley on Thames – 22nd to 24th June 2012

Creative and Art Events

The organisers of The Craft and Design Experience are once again staging their contemporary craft fair in June at The Henley Showground within the Hambleden Estate, near Henley on Thames. 

The Craft and Design Experience has earned an enviable reputation for selecting only the very best professional designers, artists and craftsmen and, with the resurgence in interest in designer crafts, the event is expected to be as popular as ever.  Visitors are able to shop for unusual contemporary items in a relaxing atmosphere, view a wide range of demonstrations or take part in various craft related workshops.  For children there will be a storyteller, a make and take area and lots more.

Work will be on sale from exhibitors working in many disciplines including furniture, textiles, jewellery, leatherwork, glass and more.   Design of the exhibitors’ products must be of the highest standard to be selected, and must show true innovation and originality ensuring only the very best in UK design is represented. 

Opening times are 10 am – 5 pm each day.  Advance tickets are now on sale at a reduced price or purchase on the door at £7.00 for adults, £6.00 for over 65s or children 5 – 16 £1.00.  For further information and advance ticket sales contact CDE Ltd on 01622 747 325 or visit the website at www.craftexperience.co.uk. 

Area – South East 

Kent Filmmaker Enters 48 Hour Film Challenge

Creative and Art News

Kent filmmaker Mdhamiri Nkemi is entering the Sci-Fi London 48 hour film challenge. Mdhamiri will be filming this weekend – but he will only receive the brief for the film Saturday morning and have 48 hours to script, film, edit and deliver his piece. All the brief will contain is a title, details of props to be included and a line of dialogue.

A number of locations are allowing Mdhamiri to film at their businesses but the crew would appreciate the addition of any more shooting locations including offices, shops, studios or spaceships. If you would be willing to help please email energy333air@yahoo.co.uk

The competition, which is part of the London sci-fi film festival, will give filmmakers the opportunity to have their film screened at the festival and the winner will get a development deal with Vertigo films.

So far Mdhamiri would like to thank the Golden Chippy in Strood and the coworking space @coFWD in Rochester High Street for their help.

To follow the progress over the weekend use  #SFL48HR on Twitter and you can find Mdhamiri on Twitter.

For more information about the 48 hour film challenge please see http://www.sci-fi-london.com/48-hour-film-challenge

Area- South East

Craft In Focus – Canterbury – 13th to 15th April 2012

Creative and Art Events

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Kent based business, Craft In Focus, is staging one of their contemporary craft events in Canterbury from 13-15 April this year at Kent College.

Although exhibitors come from all over the UK, several local makers have been selected.  These include jewellers, Dave Kilford from Deal and Sabine Konig from Herne Bay, silversmith Edward Mahony from Faversham, artist Deborah Packebusch from Barming, ceramicists Helen Rondell from Wrotham Heath and Louise Hummerstone from Canterbury and stained glass artist Brenda Norrish from Ashford.  Visitors will also be pleased to learn that regular exhibitor, Tim Huckstepp from Ashford, will be attending once again with his ceramic ikebana dishes and.  The Kent Potters’ Association will also have a stand at the event selling original handmade ceramics for the home and garden.

Opening times are: 13-15 April, 12 noon – 5 pm Friday; 10 am – 5 pm Saturday and Sunday.  Admission is £4.00 for adults, £3.00 for over 65s.  Accompanied under 14s free.  Free Parking.  For further information contact Craft in Focus on 01622 747 325 or visit their web site at www.craftinfocus.com

Venue address:  Kent College, Whitstable Road, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 9DT

Area – South East

Attention Film Makers – Virgin Media Shorts Competition 2012 is Here!

Creative and Art News, Creative Opportunities

Virgin Media Shorts is a leading short film competition for the UK and is open to all to enter. Now in its fifth year the competition is bigger and better than ever before giving even better opportunities for filmmakers. With an extra 13th spot on the shortlist they are ready to uncover the best film making talent Britain has to offer.

Entries will be judged and the top 13 entries will have their work screened at over 200 cinemas nationwide for a year. A Grand prize winner will be chosen by a top panel and this winner will get £30,000 funding to make their next film with the BFI.

There is also a Peoples Choice winner that will by selected by the general public through Virgin Media TiVo boxes, the Virgin Media Shorts app and through the Virgin Media Shorts website. The Peoples Choice winner will get £5,000 towards the making of their next film with BFI mentoring.

Entering the competition couldn’t be easier; simply upload your film (no longer than 2 minutes 20 seconds) to www.virginmediashorts.co.uk between 19th April and 12th July 2012. The concept is your choice so surprise us!

If you enter please let Creatabot know and we can add to the promotion of your entry in collaboration with Virgin Media Shorts!

Every entry will be showcased to thousands on the Virgin Media Shorts website, as well as through the iPad, iPhone and TiVo® apps – so even films that don’t make it to the final will get heaps of exposure.

For those who prefer watching films to making them, there are plenty of ways to get stuck in this year. You can vote for your favourite short, join the debate online, win prizes and come along to our swanky screening events. Plus for the first time ever, you can help nudge your favourite film into the spotlight with the ‘Lucky 13th’ place on the shortlist.

Previous judges for the competition include actor John Hurt (1984, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy), director Paul Greengrass (Bourne Ultimatum), director Mat Whitecross (Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll), actor Kevin Spacey (American Beauty, The Usual Suspects) and director Duncan Jones (Moon).

The winners don’t just get their work seen by millions in cinema; they turn industry heads, too – 2009 winner Luke Snellin clinched a BAFTA nomination for his winning Virgin Media Shorts film ‘Mixtape’, and is now working on his first feature. Oscar Sharp, 2010 winner, was nominated for a BIFA for ‘Sign Language’ and his latest short, starring Olivia Colman, will be unveiled shortly!

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Evolution Of Consciousness – Exhibition – 1st April to 31st May 2012 – Chatham

Creative and Art Events

 

The UCA gallery in Chatham is holding a collaborative exhibition that explores how if we want to survive as a species on this planet we desperately need to develop our consciousness.

Artists featured include Allegra Ally, Augustinas Neslenas, Carolyn Birchall,  Curt Wilhelm Ostlund, Dane Horsley, Helen Butler, Joseph Webb, Luka Lukasik, Michal Janowski, Michael Turley, Natasha Steer, Philip Kane, Simon Pruciak, Vesko Nickolov and Winifred Baker.

The exhibition also features a short film by Mr Young called “The Moon The Eye”

Here is a sneak peak of the exhibition!

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The UCA pop up gallery is on the upper level of the Pentagon Shopping Centre, Chatham.

Area – South East