Author: Creatabot

Jack and the Beanstalk – NEW Half Term Panto at Brook Theatre Chatham – Feb 2014

Creative and Art Events

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Following the great success of the sell-out show The Wizard of OZ and critically acclaimed Jekyll and Hyde, GDS Productions brings you Jack and the Beanstalk. With all the elements of a traditional panto including lively music, costumes and much more.
Featuring the hapless Jack, Dame Dotty Dimple, their beloved cow and a handful of magic beans, Jack and the Beanstalk is set to enchant and excite audiences of all ages with this adventure story for all the family.
The pantomime will be performed during February Half-Term (Thursday 20th- Saturday-22nd) with a matinee each day at 2pm so that the younger ones can bring mum and dad along, as well as an evening performance at 7pm on Friday and Saturday, for a fun filled evening.
Written by Alan P. Frayn and directed by Peter Bailey, GDS Productions have pulled out all the stops to ensure this production delivers a memorable ‘laugh a minute’ show you can boo, hiss and cheer to at your heart’s content. The pantomime features many of our experienced actors from recent successful productions such as Jekyll and Hyde, Treasure Island and the Sound of Music, and we are also delighted to welcome a cast of extremely talented enthusiastic members(and a dancing cow!!) to make this show one you will not forget in a hurry.
Don’t miss the opportunity to see us in action during the February half term! Fee, Fi, Foe, Fum, it’s going to be a lot of panto fun.

Jack and the Beanstalk Supported by SkyHigh Radio

Our friends at Central Brook Theatres are waiting to take your call on 01634 338338.
Or alternatively you can purchase online at: Medway tickets live:
There is no booking fee for ordering via the phone or online just a small charge of 75p if you require the tickets to be posted.
Those is a saving of over £1.50 if not more in booking fees alone and combine that with our fantastic ticket prices.
£9 Adult ticket
£7 Child and Concessions
£30 Family tickets up to 4 tickets
What a deal!!!!
And if you order 10 you get 1 free, we are treating you before you even see the show.

We are also pleased to announce that our friends at McDonald’s in Chatham have kindly offered to give a free ice-cream for every ticket purchased.
All you have to do to claim your free ice-cream is to present your show ticket at the counter.

New Art Clubs For 2014 At Stepping Stone Studios – Maidstone

Creative and Art Events

Stepping Stone Studios in maidstone have two new arts clubs organised for adults and kids for 2014.

ADULT ART CLASS

Starting March 5th. Every Wednesday evening, from 7pm, founding member Suzie Dafforn will be running a regular art class for adults, to match the successful and sociable Life Drawing evenings. Suzie will lead attendants through a range of art forms, differing week on week: from lino-print to still life, to watercolours, to portraiture, this will become a class that highlights your working week.

Please contact info@steppingstonestudios.co.uk for more information or to book in advance.

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ART BUZZ is the new regular Saturday morning kids group (ages 4-10) run by Fiona Scullion. From 11:30am-1pm every Saturday you and the kids are invited for a morning of creative distraction, with a new programme of activity published every month via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/artbuzzmaidstone).

This year a second class will be added for the younger kids 18months-3yrs LITTLE GRUBBERS is every Thursday 12:30-2pm. Fiona’s extensive history of children’s care and art involvement ensure your child will have a new exploration every time.

Here’s this month’s programme:
Sat 4 Jan – 11:30am – 1pm – Art Buzz (4 – 10yrs) – Paper plate penguins
Thurs 9 Jan – 12:30pm – 2:00pm – Little Grubbers (18mnths – 3yrs)
Make your own play dough
Sat 11 Jan – 11:30am – 1pm – Art Buzz – Colour in the dark, Chalk/ pastel drawings
Thurs 16 Jan – 12:30pm – 2:00pm – Little Grubbers -Handprint paintings
Sat 18 Jan – 11:30am – 1pm – Art Buzz – Design and paint your own wooden box.
Thurs 23 Jan 12:30pm – 2:00pm – Little Grubbers – Sand and Pasta sticky time.
Sat 25 Jan 11:30am – 1pm – Art Buzz -Tin Can robots.
Thurs 30 Jan -12:30pm – 2:00pm -Little Grubbers – Egg box animals

Class costs £6 per child, with £2 lunch menu on offer! Phone Fiona to book a place:

07563 186823

The Business of Writing : Getting Published – Workshop – 1st March 2014 – Canterbury

Creative and Art Events

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Tutor: Jane Seaman
Date: Saturday 1 March 2014 | 10am-4pm

Will 2014 be the year your novel or short stories are published? This day school offers tips and advice from a professional writer who shares her personal experiences of both being traditionally published and successfully going down the independent route of publishing e-books via Amazon. Marketing, selling, agents, publishers, blogging and social media are also discussed.

Cost: £27.50 | code: cccuds141

About the tutor: Born in 1962, Jane had her first short story published in a UK magazine at age 14. Since then, 30 novels for teenagers plus over 200 short stories, poems and articles have been published internationally and translated into 7 languages. An award-winning writer, Jane has given talks on radio and to writers groups and she delivers writing workshops to schools and adults. She is a member of the National Association of Writers in Education and a qualified writing coach. For more information go to www.janeayres.blogspot.com
Canterbury Christchurch University
North Holmes Road,
Canterbury,
Kent. CT1 1QU
To book go to the link below and scroll down to the course.
http://www.canterbury.ac.uk/community-arts-education/day-schools/spring-2014.asp

Announcing LIMBO Associate Membership – Margate

Creative Opportunities

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LIMBO is pleased to announce the launch of its Associate Membership scheme. Through its Membership, LIMBO hopes to make its space and programming more accessible, bringing artists and other creative practitioners from Kent into contact with those from further afield.

Associate Members are invited to submit a portfolio of work, which LIMBO will review annually when selecting its programme.

Membership costs £15 for one year (£16 if paying online). The Membership fee directly supports our programme and provision of member benefits.

Associate Member benefits also include:

  • Reduced rate of hire of the Project Space (£20 reduced from the standard administration fee)
  • Eligibility to submit to the annual Associate Members’ Open Exhibition at LIMBO at no extra charge
  • Listed as an affiliated artist on our website with a link to your professional website
  • The chance to assist with LIMBO’s programming by invigilating or through internship opportunities.

To find out more click here

Arts Fundraising Training in London – January and February 2014

Creative and Art News, Creative Opportunities

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The Arts Fundraising and Philanthropy Programme is running fundraising training in London in January and February 2014. All of the sessions are suitable for fundraisers within arts organisations, both NPO and non-NPOs, and some will also be of interest to freelancers and artists. These sessions will provide useful guidance and information at a crucial time when some organisations may be applying for Arts Council grants.

Information about the individual courses can be found on the Arts Fundraising and Philanthropy website:http://artsfundraising.org.uk/training/, where you can also book.

If you have any questions please contact Katrina Black on katrina.black@cause4.co.uk or 02073770287.

FREE Screen Printing Taster Workshop At Hobbycraft Maidstone – 14th December 2013

Creative and Art Events, Creative Opportunities

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Create a beautiful printed tote bag and encourage the kids to get creative and experience the thrill of printing their own t-shirt!

Moore Studio Press have teamed up with the lovely people at Hobbycraft, Maidstone to bring you screen printing taster sessions on Saturday 14th December. There are 4 sessions to choose from starting at 11.00am with 8 people per session. This activity is suitable for children aged 5 years + and adults of all ages.

Sessions are free, (but booking is essential) you just need to bring a t-shirt to print onto (this must be white or light coloured) or you can purchase a t-shirt or canvas tote bag on the day for just £2.

BOOK ONLINE >

You’ll leave with new skills and tips to carry on screen printing at home.

www.iprintedthat.com

Whitstable Biennale 2014 Announces Winners Of Major Award

Creative and Art News

Whitstable Biennale is pleased to announce that the winners of its 2014 Open Submission Award are Louisa Martin and Rachel Reupke

What the award means

The recipients of the cash prize win the opportunity to create a new work for Whitstable Biennale 2014 providing them with huge audiences. As well as funding for the work the artist receives developmental support from Biennale curators. . . but really this is only the beginning. . . .

Artists who have exhibited at Whitstable Biennale often go on to be hugely successful. Showing at the festival is now seen as a career stepping stone. This is perhaps why applications are received not just from around the UK but globally.

Whitstable Biennale Assistant Curator, Kate Phillimore says: “I love the fact that both the 2014 Open Submission Winners will be using the opportunity to experiment with new ways of making work and pushing boundaries. Rachel Reupke is a filmmaker but will be presenting live performance work for the first time in her career and Louisa Martin will be breaking new ground by collaborating with a dancer, set designer, and DOP to create a dynamic, multi-layered 5 part film.”

Keep up to date with Whitstable Biennale news through Twitter @whitbienn

Global catchment area

There were a massive two hundred and thirty two entries for this award. This is a very big number, given the amount of work involved in the application process and it also confirms and demonstrates a high level of interest in Whitstable Biennale amongst contemporary artists. It adds huge support to the idea that artists see the Biennale as something that will greatly benefit their careers. Whitstable Biennale regularly receives approaches from all over the world, Japan, India and the USA, this time there was an increase in entries from mainland Europe including Austria, Germany, Spain, and Poland.

About the winners

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Image: Rachel Reupke, film still from Wine and Spirits (2013)

Rachel Reupke often works with film. The use of a static camera combined with precise art direction that employs the language of advertising make her films highly distinctive. The new 2014 Whitstable Biennale commission will be the first time Reupke has presented live performance to an audience.

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Image: Video still from ‘Of Course’, 2013, by Louisa Martin

Louisa Martin’s Whitstable Biennale commission will investigate the ‘performance of identity’ and look at ideas around intimate but non-physical human contact exploring the wider ramifications of living through digital images that are used to both construct and conceal identity.

Where stars are born

The Whitstable Biennale’s track record indicates that the artists it selects (often very early in their careers) are ‘stars in the making’. One only need glance at the Whitstable Biennale’s back catalogue to recognise that this is real and demonstrable.

Whitstable Biennale is an organisation that commissions new work from young artists or artists who are at an early stage in their career and it also has a great reputation for being very supportive of those artists.

Seeing the future

This ability to ‘read the future’ to predict a trend and to pick up on future ideas is no fluke. Before moving to the Kent coast, Sue Jones was previously curator and then director of London’s Chisenhale Gallery (1995-2000) where she worked with a series of young artists including Gillian Wearing, Hilary Lloyd, Tomoko Takahashi and Tim Noble & Sue Webster.

Whitstable Biennale, Director, Sue Jones says:

“The Whitstable Biennale enjoys spotting potential and developing raw talent. Like everyone else I’m attracted to new and thought-provoking ideas, artists probably more than any other group of people have the most outrageously exciting ideas and it is a real privilege to be able to realise some of them. I enjoy working with the relatively unknown, I encourage artists to take risks. It is, therefore, immensely satisfying to see so many of them now doing so well. I’m very much looking forward to working with Louisa Martin and Rachel Reupke over the coming months.”

Feeding the market

Catherine Herbert, Whitstable Biennale, Head of Strategy says: “We are increasingly seeing more and more gallery owners, collectors and curators at the festival. Artists have told me they are being approached and made offers either during or just after the Biennale. It is gratifying to think that each new commission has a very real life ahead of it. Some of the works born out of the Biennale are being shown all over the world.”

It is perhaps why the Biennale enjoys a very good reputation amongst artists themselves, it is the ‘place to be seen’ and a great platform for new work.

Emma Leach, Whitstable Biennale, Performance Curator, perhaps encapsulates the spirit of the festival when she says: “At Whitstable Biennale you might see a work of art at its rawest. A work that is in the process of turning from chrysalis into butterfly. To witness this transformative creative process, the very beginnings of a work of art, will give you real insight into the nature of creation.”

The Whitstable Biennale effect

After showing at Whitstable Biennale, artists have been nominated for awards including: Art Angel Open commissions, The Jarman Award, Leverhulme Awards, South Bank Sky Arts Award, Cannes Film Festival awards, New York Film Festival awards.

Works commissioned by Whitstable Biennale have gone on to be shown at venues including Whitechapel Gallery, London; Serpentine Gallery, London; Tanya Bonakdar Gallery, New York; Imperial War Museum North; PKM, Seoul, Korea; Manifesta 9, Genk, Belgium; Modern Art Oxford; South London Gallery; British Film Institute; Bucharest Biennia, Romania; Art Unlimited, Basel; New Art Gallery, Walsall; Heidelberg Kunstverein, Germany; BAWAG Contemporary, Vienna, Austria, CCA Derry.

A number of artists previously commissioned, and artists they are working with in 2014, are currently included in Tate Britain’s prestigious survey show, Assembly: a survey of recent artists’ film and video in Britain 2008-2013, including Margaret Salmon, Mikhail Karikis, Clio Barnard, Rachel Reupke, Karen Mirza, Neil Henderson, Adam Chodzko, Cara Tolmie and Jananne Al-Ani.

 

Chatham Intra Art Competition – Closes 28th February 2014

Creative Opportunities

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Theme: Chatham Intra* and Lesser Known Chatham*the area between the east end of St. Margaret’s Bank, roughly where the railway bridge crosses Rochester High Street, and the Chapel of St. Bartholomew.

 
Entries will be accepted in any 2D medium, including photography Click here for an extract
from WOW Magazine
October 2013

PRIZES:

1ST – £1000

2ND – £500

3RD – £250

 All entries will be considered for purchase by Richard Watts Charities.
In addition to the cash prizes RWC will be holding an exhibition of short-listed work at Nucleus Gallery in Chatham for 2 weeks from 4 – 17 April 2014.
Email fleur.boyce@richardwatts.org.uk or telephone 01634 842194 for more information.
You may apply via www.richardwatts.org.uk from 1 January 2014.
Closing date is 1.00 p.m. Friday 28 February 2014.
There is a £10 fee per entry with a maximum of three entries per person.Competition Rules

  1. Artists must be 16 years or over.
  2. The theme of the competition is ‘Chatham Intra and Lesser Known Chatham’.
  3. Entries will be accepted in any 2D medium, including photography and must be no larger than A1 (594mm x 841mm) once framed.
  4. Submissions will only be accepted as digital files uploaded via our website from 1 January 2014.
  5. Digital submissions should be of a resolution between approximately 1024 x 768 and 1920 x 1080.
  6. Artwork submitted must be original and created by the artist(s) named in the application.
  7. Price must be included in the application form, maximum £1000.
  8. Deadline for entries 1pm on 28th Feb 2014.
  9. There is a £10 fee per entry. Unpaid or unidentified entries will not be accepted.
  10. Payment can be made via the application form online, by cheque or cash at: Richard Watts Charities, Administrative Offices, Watts Almshouses, Maidstone Road, Rochester, Kent ME1 1SE. Monday to Friday 9.30am-4pm. By BACS to: RICHARD WATTS CHARITIES, Barclay’s Bank PLC, Medway Towns Branch, Sort Code: 20-54-11, Account: 60931373. Please use your full name as reference.
  11. Maximum of three entries per person.
  12. The application form, submission upload facility and an optional online payment facility will be available on this website from 1 January 2014.
  13. Successful entrants will be notified by email / telephone by 14th March 2014. If you are not contacted by 14th March please assume your submission has not reached the short-list, however your work may still be purchased by Richard Watts Charities.
  14. Short-listed work must be delivered to Nucleus Art Gallery on the afternoon of Thursday 3rd April 2014 by 5pm or on Friday 4th April 2014 by 10.30am. Unsold work must be picked up Thursday 17th April between 1-5pm. Please contact Nucleus 01634 812108 direct if you are unable to deliver or pick up during these times.
  15. Work to be supplied framed, strung and bubbled-wrapped to prevent damage.
  16. Each entry to be clearly labelled on the back with name of artist, title of work, medium and price.
  17. Exhibition dates – Friday 4th April – Thursday 17th April 2014.
  18. Nucleus Arts will take 25% commission on all sales from their gallery.
  19. All sold artwork must remain in the gallery until the closure of the exhibition.
  20. Works submitted for the exhibition remain at all times, the liability of the artist who should arrange insurance to cover from transit, exhibiting and on to collection if unsold.
  21. Entry is taken as consent to re-produce entrant’s artwork. Artwork will only be used for purposes connected to the Richard Watts Charities Art Competition.
  22. Artwork will be exhibited for sale as part of this competition, and entry is taken as consent to exhibit and sell.
  23. Entry to the competition will be deemed as acceptance of our terms and conditions.

Variance – Call Out For Young People Interested In Photography – Medway

Creative / Artist Wanted, Creative Opportunities

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Photographer Rickard Osterlund is looking for people aged 16-21 with an interest in photography…

Description

This workshop is open to people aged 16-21 in Medway who are into alternative music and/or fashion! You might be into Metal, sleaze-rock or MCR, or dabelling in cosplay. You might love pop, but – as the title suggests – black will feature prominently in your wardrobe. In this workshop you will explore professional photography techniques and you get to keep all the images you take!

PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

This workshop will introduce you to studio lighting and the way it can change the mood of photographs. This workshop does not require any special skills and you don’t need to bring any special equipment or fancy cameras! It doesn’t even matter if you are interested in photography – hopefully you will be after the workshop! We will try several different setups and everyone will get hands on experience taking pictures and you will get to keep copies of all the images you take. Equipment will be provided along with props, backgrounds and cool locations. At the end of the workshop we will look at Photoshop and the way this is used to enhance images.

Open to individuals aged 16-21, living in Medway/Swale.

The next workshop is Saturday the 9th November 2013 , starting at 13:00.

REGISTER HERE: http://medwayphoto.eventbrite.co.uk/

PORTRAIT SESSION (OPTIONAL)

In the weeks after the workshops I am looking for people interested in collaborating with a professional photographer on a portrait. You will be involved in all the decision making and get copies of the pictures.

We will discuss your ideas in detail and then arrange for a time and place for a session. I will then take your portrait in the clothing and a location you’ve chosen; you will be directly involved in the process throughout, so in a sense it is a self-portrait. Please note that you DO NOT have to attend the above workshops to take part in this collaboration or vice versa, e-mail me directly to register your interest – info@rikard.co.uk

By Rickard Osterlund

This project is funded by Creative People and Places Swale and Medway.

www.creativepeopleplace.info

Some recent work and an example of ‘what I do’.

Creative and Art Events

Some recent work and an example of ‘what I do’ – Ben Cameron

Microworld Margate – 1st to 3rd November 2013 – Margate

Creative and Art Events

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  • Friday 1st Nov 2013 6pm-9pm / Continueing  Sat + Sun 12-4pm
  • Marine Studios . 17 Albert Terrace . Margate . CT9 1UJ
  • Experience a digital ecosystem which fills the Marine Studios with many living artworks. Engage with a futuristic immersive sound and light show. Trigger cascades of activity around the room as pieces react to your presence.
  • Genetic Moo will discuss their plans for Microworld and you can find out how to get involved in a future large scale project in Thanet.
    Microworld Margate includes art works by Genetic Moo, Magz Hall & Jim Backhouse, Sean Clark, Jockel Liess, Leona Jones, Ron Hagel, Julia Schauerman & others. Come and play in a digital wonderland!
  • For more details or information on getting involved contact us at info@geneticmoo.com
    www.geneticmoo.com

Rochester Literature Festival Programme – 3rd to 13th October 2013

Creative and Art Events

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Exciting site specific performances, plays, workshops and more are among the literary inspired events taking place in October, under the Other Worlds, Other Voices banner for the Rochester Literature Festival.

To attend the following events book your place at Eventbrite

3RD OCTOBER: NATIONAL POETRY DAYPOETRYMON AND MAGGIE HARRIS FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH 7.30pm Rochester Library Book on 01634 337799 FREE

5TH OCTOBER POETRY WORKSHOP WITH MAGGIE HARRIS 10am Strood Library Book on 01634 337799 FREE

5TH OCTOBER: A NIGHT AT THE THEATRE ‘BANG UP’ BY SARAH HEHIR & 17PERCENT PRESENTS ‘SHE WRITES: WHAT’S THROUGH THE DOOR’. 7pm, Rochester Visitor Centre Auditorium £6

6TH OCTOBER THE SKYWATCHER INVESTIGATION Buy tickets here 2pm, Rochester High Street £6

7TH OCTOBER PLAY: WRITE 8pm, The Good Intent FREE

8TH OCTOBER CITY WITHOUT A HEAD8pm, Ye Arrow FREE

10TH OCTOBER WRITE AROUND TOWN11am, Rochester Town Centre FREE

12TH OCTOBER POTLATCH 11am, coFWD £3

12TH OCTOBER FROM SORCERY TO STARSHIPS 2pm, coFWD £3

12TH OCTOBER THE HERO’S JOURNEY – A CALL TO ADVENTURE 7.30pm, Gordon House Hotel £5

13TH OCTOBER ALICE  2pm, Royal Function Rooms, Billabong Club entrance. £3

Some events are free but require booking, and some attract a small fee and also require booking. Ticket availability on the day will be subject to venue space.

Rochester Literature Festival website

Modify a Corset the Steampunk Way – Sunday 6th October 2013 – Rochester

Creative and Art Events

Modify a Corset the Steampunk Way - Sunday 6th October 2013 - Rochester

Modify a Corset the Steampunk Way

Sunday 6th October 2013
10.30 – 4.30pm
161, Rochester High Street ME2 4TH
http://goo.gl/maps/a2R2d

Brought to you by Great Kentspectations
the Kent Steampunk group

A practical course suitable for beginners who may know how to sew but have no costume corset-making experience, to those who wear their corsets on the outside and want to modify one they have purchased. Women and men are welcome, all ages down to 15 years. Here you will investigate corset design and construction, and get yourself measured, (noone else will get to see your measurements). You can design your own or modify an existing corset.

Each participant will have their own reason for coming and we hope that you will leave overflowing with ideas as to how you can make and modify your own corset in a unique fashion. Everyone is welcome: you do not have to be a steampunk.

If you already have a corset please bring that along. If you have any old or historical corsets we would love to see them. Please do not purchase anything before talking to the course tutor. She will give you guidance on where to go and what materials are the most suitable for your own design. Please download the separate ‘What to Bring’ page from: http://greatkentspectations.co.uk/.

Tea and cake will be provided; bring or buy your own lunch.
The course will take place on the first floor of the building. If you cannot manage stairs please note this on your booking form (at least 5 days notice to enable access to be arranged).

161 High Street is at the railway station end of the High Street. It used to be a bank and still looks like one. There is a large sign outside. http://goo.gl/maps/a2R2d There are many car-parks within a short walking distance and Rochester train station is a few minutes walk away.

Applications will be accepted, with £5 non-returnable deposit, after 14th August. Complete payment on the day (total cost including deposit £20).

Frances is the course organiser. She has been making and wearing authentic-style outfits for more years than she wishes made public and has over 20 years experience of giving costume talks and workshops to the public. She will bring a selection of original and reproduction corsets from Victorian times (1860’s) to the early 20th century. There will be pictures, slides, patterns, discussions and practical work tailored to suit each individual.

Please ask in advance if you have any questions. Contact Frances:
GKcorsetcourse@gmail.com or via:
http://greatkentspectations.co.uk/.

Rochester Picture Palace In Regular Use Again After 80 Year Break

Creative and Art News

Pic Palace Rochester Picture Palace now Corn Exchange-1

Rochester Film Society has brought back to life a cinema last regularly used in the 1920s.

During 1910 the Clock House on Rochester High Street became Rochester’s first cinema known as ‘The Old Corn Exchange Picture Palace’.  the cinema ran until the 1920’s with the corn exchange running from the new hall until 1960.

Now Rochester Film Society, who already screen films from Chatham Odeon on a Thursday night,  will be screening films from Rochester Picture Palace every Tuesday evening.

The Rochester Film Society was formed 5 years ago with the intention of screening films not usually shown at local cinemas, from Independent British and American, Contemporary World Cinema as well as Documentaries, Avant Garde and Experimental Films. They also screen classics, from musicals and dramas to more obscure classics.

Rochester Picture Palace
The Corn Exchange, Princess Hall, High Street, Rochester
Every Tuesday evening at 7.30pm
For more information and to book tickets please visit:
13.10.15 RPP Poster A2

RENOIR [12A cert, 112 minutes]

TUES 15 OCT

Director: Gilles Bourdos [French]

Cast: Michel Bouquet, Christa Theret, Vincent Rottiers, Romane Bohringer

Synopsis: French Riviera in the summer of 1915, a young woman enchants, and inspires both young Jean and his father Auguste Renoir, after WW1.

THE SPIRIT OF ’45 [U cert, 94 minutes]

TUES 22 OCT

Director: Ken Loach [UK]

Cast: Winston Churchill, Tony Benn, Clement Attlee

Synopsis: Documentary on how the spirit of unity, which buoyed Britain during the war years, carried through to create a vision of a fairer, united society.

A HIJACKING [15 cert, 101 minutes]

TUES 29 OCT

Director: Tobias Lindholm [Denmark]

Cast: Pilou Asbæk, Søren Malling, Dar Salim

Synopsis: The crew of a Danish cargo ship is hijacked by Somali pirates who proceed to engage in escalating negotiations with authorities in Copenhagen

 

THERESE DESQUEYROUX [12 cert, 110 minutes]

TUES 5 NOV

Director: Claude Miller [French]

Cast: Audrey Tautou, Gilles Lellouche, Anaïs Demoustier

Synopsis: An unhappily married woman struggles to break free from social pressures.

 

LIKE SOMEONE IN LOVE [12A cert, 110 minutes]

TUES 12 NOV

Director: Abbas Kiarostami [Japan]

Cast: Rin Takanashi, Tadashi Okuno, Ryo Kase

Synopsis: In Tokyo, a young prostitute develops an unexpected connection with a widower over a period of two days.

SOMETHING IN THE AIR [15 cert, 122 minutes]

TUES 19 NOV

Director: Olivier Assayas [French]

Cast: Clément Métayer, André Marcon, Lola Créton

Synopsis: Post-May ’68, a group of radical young Europeans search for a way to continue the revolution believed to be just beginning.

Medway Little Theatre To Hold Charity Night For Oliver Fisher Baby Trust – 1st October 2013 – Rochester

Creative and Art Events
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Please support the Medway Messenger’s charity of the year.

For one night only, The Medway Little Theatre in Rochester will be donating all the proceeds from its production of Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire to The Oliver Fisher Special Care Baby Trust.

The money raised will help pay for life-saving equipment, including ventilators, incubators and cot-side monitoring systems. The trust also provides travel expenses to help parents visit their babies every day.

Described as one of America’s greatest plays, A Streetcar Named Desire offers an insight into the troubled world of Blanche DuBois who visits her pregnant sister Stella in New Orleans, only to stir up endless trouble between Stella and husband Stanley.

But when Blanche meets Stanley’s good friend Mitch, she has the opportunity to put her chequered past, which includes exile from Louisiana after seducing a 17-year-old boy while teaching English, behind her.

The charity night is on Tuesday October 1, curtain up at 7.30pm. Tickets £10.

The Medway Little Theatre is in Rochester High Street (opposite the railway station). There will be a raffle and bar on the night.

Tickets are £10.

Call Jenni Horn on 01634 227803 or email jhorn@thekmgroup.co.uk for tickets.

Amnesty Mixtape – 28th September – Chatham

Creative and Art Events

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Come down to Nucleus Cafe Chatham on Sat 28 Sept for live music and comedy plus dance flash mob and retro games, all in support of Amnesty International. Starts 7:30pm.

www.wegottickets.com/event/234100

https://www.facebook.com/events/200908996735359/?ref=br_tf

Review of Broken Banjo EP – Bravo 106 – By Ollie Crook

Editorials

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Broken Banjo – Bravo 106

The last Broken Banjo EP, Bootleg Porn Volume III, was a great, raw, explosive and refreshing dose of energy. It was something the music scene was craving. Combining garage rock with a modern dose of overdriven guitar, rhythm, metal and quirk, they succeeded in a genre where most bands tend to flounder. At times the songs were balls to the wall noisy and pulsing. At others, they were quintessentially blues, understated and, above all, interesting. So, when I found out that the follow up, Bravo 106, was on it’s way, I was looking forward to seeing which direction the band would decide to take.

From the start, this release sees a much harder blues sound than previously heard. But Broken Banjo manage to exist in the garage/blues rock world without nodding to the same blues artists as everybody else and they don’t sound like their stuck in the past; a very welcome change. The raw attitude is still there, if anything amplified, reminiscent of The Stooges and Death. Now though, the guys seem much more confident in their ability not only as musicians but as songwriters, still allowing their influences to hang on their sleeves while allowing themselves to be themselves and create genuinely unique soundscapes. It’s an achievement that deserves a lot of credit.

The guitar work sounds up to date and indicatively rock ‘n’ roll at the same time, creating it’s own voice which screams over a rhythm section with as much attitude to back it up. As a band, they don’t rely on aggressive riffs or loud hooks to grab your attention (although you’ll find plenty if that’s what you want). This EP isn’t afraid of holding back and giving every instrument room to breathe. Lyrically, the vocals shift from infectious melodies like Raise Your Flag And Make Your Children Dumb, which sounds like a song that inexplicably should already exist, to anthems like African Child. The rest of the time, Broken Banjo exhibit the in your face attitude that won them their fans in the first place that’ll reaffirm old fans and welcome the new.

In comparison to the last EP, the production value is a little less slick. But this is hardly a criticism. The sound seems intentionally stripped back, laid bare and very garage-esque, so this actually works in their favour for the most part. Plus, all of the parts have plenty of room to flourish and be heard, going far to make sure that all of the nuance and emotion is noticed and not hidden behind a veil of decibels.

All in all, this is a great release and as good a follow up as I could have hoped for. Broken Banjo still cement themselves as a must see not just for the Medway music scene, but for anyone willing to listen. The energy of their live performances is captured about as perfectly as possible, which is great for a band who have become such a stable in the live music diet around these parts, and the music is seriously enjoyable. More than well worth a listen.

By Ollie Crook

Bravo 106 is released on the 1st November 2013. To keep up to date visit www.facebook.com/Broken.Banjo

Short Animation Afternoon – Medway Visions Film Festival – 8th September – Rochester

Creative and Art Events
Shot from MiLK HaRE

Shot from MiLK HaRE

As part of the Medway Visions film festival Creatabot brings you a collection of locally created short animation films, along with a few from further afield for inspiration.
FREE – But donations appreciated.
Location – 161 High Street, Rochester, ME1 1EH

Time 2pm

If you would like to come please email me on natasha@creatabot.co.uk letting me know how many of you will be coming.

Short Films From:

Emma Windsor

With a passion for the Gothic, the macabre and the downright odd, Emma Windsor specialises in stop-motion, embracing many techniques including pixilation and timelapse. Hailing from Gillingham, she studied for a masters degree in Time Based Media at the Kent Institute of Art & Design, Maidstone where she locked herself in a dark room for a year and began her journey into the weird and wonderful world of stop-frame. She collaborates with many other local artists to produce work under the umbrella of ‘White Rabbit Animation’ and can often be seen (but not heard) ferreting through the Kent countryside, armed with only a camera and audio recorder.

Mark Bell

The work of Mark Bell is born out of intrigue.
Amongst other things this intrigue has led Mark to scan his own face to the point of hospitalisation, chase projections of Betty Page whilst dressed in a white spandex zentai suit, insert as many pieces of raw spaghetti into his beard as possible whilst hovering over a pan of boiling water, print out a photograph of his own teeth to scale to see what they would look like in his mouth, and shave his face whilst covered in duct tape in an attempt to turn his beard inside out.

Along the way Mark has racked up an international screening history, several awards and numerous injuries.

Darren Turner/Uglyboy London

Uglyboy London are a creative trio formed from uni days way back in 2003. Since then, as a collective and as individuals, they have worked extensively within the areas of illustration, advertising and moving image.
The video for Conquer the World stems from the song’s solid continuous beat. That really stuck in their minds, so from there they created an infinite shot – no cuts, just continuous scrolling through ever changing environments. They wanted to create something that was really rich so that each time you watched it you’d spot something new…

Jack Stevenson

Jack is 23 years old currently living in Rochester, Kent; Originally from Whitstable and schooling in Canterbury.
he has come from an art orientated background, having studied media in GCSE, BTEC and Degree levels. Even at primary level, he was experimenting with various art forms.

He never gave up on the passion of being an artist and has recently finished a 3 year long course at UCA in Rochester. He took his skill set to new heights when on the BA Hons degree course in CG Arts and Animation.

Jack says:
“I also met some amazing people in Medway, all with so much talent and enthusiasm for Art.
Since graduating I have been freelancing as an artist for various clients including Madame Tussauds in London.
I continued to be a resident of Medway because I love simply love the atmosphere! The local musicians, artists, entertainment organisers and of course history of the towns make Medway an inspirational place to be.”

http://www.jackstevenson.co.uk/

AND an international short film to be revealed on the day!
Surprises!
🙂

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.

Who we work with…

Editorials

Here are some of the amazing projects we work with in Medway. If you would like to work with us as well, please get in touch.

Sun Pier House
A Community Interest Company based in Chatham. Transforming two empty commercial buildings into an art and creative complex. Home to artist studios, creative offices, hire space & public gallery.

Nucleus Arts is a charitable organisation that brings fine art to the public. Set up by the Halpern Charitable Foundation to promote the Arts in Medway and Kent, it focuses on affordability, accessibility and excellence in the Arts.

Nucleus Arts is a charitable organisation that brings fine art to the public. Set up by the Halpern Charitable Foundation to promote the Arts in Medway and Kent, it focuses on affordability, accessibility and excellence in the Arts.

Fuse Promo

Fuse Medway Festival transforms Medway’s streets and open spaces once a year with free arts events and people from all walks of life.

The Skywatcher – Crowdfunding Campaign – Interactive Story Game – Please Support!

Creative and Art News

NightScape

The Skywatcher will be an exciting mix of interactive, site specific theatre and scavenger hunting around the City of Rochester.  The audience will visit six scenes, in different Rochester locations, each based on a piece of classic science fiction stories.  They will also solve puzzles, explore and have loads of fun on the way.  We love Rochester and think this is a great way to share this with other people.

Please support the project – we really need to make this happen!

http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-skywatcher

Surreal Art Exhibition – Never Mind the Gap: This is Fingle Bridge – David Faltrego – 17th August to 29th August – Nucleus – Chatham

Creative and Art Events

z60-1

Using a fusion of genres, always with a surreal slant, the artist addresses the abhorrent elitism and pomposity that perpetrates the high end of the Art World, with ridicule and humour David attempts to bridge the divide.

Nucleus Arts Chatham

Idea Pops = An Art Exhibition In John Lewis – Solihull – 12th September 2013 to 31st August 2014

Creative and Art Events

Art-in-Rure-(Two-designs)-1

Bastian Contrarian presents Art in Rure, the first in a series of exhibitions that will be held at John Lewis Solihull from 12th September until the 31st August 2014.

In collaboration with John Lewis Solihull and Solihull Fairtrade, Art in Rure will be showcasing an eclectic selection of original, contemporary oil paintings, acrylics, etchings, wood cuts, silkscreen prints, photography, sculpture and video art by established and emerging artists from the UK, Europe and the United States.
The show, which will be held in the John Lewis Place to Eat and various other locations in the store, will feature works by James Callaghan, Elena Cecchinato, Wendy Cook, Jan Gay, Paula Hamilton, Paul Jordan, Angus Kaye, Nick Logan, Alessio Mancino, Roy Meats, Kathryn Pettit, Alan Ranger, Julie Robertson, Barbara Shackley, Mark Skirving, Tim Southall and Mark Tilley.

The video works include ‘Unbelongings’, by London-based Gulab Chaggar; the award-winning ‘Bottle’, by Kirsten Lepore, and ‘Returning to Eve’, by contemporary dance artist and choreographer, Amy-Louise Watson.

Managing Director of John Lewis, Julie Blake said: “This is an exciting exhibition and we are delighted to help showcase these talented artists. Supporting our local communities is absolutely key to John Lewis, and this is a great way of not only doing that but also giving our customers an extra special experience when they come into our shop”.

FrontierSpirit by James Callaghan

All the art works on display are available for sale and a part of the profits will be donated to Solihull Fairtrade, a group that promotes fair-trade products and ethical trading throughout the borough, and Northleigh House School, in Hatton, which provides educational facilities and support to secondary school children who have been victims of bullying.

The inauguration, which will be officially opened by the Mayor of Solihull, will be held on Thursday, 12th

September 2013 from 5.30-7.30 pm.
This event is the launch of the Art in Rure Fest, scheduled to take place throughout Solihull during the school summer holidays of 2014.

Inspiration Art – Various Artists 3rd August to 15th August – Nucleus – Chatham

Creative and Art Events

Stanley-1-988x741
Inspiration Art, consists of 6 artists and photographers based in Gravesham, whose range covers abstract, symbolic, surrealistic and minimalist works. The members of the group: Tony Stanley, Vlada Predelina, Sheila Kaur, Fiona Higgins, Generoso Napoliello and Madhu Kans, collectively and individually have exhibited at a number of locations within Gravesham, Dartford, Medway, Birmingham, London and internationally including Italy and Canada. The August exhibition, The Collection, will contain a collation of new and previous works shown over the past two years, including pieces from their most recent exhibit Maya.

Nucleus Arts Chatham

Medway Visions Film Festival – 7th to 12th September 2013

Creative and Art Events

medway visions logo

A new film festival is taking place in Medway between the 7th and 12th September.

Medway Visions will promote independent filmmaking with a big emphasis placed on local upcoming filmmakers who have produced a short film or music video that needs to be seen!

The film festival is a new venture by Rochester filmmaker Mr Young, himself a indie filmmaker who has seen his short films and his debut feature film screened  at festivals around the world and broadcast on television.

The festival, however, takes a unique collaborative approach with a whole host of Medway arts providers taking control of a screening or series of screenings:

Medway Eyes – Music Videos

Creatabot – Independent features and short animated films

Rochester Film Society – Independent features

Sun Pier House – Short films and guest directors

TEA Medway – Experimental film

To enter your short film please email mryoung@themoontheeye.co.uk

Medway Visions Independent Film Festival 2013 7th-14th September

Full Programme

Saturday 7th September
Event: ‘Shaking the Sky…’ a new film by Mr Young
A special film release event. The new short film from Mr Young is expected to be a further glimpse into his surreal, dreamlike world view and is going to be released in a very unusual way. See http://www.facebook.com/mryoungfilmmaker for more details. (Presented by The Moon The Eye)
Venue: All over Medway
Time: All day

Saturday 7th September :
Event: Music Videos by Stuart Turner & Flat Earth Society
Showcasing their brand new album release. The band commissioned a number of local filmmakers to produce films for all of their songs for their new album. This will be followed by a blistering live performance by Stuart Turner & the Flat Earth Society. Supporting films and live performances TBA. (Presented by Medway Eyes)
Venue: Nags Head Pub, Nags Head Lane, Rochester.
Time: 7.30pm
FREE ENTRY

Sunday 8th September :
Event: Animated Shorts.
A selection of local and international animation short films. (Presented by Creatabot)
Venue: CoFWD, 161 High Street, Rochester.
Time: 2pm
FREE ENTRY

Sunday 8th September :
Event: Short films by local filmmakers plus Q & A and screening with indie filmmaker Paul Williams.
A selection of short films but up and coming local filmmakers. Paul Williams concludes the evening with a Q & A and a screening of his horror comedy short ‘The Furred Man’ which was screened on Channel 4 in 2012. (Presented by The Moon The Eye, Sun Pier House and Sunrise Community Solutions)
Venue: Sun Pier House, Sun Wharf , Chatham. Time: 7pm
FREE ENTRY

Thursday 12th September :
Event: Otherness: Forty Five Days on the Isle of Beauty.
A documentary by David Wise. Filmmaker David Wise documents life on a remote Island in the Medway Estuary. (Presented by Creatabot)
Venue: Gillingham Library, High Street , Gillingham. Time: 7.30pm
FREE ENTRY

Friday 13th September
Event: Judex, Director: Georges Franju, starring: Channing Pollock, Francine Berge, Edith Scob
Synopsis: Faceraux, an unscrupulous banker, receives a threatening note, signed by ‘Judex’, demanding that he pay back the people he has swindled.
Film introduction and post-screening discussion, hosted by Nick Walker. (Presented by Rochester Film Society)
Venue: Nucleus Gallery, 75 Rochester High Street. Time: 6pm
FREE ENTRY but please email to confirm your place: nickwalker62@yahoo.co.uk

Saturday 14th September
Event: La Notte, Director: Michelangelo Antonioni, Starring: Marcello Mastroianni, Jeanne Moreau, Monica Vitti
Synopsis: A day in the life of an unfaithful married couple and their steadily deteriorating relationship.
Film introduction and post-screening discussion, hosted by Nick Walker. (Presented by Rochester Film Society)
Venue: Nucleus Gallery, 75 Rochester High Street. Time: 6pm
FREE ENTRY but please email to confirm your place: nickwalker62@yahoo.co.uk

A poem dedicated to the memory of Chris Austin

Editorials

You had a laugh so honest
And a smile so arresting
But all that sounds fake
In a eulogistic poem
Sounds like rose tinted glasses
Sounds like beauty now passed
But I’m not talking from my arse

But your laugh is well known
Your talent never disputed
Always revered.
What we failed to notice was your strength

To laugh and smile and banish
In the face of what you lived
To make us all feel welcome
Despite what you hid
To play, create, inspire
Whether you knew or not
Shows an unwavering strength of character
Which I know I,
Did not afford.
And, Chris that breaks my heart,
But by f**k it makes me proud
Because it proves what I believe
About good people in the world

So here’s my tribute to you
For the laughs and all the fun
For all the japes, and scrapes and shouldn’t have dones
But mostly for the one
Who wanted something more
The one who made time to chat
Easily, no chore
The one who believed in music
Its power and its grace
The one who kept it to himself
A part of Medway, sacrificed.

By Louise Micklewright

Medway has lost a light, but we’ll play and party in your name.

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Homespun – Independent Medway Music Festival – 10th to 13th July

Creative and Art Events

poster3

The idea is simple. Homespun is a collaboration between a handful of Medway promoters to bring you a packed weekend of the best music they can find in their favourite places.


http://homespunmedway.com

http://www.facebook.com/homespunmedway

LINEUP

All gigs are free entry unless otherwise stated.

For up to the minute timings and to help you plan your day’s itinerary, have a look at our

CLASHFINDER

WEDNESDAY 10TH JULY

THE BARGE (EVENING)

DAVE READ (THE CLAIM) – STUART TURNER – DIDI BERGMAN – JOHN FORRESTER

~

FRIDAY 12TH JULY

NAGS HEAD (EVENING)

LEN PRICE3 – THE A-LINES – BROKEN BANJO – JOE MAGEE

THE CROWN (EVENING – £5 adv)

MAKER –  THE PARADE – FIRST SIGN OF LIGHT – DEAD BEARS

See facebook event page for ticket details

~

SATURDAY 13TH JULY

GUILDHALL MUSEUM (1pm)

HAND OF STABS

EAGLE TAVERN (2pm to 7pm)

BLACK LION COURTIERS – TAPE ERROR –  THE FLYING ISAACS – THE TONICS–DREDGERMEN 

THE GRANVILLE ARMS (2pm to 7pm)

BEN JONES – NATALIE EVANS – STANLEY KNIFE – CHRIS HEARSEY – FEROCIOUS LOPEZ –MELINDA ORTNER

YE ARROW (2pm to 7pm)

THE FLOWING –  GLENN BARNES – ANDY WHITE – ROGER MEAN – LUNA LACUNA with poetry from CLAIR MEYRICK

SINGAPORA LOUNGE (1pm till 11pm)

HONEY RIDE ME A GOAT – ICE, SEA, DEAD PEOPLE – PITY PARTY – FRAU POUCH –PHILTRUM – USA NAILS – ZOMBIE MET GIRL – SEAN BEAN DEATH SCENE – THE SANS PAREIL – PUNCHING SWANS – THAT MASSIVE BEREAVEMENT – WHITEDEVILWHITEDEVIL– KLL RPNZL – THE REACTOR CORE IS SPLENDID

NAGS HEAD (4pm to 11pm)

CRYBABY SPECIAL – BALANCE LOST – THE ONLY SUN – ROKOKO – THE CHAUNDELIERS – CHRIS ALLEN – DIDI BERGMAN – JACK CADE – REAVSEY– more tbc

GORDON HOUSE HOTEL (7pm to 11pm) – £5 adv – SOLD OUT

THE CLAIM – THEATRE ROYAL – THE LOVE FAMILY  plus Vic Templar (DJ)

BILLABONG CLUB (7.30pm to 11pm- £7.50 adv)

GRAVENHURST – LUPEN CROOK – THESE GUILTY MEN

See facebook event page for ticket details

Retro Gaming Night – 19th July 2013 – 7.30pm – Rochester

Creative and Art Events

retrosmall

It’s simple…

If you love retro gaming or just want to relive those lost nostalgic years make sure you attend Retro’Spect5

(and please raid your lofts and bring your consoles with you!)

This is Retrospects fifth event, and it’s solely about playing. If you fancy spinning through Sonic, bouncing and bashing your way through Mario or just saving the world from the Mad Bomber please come and take part in this retro event.

Retro’Spect Kent Facebook group was set up with the aim of getting like minded people together to play RETRO games the way they was meant to be played, socially.

This event is held in collaboration with Retro’Spect Kent.

Natasha Steer from Creatabot is DBS (formerly called CRB) certified, but we advise parents stay in the building with their children as the event gets pretty busy!

THE THEME IS – NINTENDO!

BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL – ENTRY WILL BE REFUSED WITHOUT A TICKET

 TO BOOK AND FOR MORE DETAILS GO HERE: http://retrospect5.eventbrite.co.uk

Please note, our venue 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.

Call Out For Actors / Performers and Theatre Technician – Rainham – July 2013

Creative / Artist Wanted, Creative Communities and Inspiring Websites
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CALL OUT FOR ACTORS/PERFORMERS!

The Cabaret Club is preparing for it’s showcase launch night on Saturday 3rd August and we need actors/performer to play a part in our event.  We can pay reasonable travel expenses (and provide a free drink or two on the night!) plus if you want to be a regular part of our event then it’s an opportunity to be a part of something new and exciting happening in Rainham.  So if you’re up for putting on your glad rags and coming along to have some fun, meet new people and show off your acting skills then please get in touch with Lisa –thecabaretclubuk@gmail.com

PLUS

 CALL OUT FOR THEATRE TECHNICIAN!

The Cabaret Club is preparing for it’s showcase launch night on Saturday 3rd August and we need a stage hand/technician to play a part in our event.  We can pay reasonable travel expenses (and provide a free drink or two on the night!) plus if you want to be a regular part of our event then it’s an opportunity to be a part of something new and exciting happening in Rainham.  So if you’re up coming along to have some fun, meet new people and gain experience in working on a live event then please get in touch with Lisa –thecabaretclubuk@gmail.com

Positive Arts Graffiti Project – Albatross Avenue Underpass – Strood

Creative and Art Events, Creative Opportunities

LOCAL_FLYER

Albatross Avenue Underpass is getting a facelift!

A new community art project will design and create a mural for the underpass beneath the M2 which leads from Albatross Avenue (near Knights Place Rec) to Ranscombe Farm Reserve.

You can work with Artists from Positive Arts to help design the mural – and to help paint it too!

Free community painting days with the artists:

Join us at the underpass on
26th, 29th, 30th, 31st July & 1st, 2nd August – 12noon to 5pm

Celebrate with us on the last day of painting: Friday 9th August, 4-6pm

Ranscombe Farm Reserve

Unit 37, Medway Space Business Centre, Knight Road, Strood, Kent ME2 2BF
Tel: 01634 292062

email: ranscombe@plantlife.org.uk

http://www.plantlife.org.uk

http://www.facebook.com/RanscombeFarm

Another recent project carried out by positive Arts.

Another recent project carried out by positive Arts.

Ranscombe Postcard Competition – Open To All Ages! – Closes 31st July 2013

Creative Opportunities

Postcard

Design a postcard for Ranscombe and win a prize!

Design a postcard-sized piece of art that tells us what Ranscombe means to you, and you could win one of 15 prizes to be awarded across five age categories from young children to adults.

The competition is open to everyone – old, young, amateur or professional. There are five age categories with three prizes per category:

  • Up to 6 years old
  • 7 – 11 years old
  • 12 – 15 years old
  • 16 – 17 years old
  • Adults: 18 years and over

Prizes include digital cameras and camcorders, art and craft materials, and books.

Category winners will also have their artwork made into postcards to promote Ranscombe Farm Reserve and the work of Plantlife.

Entrants can submit artwork in any medium but it has to be postcard size (A6 size – 148mm x 105mm). For example you may choose to use photography, painting, textiles, drawing, digital design, sculpture or collage. Only hard-copy images will be accepted.

Closing Date for Submissions: Wednesday 31st July 2013.

For full terms and conditions, click here.

This competition is organised by Plant Life

Local artists are given a chance to promote their work for £1 a day – Ashford

Creative and Art News

David Hover

The Community Crafts Centre on Ashford High Street has started offering artists an opportunity to promote their work for a month for £30. That’s about £1 a day!

Artists will exhibit their work at the Community Crafts Centre on 27 High Street Ashford for a whole month including an open viewing event with cheese and wine. They offer to market the event as much as possible through social media channels and email marketing; they will promote through word of mouth and even work hard to sell some of your work (for a small commission).

Betsy Aidinyantz founder of Joining Hands who runs the Community Crafts Centre had this to say:

“With Ashford Festival of Arts and Technology around the corner we want to show people how many talented artists and creative people there are in Ashford. To help Ashford Town get back its vibrancy we need to focus on local people and local businesses. Even small things like helping an emerging Ashford artist sell some work can have a really positive effect on our town.”

Last month the Community Crafts Centre exhibited the work of local contemporary artist and craftsman David Hover. David Hover is a member of Ashford Visual Artists and was very happy with the success of his exhibition. He said:

“The Community Crafts Centre is a little gem on Ashford High Street! The support I have received from the staff while my artwork has been on display there is fantastic. I’m sure the gallery will continue to grow in Ashford as there are many artists in need of a gallery space such as this. I just hope more artists such as me will benefit from the Community Crafts Centre.”

The Community Crafts Centre is looking for more artists to take up slots in July and August as well as throughout the year. If you are interested you can call Betsy on 07837 896122 or email info@communitycraftscentre.org to find out more.

Area:  South East

Medway Open Studios – Download The Guide Here – 13th to 21st July 2013

Creative and Art Events
Click image to download

Click image to download

The Biggest Ever Medway Open Studios & Arts Festival, 13 – 21 July 2013

More than 200 artists across 32 venues will be opening their doors this July as part of the Medway Open Studios & Arts Festival. Spread across Lower Higham, Rochester, Chatham and Gillingham, the annual Festival is the largest art trail of its kind in the area.

Founder and Festival Director, Heather Burgess, is thrilled by the speed the Festival is growing. “I started the Festival because I wanted to reach out to the non-arts community and promote the huge creative bustle in Medway.  The best feedback is often by long-time Medway residents, who have discovered new opportunities, made friends in their local community and learnt about facilities they never knew existed- right on their doorstep.”

To provide a taster of what to expect from the open studio artists three Festival exhibitions are planned. Work by participants from across the Festival will be on display in The Deaf Cat Gallery & Café, Walderslade Library and Lordswood Library throughout July. If you like what you see, you can then visit the artist during their open studios for more.

The Festival runs from Saturday 13 to Sunday 21 July 2013

The CreataboX art vending machine will also be around during the festival – it will be located at Sun Pier apart from on the 14th July when it will be at the Rochester Literature Festival Summer Garden Party – at the Good Intent pub in Rochester. Also on the 20th and 21st July it will be at Ridley Road.

 

The Open Studios

1) Fiona Spirals

The Crow’s Nest, 4 Hope Terrace, Church Street, Lower Higham, ME3 7LH

www.fionaspirals.co.uk

As an artist, I started 20 years ago, writing poetry about the North Kent Marshes. Now I work in paint, mixed media, collage, and photography, exploring the immense but subtle power of this space.

Open: Sat 13th 10am – 4pm, Mon 15th 3pm – 6pm, Tues 16th 3pm – 6pm, Wed 17th 3pm – 6pm, Thurs 18th 3pm – 6pm, Fri 19th 3pm – 6pm, Sat 10am – 4pm               

2) Simon Mills

10 Borstal Street, Rochester, ME1 3AH

www.simonmillsartist.com

I am a landscape artist working in oils, my subjects range from London at night, the Dockyard and the Medway Valley

Open: Sat 13 10am – 6pm, Sun 14 10am – 6pm, Sat 20 10am – 6pm, Sun 21 10am – 6pm

3) Sir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematical School

Maidstone Road, Rochester, ME1 3EL

www.sirjosephwilliamson.medway.sch.uk

An exhibition of GCSE and A-Level work produced by current artists and photographers

Open: Tues 16 5pm – 7pm

 

4) The Ridley Road Group

1 Ridley Road, Rochester, ME1 1UL

www.hazelnut-press.com

A truly diverse collective of artist makers at the home of the Hazelnut Press, showing Beverley Bunn’s glass art; Carol Norton’s silver, resin jewellery & ceramics; Dolly Dewberry’s plump cushions and soft furnishings; Heather Haythornthwaite’s etchings, linocuts and watercolours, together with enigmatic haunting pieces by Malcolm Attryde

Exhibiting artists; Heather Haythornthwaite, Beverley Bunn, Carol Norton, Dolly Dewbury, Malcolm Attryde

Open: Sat 13 12pm – 5pm, Sun 14 12pm – 5pm, Wed 17 4pm – 7pm, Thurs 18 4pm – 7pm, Friday 4pm – 7pm, Sat 20 12 – 5pm, Sat 21 12 – 5pm

 

5) The Hazelnut Press

1 Ridley Road, Rochester, ME1 1UL

www.hazelnut-press.com

Come and see this open access fine art printing studio at work with intaglio and relief printmaking happening, and great inky prints to buy.

Open: Sat 13 12pm – 5pm, Sun 14 12pm – 5pm, Sat 20 12pm – 5pm, Sun 21 12pm – 5pm,

 

6) Richard Reader

3 Ridley Road, Rochester, ME1 1UL

www.richardreaderphotography.co.uk

Photographs of dereliction & decay, landscapes (urban & rural), architecture and abstracts

Open: Thurs 6pm – 9pm, Friday 6pm – 9pm, Saturday 20th 10am – 7pm, Sunday 21st 10am – 7pm,

7) Nikki Price

27 Ridley Road, Rochester, ME1 1UL

www.nikkipricephotography.wordpress.com

Freedom of the Nude – a selection of portraits exploring ourselves without barriers!

Open: Sat 13th 12pm – 5pm, Sun 14th 12pm – 5pm, Fri 5pm – 7pm, Sat 20th 12pm – 5pm, Sun 21st 12pm – 5pm,

8) Oooo Handbags

28 Langdon Road, Rochester, ME1 1UN

www.oooohandbags.co.uk

I make unique, individually crafted handbags, make-up bags and purses from unusual fabrics with interesting linings

Open: Sat 13th 11am – 5pm, Sun 14th 11am – 5pm, Wed 4pm – 7pm, Thurs 4pm – 7pm, Fri 4pm – 7pm, Sat 20th 11am – 5pm, Sun 11am – 5pm,

 

9) Bernard Allum

Delta Studio, St. Margaret’s Mews, Rochester, ME1 1TLJ

www.bernardallum.com

Small worlds and large vistas. Objet d’art and paintings

Open: Sat 13th 12 – 5:30pm, Sun 14th 12 – 5:30pm, Wed 17th 4pm – 8pm, Thurs 18th 4pm – 8pm, Fri 19th 2pm – 6pm, Sat 20th 12 – 5:30pm, Sun 21st 12 – 5:30pm

 

10) Rochester Cathedral

The Precinct, Rochester, ME1 1SX

Showing a bronze tactile plate of the Cathedral fresco for the sight impaired, made by Wendy Daws. PLEASE DO TOUCH! Meet the artist, Wendy in her studio (Listing No.20) and learn about the process of making the tactile fresco)

Open daily from 07:30 to 18:00 (17:00 on Saturdays). Access may be restricted during services.

Wheelchair access through the North Door

11) Fraser Peek

Downstairs in the Singapora Lounge, 51 High Street, Rochester, ME1 1LN

www.four-seven.com/art

Art that slaps you in the face with its simple beauty or symbolic reference, provoking some kind of awareness or emotion

Open: Sat 13 11am – 6pm, Sun 14 11am – 8pm, Mon – Fri 11am – 8pm, Sat 20 11am – 6pm

12) Nucleus Arts, Rochester

Nucleus Gallery, 75 High Street, Rochester, ME1 1LX

www.nucleus-arts.com

A not-for-profit retail venue promoting the creative arts in Kent. We offer local artists, jewellers, photographers, designers, writers and musicians a platform to sell their creations. Come along and look around at the wonderful talent on your doorstep.

Open: Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm, Sunday 11am – 5pm

13) The Rochester Film Society, screening of Sunrise

Nucleus Gallery, 75 High Street, Rochester, ME1 1LX

www.facebook.com/rochesterfilmsociety

Screening of ‘Sunrise’, FW Murnau’s classic 1927 tale of a married farmer who falls under the spell of a slatternly woman from the city, who tries to convince him to drown his wife.

Followed by a discussion over a drink. Please bring drinks and nibbles.

Sun 21 July doors open 7:30pm, film starts 8pm.

Booking Information: Free to attend. Limited places available, email nickwalker62@yahoo.co.uk to reserve place

14) The Deaf Cat Cafe & Gallery

83 High Street, Rochester, ME1 1LX

A festival exhibition, showcasing work by various artists taking part in the festival, offering a teaser of what to expect from each venue

Exhibition dates – Monday 1 July – Sunday 28 July.

Opening hours: Monday – Saturday 9am – 5pm, Sunday 10am – 5pm

Wheelchair accessible

15) The Medway Poetry Group

Rochester Visitors Centre, 95 High Street, Rochester, ME1 1LX

terrygodwin1@virginmedia.com

Encouraging and promoting poetry to all ages. Reading light hearted and romantic poetry. Book at least a week in advance if you would like to read at the event

Open: Sat 20, event starts at 1:45pm. Entry fee- Adults £1; Students and Children 50p. Pay on the door

Wheelchair accessible via lift

16) The Rochester Literature Festival Garden Party

The Good Intent pub, John Street, Rochester, ME1 1YL

www.rochesterlitfest.com

Join us for a delightful cultural mix of open mic opportunities, storytelling and a special Seasonally Effected session. For more details visit the website. FREE!

Open: Sun 14, 12noon – 4pm

17) Medway Adult Education Centre

Eastgate, Rochester, ME1 1EW

The adult education centre opens up with free art show by students and tutors

Open: Mon – Fri 10am – 8pm

18) Ben Cameron

‘Above the butcher’ 177a High Street, Rochester, ME1 1EH

www.strangepaul.com

My work ranges from doodles to highly detailed illustrations. I’ll be exhibiting new artwork as well as selling cards, printed bags and hand drawn pictures.

Open: Sat 13th 10am- 5pm, Sun 14th 10am – 5pm, Mon 15th 2pm – 6pm, Thurs 18th 2pm – 6pm, Fri 19th 2pm – 6pm, Sat 20th 10am – 5pm, Sun 21st 10am – 5pm

19) The Rochester Independent College

254 St. Margaret’s Banks, High Street, Rochester, ME1 1HY

www.rochester-college.org

An exhibition of work from GCSE and A Level students studying fine art, graphics, photography, textiles & 3D.

Open: Mon 15 10am – 1pm, Tues 16 10am – 1pm, Wed 17 10am – 1pm, Thurs 18 10am – 1pm, Fri 19 10am – 1pm

20) Wendy Daws

The Tack Room, Hulkes Lane, Rochester, ME1 1EE

www.wendydaws.co.uk

I have made a tactile version of the Rochester Cathedral fresco by Sergei Fyodorov. PLEASE DO TOUCH.

Open: Sat 13 11am – 6pm, Sun 14 11am – 5pm, Thurs 18 11am – 5pm, Fri 19 11am – 5pm, Sat 20 11am – 6pm, Sun 21 11am – 5pm

20) Jane Pitt

The Tack Room, Hulkes Lane, Rochester, ME1 1EE

www.janepitt.co.uk

Jane Pitt creates participatory and interactive works. She is motivated by the desire to create experiences for a broad range of people; through workshops, live events, commissions and self-initiated projects.

Open: Sat 20 10am – 6pm, Sun 21 10am – 6pm, Meet her at the Tack Room for a short festival exclusive INTRA SOUND WALK at 2pm on Sat 20/Sun 21 July

 

21) Café Moroc

357 High Street, Rochester, ME1 1DA

www.cafemoroc.co.uk Cafe Moroc will host an exhibition of work by users of the Coal Shed Press, a fine art printmaking studio (located just behind the cafe). Rest your feet between venues and all festival visitors can enjoy 10% off during the festival (please show your festival guide and talk with the staff before ordering).Open Monday to Saturday 10am – 4pm. Evening dining Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7pm – 11pm

 

22) Ciaran McKay

Scullery Studios, rear of 376 High Street (behind Café Moroc), Rochester, ME1 1DA

www.ceemstudio.co.uk

Ciaran McKay’s interior wood products are about making the most of the trees that have already been cut down and creating luxurious hand crafted items that are not only decorative, with their striking palette, but functional as well.

Open: Sat 13th 10am – 4:30pm, Sun 14th 10am – 4:30pm, Mon 15th 10am – 4:30pm, Tues 16th 10am – 4:30pm, Wed 17th 10am – 4:30pm, Thurs 10am – 4:30pm, Fri 19th 10am – 4:30pm, Sat 20th 10am – 4:30pm, Sun 10am – 4:30pm

23) The Coalshed Press

Unit 1 Boundary Wharf, rear of 375 High Street (behind Café Moroc), Rochester, ME1 1DA

www.coalshedpress.co.uk

Screen prints, etchings, wood and lino-cuts. Love printmaking? So do we. Workshops, demo’s and prints for sale

Open: Sat 13th 11am – 6pm, Sun 14th 11am – 6pm, Wed 11am – 6pm, Thurs 5pm – 9pm, Fri 5pm – 9pm, Sat 20th 11am – 6pm, Sun 21st 11am – 6pm,

24) Printed Wonders

Unit 2 Boundary Wharf, rear of 375 High Street (behind Café Moroc), Rochester, ME1 1DA

www.printedwonders.co.uk

Xtina Lamb’s screen printing, Gocco & textiles studio. Prints, bags & illustrated bunting. Free drop-in print activities

Open: Sat 13th 11am – 6pm, Sun 14th 11am – 6pm, Wed 5pm – 9pm, Thurs 5pm – 9pm, Fri 5pm- 9pm, Sat 20th 11am – 6pm, Sun 21st 11am – 6pm,

Wheelchair accessible

25) The Sun Pier Artists

Sun Pier House, Sun Wharf, Medway Street, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4HF

www.sunpierhouse.co.uk

Sun Pier Artists currently consists of six artists exploring through different means and practices, from fascinating glass objects to jewellery, paintings and installations.

Resident artists: Lucea Campbell, Wendy Smith, Rosie Melville, Chris Thomson, Rossi Ignatova, Louise Nevett

Open: Sat 13 July – 11am – 6pm, Sun 14 July – 11am – 6pm, Fri 19 July – 4pm – 8pm, Sat 20 July 11am – 6pm, Sun 21 July – 11am – 6pm

 

26) Makers Market

Sun Pier House, Sun Wharf, Medway Street, Chatham, ME4 4HF

Open: Sat 13 11am – 6pm, Sun 14 11am – 6pm, Sat 20 11am – 6pm, Sun 21 11am – 6pm,

Featured stallholders-

Lianne Williams

www.liannewilliams.com

Portraiture and fashion illustrations created in colour pencil, graphite, watercolour and embellishments

Exhibiting: Sat 13 11am – 6pm, Sun 14 11am – 6pm, Sat 20 11am – 6pm, Sun 21 11am – 6pm,

Ctrl Alt Defeat Clothing

www.ctrl-alt-defeat.co.uk

We’ll be selling our latest line of ‘Geek-Chic’ apparel, as well as promoting our custom garment printing services.

Exhibiting: Sat 13 11am – 6pm, Sun 14 11am – 6pm,

Icon Theatre Creatives

www.icontheatre.org.uk

Icon Theatre Creatives are a group of stunning individual artists specialising in a variety of art forms.

Exhibiting: Sat 13 11am – 6pm, Sun 14 11am – 6pm,

Graham Lock

www.grahamlock.com

Traditional watercolours and oils – many subjects. Also icons, prints and cards.

Exhibiting: Sun 14 July 11am – 6pm, Sat 20 July 11am – 6pm

Light in my Art

I produce handcrafted/ painted acrylic and glassware related to light. Glass painting workshops throughout the day (window stickers)

Exhibiting: Sat 20 11am – 6pm, Sun 21 11am – 6pm

bunted! Bespoke bunting

www.bunting-gifts.co.uk

Bunted is a specialist bespoke bunting company founded by two sass-tastic Aussie expats. Bunted! Hand make their bunting from new and up-cycled fabrics

Exhibiting: Sat 20 11am – 6pm, Sun 21 11am – 6pm

Gloria & Mabel

www.gloriaandmabel.co.uk

Handmade home-wares, including personalised cushions, doorstops, noticeboards and more. Custom orders taken.

Exhibiting: Sat 13 11am – 6pm, Sun 14 11am – 6pm, Sat 20 11am – 6pm, Sun 21 11am – 6pm,

27) The West End Studios

Entrance via The Health House (opposite Argos), 116 High Street, Chatham, ME4 4BY

www.thewestendstudios.com

West End Studios is an artist’s collective made up of fine artists, a street artist and a furniture up-cycler.

Resident artists: Laura Murphy, John Robinson, Sarah Wright, Winifred Baker, Christine Hall, Miqui Art by 1STOP, Ann Welch, Richard Curtis

Open: Sat 13 10am – 5pm, Tues 16 10am – 5pm, Thurs 18 10am – 5pm, Sat 20 10am – 5pm

28) Nucleus Resident Artists

Nucleus Arts Centre, 272 High Street, Chatham, ME4 4BP

www.facebook.com/NucleusArtists

35 Artists showing original works of Arts and Crafts. Resident artists work showcased in the on-site gallery. Affordable Art Scheme available on all gallery and studio sales. Café Nucleus will be open, serving a variety of delicious food and drink.

Resident artists; Donna Chapman, Holly Aird, Anne Taylor, Chris Van Beck, Jon Gubbay, Obi, Arteeest eX, Maggie Osborn, Natalie Sampson, Giedrem, Peter Reeds, Deborah Saunders, Marissa Mardon, Tina Kean, Christopher Sacre, Sarah Langstone, Sian Bostwick Jewellery, Angie Berkley and Milo Andreas.

Open: Sat 13 10am – 6pm, Sun 14 10am – 6pm, Sat 20 10am – 6pm, Sun 21 10am – 6pm

Partial wheelchair access – Access to ground floor studios, Nucleus Gallery and Café Nucleus

29) Chiron Mottram

17 Castlemaine Ave, Gillingham, ME7 2QA

www.sites.google.com/site/chispaintings/

Small oil paintings based on landscapes with a minimal aspect

Open: Sat 13 11am – 4pm, Wed 17 11am – 2pm, Thurs 18 11am – 2pm, Fri 19 11am – 2pm, Sat 20 11am – 5pm, Sun 21 11am – 5pm                                                

 

30) Artists in Arms

The Hastings Arms, 18 Lower Rainham Road, Gillingham, ME7 2YD

Whet your artistic appetite in an 18th Century pub – Relax – Enjoy the art – Have a pint too!

Exhibiting artists: Zee Fincham, Racel Elizabeth Howett, Alan Deacon

Open: Sat 13 12 – 6pm, Mon 15 12 – 6pm, Tues 16 12 – 6pm, Wed 17 12 – 6pm, Thurs 18 12 – 6pm, Fri 19 12 – 6pm, Sat 20 12 – 6pm

31) Walderslade Library

Walderslade Village Library, Walderslade Centre, Walderslade Road, ME5 9LR

A festival exhibition, showcasing work by various artists taking part in the festival, offering a teaser of what to expect from each venue

Exhibition dates: Tues 2nd July – Tues 30th July

Opening hours: Every Tues 9am-6pm, Wed 2pm-6pm, Thurs 2pm-6pm, Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 10am-4pm

32) Lordswood Library

Lordswood Library, Kestrel Road, Lordswood, Chatham, ME5 8TH

A festival exhibition, showcasing work by various artists taking part in the festival, offering a teaser of what to expect from each venue

Exhibition dates – Mon 1st July- Sun 28th July

Opening hours: Every Mon 9am – 5pm, Tues 2pm – 5pm, Thurs 9am – 5pm, Fri 2pm- 5pm, Sat 10am – 4pm

Wheelchair accessible

 

THE EXHIBITION DATES

The Deaf Cat Café & Gallery

83 High Street, Rochester, ME1 1LX

Exhibition dates – Mon 1st July – Sun 28th July

Opening hours: Mon – Sat 9am – 5pm, Sun 10am – 5pm

Wheelchair accessible

 

Walderslade Library

Walderslade Village Library, Walderslade Centre, Walderslade Road, ME5 9LR

Exhibition dates: Tues 2nd July – Tues 30th July

Opening hours: Every Tues 9am-6pm, Wed 2pm-6pm, Thurs 2pm-6pm, Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 10am-4pm

 

Lordswood Library

Lordswood Library, Kestrel Road, Lordswood, Chatham, ME5 8TH

Exhibition dates – Mon 1st July- Sun 28th July

Opening hours: Every Mon 9am – 5pm, Tues 2pm – 5pm, Thurs 9am – 5pm, Fri 2pm- 5pm, Sat 10am – 4pm

Wheelchair accessible

Nucleus Arts Festival – 6th July – Chatham

Creative and Art Events

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The Sparky Project will be hosting a flag painting workshop for this year’s Arts Fest at the Nucleus Art Centre, Chatham.  Pop along from 10am to help create 6-8 sail shaped flags for the processions at 1.00pm and 3.30pm.

At 12.00pm they will also be having a puppet operating workshop with Sparky Champion.

CreataboX will be there too and from 2.00pm until 3.30pm there will be open public workshops where you can add something to the Arts Dispenser.

11am – performance by Steampunk Morris
•11:15am – River Festival Parade
•12pm – Didi Bergman
•12:40pm – Combined performance from Medins Belly Dance & Tribal Banshee
•1pm – Oliver Burgess
• 1:30pm – Walking/performing bus to River Festival & back
•2pm – Comedy Zoo – a collection of comedians performing until 3:30pm
•3:30pm – performance by Steampunk Morris, followed by walking/performing bus to River Festival & back
•4pm – Lupen Crook
•5pm – Phil Woollet
•6pm – Comedy Zoo – a collection of comedians performing until 6:30pm
•6:30pm – Close

Art Exhibition: Nucleus Open Studios, Various Artists, 6th – 25th July. 19 resident Nucleus Artists showing original works of Art, as part of the Medway Open Studios and Arts Festival. Open 10am-5pm Monday to Saturday and 11am-4pm Sunday.

Art Market: Nucleus Arts will have a stall at Medway Coucil’s River Festival at Gun Wharf, where you can purchase works of Art by artists working in many mediums across Kent & Medway.

Workshops: Throughout the day Ciaran from The Sparky Project with help from resident Nucleus Artist Fiona Watt, will be running workshops in our Gallery to make small scale ‘River’ themed parade sculptures to accompany the parade and walking/performing buses.

Parades: On behalf of Nucleus Arts, Medina Belly Dance & Tribal Banshee will be taking part in the River Festival Parade and then as outlined above, they will be acting as a walking/performing bus between Nucleus Artsfest and The River Festival

Magician: Throughout the day Henri White will be providing magical entertainment around the site. (from his website – Multi award winning Magician, Member of the Magic Circle, Young Magician of the Year Finalist, Close Up, Table and Stage Magician).

Medway’s Big Weekend – 12th to 14th July 2013

Creative and Art Events

RLF Garden Party poster 2013

The weekend of Friday, July 12th to Sunday July, 14th will see Rochester and the wider Medway come alive for what’s being termed Medway’s Big Weekend.

Having made a fantastic debut at Eastgate House Gardens last year, The Rochester Literature Festival (RLF) is this year holding its Summer Garden Party on Sunday 14th July, at the Good Intent Pub in John Street, Rochester, between 12noon and 4pm. They invite you to join them for a delightful cultural mix of performances, open mic, storytelling and a special edition of Seasonally Effected.

For the first time, the RLF is a part of the Medway Open Studios and Arts Festival, which begins on Saturday, July 13th. If you’re out and about on the Sunday, pop in to the garden of the Good Intent on your travels between the artist’s studios in and around Rochester.

The RLF are excited to have with them those wonderful folk, ME4 Writers, who will be in situ in a new Word Shed, following a very successful stint at Fuse Festival. They will be joined by another Fuse Festival debutant, the CreataboX. Over 111 mini pieces of art were distributed over the Fuse weekend by this latest creative endeavour from Natasha Steer of Creatabot, with the help of Ed Jennings (Tea Concerts) and artist Richard Jeferies. The success does mean that more miniature art (be it visual, textile, sculpture, photography, writing – anything at all) would be gratefully received. You can submit your pieces (no more than 9cm in diameter) to Natasha c/o coFWD, 161 High Street, Rochester ME1 1EH.

The Rochester Literature Festival is also calling out for art submissions from any medium to reflect the theme of its inaugural festival in October. ‘Other Worlds, Other Voices’ will form an exhibition displayed at Rochester Library for the duration of the event (3rd to 13th) and all work can again be submitted to the RLF c/o coFWD at the above address. The theme is completely open to interpretation so could include anything from sci-fi and fantasy to other cultures and languages,

The Big Weekend will begin with music festival, Homespun, which runs on Friday 12th and Saturday 13th. A collaborative effort between local promoters Tea Concerts, Motherboy, Medway Eyes and Suburban Kings, it aims to celebrate live music locally and if successful, become an annual event. There is also a folk music festival at the Good Intent on Saturday 13th, with the Rochester Acoustic Music Day promising over 20 acts.

Many of the people collaborating over the weekend have met through the coworking space . coFWD in Rochester. Visit  www.cofwd.org for more details.

Area: Kent   South East    Medway   Rochester   Chatham

RetroSpect5 – Retro Gaming Night – 19th July 2013 – Rochester

Creative and Art Events

retrosmall

Order tickets via Eventbrite:
http://retrospect5-efbevent.eventbrite.co.uk/

It’s simple…

If you love retro gaming or just want to relive those lost nostalgic years make sure you attend Retro’Spect5

(and please raid your lofts and bring your consoles with you!)

This is our fifth event and it’s solely about playing. If you fancy spinning through Sonic, bouncing and bashing your way through Mario or just saving the world from the Mad Bomber please come and take part in this retro event.

Retro’Spect Kent Facebook group was set up with the aim of getting like minded people together to play RETRO games the way they was meant to be played, socially.

This events theme is  – NINTENDO

Location – 161 High Street, Rochester

Time – 7.30

This is held in collaboration with Creatabot , Retro’Spect Kent and the coFWD community.

Natasha Steer from Creatabot is DBS (formerly called CRB) certified, but we advise parents stay in the building with their children as the event gets pretty busy!

BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL – ENTRY WILL BE REFUSED WITHOUT A TICKET

Order tickets via Eventbrite:
http://retrospect5-efbevent.eventbrite.co.uk/

Please note, our venue 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.

Artist Talk By Gayle Chong Kwan – 4th July – Maidstone

Creative and Art Events

Gayle-Chong-Kwan-Atlantis-installation-13-20094

MAKING ART WORK Present:
ARTIST TALK with GAYLE CHONG KWAN

TIME: 4th July 2013, 6.30 – 8.30pm
VENUE: 23 UNION STREET, MAIDSTONE, KENT, ME14 1EB
TICKET:Non-Members  £10, Members £5.00 Students £6.50.  Price  includes refreshments

BOOKING: Via Eventbrite: http://gaylechongkwan.eventbrite.co.uk  or pay on the door.

www.makingart-work.co.uk
Twitter: makingart_work
Facebook: makingawork

MAKING ART WORK are delighted to host a talk by Gayle Chong Kwan, on Thursday 4th July at No. 23 Union Street, Maidstone. This is the sixth in our programme of artist talks and we’re doubly pleased to be able to hold it back at No. 23 Union Street where we did our pop up project.

Gayle will be talking about her practice and her current research project, followed by a Q&A and a chance to chat over a glass of wine and nibbles.

“Gayle Chong Kwan (b. 1973 in Scotland) is a London-based artist whose large-scale photographic works, installations, sound works and videos have been exhibited internationally. Chong Kwan works primarily with photography and installation to create fantastical mise-en-scene landscapes and environments out of disturbing arrangements of waste materials, sensory remains and documentary sources.” (Taken from the artists’ website http://www.gaylechongkwan.com)

Make a Website In A Night – 8th July 2013 – Rochester

Creative and Art Events

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Order tickets via Eventbrite:
http://websiteinanight-efbevent.eventbrite.co.uk/

In one evening Natasha Steer will help you create a simple website and show you the basics of how to maintain it.

There are just a few things you will need –

A laptop

Images for the website

Your bio details for the “About” page

Your email address details

Details of the domain name you own – OR if you do not yet own a domain name (ie www.yournamehere.co.uk) then please purchase beforehand or bring a debit card/Paypal details on the night so that we can go through this process step by step. 1&1 internet are really good – you shouldn’t have to pay more that £10.

Any questions just email natasha@creatabot.co.uk

Location – 161 High Street, Rochester (coFWD)

Time – 7pm to 10pm

Please note: Our venue 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.

Rochester and West Kent Art Society Announces its Annual Programme 2013-2014

Creative and Art News

rochester-west-kent-art-society-april-2013-exhibition-at-the-brook-theatre-1

Passionate about Art since 1927, The Rochester and West Kent Art Society is glad to announce its programme starting from July 2013 to March 2014.

For July and August 2013, the Summer programme is rich with weekly painting trips to scenic locations in Kent. This includes Queenborough, Aylesford, Bearsted, Upper Upnor, Faversham , Whitstable and Lower Halstow. Other outings include painting day trips to Kent Life Museum and Bredhurst village. There will also be a trip to London at the end of July 2013 to attend a day of workshops organised by the Society for All Artists (SAA).

Prominent speakers and demonstration artists are booked to give talks and demonstrations to the Society’s members and guests who meet at the Old Town Hall at the Brook Theatre in Chatham. Amongst the speakers is Artist Roy Sparks who will be delivering a lecture on Multiplication of Styles. Artists Bill Newton, Sue Williams and Ben Manchipp will be providing a variety of demonstrations including different mediums and techniques.

The Society, which will be celebrating its 90th anniversary in four years’ time has launched its new website and facebook page which aim at keeping the community abreast of all the society’s activities. Established in 1927, The Rochester and West Kent Art Society exists to encourage the appreciation of Art in its different styles and mediums and to reinforce the artistic skills of its members.

The society holds around 4 Art exhibitions per year. Presently, the Society is running an exhibition at the Strood Library in Medway until the 29th of June 2013. The next exhibition will be in September 2013 at Rochester Adult Learning centre.

(Follow this link for the schedule: Schedule 2013-2014 )

New members are welcome, Art enthusiasts are encouraged to join and to get in contact at: rochesterandwestkentartsociety@yahoo.com

All the details are on the newly created website http://rochesterandwestkentartsociety.org/

Art enthusiasts are encouraged to follow the Facebook page to be updated on all the society’s activities and events.

www.facebook.com/RochesterAndWestKentArtSociety

Woodpecker Wooliams gig – Rochester – June 20th 2013 – 8pm

Creative and Art Events

Woodpecker Wooliams - Rochester - June 20th 2013 - 8pm

One-woman experimentalist blending folk, drone, noise and found-sounds.

Harp strings, fey vocals, taped-down keys, cassettes, recorders, bells white noise, brown sound…

Stories of birds, murder and madness.

Support from Party Pit + Natalie Evans.

Tickets – £6

Time – 8pm

Location – Singapora Lounge, High Street, Rochester

Tiny capacity, so booking is essential!

http://teaconcerts.co.uk/woodpecker-wooliams-rochester-june-20/

Be Involved In The Chatham Mural Project

Creative and Art Events, Creative Opportunities

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Would you like to be part of an exciting community art project to paint a big mural showing scenes from Chatham’s past, present and future? Artist Richard Jeferies will develop designs based on your ideas and work with you to paint a mural which will be painted on Chatham High Street.

All are welcome to come along to the mural and join in with the painting on-site. Young or old, any ability. Whether you are a beginner or a accomplished professional, just pick up a brush and get creative. You can come for 5 minutes or all day, any amount of time you can spare.

Also if you are a local band, musician, entertainer, choir or performer and would like the opportunity to come along and entertain the painters, then you are very welcome on any of the painting days.

The site is next to Homestyle 206/206A Chatham High Street.

To provide ideas or to be involved with the painting just email natasha@creatabot.co.uk or leave a comment on this page.


Sat 27th July – From 10am Painting of undercoat
Mon 29th Jul 9am-5pm Drawing begins
Tue 30th Jul 12-6.30pm Complete Drawing, Painting Begins
Wed 31st Jul 12-6.30pm Painting Day & Relief work
Thu 1st Aug 12-6.30pm Painting Day & Relief work
Fri 2nd Aug 12-6.30pm Painting Day
Sat 3rd Aug 9am-6pm Painting Day
Sun 4th Aug Rest Day (Reserve Day if bad weather)
Mon 5th Aug 11am-5pm Painting Day
Tue 6th Aug 11am-5pm Painting Day
Wed 7th Aug 11am-5pm Detail Painting Outlines
Thu 8th Aug 12-6.30pm Detail painting, Outlines
Fri 9th Aug 12-6.30pm Finish detailing, tidy up
Sat 10th Aug 12noon – The Big Reveal!

Additional information:

The Chatham Mural project has been commissioned by the Developing Neighbourhood Approach (DNA) through Medway Council.

DNA is co-funded by the Developing Neighbourhoods Approach project of the Interreg IVA 2 Seas Programme and the European Regional Development Fund.

The Programme enables cross-border participation in projects that help local residents to improve quality of life by empowering them to make changes in their communities in economic and social areas and environmental improvements.  Locally the project focusses in the areas of Chatham central and Luton but is also being implemented in 3 other cities in Europe, Breda in the Netherlands, Kortrijk and Antwerp in Belgium.

logo_DNA2 Seas Cartouche small