Help us help you! - Membership survey
We will shortly be issuing a survey to our whole membership, across our three main directories and to our general mailing list. This will be one of the most in depth consultations we have carried out, and would greatly appreciate your participation, whether you are a student, freelancer, small or large organisation. It should take no more than 10 minutes to complete, and the results will help us to:

1. Continue to improve the services we offer
2. Better understand your point of view
3. Advocate for the wider sector
4. Identify new opportunities for the future

So keep an eye on your emails, we look forward to hearing your feedback and sharing the findings with you.

The jobs page at www.creativeleicestershire.org.uk is updated regularly & includes job ads with short deadlines that don’t make it into the ebulletin

Associate Creative Practitioners, Pedestrian
Our education provision is growing, and we'd like to grow our team of Associate tutors along with it.  If you think you've got what it takes to inspire young minds, share your passion for your specialism, and teach accredited programmes of work, you should get in touch. We're looking for Associates with specialisms in music technology, djing, fine art and design, photography and graffiti art.  You don't need to have an in date CRB (as we do those) but it is an advantage.  Own car or a love of public transport also a plus! Send an email detailing your experience in your specialism, why you want to/currently work with young people, and why you'd like to work with Pedestrian to info@pedestrian.info using the subject title ASSOCIATE CREATIVE PRACTITIONER APPLICATION. You can send us a CV and a few images / sound files / videos too, if you like (but it's not a requirement). Rates of pay start from £90 per day

Call for Musicians & Artists
Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust (NMPAT) - Musical Inclusion Programme: Call for musicians and artists. NMPAT is looking for musicians, artists and other creative practitioners interested in working with young people in challenging circumstances. Ideally you should have at least 2 years experience of working within music education settings (e.g. schools, youth/community groups, arts organisations etc.), but we are also interested in hearing from artists with little or no experience in this area who are nonetheless keen to undertake professional development to expand and develop their skills. To register you interest, or for an informal discussion about the programme, please contact: Simon Steptoe, Musical Inclusion Partnership and Programme Manager on ssteptoe@nmpat.co.uk

Sales Assistants & Distribution Assistants, Derby LIVE
We present and produce an excellent and diverse programme of performances, events and festivals. We are innovative, inclusive, sustainable and vital to the regeneration of Derby. Excellence + Innovation + Diversity + Sustainability = Derby LIVE Would you like to work in our busy box office, selling tickets and dealing with customer enquiries? More details Fancy looking after all our poster and leaflet displays? And working in our busy box office? Casual positions, £10-15k pro rata Apply here Deadline March 14th

Freelance Music Assessor
Assessors play a key role within Youth Music’s funding programme, with responsibility for assessing a wide range of funding applications.  This includes analysing information about project activities, budgets, risk assessments and other supporting information to formulate objective evaluations in relation to Youth Music’s set criteria.  For each application, assessors are required to compile a concise report that is used to inform the decision-making process. With a funding programme that is heavily over-subscribed, the quality of our assessment processes is crucial in supporting Youth Music to make intelligent funding decisions.  As such, we require our assessors to have experience of grant applications in a UK social context or evaluation of music/arts related projects with children and young people. £40-£75 per assessment, mainly home based work. Deadline 31st March. For more information click here.

Digital media consultant and designer
Soft Touch Arts has been awarded a grant from Youth Music’s Spotlighting programme which aims to capture and share good music-making practice with young people in Leicester and Leicestershire. We are now seeking a digital media consultant and app designer, to design a 'young person friendly digital toolkit'. Total budget £5000. More info here. Deadline March 15th

Programme Co-ordinator, Arts Catalyst, Northamptonshire County Council
Part time, £27-£30k pro rata. By focusing on the impact of arts and intergenerational approaches you will enable Northamptonshire Library and Information Service’s contribution to the Catalyst council agenda, through strengthened communities, to be recognised. You will be inspirational in establishing mutually beneficial alliances with those addressing social capital, leading to a range of arts and intergenerational programmes which deliver visible, recordable community cohesion improvements in areas specified by our Prevention strategy. Through the development of internships and placements within libraries your work will ensure that other organisations can experience the arts and intergenerational asset distinctive to libraries. Deadline 21st March. Click here for details.

Freelance team member, Baby People
Baby People is Derby’s leading Music and Arts development organization. Our work includes education and training, working with some of the regions most hard to reach young people, event programming and artist development. Fee: £200 per month. More details. Deadline March 20th

Public art commission, St Luke's Hospice, Sheffield
St Luke's Hospice, Sheffield, is seeking to appoint an artist or artists to devise and deliver an artistic solution to recognise donors who have funded their new £5.5million In Patient Unit development (due to be completed and operational by October 2013 with a planned launch in April-June 2014), and also to recognise ongoing revenue donors. This should be through two distinct installations/pieces; however, these could be intrinsically linked. For the full brief please email karen@cupolagallery.com or call 0114 285 2665. Deadline for expressions of interest March 31 2013.

Audience Focus Impact Study, Arts Marketing Association
The Arts Marketing Association is commissioning an independent impact study of its large-scale Audience Focus programme aiming to identify, collate, share and embed best practice marketing across arts organisations within England. We are looking for a researcher / research company with experience in evaluating large scale projects and individual behaviour change programmes and with experience of working in the cultural sector. A fee of £28,000 + VAT is available for this work to include all expenses. More details. Deadline 21st March

Assistant Producer, Adverse Camber
Adverse Camber (www.adversecamber.org) is currently producing three national tours of storytelling/spoken word with music including two funded through the Arts Council’s Strategic Touring programme. We are now recruiting a freelance Assistant Producer to support all areas of the artistic programme including these national tours.  The assistant will work closely with producer Naomi Wilds to facilitate marketing and participation programmes associated with the current tour programme as well as supporting visioning and fundraising initiatives for future work. 6 months, 2.5 days a week, flexible working around touring dates, £5000 fee. Contact naomi@adversecamber.org for more. Deadline 21st March

The Castle Table Commissions
Nottingham Castle Museum & Art Gallery along with Ashleigh McDougall, a post-graduate student at the University of Lincoln studying MA Contemporary Curatorial Practice, are seeking an East Midlands-based visual artist who can demonstrate new and challenging ways to display artwork in 6 bespoke table vitrines (or flat display cases) for a temporary display in the Castle café. Individual and group submissions accepted. Total fee £500. Initial enquiries to: Tristram Aver, Exhibitions Officer, on 0115 876 1418, or email: tristram.aver@nottinghamcity.gov.uk Deadline 22nd March

General Manager, Retina Dance Company
An excellent opportunity for an individual with an interest in the arts and sound management experience to play an important role in the ongoing success of Retina Dance Company. Retina seeks a full-time General Manager to carry out overall day-to-day management of the company and contribute to the strategic planning of the organisation. Based at the Nottingham office, this is an integral role that serves to raise the profile of the company and maintain sound business practice while supporting the creative team. Salary: £25,000 to £27,500 Full time (37.5 hours), 28 days holiday plus statutory Bank Holidays. For an information pack please call Retina on 0115 947 6202 (x225) or download all relevant documents via the website. For an informal chat about the position please contact Lee Ann Bannerman on 0115 947 6202 (x224) Deadline March 22nd

Board Members, Retina Dance Company
Retina Dance is currently looking for two Trustees to join the Board of Directors and would like to hear from anyone with an interest in the arts. Areas of particular need with regard to skills and experience are finance, Human Resources and legal expertise. These are voluntary posts. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact us via admin@retinadance.com Deadline March 22nd

Mural Artists, Nottingham City Council
Mural Artist required for project in Nottingham.  To create murals on the shutters that will improve the aesthetics of a Scout hut, whilst providing interesting interpretation/artwork and engaging with the Scouting sections in the design process.  The Scouts have used this hut for many years and with the re development of the park it is felt the murals will bring a new look to the hut and allow the occupants to contribute to the re development in a creative way. Total budget is £5000, to include all materials, preparation, planning travel and subsistence to realise this project. Contact fliss.hogg@nottinghamcity.gov.uk for more information. Deadline 26th March

Lecturer in Dance, University of Northampton
The subject of Music and Dance looks to appoint an experienced practitioner and researcher to work primarily on BA (Hons) Dance, with a track record of teaching in Higher Education. Applicants should have a particular focus in somatic based movement techniques or improvisation and choreography, alongside an in depth knowledge of dance as a sector of creative industries. Applicants will possess a higher degree or equivalent professional experience and research in a relevant discipline. The successful applicant will have a commitment to and experience of teaching and practice-led research. Salary - £31,331 to £35,244. For an informal chat about the position, contact Matthew Gough. To apply, please visit the website. Contact Email: matthew.gough@northampton.ac.uk  or view Website Deadline: Friday 29th March

Musicians and artists, Northamptonshire Music Education Hub
NMEH is looking for musicians, artists and other creative practitioners interested in working with young people in challenging circumstances. Ideally you should have at least 2 years experience of working within music education settings (e.g. schools, youth/community groups, arts organisations etc.), but we are also interested in hearing from artists with little or no experience in this area who are nonetheless keen to undertake professional development to expand and develop their skills. Our Musical Inclusion programme supports some of the most vulnerable young people in Northamptonshire and includes looked-after children, young offenders, refugees and asylum seekers, young people not in education, employment and training, as well as  those with physical/mental disabilities, sensory impairments and/or special educational needs. To register you interest, or for an informal discussion about the programme, please contact: Simon Steptoe, Musical Inclusion Partnership and Programme Manager on ssteptoe@nmpat.co.uk Salary: £15-20k pro rata
Closes 29th March 2013

'How to buy art' film commission, Creative Leicestershire
Creative Leicestershire has secured Arts Council funding to produce a short film promoting the purchase of contemporary art works. We are now inviting expressions of interest in the project to produce the film from film-makers, artists and other creative practitioners. The total budget (inclusive all expenses) is £10,000. The brief for the commission is available to download here.  For more information or to ask any questions, and to submit an expression of interest, please use the following contact: Fred Brookes, Business Advisor, Creative Leicestershire fred.brookes@leics.gov.uk Deadline for expressions of interest: 1st April 2013

Fun scientist, Sublime science
Children’s Science Presenter - A unique position that you will never forget! Enjoy entertaining and educating children by making sweets and slime and earn a great income while having fun! Hours are flexible but the majority of work will be at weekends with only occasional weekday opportunities - this is a perfect part time opportunity! £15-20k pro rata. More info. Deadline June 19th

Board Members, Spark Children's Arts Festival
The Spark are currently looking for three trustees to bring the board up to full capacity, with the following skills and backgrounds to complement the existing trustees and support the strategic direction of the charity: Diversity in arts practice, Marketing and product development, Small and medium size businesses, particularly within Asian communities. To find out more please visit www.sparkfestival.co.uk/jobs or contact the Chair (David Bell) on 07979 770551. You can send a letter of interest with  your CV to info@sparkfestival.co.uk  or by post to The Spark Children’s Arts Festival, LCB Depot, 31 Rutland St, Leicester, LE1 1RE.

Creative Workshops artist callout
Beauty and Utility Arts is currently looking for more artists, crafters and creative writers to join a programme of quality, creative workshops for adults of all abilities to be held at our base in The Atkins Building, Hinckley throughout May, June, July and August 2013. We are open to suggestions for one off workshops that can be repeated or a series of workshops using a range of artistic mediums and techniques and welcome ongoing applications detailing proposals for sessions and two references on max. one side of A4 to be sent to Katherine Brown, Beauty and Utility Arts, The Atkins, Lower Bond Street, Hinckley, Leicestershire, LE10 1UT or beautyandutilityarts@hotmail.co.uk. For the full brief, go to Beauty and utility arts website

Gallery Hire: Unit1 at The Great Central Gallery & Studios
Unit1 gallery is available for hire for one or two week exhibitions. The well appointed gallery space measuring 56m2 (600 square foot) has 20m of hanging space and great natural light as well as daylight bulbs. Hires normally run from Monday-Sunday although some flexibility is often available. Standard hire rates are: £150 = 1week, £250 = 2weeks, with a student rate of: £125 = 1week, £200 = 2weeks. All exhibitions are documented on our website after the exhibition with links to the artists websites. For more information and to see images of past exhibitions visit our website and contact us at: unit1@thegreatcentral.org

Desk or office space needed
Local freelance photographer looking to share office in south Leicester to move it to soon. Please email nick@osbornephotography.co.uk or call 07739 035923.

The Stockhouse - Frog Island
Studio/Office space, Creative professionals sought for light, airy office/studio spaces in character building, waterside area, near Leicester city centre. Rent to include electricity, parking, telephone connection, shared use of kitchen and toilet facilities. Flexible terms available/bank references required. 4 x spaces: 2 x 210 sq ft (1 taken) £300 per month, 2x 150 sq ft £250 per month. contact Rich Harris on 07939 211116 or email richharris@century20.co.uk

Artists’ Studio Space available
Cross Corners Arts Centre is a facility linked to the iconic Belgrave Hall in Leicester, managed by Mellor Community Primary School and owned by Leicester City Council. Following a comprehensive refurbishment, Cross Corners is about to be re-launched as a creative arts centre and has studio space available for up to 5 artists at very competitive rates of £86 per square metre. We want to hear from professional artists who wish to develop their career and provide workshops (one per half term) to children of Mellor School (reflected in the rental level) and other schools/groups using the Centre on a fee earning basis. Cross Corners aims to be an inspirational setting where creative potential is maximised. Expressions of interest are welcomed from existing artist collectives. To find out more and to register your interest please contact Mike Preston on 07500 702909 or Gary Kirk on 07808 060654

Cotesbach Stable Yard
Looking for artists/creative practitioners needing workshop/studio space with retail & informal partnership opportunities, neighbour to the Forge, the Wholefood Shop, Jasons Organic Butchers and the Cotesbach Educational Trust. 'Little Shop' Studio/office space (3.35x3.8=12.73m2/125sqft) with mezzanine available now. (POA) Available from May, 'Forge Studio' 36sqm @ £140pcm. On site accommodation available from 1st July @ £450 pcm, 'Huntsman's Half ' a two bedroom house part of historic Manor, kitchen, huge sitting room, utility room, unique character & atmosphere, woodburning stove, large garden For more information, contact sophy@cotesbach.net or see website.

Workshop Space Available
The Green Place mini eco centre is looking for workshops for its 2013 program. We have a unique craft space in our Mongolian yurt, mounted on a decking with carpets, rugs and electricity. Ideal for a variety of workshops which in the past have included stitchcraft, chocolate making, kids craft and meditation. Half and full day hire available with free publicity of your course to our members, networks and visitors. We may also be interested in paying for craft demonstrations. Cafe available for refreshments and snacks if needed. There is also an ethical gift shop, garden and recycled computer shop. For more details contact Deborah or Darren on 01509 815181 or email info@completewasters.co.uk

Workspaces at LCB Depot & Phoenix
There are a number of workspaces available to LCB Depot and Phoenix including a flexible workspace package. To find out more, go to http://www.lcbdepot.co.uk/workspaces

Nominet Trust - Digital Edge Programme
The programme aims to support projects that use new technology to engage young people in new, more meaningful and relevant ways and enable their participation in building a more resilient society. There is no upper or lower funding limit as the Trust like to encourage applicants to be realistic about what they need to achieve their project objectives.  The closing date for applications is 1st May 2013. Read more at: http://tinyurl.com/chhfe9q

The Generator, film business and market development programme
The Generator is a fast-track high-level Film Business & Market Development Programme, which will enable 8 participants to confidently take film-related creative projects to market to raise finance and set up creative businesses, which can grow and develop. The programme comprises a two-day workshop in Sheffield and a four-day structured and guided industry immersion course at the Edinburgh International Film Festival in June. Cost £200, some expenses covered. How to apply? Please send the following documents to michelle@104films.com by 22nd March 2013: -CV, -Outline of the project (2 pages max) you would like to develop over the programme. This could be a film or television project, a business proposal or a creative idea. -Short statement of intent (1 page max) about how you would like your career to progress over the next five years. http://www.104films.com/

Format International Photography Festival
Running from 6th March to 6th of April,  this year's festival offers a wide range of workshops, exhibitions and training events, on topics from blogging, portraiture, pinhole photography, digital editing. www.formatfestival.com

Code Control: international digital arts festival
Phoenix cinema and art centre in Leicester is partnering with San Francisco software company Cycling ’74 to host Code Control, its second international festival for artists and musicians to explore software which can be used to create unique sounds, stunning visuals and interactive digital art. Running from 22-24 March at Phoenix, Code Control is the only forum outside the US which brings together users of Cycling ‘74’s popular visual programming software ‘Max’. Alongside the festival, Phoenix and Cycling ’74 have announced two initiatives to inspire new digital artists. The Code Catalyst Award fund will give three artists the opportunity to develop and exhibit new work at the festival; and provide forty bursary tickets for students to attend the festival for free. Tickets are available at the Phoenix box office or by phone on 0116 242 2800. They cost £75 for the weekend and £40 for a single day. Concession prices are £60 and £30 respectively. For students interested in applying for the bursary tickets visit the website here.

Brand Design for Leicester Innovation Workspace Centre
Leicester City Council requires the provision of a Branding Design Agency for a new Innovation Workspace Centre located in the Abbey Meadows area of Leicester. The successful service provider will be required to: Create a brand identity, including name, logo, mark, fonts, colour scheme, imagery, visual personality. Provide a brand toolkit including fonts, colour pantones and key design principles. Design and build a website – domain name, web hosting that utilises a content management system for updatable content with design and implementation of the front end website (HTML, JavaScript and CSS). Design, produce and install exterior signage to building as detailed. Design, produce and install interior signage and way-finding as detailed. Design marketing information, as yet unspecified, but may include e.g. around 2000 hard copy promotional packs. (print to be handled by in-house printer). Work with furniture, fittings and equipment (FF&E) consultants and public artists and other partners to the project team to develop a holistic look and feel to the building. Deadline 20th March. Click here for more.

Museum Club Artist Callout
Leicestershire County Council’s Learning & Engagement team are looking for expressions of interest from artists experienced in running creative projects with children (aged 7 to 14). Do you have a distinct and inspiring artistic skill and style that would engage children and could be delivered in a museum club setting? We’re looking for an artist who can base a project on items from our archival collections and create an individual or group artwork with the children. To be considered for this opportunity, please send a CV and a proposal (maximum 500 words) outlining an idea for an art based project you could run to the engagement officer at harpreet.sanghera@leics.gov.uk.

Aspire Awards: Adobe Youth Voices
The Adobe Youth Voices Aspire Awards is a global, online competition that encourages youth to creatively express their vision for driving positive change in local communities. It’s an extension of Adobe Foundation’s philanthropic commitment and its global signature program, Adobe Youth Voices, which aims to ignite creative confidence in youth around the world by empowering them to find their voice and make it heard. For content produced in 2013, including all Adobe Youth Voices Aspire Awards UNICEF Challenge entries, the submission deadline is April 19, 2013. Youth ages 13-19 are eligible to participate by teaming up with adult educators who are from any school or youth organization worldwide. More info here.

Royal Shakespeare Company Key Photography Competition
The RSC Key, a free scheme run by the RSC for 16-25 year olds, is looking for images inspired by quotes from its forthcoming Summer Season, to be displayed on screens in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and in an online gallery. Three designs will also be printed on postcards and handed out at freshers’ fairs, with copies supplied to the winners. Seven shortlisted winners will be invited along with friends and family, to an event at the RSC where they will see their images on the digital screens and receive two tickets to a show that evening. (IdeasTap will contribute up to £50 per winner for travel expenses.) More information here. Deadline 22nd March

BFI Distribution Fund
The BFI Distribution Fund invests in projects that increase access to, and awareness of, high quality British independent and specialised films.  The fund does this by supporting the distribution launch of films that have the potential to reach beyond their core market; and by championing fresh approaches in distribution and marketing that will help films find new audiences, both in cinemas and across additional platforms.  The Distribution Fund has an annual budget of £4 million.  The fund is open to registered companies with direct experience of film distribution.  Read more at: http://tinyurl.com/9wauezq.

D&AD Student Awards 2013: Make Your Mark 
Develop a creative pitch for your dream advertising and design job. Open to current students, those who've graduated since 20 Mar 2011, and anyone under 26. Open for entries from 18 Feb; entry deadline 20 Mar 2013. Further information: www.dandad.org

Re:view bursaries from a-n
a-n The Artists Information Company is offering bursaries of £500-£1,000 to visual and applied artists. These are designed to support their critical and artistic development and through targeted access to critique and advice, to assist artists to move their practice forward. Emerging or mid-career visual artists who are permanently based in the UK and hold a current  Artist +AIR membership are eligible to make an application, using our format and mechanism for receipt. Applications accepted from now and up to 5pm 16 March, 2013. Click here for more.

Voluntary Arts Week 'Craftbomb'
This year’s Voluntary Arts Week takes place from 11 to 19 May, and we’re planning to kick it off with our most ambitious craft project ever! If you’re a knitter, stitcher, quilter, embroiderer – whatever your craftform – we want you to get involved in the Voluntary Arts Week ‘Craftbomb‘. We’re calling on all crafters to help turn the UK and Ireland’s public spaces into a riot of colour to celebrate the first day of Voluntary Arts Week. We’ve put together a pack to help you plan your event, including information on getting permission for your Craftbomb, ideas for what to create, and how to let people know about it. Click here for more, including a downloadable briefing pack.

Showcase: Loughborough Arts Fair
Run by the School of the Arts student committee at Loughborough University, Showcase is an event which seeks to inform students of the creative opportunities available to them in their local area. We are looking for galleries, artists, designers and performing arts groups to generously spare an afternoon and showcase their own practices. It is a great opportunity to liaise with students, recruit volunteers and publicize any upcoming events. Initiated in 2012, Showcase proved to be a great success with the students and the companies involved and we hope that this year you will help us build on that success and make Showcase an even more exciting event. Showcase will be held on the 1st May 2013 at Loughborough University. If you would like to get involved or require any further information please contact Emma Simmonds on e.simmonds-11@student.lboro.ac.uk or 07811309183

Market Bosworth Festival, craft market
The Market Bosworth Festival is taking applications for its annual summer handmade craft market. The Festival is keen for the craft market to have a good balance of work / mediums and so is on the look-out for local handmade crafters and artists to take part. The event takes place on Saturday 22nd June in the market square and stalls cost £18. For more information contact info@bosworthfestival.co.uk

MADE Brighton, craft fair
MADE BRIGHTON takes place between the 21 and 24th November in the Corn Exchange, part of the Dome Complex by the Royal Pavilion in Brighton. Now in its 8th year, MADE Brighton will host again over 120 innovative and original makers and designers. Stand prizes range from £388.80 to £1188. Click here for more. Deadline for applications 31st March

CRAFT, contemporary craft fair
CRAFT will provide a commercial platform for around 100 contemporary designer makers selected by an advisory panel, who wish to reach an audience of professional retailers, galleries, museums and collectors. The show will be co-located with Top Drawer and Home at Earls Court, London from 12 to 14 January 2014. Stands from £950+VAT. More info here. Deadline for applications 28th June 2013

Design Factory invites new members
Design Factory promotes artistic integrity, raises the standard of craft and design and commercially supports and develops the very best designer/makers in craft practice today. Our renowned membership is synonymous with high quality, creativity, innovation and fresh design talent. To reflect this we have an independent selection process (that includes representation from industry specialists) to assess excellence and quality of product and advise on appropriate professional development routes. We offer 6 levels of subscription that are tailored to emerging, new, mid-career and established makers to support professional development through our membership levels. We also welcome those who share our commitment to craft including enthusiasts, patrons, collectors, galleries and friends. Deadline 1st April. Click here for more.

Call for applications: 'gifted.13' Christmas Market
The National Centre for Craft & Design in partnership with Design Factory is seeking applications for 'gifted.13' Christmas Market on Saturday 30th November 2013. The market will take place within the courtyard outside NCCD, between 10am - 4pm. More info here. Deadline 30th April.

Bulldog Portrait Bursary
Would you like to train as a portrait painter? The Bulldog Portrait Bursary aims to develop the talent of an artist at an early stage in their career. The bursary is worth £5,000, plus an extra donation of £2,500 from the de Laszlo Foundation. The aim is to provide an opportunity for an artist, regardless of location, to be mentored by members of the Royal Society of Portrait Painters. Other benefits include access to facilities at the Heatherley School of Fine Art. Deadline 24th April. More info here.

Printmaking Courses at Leicester Print Workshop
The February – July course programme features courses in silkscreen printing onto paper and textiles, letterpress, etching, stone and photoplate lithography, wood engraving and linocut printmaking. They’re also running offsite courses at Lakeside Arts Centre in Nottingham, Rufford Craft Centre in North Nottinghamshire and John Clare Cottage in Helpston, Peterborough. View the programme here http://www.leicesterprintworkshop.com/courses. If you would like to join our mailing list for more information about our courses and events, please email info@leicesterprintworkshop.com

International Ceramics Festival: New and Emerging Makers Competition & Visiting Artist Award 2013
28 - 30 June, Aberystwyth Arts Centre. The Emerging Makers Competition is an opportunity for UK based potters and artists working with clay, who have graduated from college within the past five years, to present a Powerpoint slideshow about their work at the 2013 International Ceramics Festival. Six makers will be selected to make presentations at the festival. The presentations will last 15 minutes each (including a Q&A session). From the six selected, two makers (one based in Wales) will be selected to take part in our visiting artist awards scheme. The UK based award winner will take part in a residency at the Waikato Society of Potters, New Zealand. For further information about the award and application process please visit the website. Deadline 31 March

Heritage Crafts Association Spring Conference 2013 - 23rd March
The theme for the third annual HCA conference is "Manifesto for Making". With a fantastic line up of speakers booked, we will be asking delegates and speakers to contribute to the Manifesto for Making before and on the day. We will ask: Why is making important in the 21st century? •Does it matter that things are made in the UK when they can be made cheaper overseas? What are the broader benefits of making? Most importantly we will be asking our speakers what making actually means to them at a very personal level, why do they do what they do? Featuring Paul Martin (BBC), David Hieatt (Howies) , Mila Burcikova (Misense), Deborah Carre (carreducker). V&A Museum, cost from £10-£35, likely to sell out, book here

Contemporary Art Society: Annual conference
22nd March, Nottingham Contemporary, 10.30am. Cost: free/£15/£50/£75. Key figures explore the act of commissioning, the opportunity it presents, and issues relating to the work and the institution, as well as look at co-acquiring, access, etc. Further information at: contemporaryartsociety.org

Call our for artists: Wirksworth Festival 2013, 6 - 22 September
A leading rural arts festival where everyone can enjoy great art in a unique and inspiring setting. Applications to Exhibit Now Open for Art And Architecture Trails Weekend 7th-8th September. Wirksworth Festival is now firmly established as a leading festival in the region, attracting artists and visitors from throughout the country to explore the fascinating historic market town. With many artists, designers and makers exhibiting, it offers a great opportunity to exhibit, sell, socialise and network. We continue to seek quality work for the Trails Weekend, promoting far and wide and continue to build sales for our artists while maintaining the elements of surprise and discovery that we feel are the trademark of the event. If you would like to apply click here. The deadline for applications is 18th April. Tel: 01629 824003, website www.wirksworthfestival.co.uk

Exhibitions wanted: Nuneaton Museum and Art Gallery
The Warwickshire venue is looking for proposals for exhibitions from artists and artist groups. Exhibitions may be touring, local history, thematic (based on the museum collection), community or visual art. The deadline for applications is 19 May 2013. For full application pack, email: jennifer.shaw@nuneatonandbedworth.gov.uk

Call for arts and crafts stalls, Riverside Festival
Arts and crafts stalls wanted for Riverside Festival taking place in Leicester on 1st and 2nd June across Bede Park and Castle Park. 4'x10' market stalls w. canopy and two chairs cost £70 for both days or £40 for one. Contact Selina Basra on 0116 238 5085 or Selina.Basra@leicester.gov.uk

Call for Applications: Lustre 2013
Each year in November, Lakeside is host to Lustre, a prestigious event in the contemporary craft calendar. Featuring top quality work by selected UK designer/makers, this is a key diary date for anyone interested in discovering unique pieces of jewellery, textiles, ceramics, glass, wood and metalwork. It’s the perfect buying opportunity for festive shoppers and serious collectors alike. Lustre 2013 will be held from Friday 8th - Sunday 10th November and innovative makers of quality applied arts are invited to apply for exhibition space. Stalls: £425. Concession rate: £300 (recent graduates of 2 years). No commission charged. Submission deadline: Friday 22 March. For more information, visit www.lakesidearts.org.uk

3D body scanner comes to Nottingham
Designer Forum is collaborating with the Hollings faculty of Manchester Metropolitan University and hosting a state of the art 3D body scanner in Nottingham city centre to collect and analyse body measurements of the population. We would like to invite clothing businesses of all sizes who may be interested in taking part to contact us. The data- including detailed lists of measurements would then be available to participants. Further details will be announced later. Please contact us to register your interest in taking part: enquiries@designerforum.org.uk.  
More details of the Hollings body scanner can be found here.

Call for Applications - Handmade in Britain 13: The Contemporary Crafts & Design Fair
8 - 10 November. Handmade in Britain will be returning to Chelsea Old Town hall for their 7th year in 2013, showcasing exceptional British craft and design to begin the Christmas season. Applications are now being accepted from designer-makers working in Britain and creating in the following disciplines: Fashion design & accessories, Interior design & accessories, glass, jewellery, furniture, stationery, metalwork, ceramics, sculpture, woodwork, prints and etchings. If you are a recent graduate, you can apply for the New Graduate Showcase, a dedicated gallery space within the main hall at Handmade in Britain 13. To qualify, you must have graduated in 2012 or 2013. For more information on either of these opportunities, and to apply, please download the Handmade in Britain 13 application pack, or the New Graduate Showcase application pack. Deadline,12 April

Code Control: international digital arts festival
Phoenix cinema and art centre in Leicester is partnering with San Francisco software company Cycling ’74 to host Code Control, its second international festival for artists and musicians to explore software which can be used to create unique sounds, stunning visuals and interactive digital art. Running from 22-24 March at Phoenix, Code Control is the only forum outside the US which brings together users of Cycling ‘74’s popular visual programming software ‘Max’. Alongside the festival, Phoenix and Cycling ’74 have announced two initiatives to inspire new digital artists. The Code Catalyst Award fund will give three artists the opportunity to develop and exhibit new work at the festival; and provide forty bursary tickets for students to attend the festival for free. Tickets are available at the Phoenix box office or by phone on 0116 242 2800. They cost £75 for the weekend and £40 for a single day. Concession prices are £60 and £30 respectively. For students interested in applying for the bursary tickets visit the website here.

Call for exhibitors Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair
10 - 13 October. Spinningfields. The GNCCF showcases contemporary craft to buy from over 150 selected designer-makers in ceramics, glass, jewellery, interior and fashion textiles, wood, paper, silver, metal, product design, print-making and more. Exhibitors are chosen by a selection panel made up of five industry experts and changes every year to ensure a different body of work is selected each year. Applications must be from the designer-maker and work should not be mass produced. For full details, costs and to apply go to http://www.greatnorthernevents.co.uk/how-to-apply-for-2013.aspx. Deadline, 31 March

British Ceramics Biennial £3,000 graduate award & exhibition
The British Ceramics Biennial and the National Association of Ceramics in Higher Education (NACHE) invite graduates from BA and MA courses at UK universities to submit their work for selection for FRESH 2013. FRESH is an exhibition of new ceramic work by recent graduates, to be presented in the China Hall on the original Spode factory site from 28 September to 10 November 2013, as part of the British Ceramics Biennial festival. To be eligible to participate you need to be a 2012 or 2013 graduate from a UK higher education university or college. The primary media of your work should be clay (although all media are allowed) with the work based on the exploration of the ceramic process. FRESH offers a single £3,000 prize award to the best work. For full details and to apply, download the application form. Deadline, 5 July

Ruth Singer Studio - A space to make, place to learn. Craft, textile and sewing classes.
Makers' Yard, 82-86 Rutland St, Leicester LE1 1SB. Ruth Singer studio is a new venue for craft activities in Central Leicester. The Studio re-opens mid February in the new Makers’ Yard in Leicester’s Cultural Quarter. Workshops cover a variety of sewing levels and are taught by Ruth Singer, designer-maker and sewing author. The studio is also available for group private tuition and to host creative celebrations such as children's birthdays and hen parties. 2013 workshops include Transparency in Textiles, Mastering Zips, Seams and Hems and Learn to Sew. For more information about the studio and to book onto a workshop please see the studio website www.ruthsinger.com

Call out for: Crafted
Creative Hinckley’s summer Craft and Design Fair is seeking applications from artists to sell work at this established event. Crafted will take place on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 June from 10am to 4pm at The Atkins Building, Lower Bond Street, Hinckley. Stalls cost £30 for one day and £50 for the weekend. For an application form visit www.creativehinckley.co.uk

States of Independence: Independent Press Day
Saturday 16 March, 10.30am-4.30pm. Clephan Building, De Montfort University, LE1 5XY. Seventy writers, mostly from the East Midlands, will be reading from their work at an events programme to accompany an equal number of staff from independent publishers and writing organisations staffing bookstalls and displaying their work. Learn everything you need to know about eBooks, comics, and poetry from the Chartists. There are sessions about the lives of Sudanese women, unexplained phenomena and nature poetry. We discuss lesbian and gay fiction, short stories about mental health and present some music from Bulgaria. Around the world with States of Independence! For full details about the programme, go to http://www.fiveleaves.co.uk/statesofindependence/. This event is supported by Creative Leicestershire

Writing East Midlands courses
Based at Leicester Adult Education Centre. Please note all costs subject to a 4% booking fee if purchased online, 10% early bird discount available (dates vary)
For more information on all courses listed, click here
 

• Starting to Write Poetry with John Gallas, 5 sessions from 15th April, £65
   
• Writing from the Body with Alison Dunne, 5 sessions from 15th April, £65
   
• Novel Writing Workshop with Rod Duncan, 12 sessions from 16th April, £150
   
• Starting to Write Young Adult Fiction with Maxine Linnell, 4 sessions from 18th April, £55
   
• Finding your Voice through Character with Deborah Tyler-Bennett, 6 sessions from 3rd June, £77
   
• Telling the Truth with Alison Dunne, 6 sessions from 3rd June, £80
   
• Writing Your Own Story with Maxine Linnell, 6 sessions from 5th June, £80
   
• Young Adult Fiction Writing Workshop with Maxine Linnell, 6 sessions from 6th June, £80
   
• Flash Fiction Workshop with Emma Lannie, 15th June, £15
   
• Publish your Ebook in a Day with Pippa Hennessy, 15th June, £77

 

Routes to writing: Editing and writer development day
Are you an emerging writer, looking to hone your work for publication?  Perhaps you’ve got a writing project you want to embark on and would like to set goals for its completion.  If you’re looking for practical advice on the literature landscape, how to edit your work and prepare your writing for submission to agents and publishers, book a place on our Editing and Writer Development Day.  The workshop day is suitable for new and emerging writers of all genres and disciplines, or for writers wanting a chance to think in more depth about their writing process. Tuesday 26 March, 10.30 – 4.30 (Lunch is not provided), Price: £35 Plus 4 % PayPal fee if booking online. For more, click here.

Museum Club Artist Callout
Leicestershire County Council’s Learning & Engagement team are looking for expressions of interest from artists experienced in running creative projects with children (aged 7 to 14). Do you have a distinct and inspiring artistic skill and style that would engage children and could be delivered in a museum club setting? We’re looking for an artist who can base a project on items from our archival collections and create an individual or group artwork with the children. To be considered for this opportunity, please send a CV and a proposal (maximum 500 words) outlining an idea for an art based project you could run to the engagement officer at harpreet.sanghera@leics.gov.uk.

Lets Dance International Festival
This year’s LDIF celebrates International Day of Dance with a programme from Guadeloupe, Iran, India, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Turkey, UK and Brazil; where the artists have focused on traditional styles and updated them to reflect contemporary culture by marrying basic structures, identity and dance styles. Running from 29th April - 25th May including performances, masterclasses and seminars. Click here for more.

Dance in Leicester City of Culture 2017
Friday 24 May, 6pm. This seminar will allow artists throughout the community to come together to discuss potential projects to be developed to promote the City of Culture. Chaired by Fiona Allan, Chief Executive of Curve, this is the perfect networking opportunity. The consortium are looking for dynamic and ambitious applications to the City of Culture programme, in order to fend off tough opposition from the other applicants. Click here for more.

Royal Academy of Dance, Introduction to Inclusive Dance
An introduction on teaching dance in an inclusive setting. Gain useful tips and strategies to aid with your class planning. Suitable for dance teachers, SEN professionals, arts practitioners, support and youth workers. 5 April 2013, 11am - 4pm, £60. For more information and to book, visit the website or contact Miranda Peake on 020 7326 8036 or via email: mpeake@rad.org.uk

14/48: The World’s Quickest Theatre Festival.
On May 24th and 25th The Y will be hosting Seattle’s famous 14/48: The World’s Quickest Theatre Festival. 7 directors, 7 writers, 25 actors, a band, a design team and a whole host of volunteers will come together to create 14 plays in 48 hours. The Y is working in partnership with Seattle’s 14/48 team and Leicester College to bring the Arts Community of Leicester and the East Midlands together, to network, train, create, and have a fantastically fun time in the process. For more information or to take part please contact Amy Christer: artseducation@leicesterymca.co.uk

Family Friendly Arts Conference
15th April, 11.00-5.00, Town Hall, Birmingham, Devised in consultation with over 1,000 arts professionals and 2,000 families, the sector-led Campaign will be officially launched with a major one-day event at Birmingham’s prestigious Town Hall.  As well as getting details of how to take part in the first national Family Arts Festival (18 October - 3 November 2013) and get access to free specialist advice and support for arts organisations in your area, there will be the chance to learn from experts in engaging families from beyond the arts sector. More here. Early bird £75+VAT until 15th march, £100+VAT thereafter.

C-DaRE Events Programme 2013 
Coventry University’s Centre for Dance Research (C-DaRE) have announced a number of events for the coming months. These include two day-long symposiums. Shifting Balances (20 Feb) explores perspectives of dynamic balance, while Digital Echoes (27 Mar) asks what impact do digital archives have on artists' practices and on the digital economy. There’s also a series of evening seminars and discussions beginning on 21 Feb with AHRC Creative Fellow Ruth Gibson. For a full list of forthcoming events, see: www.c-dare.co.uk

Stage One, funding new theatre productions and producers
If you are an aspiring theatre producer, Stage One can help get you onto the first rung of your career ladder, and turn your entrepreneurial ideas and ambitions into reality. A range of support is available, from paid apprenticeships (approx £18k pa) in commercial and subsidized theatres, bursaries and investments (up to £50k) for new productions and industry-leading mentorships. For more information, click here

Kevin Spacey Foundation Grants
Anyone starting a career in the arts can apply for a KSF Grant (£500, £1500 and £2500) and we will consider projects from across the performing arts (music, dance and drama) and film, as long as the ideas are innovative and exciting. We are particularly interested in theatre projects. Deadlines for 2013 are 4th March - 5th April, and 30th August to 4th October. See website for more.

Extra-Ordinary Workshop
Friday 17 May, 11am-12pm. Embrace Arts, LE1 7HA. A unique opportunity to meet and work with David Toole and Linda Hind, prior to their evening performance of Extra-Ordinary at Embrace Arts. Fresh from the Paralympic opening ceremony, David Toole will be sharing skills and techniques to develop your own unique way of dancing. Only 1 workshop is available. Suitable for KS4+. Please contact Marianne Pape for more information on 0116 252 3037, arts-education@le.ac.uk and visit www.embracearts.co.uk

Theatres Protection Fund
Through the Fund grants of up to £5,000 are available for projects that address urgent building repairs, improve operational viability, introduce environmental improvements, and which enhance physical accessibility.  To be eligible, applicants have to own or manage theatres with titles or signed leases of more than 5 years on buildings.  Applicants also need to demonstrate that they run a regular theatre programme of professional, community and/or amateur work presenting no less than 30 performances a year.  Applicants must have a bona fide UK charitable or not-for-profit legal structure and be able to provide certified or audited accounts for at least two years. Read more at: http://www.theatrestrust.org.uk/grants

Code Control: international digital arts festival
Phoenix cinema and art centre in Leicester is partnering with San Francisco software company Cycling ’74 to host Code Control, its second international festival for artists and musicians to explore software which can be used to create unique sounds, stunning visuals and interactive digital art. Running from 22-24 March at Phoenix, Code Control is the only forum outside the US which brings together users of Cycling ‘74’s popular visual programming software ‘Max’. Alongside the festival, Phoenix and Cycling ’74 have announced two initiatives to inspire new digital artists. The Code Catalyst Award fund will give three artists the opportunity to develop and exhibit new work at the festival; and provide forty bursary tickets for students to attend the festival for free. Tickets are available at the Phoenix box office or by phone on 0116 242 2800. They cost £75 for the weekend and £40 for a single day. Concession prices are £60 and £30 respectively. For students interested in applying for the bursary tickets visit the website here.

Royal Academy of Dance - Dance and Lifelong Wellbeing conference
London: 26-28th April, We are delighted to announce details of our conference which will bring together leading experts in dance, health, community arts and education to explore the ways in which dance can enhance lives. The conference will combine interviews, presentations, panel discussions, demonstration classes and a live performance and will take place over three days at both the Royal Academy of Dance and the London College of Fashion. Click here for more.

MA Performance Practices, DMU
This MA provides in depth ways in which to investigate both the creative and critical contexts of performance, and offers an opportunity to undertake placements. Designed for those wishing to further their studies to develop as independent artists, practitioner-researchers, scholarly researchers and reflective practitioners, it is also suitable for professional artists and educators who wish to reinvigorate their practice and deepen their engagement in performance making. Alongside creating a postgraduate community of performance, the region hosts exciting performance contexts such as curve, Hatch, NottDance, circuit and Newvolutions, offering further dynamic environments outside of university life. For further information including the admission process and fees, visit the website. For informal discussion about the course please email either Helena Goldwater hgoldwater@dmu.ac.uk or Sally Doughty sdoughty@dmu.ac.uk

Let's Dance International Festival
29 April - 25 May 2013. The aim of the festival is to raise the profile of dance throughout Leicester by offering a range of performances by local, national and international artists that reflect the diversity of the city and to give opportunities to new, emerging talent. The full programme of events and CPD opportunities will be launched in February. Find out more at www.serendipity-uk.com

Making Music Open Stage
For the past two years the Making Music Open Stage has been one of the most popular and successful elements of the festival, with choirs of all styles and levels of experience taking part. Applications are now open for this year’s event. Making Music is looking for a wide variety of styles – classical, barbershop, gospel, R&B, world and much more besides – in short 15-30 minute unaccompanied programmes. This is a chance for voluntary choirs to join the likes of Led Zeppelin and David Bowie by performing at one of London’s most iconic venues – the Roundhouse. The winning choirs will also be able promote themselves on a national platform to hundreds of people interested in choral singing, as well as appearing on the same bill as some of the UK’s leading choirs. Read more at: www.makingmusic.org.uk/voicesnow2013

Museum Club Artist Callout
Leicestershire County Council’s Learning & Engagement team are looking for expressions of interest from artists experienced in running creative projects with children (aged 7 to 14). Do you have a distinct and inspiring artistic skill and style that would engage children and could be delivered in a museum club setting? We’re looking for an artist who can base a project on items from our archival collections and create an individual or group artwork with the children. To be considered for this opportunity, please send a CV and a proposal (maximum 500 words) outlining an idea for an art based project you could run to the engagement officer at harpreet.sanghera@leics.gov.uk.

Performing Arts Leicester Membership
Performing Arts Leicester (PAL) is a partnership set up by a group of venues and organisations in Leicester. Its mission is to positively change the perception of Leicester through its performing arts offer. Current membership benefits include, Twice yearly full member networking opportunities, Membership to PAL subgroups, sharing resources and expertise, The opportunity to apply to the NextGen professional development programme,  Direct links with key decision makers. There is a fee to join, dependent on the number of full time equivalent staff. To join you should be an organisation with a constitution which is producing, promoting or supporting professional live performance in Leicester, Leicestershire or Rutland. For details on how to join contact Lucia Masundire at Creative Leicestershire
e: lucia.masundire@leics.gov.uk.

Launch of CultureHive
23rd April, Phoenix, 2.00-4.30pm, Free. We'd like to invite you to register now for the above free launch event. Explore the changing context for marketing and leadership in the cultural sector with our keynote speaker Russell Willis Taylor (President and CEO of the US National Arts Strategies); see a live demonstration of CultureHive and find out how it might help you to find ideas, knowledge and inspiration; discuss latest thinking, share ideas, network and socialise. The new online resource, created and managed by the Arts Marketing Association, funded by Arts Council England and delivered in partnership with the Audience Agency, has been designed to help cultural organisations to develop, share and adopt exceptional solutions to reach and engage more people more often. For more, click here.

FSB & More Restaurant Networking Evening
First Wednesday of every month, 6pm. More Restaurant, 62a London Road, Leicester, LE2 0QD. Great opportunity for local businesses no matter how big or small to get together and meet like minded people who in turn could help you with your business. FREE ADVERTSING: MORE Restaurant has over 1500 customers dining each week and are allowing networkers attending this event to advertise their business on their TV screens within the restaurant for free (every month they attend). Network, Socialise, Eat & Drink £16 per person. FSB members must bring their FSB membership card, in order to receive their discounted rate. For more information contact Vimal Chauhan: FSB Chairman (Leicester City), 0116 298 6444 info@DriveMyCarHome.co.uk

Federation of Small Businesses Conference
22 - 23 March, Curve. A line-up of business speakers and senior
politicians from the Coalition Government and the Opposition will give delegates pause for thought. More information on the conference is on the web site http://www.fsb.org.uk/conference2013. Conference attendance with refreshments and lunch only £50.00

Creative Coffee
Wednesday 27th March, 10am-12pm. Creativity, Coffee and Conversation. We're a free fortnightly networking meet-up for creative people and those looking to meet creatives, in the cafe-bar at Phoenix, 4 Midland Street, Leicester LE1 1TG. See www.creativecoffee.org.uk

Volunteering Network Hinckley
Wednesday 20th March, 5.30pm-7.00pm. St Francis Centre, Tudor Road, Hinckley. A session for volunteers or staff who manage volunteers to look at developments in volunteering, learning and support. Looking to see if this might become a regular session. More information here.

Audience agency practical surgeries
11th July, De Montfort University, Innovation Centre. Ideal to follow up on and help embed training, or help you with a particular issue you might be facing, our consultants will provide practical, tailored advice to help you with your audience development and marketing challenges. These surgeries can be accessed as standalone support or as additional help following on from attendance at one of our events. The conditions of Lottery funding mean the surgeries are free to Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisations. They cost £50 +VAT for ACE Major Partner Museums and £90+VAT for non-National Portfolio Organisations. Click here for more (Note: limited spaces, going quickly!)

Creative Leicestershire Artists' Training for artists
Creative Leicestershire are glad to announce that applications for our training programme for artists working in healthcare settings are now open. We are working with Willis Newson and Beauty and Utility Arts to deliver a programme of training sessions for artists working in healthcare settings. The programme consists of 4 days of tailored training for artists with experience of running participatory arts projects in community or education settings, who wish to extend their practice into health, or for artists with experience of working in health settings who want to improve their skills and extend their knowledge. Additionally, there will be one sharing day promoting to potential commissioners and collaborators, and one day spent on placement. Course Dates: Thursday 18th April, Thursday 25th April, Thursday 2nd May, Thursday 13th June. Sharing Day: Tuesday 9th July. Mentoring & Placement: May – June. £85 per day, £370 in total. 50% on booking, 50% at end of April. There are two free places for recent graduates from Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. More info here. Deadline for booking 11th April. This is supported by Creative Leicestershire.

East Midlands Training Opportunities for Creative Practitioners

• Creativity and the Aging Brain - 15 March, 9.30am-3.15pm. Mansfield Library. An essential training session for practitioners supporting the health & social care of Older People. The day will be full of practical help, and we will also show case studies which evidence creativity in practice with the ageing brain. These will include the use of wellbeing assessment data; and show you how to bring creativity into your practice whether you are or aren’t a skilled artist.

For bookings & all enquiries contact; Jo Stockdale, CLADAC Programme Co-ordinator on; 07929312377 or email; jo@cladac.co.uk. Some discounts are available for individual practitioner and block bookings

 

 

 

Free training from Rolls Royce
Rolls Royce in Derby have yet again generously donated training places for us to pass on to Arts Organisations across a variety of courses. We are taking bookings for these courses now, but express your interest quickly as there is only 1 place available per course, and we will be allocating that place on a first come first served basis. (Please note, while these are free to attend, no-shows and cancellations will be charged)

• First Aid Full Basic - 4 days - 10th-13th June - 8.30 - 16.00
• Negotiating Skills - 2 days - 23rd-24th July - 8.00-16.00
• Time Management - 1 day - 20th November - 8.00 - 16.00

Contact: peter.collins@artsandbusiness.org.uk to express an interest

Training Events from Voluntary Action Leicestershire

• Public Health Event - 20th March, 10am-1pm. St Martins House, Leicester, LE1 5PZ. This event is an opportunity for VCS organisations to learn more about the changes happening to Public Health, how that change might affect them and how best to engage with the new model.
• Introduction to Marketing - 20th March, 10am-4pm, VAL offices, 9 Newarke St, LE1 5SN. Learn how to make the most of free and low cost resources to attract new customers and build loyalty. This course will help you to define the right tools to target your customers and create an achievable marketing communications plan. Cost £99
• Localism, Big Society and Your Community - 28th March, 6pm-8pm, Huncote Pavilion, Huncote. The session will look at the main sections of the Localism Act- for example the community right to challenge, bid and buy and discuss how this can be relevant to the VCS in Leicester and LeicesterShire, illustrated with examples from other parts of the country.
• Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS) in Seven Days. 10th April to 22nd May (various days) VAL offices, 9 Newarke St, LE1 5SN. The course covers the role of the teacher in facilitating learning and their legal responsibilities within a classroom setting. You will learn how to plan effective learning activities taking into consideration different learning styles, methods of delivery and assessment. The course will cover communication within the classroom and techniques to include and motivate the students you have.
• Running a mentoring scheme. 21st march, 12.00-1.00. Free. Are you thinking of setting up a mentoring project or using mentors within your organisation but are not sure what it takes? Andy Cook of Twenty Twenty will be here to describe his experiences in establishing one for his organisation. He will cover areas such as mentoring and the law, best practice and resources that might help.
• Certificate in funding and funding applications. 22nd and 29th April 10.00-4.30. £149. This course is the first step for individuals wanting to develop their skills in fundraising and writing effective funding applications. It looks at the different types of funding available, their advantages and disadvantages. You will look at where to look for funding and how to write applications for funding that give you and your organisation a greater chance of success.
• Understanding and using Skilled for Health 17th April 10.00am to 4.00pm. £75. Skilled for Health is the evidence based, national Health Literacy embedded learning resource. It is aimed at those adults who have the poorest health and learning outcomes. This is a one day workshop which provides an introduction to the resources. It is aimed at experienced trainers and will show participants how to use the resources in their work. The workshop includes practical sessions on planning and delivering Skilled for Health.
• Training for small charities - Developing a Fundraising Plan 25th March 9.30 to 4.30. £20. The Institute of Fundraising is offering training on developing a fundraising plan. The training is open to all charities with a voluntary income of less than £1m. By the end of this session fundraisers will be able to Identify relevant regulation and best practice in fundraising, State how to build a fundraising plan, Construct the outline of a fundraising plan for their organisation. Taking place in the Priory Rooms, Birmingham. 

Philanthropy and fundraising from Cultivate
Two programmes offered by Cultivate-EM: 3D Dynamic Fundraising: Cultivate in partnership with international data information company Experian have developed an innovative analysis and development programme to support cultural organisations in identifying, profiling and developing relationships with current and potential donors. 3D Fundraising will enable organisations to identify key relationship building and retention strategies based on Experian's analysis of your existing customer data. VANTAGE: Designed to address the structural and cultural changes that many organisations need to make at board and senior officer level to improve their fundraising capabilities and increase philanthropic giving, VANTAGE is Cultivate's unique development programme for governing bodies and senior managers. If you would like to enquire about participating in either programme please contact Vanessa Rawlings-Jackson at vanessa@cultivate-em.com or telephone 0115 852 4006. See here for more.

Starting Blocks Business Support Workshops 
De Montfort University’s Innovation Centre have partnered with Seed Creativity to deliver a schedule of presentations and workshops designed to help small businesses and growing SME’s develop. Each workshop will cover practical elements, case-studies and in many cases will feature guest speakers who will share their own experiences. Upcoming events include:

• Networking Skills - Wednesday 10 April
• Working with Mentors/Winning Financial Support - Wednesday 8 May
• Presentation Skills and Pitching - Wednesday 12 June
• Good Practice with Finance - Wednesday 10 July

Each workshop costs £10 and will take place between 5.30-7.30pm, at The Innovation Centre. To find out more and to book, visit the website

Arts Award Training Opportunities

• Discover & Explore Arts Award Adviser Training - 20 March, 1pm-4.30pm. Beaumanor Hall, Woodhouse, LE12 8TX. A half day course aimed at those working in the Arts with young people aged 7+. It is the first step in supporting, mentoring and assessing young people ( aged 7-25) working towards their Arts Award.
• Arts Award Bronze & Silver Adviser Training - 21 March, 9.30am-4pm. Fearon Hall, Loughborough, LE11 1PL. A full day course aimed at those working in the Arts with young people aged 11-25.

You will meet other professionals who are planning to run Arts Award and  be given an adviser toolkit, which details what is required at each level. Please book online at www.artsaward.org.uk

Essentials of… Audience development
Wednesday 20 March, Phoenix Square Leicester. If you’ve been tasked with writing or revising your audience development plan and are not sure where to start or have just taken on a role in audience development, this seminar is a great opportunity to get some practical advice while networking with colleagues from across a range of artforms. Suitable for Suitable for Officer/Assistant level, this seminar will cover parts of the Arts Marketing Standards Module 3, Develop the audience, visitor and participation proposition; and Module 4, manage and provide marketing communications. For more information and to book, go to http://www.theaudienceagency.org/events/audiencedevelopment  

Creative Consultation with Young People
Monday 22 April, 10am - 4.15pm. Lakeside Arts Centre, Nottingham. This course is suitable for anyone who is looking to consult with young people through engagement in creative participatory activities. There is increasing pressure from national and local government, funders, organisations and young people themselves for organisations involved in youth arts activities to consult effectively. With this in mind, Artsplan has created this course to respond to this growing need and to inspire course participants to undertake meaningful, well structured, planned, engaging and dynamic consultation programmes with young people. All participants will receive a certificate of attendance upon successful completion of the course and a wealth of practical resources.  Prices for each course, which include lunch and refreshments, range from £110 to £150, with limited bursaries available. Members of ENYAN can request a 10% discount on all Artwork publications and training courses! For more information, or to make a booking please visit www.artswork.org.uk/training, or contact the Manager- Learning and Skills via: artsplan@artswork.org.uk or call 02380 332491.

Creative Workshops from Beauty & Utility Arts
Beauty and Utility Arts has a range of Creative Workshops for adults on offer throughout March and April to suit all interests and abilities. We have some fantastic artists working with us facilitating workshops including: felt making, comedy writing, poetry writing, face and body art, drumming, rag rug making, painting and much much more. Visit www.beautyandutilityarts-creativeworkshops.com for more details and how to book.

Arts Development UK invites new members
AD:uk is one of the largest national organisations representing the interests of those working in arts development for local communities. We have three top-level objectives: Member services: to equip our members through formal and informal training and learning with the skills and knowledge to deliver high quality, effective arts services. Research and Advocacy: to inform and represent our members and their work at national and regional level. Operations: to ensure that the association is a sustainable and effective organisation. Members benefit from access to tailored professional development, information resources, regional groups, seminars and a major annual conference. Fees range from (excluding VAT) £42 for unemployed/students, £80 for professionals, and group/organisational discounts are available. More info here.

Community Forum budgets 2013/14
You may be aware that Leicestershire County Council has made £320,000 available to all 25 Community Forums in the county. Local Communities can have Up to £5,000 available this year to invest in local improvements of their choice.  We are looking for projects that can be delivered by March 2014. Applications should be in three weeks before your local decision night, so call us now to find out your dates. More here.

DigiBIC Award, businesses and research institutes
The DigiBIC Award rewards businesses and research institutes who have worked together to successfully deploy digital technologies in the Creative Industries. Winners will receive a cash prize and an expenses-paid trip to pitch to an audience of investment, innovation and business incubation specialists at the EBN Annual Congress in Derry-Londonderry on 29-31 May 2013. The deadline for entries is 26 March 2013. More here.

Carnegie UK Trust: Test Town UK
The Carnegie UK Trust has announced the launch of a new £10,000 competition for young people to help rejuvenate town centres. ‘TestTown’ is a new competition for young people throughout the UK aged between 16 and 25 to put forward their own ground-breaking ideas to redesign the future UK high street. The top 10 finalist teams with the most exciting ideas will be shortlisted in April with the climax of the competition taking place across three days in Dunfermline, Scotland this June. The 10 teams will take over vacant town centre space and trade with real consumers. More info here  
 

Are you ready for RTI?
From 6th April 2013, HMRC are introducing a new legislation that means that employers will be required to submit PAYE information to HMRC each time a payment is made, rather than at the end of the year. It’s called Real Time Information - or RTI. It's going to mean a big change to the way UK businesses manage payroll so you need to take action now to make sure your business is compliant. Download a free guide from SAGE here.

Google offers free training and tools for charities
The ‘Grow Your Charity Online’ initiative will provide free training and tools for smaller charities across the country. It comprises an online learning hub, specialised training, workshops and live events. As part of the campaign, Google will host a regular series of online educational events, allowing charities from across the UK to join advice sessions remotely, while Google UK employees will dedicate a percentage of their work time towards the project, by volunteering their expertise at workshops over the year. Get started here.

Royal Bank of Scotland Inspiring Enterprise Programme (UK)
The Royal Bank of Scotland has announced that it is seeking applications under its Inspiring Youth Enterprise programme. Young people are one of three target groups that the RBS will be supporting under its Inspiring Enterprise programme. As well as youth the programme will be supporting women in enterprise and social entrepreneurs. Grants of up to £50,000 are currently available to not for profit organisations, supporting young people aged 13 to 30 years. The fund will be open to applications twice a year for the annual funding pot of £500,000.There is a very short deadline for this funding round. This is 12 noon on the18th March 2013. More info here

Artists Project Earth Grants
Artists Project Earth (APE) which funds projects that tackle the effects of climate change has announced that its next funding round is now open for applications. Applications sought from organisations that: Defend communities and ecosystems against the impacts of climate change, Support and build resilience for communities affected by natural disasters. Grants usually range from £500 up to £20,000. More info here. Deadline 31st March

Paul Hamlyn Foundation Open Grants
The Arts Open Grants Scheme supports work that increases people's enjoyment, experience and involvement in the arts.  All applications to the Arts Open Grants scheme must relate to this theme. Our grants aim to enable organisations to experiment with and develop new ways of engaging with audiences and participants. There is no minimum or maximum grant size, we are unlikely to fund 100 per cent of the costs, awards last year ranged from £8,500 to £320,000. There are no closing dates. Click here for more info.

Ideas Fund
IdeasTap funding scheme is open to all creative disciplines. If you’re aged between 16-25 and have a creative project that could do with a cash injection, this is the fund for you. They’re offering 10 projects £1,000 each, to help get them off the ground. Read more at: More info Deadline 4th April

Nectar Small Business Awards
Small and medium-sized businesses and social enterprises throughout the UK are invited to apply for the Nectar Business Small Business Awards 2013. Categories include Small business of the year, Start up of the year, Innovation of the year, Contribution to the community, Entrepreneur of the year, Tradesperson of the year. The expert panel will award £2,000 cash, 50,000 nectar points and national media publicity. Deadline 30th May 2013. More info here.

Confessions of a StartUp, StartUp Britain
Send a video pitch about your start-up to StartUp Britain and have the chance to win a prize package worth over £5,000, including a laptop, HD video camera, mentoring, branding assistance and business support. Supported by Viking office supplies. Deadline 1st April. More information here.

Age of Creativity
Age of Creativity is an online platform to share, celebrate and inspire work in the field of arts and older people. Age of Creativity aims to foster collaboration and discussion between practitioners, facilitators, artists and organisations through showcasing pioneering work and providing a shared space to exchange ideas, opportunities and resources. Click here to visit the site.

vInspired Cashpoint
vInspired Cashpoint is open for business once again, giving young people the opportunity to bring their ideas for social action projects to life. The concept is simple. If you're 14-25 and have an idea that will solve a problem in your community we want to help. We're offering grants of up to £500 to turn your ideas into reality, and get your projects of the ground. The great thing about Cashpoint is that once funding's signed off you run your project the way you want to. More here.

Lloyds Social Entrepreneurs Programme
The Lloyds Banking Group has launched a new round of its Social Entrepreneurs Programme which aims to support community-focused businesspeople across the UK to start or scale-up their projects. The programme comprises the following support strands: Start Up - For those who are in the early stage development of a project or organisation. (£4,000) and Scale Up - For established organisations that are looking to take their operations to the next level.  (£15,000) Individuals who are leading or planning to set up a project or social enterprise organisation which will create social change in the UK may apply. The deadline for receipt of applications is 3pm on 2 April 2013. For further information please click here.

Your Choice Forum
Thursday 21 March, 2.30pm-4.30pm. Atkins Building, Lower Bond Street, Hinckley LE10 1QU. Do you deliver creative, cultural or leisure activities across Hinckley and Bosworth? We are inviting individuals or organisations to find out more about providing their services to holders of Personal budgets, the elderly and their carers. Following our initial seminar in January 2012 and our successful Your Choice event in October 2012 we will be exploring how this agenda has progressed over the last 12 months and how businesses can best promote themselves to this market. To book, go to http://yourchoiceforum.eventbrite.co.uk. This event is free to attend. This is supported by Creative Leicestershire

Heritage Lottery Fund grants £2m-£5m announced
The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has announced that the next deadline for application for heritage grants of over £2 million and under £5 million is the 12th April 2013. HLF welcome applications from single organisations and partnerships. Priority is given to not-for-profit organisations, and partnerships led by not-for-profit organisations. Read more here.

Summer Playscheme Grants Programme
The Hilden Charitable Fund is now open for applications to help community groups run Summer Playschemes for the benefit of children from refugee and ethnic minority families. Funding of between £500 and £1,500 is available for Summer Playschemes for children aged 5 - 18 years lasting for 2 - 6 weeks with strong volunteer support. The funding is available to voluntary agencies with an income of less than £120,000. Some priority will be given to projects which show they are inclusive of children from refugee families, and show BME involvement. The closing date for applications is the 17th May 2013. Read more here

Audience Agency Face-to-Face Surgeries
Thursday 11 July, 10am-4pm. De Montfort University, Innovation Centre, LE1 5XY. Taking place across England, these 90 minute sessions will give you access to bespoke advice and practical support from our team. Free to NPOs and £90+VAT for Non-NPOs, these are surgeries can be used to create an action plan as a follow up to one of our workshops or can be used as stand alone support to lay the ground work for an audience development plan. For more information and to book, go to http://www.theaudienceagency.org/events/surgeries-leicester

Arts Administration Apprenticeship Scheme
Need an extra pair of hands? Learn how an Arts Administration Apprentice could support your business, or how you could share an apprentice with other small businesses. Contact us for free and straightforward advice and to find out about a grant of £1500 for eligible employers. More information here or contact Karen Preston 0116 2670068 / karen.preston2@leics.gov.uk

The Elephant Trust
The Trust offers grants to artists and for new, innovative visual arts projects based in the UK. The Trust's aim is to make it possible for artists and those presenting their work to undertake and complete projects when confronted by lack of funds. The Trust supports projects that develop and improve the knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the fine arts. Priority is now being given to artists and small organisations and galleries who should submit well argued, imaginative proposals for making or producing new work or exhibitions. Arts Festivals are not supported. The Trust normally awards grants of up to £2,000, but larger grants may be considered. Read more at: http://www.elephanttrust.org.uk/docs/theapplication.html. Deadline, 15 April

IdeasTap university fee fund
Whether you’re a first-year student or a graduate, if you embarked on a BA or BMus in 2006 or later, you could benefit from having £9,000 wiped off your Student Loans Company balance by arts charity IdeasTap. For a chance to win, simply tell IdeasTap in 100 words or less what you could offer to its network in exchange for the money. It could be an idea or a service, for example “This is how you could improve your site…” or “I’ll run this Spa event for your members…” ­ the more imaginative, original and feasible the idea, the better! Find out more at www.ideastap.com/unifeefund. Deadline 29 March

The Performing Rights Society (PRS) for Music Foundation
The UK's leading funder of new music across all genres, has announced that its funding programme for individuals, organisations and groups is open for applications. Funding is available to: Any individual or not-for-profit organisation that support the creation and performance of outstanding new music in any genre, Develop artists to their full potential, Inspire audiences UK-wide. Through this programme individuals as well as bands; ensembles; collectives; charities; local authority and schools; etc can apply for grants of up to £25,000 (£5,000 for first time applicants). More here.  Deadline 29th April

Co-op Customer Donation Fund
Organisations that bank with the Co-operative Bank using their Community Directplus Bank Account, have the opportunity to apply for funding through the Bank’s Customer Donation Fund. The Customer Donation Fund grows directly in relation to customers' deposits. For every £100 increase in collective balance held in Community Directplus accounts, the Co-operative Bank will add 20p to the fund. Then, twice a year, in April and October, the Bank will judge customers' applications for project funding and distribute a minimum of £5,000 amongst those customers that are successful. Every Community Directplus customer is entitled to make an application for funding for up to £1,000. The next closing date for applications is the 31st March. Find out more on the website

Galaxy Hot Chocolate Fund
Chocolate manufacturer Mars has announced that its GALAXY Hot Chocolate Fund is now open for applications. Through this Fund Mars are looking to award 60 grants of £300 to help small, local community based projects (including arts) and community minded people improve their local community.  More information here.

Tesco Charity Trust Community Awards
One-off donations of between £500 and £4,000 are available to charities, schools and not-for-profits. The funding can go towards providing practical benefits, such as equipment and resources for projects that directly benefit children living in the local communities around Tesco stores in the UK. More information here.
Deadline 30th June

Tesco Charity Trust: Large grants programme
The Trust gives grants ranging between £4,000 and £25,000 to charities working in the areas of: Children’s welfare and education, Elderly people’s welfare, Adults and children with disabilities. The funding is available to charities working on an international, national or regional basis in areas where Tesco have a presence.  Applications for funding are considered three times a year and the next closing date for applications is the 24th May 2013. More information here.

MOD Community Covenant Grant Scheme
Grants ranging from £100 to £250,000 are available for projects and activities that bring together the Armed Forces and the wider community where the Forces have a presence. Projects must take place within the 200 Local Authority areas that have signed up to the Community Covenant Partnership (Leicestershire County and Rutland County, not Leicester City).  An application for funding can be submitted by any part of the community; this might include volunteer groups, charities, public bodies such as schools. Read more at: http://tinyurl.com/czxqwx5.  

The Fidelio Trust Grants Programme
The Trust offers grants of up to £5,000 in support of the Arts, in particular the dramatic and operatic arts, music, speech and dance. The Trustees aim to help individuals and groups such as Colleges, Arts Festivals and other arts organisations who would not be able to carry out a project or activity without financial support. Read more at: http://www.fideliocharitabletrust.org.uk/index.php. Deadline, 1 June

Tech for Good Challenge
The Tech for Good Challenge is looking to invest £500,000 together with mentoring, nurturing and support in 10 early stage tech social ventures that will significantly improve the life chances of young people . There are no repayments on the £50,000 loan for the first three years after which Big Issue Invest would have the option of either converting the loan into a 5% equity, or equity-like stake, or ask for repayment of the loan with an accrued interest rate of 5% p.a. Apply at http://bigissueinvest-csv.com by 15th April 2013.

Help the Homeless
Help the Homeless, a national Charity which aims to help homeless people throughout the United Kingdom to resume a normal life, is currently accepting applications from small and medium sized charities and voluntary organisations. Grants of up to £3,000 are available towards capital costs to support projects that assist disadvantaged individuals in their return to mainstream society, through residential or training facilities. Grants to larger charities may be considered if the project is suitable innovative and only possible for a larger organisation to develop it. Read more at: http://www.help-the-homeless.org.uk/applying-for-funding/. Deadline, 31 March

Free venue and opportunities for your club/group!
LCB Depot is starting a new venture called 'Club Club' - a city centre space where groups of all shapes and sizes can run taster sessions, develop audiences and network. We're looking for multiple groups to share our spaces at LCB Depot to run their (free/cheap) public workshops over the course of a Saturday, learn from each other and hopefully gain some new members or fans! Currently we have such diverse groups as Lo-Fi (analogue photography), Freeskilling (practical skills for free), and Tech Startups (who'll be initiating hackathons amongst other things). But we'd love you to get involved too! Whatever you're group does if you want to know more and think this is the sort of thing that might work for you please get in touch with chris.slowe@lcbdepot.co.uk. The first event will be on March 30th, the second on April 20th.

Architectural Heritage Fund 
The Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF), is a registered charity that promotes the conservation and regeneration of historic buildings in the UK.  Grants and low interest loans are available to voluntary organisations and building preservation trusts (BPTs) to regenerate historic buildings.  The aim is to create community and education facilities, workspace and homes. To be eligible to apply for financial assistance organisations must have a charitable status. The next deadline for applications is the 15 May. Read more at: http://www.ahfund.org.uk/index.html

Everyday Participation
Understanding Everyday Participation – Articulating Cultural Values, a large-scale project to research how people participate in culture, sport and other social and civic activities in their everyday lives. The research aims to develop new ways of understanding and measuring participation and its value based on how people live their lives today and what is important to them. The project is a collaboration between four universities and twelve national partners and is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council until 2017. For more information see the Everyday Participation website at www.everydayparticipation.org

The Ernest Cook Trust
Registered charities, schools and not-for-profit wishing to encourage young people's interest either in the countryside and the environment, the arts or aiming to raise levels of literacy and numeracy can apply for funding to the Ernest Cook Trust. The Trust operates two grant making programmes.  The small grants programme (under £4,000) supports state schools and small registered charities which would like to undertake projects which meet the Trust's objectives and require a small amount of pump-priming in order for such projects to take place. The next closing date for applications for the large grants programme is the 31 July. Read more at: http://tinyurl.com/cwmguwb