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

Participatory Artist - Beauty and Utility Arts
Arts and Health social enterprise Beauty and Utility Arts (www.beautyandutilityarts.com) is looking for an experienced participatory artist to facilitate Anime arts sessions on Mondays at a Leicester city location (you're own workshop space or an identified location). The client has high functioning autism so we are looking for somebody with experience. Please email Katherine Brown at beautyandutilityarts@hotmail.co.uk

Part-time Choreographer - New Youth Theatre Leicester
An exciting opportunity for an experienced choreographer to join the team of a dynamic youth musical theatre company. Based in Oadby, we run classes every Saturday during term-time for children aged between 3 and 16 years and stage 3 shows a year. Working alternate Saturdays alongside our current choreographer, the position involves devising and teaching show routines. Applicants must have experience of working with children and hold an enchanced CRB disclosure. For further details or to apply please contact Sue: telephone 01636 626797 or email leicester@newyouththeatre.co.uk

Creative Producer - Derby Theatre
Derby Theatre seeks a Creative Producer to develop and lead on our two year funded In Good Company artist development programme. This post is offered on a freelance capacity in the first instance until July 2015. Fee: £25,000. In Good Company is a professional development scheme for emerging artists in the East Midlands providing mentorship, business support, facilities and high profile performance opportunities. In Good Companywill bridge the gap that exists from artists at the very beginning of their careers to them trying to establish links with organisations who will contract them and programme their work. This project is led by Derby Theatre in partnership with Create Mansfield and Embrace Arts Leicester. You will have a base at Derby Theatre, but be asked to travel regularly between the three partner theatres and can also work from home when appropriate. Deadline: Thursday 17 April 2014, 12 noon. For more information and a full job description, visit http://www.derbytheatre.co.uk/about/jobs

Projectionist - The Gramophones Theatre Company
The Gramophones Theatre Company are seeking a Projectionist for a new piece of theatre entitled WanderLust. We are looking for someone who has experience making video, projection and live feed for theatre. It is a challenging but exciting project as the piece is being created for rural venues so the show must be completely self-sufficient. We are ideally looking for someone based in or near Nottingham, or willing to be in Nottingham during the rehearsal period. The fee for this project is £2,000. This piece has been commissioned by Creative Arts East and will be created in four weeks during July 2014. We will then perform at the Edinburgh Fringe from the 2nd till the 15th August. A spring tour is planned for 2015. For more info on the show and company go to www.gramophonestheatre.com Please send a CV and cover letter telling us why you’re interested in this position and what you would bring to the production. We encourage applications from women as we are underrepresented in the arts. Contact: Hannah Stone gramophonestheatre@googlemail.com Deadline: 17 April.

Digital Marketing & Social Media Executive - App Institute
AppInstitute is a dynamic technology start-up company based in the Lace Market in the heart of Nottingham's vibrant Creative Quarter. Our Business Apps CMS is a cloud-based platform that allows the easy creation of iPhone and Android Apps for local businesses, without any coding or tech skills. To aid in our continued growth we need to add to our sales and marketing team, to help increase our reseller partners. We're looking for individuals who are passionate about technology, not just 9-5, but 24/7 and who have the right skills match, if you can tick 3 or more of our requirements please contact us: Desirable Skills: Passion for Technology, Self-starter that takes the initiative, Creative Thinker, Great Communicator. Useful Skills: Online Advertising (Adwords) Social Media Marketing (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn). Nice to have Skills: Affiliate Marketing, Copywriting. Contact: Nabeena nabeena@appinstitute.co.uk Deadline: Saturday 19 April.

New Midland Group Internship - New Midland Group
The Nottingham artist led consortium New Midland Group is a partnership between Backlit and One Thoresby Street and Primary. New Midland Group is currently offering a creative internship which provides a unique work environment and opportunity that will be beneficial in developing a range of skills for use in your future employment. It is expected that the successful candidate will work 7.5 hours a week and may be required to work some evenings. The post offers a preliminary 6 month unpaid internship with a view to extend this as a paid role subject to successful funding. It is a role that provides a unique experience for an individual who is looking to work in the city of Nottingham with three of the leading independent artist studios and gallery spaces. For more information click here. Please send a covering letter (no more than 2 sides of A4) outlining how you meet the job description and an up to date CV to: newmidlandgroup@gmail.com by 4pm on the 22nd April 2014. To discuss the role contact: Rhiannon Jones, Marketing Manager Backlit 07964690500

Research Assistant -De Montfort University, School of Arts
The faculty of Art, Design and Humanities proposes to appoint a Research Assistant (RA) to work on a mixed-reality system that will place children into a creative digital play space, engaging them physically, kinesthetically and emotionally, thus enhancing creativity, play, and communication skills. This is for a fixed period of 12 Months, starting 1 May 2014. Funded by a Digital R&D for the Arts grant (NESTA/ AHRC/ ACE) in partnership with The Spark Arts for Children. You will be working with the Principal Investigator, Dr Craig Vear, with management of data collection and analysis, writing for dissemination, editing/producing content for dissemination, working with PI to develop research outputs for publication. Applications are welcome from candidates with expertise in the field of Education and the Arts, Education Psychology, Arts in Education, Communications and the Arts, Special Education or Digital Education. An interest in the transformational effect of the digital within learning environments would be desirable. More details here. Closing Date: 23 April.

Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing - De Montfort University
The School wishes to appoint a Lecturer in Creative Writing to start by September 2014. You should be a published creative writer with teaching experience who can contribute to the development and teaching of our lively and innovative creative writing programmes, particularly at undergraduate level. You will be interested in a range of forms and genres, sympathetic to experimentation and able to help students acquire a range of craft and practical skills. Knowledge and experience of the contemporary writing industry would be an advantage. More details here. Closing Date: 25 April.

Artistic Director - Curve Theatre
Since opening five years ago, Curve has established a reputation as one of Britain's leading award-winning producing theatres, creating exceptional and compelling experiences across a wide range of the performing arts. With Paul Kerryson's decision to step down at the end of the year, Curve is seeking a new Artistic Director to play a critical role in defining the theatre's creative future.  Building on Paul's successful legacy, our new Director will continue to develop Curve's reputation and profile nationally and internationally, setting an ambitious vision that will demonstrate a commitment to excellence, creativity, innovation and collaboration. Our ideal candidate will have a track record as a successful theatre maker, will be committed to working with established and emerging artists, enthusiastic about engaging with the community, and excited by the opportunities and challenges of leading a producing theatre in the UK's first plural city. For an information pack, please contact Heather Newill, Director, AEM International on info@aeminternational.co.uk or for an informal chat on 01728 660026. Deadline for applications Friday, 25th April.

Playwright - New Perspectives Theatre Company
New Perspectives Theatre Company seeks playwright for experimental rural theatre research project. We are looking for expressions of interest from playwrights with an interest or knowledge in interactive theatre to work with director Tilly Branson on a practical theatre project based in the East Midlands. New Perspectives has been creating touring work for 40 years and is a sector leader in the field of rural touring. The company is committed to experimenting with form and exploring the limits of traditional rural theatre. In 2012, New Perspectives and the University of Nottingham were awarded AHRC funding for a collaborative PhD titled ‘Re-Imagining the Rural Tour: New Forms for New Audiences’, to be undertaken by Tilly Branson. The PhD consists of both theoretical and practical research into how experimentation in form can work within the model of rural touring within the UK. Please visit newperspectives.co.uk or email tilly@newperspectives.co.uk to read the full brief. Deadline: 25 April. 

Marketing/Social media intern - The Mighty Creatives
The role of Marketing/Social Media Intern is a new and exciting one for TMC, supporting the development of youth voice and engagement in our programmes. The role will play a key part in linking up with young people directly, using social media channels (including Facebook, Twitter and Youtube), and helping to champion youth issues whilst supporting other young people in advocating for change too. You will work closely with a range of key staff throughout TMC to deliver this. To download the  full job description and application pack please visit our website Deadline: Monday 28 April.

Project Worker - Young Leadership Internship - The Mighty Creatives
The role of Project Worker, Young Leadership is a new and exciting one for The Mighty Creatives (TMC), bringing together our work around young people’s leadership for the first time. The role will play a key part in our support for young people to reach their potential as leaders in the arts and cultural sector and you will work closely with a range of key staff throughout TMC to deliver this. To download full job description and application form please visit our website Deadline: Monday 28 April.

Education Officer - Cotesbach Educational Trust
14 hours a week, £22,500 pro rata (£9,000pa) Cotesbach Educational Trust, based on the Cotesbach Estate in south Leicestershire, is an educational charity with a 50 year lease on three heritage buildings and 400 years’ worth of Estate archives. The Trust’s multi-purpose educational resource centre opened in spring 2013 and comprises an activity space/café, a temperate archive housed in the former Coach House, a toilet block in the old milking parlour, and a stunning Grade II listed Georgian Schoolhouse. Our aim is to provide learning experiences to all on the broad subjects of Heritage, Environment, and the Arts. The Education Officer’s role is integral to who we are. You will deliver, develop, and co-ordinate the Trust’s schools programmes, delving into our archive which contains over 400 years-worth of archival material to create lesson plans across all curriculum subjects not just history. For a full job description please see www.cotesbachschoolhouse.org.uk and use the drop down menu on the Jobs tag. Application is by CV and covering letter to hello@cotesbachschoolhouse.org.uk. Closing date for applications is 9am on Monday 28 April. Interviews take place w/c 6 May 2014.

Artists Commissions - Transported: CPP Project
Transported Haulage Carrier Commission - Transported are working in partnership with Lincolnshire based haulage and food company FreshLinc to create  artworks to be represented as Vinyl Trailer Wraps on Trucks that will deliver goods throughout the UK and Europe. These designs must reflect at least one of the themes of the culture, landscape or communities of South Holland and Boston Borough and by doing this, provide high quality art that engages the community and helps to create a sense of place. This commission is for artists and designers with a track record of producing high quality, large scale visual artworks. Applications can be from individuals or teams.  The artists or designers will be expected to produce high resolution digital designs suitable for printing on Trailer Wraps and, if shortlisted, will need to demonstrate that capability. The brief is available http://www.transportedart.com/jobs-and-commissions/ The deadline for all expressions of interest is 9am Monday 28 April.

Workshop Leader - Charnwood Arts
Freelance Workshp Leaders required. We are holding a Childrens Literature Festival from July 21st to August 3rd at venues in and around Loughborough. The focus will be to provide workshops based on the Festival name of 'Read Me, Write Me, Draw Me, Tell Me.' That could be storytelling, shadow puppetry, drama workshops, poetry writing, open mic sessions, cartoon or manga drawing and so on. I need you to inspire me with your ideas! the workshops will be for children, young people and their families. The workshop could be for a couple of hours, or all day, it could be aimed at small children or teenagers. We are looking for all sorts of activities for a wide range of ages. Email me with your ideas.... I need to know the age group you work with, what your workshop is and what your fee would be. If you have any questions email me at rebecca.abrahams@charnwoodarts.com Deadline: Wednesday 30 April.

Dance Programme Intern, Dance4
Dance4, an international dance organisation based in Nottingham, is offering a six-month internship as part of the Creative Employment Programme.  This Programme is an Arts Council England fund to support the creation of traineeships, formal apprenticeship and paid internship opportunities in England for unemployed young people wishing to pursue a career in the arts and cultural sector. The Dance Programme Intern will work as a member of our busy team on a range of live events, residencies and young people’s programmes.  Successful candidates will be interested in dance and innovative arts practice and have good communication and computer skills. Closing date: 5pm Wednesday 30 April. For more information about this exciting opportunity, see the Apply Now section on our website www.dance4.co.uk, call us on 0115 9410773 or email jobs@dance4.co.uk

Marketing & Communications Intern - SoundLINCS
This paid internship has been created as part of the Creative Employment Programme.  The Creative Employment Programme is an Arts Council England fund to support the creation of traineeships, formal apprenticeship and paid internship opportunities in England for unemployed young people wishing to pursue a career in the arts and cultural sector.  You can find out more here. Closing Date: 5pm on Friday 2nd May 2014. Interviews:  w/c Monday 12th & 19th May 2014. To apply please contact shelley@soundlincs.org or telephone 01522 510073.

Producer (freelance) - Nilima Devi Dance Company
Nilima Devi, the artistic director and choreographer of Nilima Devi Dance Company is seeking a freelance Producer for her new project “Hasten Slowly”, a new work exploring meditation and the human mind. The project has successfully completed its R&D stage and is now moving into the production stage. She is looking for a producer from October 2014 onwards to fulfill the following role: To take lead responsibility for Hasten Slowly’s three showcase performances in the UK, liaising with venues and negotiating agreements. To lead on the co-ordination of the artists, manage freelance creatives employed for the project. Prepare promotional material (e-pack), working closely with relevant partners for promotion to future potential tour booking. Manage design and delivery of print, e-flyers and broader marketing campaign to promote to audiences at the three venues - (design and print costs separate). Plan Tour of ‘Hasten Slowly’ including preparation, drawing up a suitable potential tour list, direct marketing activity to future potential venues. Follow up to encourage venue representatives to attend shows and ultimately to tour book. Agree funding strategy, shape and write funding bid(s), including identifying and developing appropriate partnerships, up to and including submission. Please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your interest in the project to ndevi@cicd.org.uk Deadline: 10 May.

Pianist for Dance Classes - Ballet Theatre UK
Ballet Theatre UK are seeking a part-time classical pianist to accompany professional and pre-professional ballet classes. Experience of playing for dance is not essential as training will be given but an interest or understanding in classical dance is preferred. Application deadline: May 31st 2014. Contact info@ballettheatreuk.com for more information.

Street/Hip Hop Teacher - Ballet Theatre UK
Ballet Theatre UK is seeking a part-time teacher of commercial dance to deliver weekly term time classes to students of the full time HNC/HND vocational training programme. Applicants should have a number of years experience as an industry professional and able to give constructed classes in current commercial technique. Application deadline: May 31st 2014. Contact info@ballettheatreuk.com for more information.

Contemporary Dance Teacher - Ballet Theatre UK
Ballet Theatre UK is seeking a part-time teacher of contemporary dance to deliver weekly term time classes to students of the full time HNC/HND vocational training programme. Applicants should have a number of years experience as an industry professional and able to give constructed classes in Graham/Hawton/Cunningham/Lemone based technique. Application deadline: May 31st 2014. Contact info@ballettheatreuk.com for more information.

Trustees - Cotesbach Educational Trust
Cotesbach Educational Trust is a start up SME and registered charity in Cotesbach south of Lutterworth. In spring 2013 we completed a Heritage Lottery funded renovation of three old buildings (a Georgian Schoolhouse, Milking Parlour, and Victorian Coach House which now houses 400 years’ worth of archives). The building works also provided a new café/activity space. We are now moving into a new phase of activity, programming, fundraising and audience development delivering and hosting a broad range of learning opportunities for all under the broad themes of Heritage, Environment, and the Arts. The Trust is staffed by a part-time project director and education officer and supported by a team of enthusiastic volunteers. We’re looking for Trustees to join our Executive Board. An average commitment of around 1 - 2 hours per week and attendance at quarterly board meetings are a minimum requirement. For more information please contact Project Director Tatty Scott on 07511.007.340, director@cotesbachschoolhouse.org.uk, or see our website www.cotesbachschoolhouse.org.uk Deadline: 14 June.

 

Workspaces Available at LCB Depot
We have workspaces to lease to creative businesses at LCB Depot and at Phoenix Square from just £209 + VAT per month - find out more here. A new flexible workspace package has opened at LCB Depot, for more information go to http://www.lcbdepot.co.uk/flexible-workspace-package

Cotesbach Stable Yard LE17 4HX: Studio/Retail Space to Let
Become part of Cotesbach hub growing its reputation for high quality creative small businesses and artisan activity, with local food networking and new opportunities offered by Cotesbach Educational Trust. The Little Shop £125 pcm Front facing on to Stable Yard, near to blacksmith’s forge and The Stables shop/cafe.  Water supply, electricity and telecommunications.  13 sq m with mezzanine office space.  Compact space but suitable as studio, office and retail combined.
www.cotesbach.net  www.cotesbachschoolhouse.org.uk Enquiries please to sophy@cotesbach.net

CDS Gallery and Studio - great opportunity for a designer maker!
Are you a metal student, graduate or professional in need of workshop/studio space? CDS is looking for a maker to open up the gallery on Saturdays 10am - 4pm in exchange for free use of my workshop which is within the gallery space so you can work all day Saturday without any rent or fees! Its a beautiful space with a double jewellery bench, pillar drill, pendant drill, soldering station, variety of vice, stakes, tools! If this opportunity is of interest to you, then please email cdsgallery@live.com

Creative Leicestershire Business Surgeries
Book a one-to-one session with our business advisor, Fred Brookes. 

• Leicester 22 April LCB Depot, LE1 1RE. One hour slots available.
• Kegworth 13 May Kegworth Library, DE74 2DA. One hour slots available.
• Melton 10 June Melton Mowbray Library, LE13 0UJ. One hour slots available. 

 

 

These sessions are only available to residents of Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland. This is a Creative Leicestershire event

'Why Don't You 2?' PechaKucha Event
Thursday 8 May, 6-8 LCB Depot Leicester. Join us for our second exciting PechaKucha event, harnessing creativity in 20 images, 6 minutes, 20 seconds! PechaKucha is a special event in which people show slides on any subject and talk for 20 seconds on each, we will have inspirational presentations from people who are making collaborations, confirmed guests include Will Davies from Ideastap, Lucia Masundire from Click ; Connect ; Curate ; Create and Daniel Kelly + Gino Attwood from Two Queens. The evening is about recognising the talent we have in Leicester, harnessing creativity, good will and an enthusiasm for making things happen together. Book your FREE ticket here This is a Creative Leicestershire event

Can you help students from Loughborough University with some work experience?
We are looking for ways to help our students in art, design, illustration, graphic design and related courses, develop their ideas around a career in the creative sector or to find some short term work experience – this could be a work shadowing day or week, some mentoring or to work with you on a small project. If you are interested in helping, please email your contact details for more information: workexp@lboro.ac.uk

Arduino - Phoenix Interact Labs Workshop 
Sat 14 Jun, 1pm – 5pm. Price: £45 Arduino is a microcontroller development board - a cheap little computer you can programme to readsensors and control things like motors and lights. It’s a fantastic tool for artists, designers and hobbyists. This workshop will get you up and running with this hugely adaptable technology, showing you how to program the device and make simple electronic circuits. The course fee includes a complete Arduino kit - yours to keep after the workshop. Please bring a laptop to program on. A limited number of computers can be provided. Please let us know if you need us to supply one. Find out more at Interact Labs and follow us on Facebook for the latest news.

IdeasTap Graduate Award - Design
IdeasTap Graduate Awards recognise the high standard of work being produced by UK-based graduates each year. Working with the industry, we've come up with a package of support to help graduates get a foot in the door. Apply for the IdeasTap Graduate Award: Design for the chance to win career coaching, funded exhibition space at Designersblock (during London Design Festival 2014), and up to £1,000 prize money! More information here. This brief closes on Thursday 31 July 2014 at 5pm. It is open to all IdeasTap members who graduated from a higher education course (e.g. HND, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees) in 2013, or are due to graduate this year.

£2,500 Prize for DepicT!  International Short Film Competition 
The Watershed in Bristol has launched the 2014 DepicT! competition for short films and animations of just 1.5 minutes. Running for the nineteenth year, the competition is free to enter. The overall winner will get a cash prize of £2,500 and all of the shortlisted entrants will be invited to network at the Encounters Short Film and Animation Festival in September. Open to filmmakers across the globe, films can be on any subject and in any genre and previous winners have had their work screened at international film festivals. The deadline for submitting films is 5pm on Monday 7th July 2014. Read more at: http://www.depict.org/

Top Up Fund: Design
Got a great, design-based project, but struggling to find the cash to finish it? Look no further! Ideastap are offering you the chance to win one of ten £500 Top Up Funds to help you realise your idea, giving 10 creative individuals, or groups, the opportunity to win £500 for their design project. The funding is designed to support a project that it already underway and cannot be used to fund college or university course work. This opportunity is open to designers working in all disciplines including: graphics, illustration, product, furniture, fashion, costume, installation and theatre design. This brief closes on Monday 5 May 2014 at 5pm and is open to IdeasTap members aged 18 to 30 on the closing date, more information here.

Film Theory Courses at Phoenix

• Talking Pictures Tuesday 1st April to Tuesday 3rd June (10 sessions) 10.30am-12pm, £80/£70 conc. (including weekly entries to the Tuesday matinee for the duration of the course) Share your love of film at Phoenix with a course designed to provide the fullest possible cinema-going experience. Every week you'll get weekly admittance to the Phoenix afternoon screening, a cup of tea or filter coffee and - best of all - a tutor-led discussion amongst fellow motion picture lovers about the film of the week, current film news, controversies, obituaries and everything in between.
• Shakespeare on Screen 23 April - 14 May 2014 (4 weeks) 2pm - 3.30pm, £28 / £24 con. Shakespeare’s works and the cinema have a long and occasionally contentious history – amassing a huge catalogue of both straight adaptations and modern interpretations. This course will explore the many ways in which these classic plays have been approached in the movies and how the stage is now represented, live on screen.

 

 

• Acting for Film Basics Thursdays 1 May - 22 May 2014, 7pm - 9pm, £48/ £44 conc. Have you ever wanted to find out whether you've got what it takes to be a film actor? Or wondered what a life in film entails? Our new course 'Acting For Film Basics' can help you with both. A practical, exercise-based journey through both a film actor’s craft and a working actor’s life - you’ll learn the basic techniques of acting on camera, but also the etiquette and skills required when working on a professional set. An entertaining look behind-the-scenes and in front of the lens.

 

Contact Phoenix Box Office on 0116 2422800 or for more information go to www.phoenix.org.uk and look for ‘Short Courses for Adults’

Creative Leicestershire Business Surgeries
Book a one-to-one session with our business advisor, Fred Brookes.

• Leicester 22 April LCB Depot, LE1 1RE. One hour slots available.
• Kegworth 13 May Kegworth Library, DE74 2DA. One hour slots available.
• Melton 10 June Melton Mowbray Library, LE13 0UJ. One hour slots available.

 

 

These sessions are only available to residents of Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland. This is a Creative Leicestershire event

'Why Don't You 2?' PechaKucha Event
Thursday 8 May, 6-8 LCB Depot Leicester. Join us for our second exciting PechaKucha event, harnessing creativity in 20 images, 6 minutes, 20 seconds! PechaKucha is a special event in which people show slides on any subject and talk for 20 seconds on each, we will have inspirational presentations from people who are making collaborations, confirmed guests include Will Davies from Ideastap, Lucia Masundire from Click ; Connect ; Curate ; Create and Daniel Kelly + Gino Attwood from Two Queens. The evening is about recognising the talent we have in Leicester, harnessing creativity, good will and an enthusiasm for making things happen together. Book your FREE ticket here This is a Creative Leicestershire event

Handmade in Leicestershire Summer Craft Fair
Saturday 19 July, 11 – 5. HandMade in Leicestershire is a prestigious contemporary art, craft and design fair that this year returns to the beautiful setting of Belgrave Hall and Gardens.  A wide range of arts and crafts will be on sale in the newly refurbished rooms of the Hall and Gardens with demonstrations and workshops on offer throughout the afternoon. Contact creative@leics.gov.uk if you are an artists/maker interested in holding a stall and would like to be sent an application form.

Call out for Artists / Makers – Crafted 2014
Crafted is being held at the Creative Hinckley Gallery at The Atkins Building, Hinckley Saturday 28th & 29th June. This 2 day event is well attended and showcases high quality arts and crafts from regional artists and makers. If you would like to book a stall please complete the online application form on: www.creativekinckley.co.uk or contact Jen.Jarvis@hinckey-bosworth.gov.uk

The Gallery@Pedestrian
The Gallery @ Pedestrian has been a vibrant and sought-after exhibition space since 2010. We aim to work with a variety of artists to hold intriguing and thought provoking exhibitions. Our location in the heart of Leicester's Cultural Quarter combined with our beautiful floor to ceiling windows provides a wonderful venue for community and professional arts exhibitions. Our gallery is open 9:30am - 5.00pm Monday - Friday and we are also available to be open evenings and weekends. Last available exhibition booking for this round of applications: 8th - 14th July 2014. For an application form you can either email: gallery@pedestrian.info or visit our website: www.pedestrian.info

CDS Student Exhibition Opportunity
CDS Gallery and Studio are looking for three talented student designer makers who are interested in an opportunity to sell their work within a gallery space amongst established and high profile UK makers! The winning students will have their work for sale and on exhibition at CDS for 12 weeks (unless sold prior) with a competitive commission rate of only 30% CDS will promote you and your work via websites, social media, newsletters, creative Leicestershire, design factory and will also host a private view during May. Please submit your application by 5pm on April 26th 2014, more information here.

Worlds Apart Studio Exhibition Opportunity
We are Worlds Apart Studio. On the 27th – 31st May we will be hosting an open exhibition installation at Pedestrian gallery Leicester, and we would love you to be a part of it with us. To get involved please come and join us to have a chat about you and your work: @The Cookie, Monday 12th May, 12:00pm onwards, 68 High Street, City Centre, Leicester LE1 5YP. Please email us for a time slot and a submission form to complete and bring along with your work. worldsapartstudio@gmail.com  worldsapartstudio.com/about/projects/

Ten2Gallery Open Summer Exhibition 2014 - Remembrance
The Ten2Gallery is again offering the exciting opportunity to artists in the area to submit up to 3 pieces of their work for consideration to be included in the open “Summer Exhibition” to be held at the Ten2Gallery during August and September 2014. This year the theme of our exhibition is REMEMBRANCE. An entrance fee of £4.00 per item, or £10.00 for three will be charged (non- refundable). Maximum size of work accepted is 1m square. Work must be delivered to 102 Castle Street, Hinckley between Monday 14th and Saturday 19th July between the hours of 9.00 - 5.00. Payment must be made at the time of delivery. Contact rose@ten2gallery.co.uk or see the website for more details

Sky Arts Series 2 Portrait Artist of the Year
The programme is made in association with the National Portrait Gallery and sees inspiring artists of all levels compete to win a £10,000 commission to form part of the permanent collection of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. Applications are now open for series two of the programme. For more information visit: www.sky.com/portrait

Artworld Open International Art Competition
Artworld is delighted to announce its very first Open International Art Competition. The cash prize is €1,000: approximately $1,375 or £825. The winning artist will design, print and distribute a limited edition of 50 original hand-made prints. Submissions (digital and by email) are invited from today April 1st 2014. The closing date is Friday, May 16th 2014. The winner will be notified by Friday, June 13th. The competition details, judges rules, terms and conditions are as set out in the CompetitionProspectus If you have any questions, email artworld@negativeentropy.net

Tate St Ives Artists Programme
The Tate St Ives Artists Programme is now open for submissions. Continuing the legacy of the artists’ colony in St Ives, we are offering a number of residencies for artists and creative practitioners from between five days and six months. The Artists Programme will provide an opportunity to engage with Tate St Ives, our communities, as well as our learning and public programmes. We support the development of diverse artistic practices, providing a productive environment that values experimentation and risk, discussion and debate. For a full list of opportunities, working criteria and information on how to apply visit the website. The deadline for applications is Midday Monday 28 April.

Super Crochet Girl needs your help!
Meet Super Crochet Girl, created by Loughborough based artist Sarah Green, she is currently working closely with Charnwood Arts on a project about messages during the First World War but she needs your help! We need a flock of handcrafted birds to carry messages. They can be knitted, crocheted, sewn, felted, how they are made is up to you. We do ask that your birds are no bigger than a piece of A5 paper and we would also like you to include a message with your bird – it might help to remember that we have been thinking about messages/poems that might have been sent to loved ones during the First World War. Please also give your bird a name. Please send completed birds and messages to: Charnwood Arts 27 Granby Street, Loughborough, Leics, LE11 3DU. Examples of birds can be seen on the Super Crochet Girl blog: http://supercrochetgirl.wordpress.com/ contact the artist: shiney1809@hotmail.co.uk or Big Knitting Group coordinator Jemma Bagley at Charnwood Arts: jemmab@charnwoodarts.com The deadline for birds is the end of May.

Precious...Flora Exhibition & Workshops for Children and Families
Created and designed by Jasia McArdle and Ellen Bianchini Precious is a new sculpture constructed from hundreds of flowers, leaves, cones, fruits, bulbs, grasses and roots gathered from Leicester and its countryside. Precious presents the familiar flora of city, park, garden, and countryside in a new form.  Walk, sit or lie underneath the ‘hanging garden’, listen for its secret sounds, and consider the extraordinariness of the everyday. 14 April- 8 May 2014, 9 - 5 LCB Depot. Workshops for Children and Families include:

• The Power of Flowers Saturday 26 April
  12 – 4. Pattern shape line: make a mobile inspired by nature. Suitable for 4+ years.
  Drop-in workshop, no need to book.
• Miniature gardens for small people Monday 28 April – Friday 2 May, 11 – 12. Make a miniature garden to take home. Suitable for 4+ years,
  Booking essential – please call 0116 261 6893 to book a place.

 

Orange Tree Group - Call for Traders
The Orange Tree Group owns and operates a number of bars and restaurants within Leicester. One of these is The O Bar on Braunstone Gate in the West End of the city. On the Sunday 4th May the road is being closed during the day to accommodate market stalls. there will also be a stage erected where local artists and musicians will be performing. Being promoted as a family event we are looking for 50 stall /market traders to attend the event and have the opportunity in selling their goods/products/services. We are hoping to get a good balance of different traders selling an array of products to include art, jewelry, crafts, homemade jams, cakes, clothing etc Please contact ben@orangetree.co.uk if you are interested in taking part.

Market Bosworth Summer Festival Open Exhibition Call Out
We are inviting submissions for an open art exhibition as part of Market Bosworth Summer Festival. Each artist may submit up to THREE pieces of work. The venue: The Dixie Grammar School Hall, Station Rd, Market Bosworth . 21st  & 22nd June. Entry forms must be received by the 9th May 2014 along with the fee:  £14 for up to three items. Enquiries: 3 Harcourt Spinney, Market Bosworth, Nuneaton, CV13 0LH Tel: 01455 290488 Email: marilyn.hkr@gmail.com or click here for more information. 

Exhibit at one of the UK’s leading rural arts festivals - Wirksworth Festival
Art & Architecture Trail Weekend, Sat 6 – Sun 7 September 2014. Last year nearly 5,000 people visited the town to enjoy the opening Art & Architecture Trail Weekend, where over 100 artists and designer makers exhibited in 70 venues. Overall, artists took at least £40,000 in sales during the Opening Weekend. Last year 94% of artists thought the Festival was either “excellent” or “good”; 97% said their visitor numbers were either “excellent” or “good” and 93% are likely to apply to exhibit again in 2014. The deadline for applications is Fri 18 April 2014 at 5pm. Apply online now to exhibit at one of the UK’s leading rural arts festivals.

Want to exhibit at LCB Depot between July and September 2014?
Artists and curators are invited to submit proposals to exhibit at LCB Depot in one of our 3-week slots between July and September next year. We don't charge a hire fee, but we do ask you to install and take down. See our website Exhibitions page for more info and a downloadable application form, get your applications in by 28th April 2014.

Calling all local craft makers and manufacturers 
Join the BuyitUK.co directory for free and
help us bring UK manufacturing and traditional craft making back to local people. Visit us at www.BuyitUK.co email info@BuyitUK.co or call us on 0121 288 8208

Oil Painting Workshops by Jane French at Maker's Yard and Wistow Gallery
Oil Painting Workshops specialising in Portraits and Still Life, ideal for those who have always wanted to have a go at oil painting but have never quite got around to it! If this sounds like you - or someone you know - then book a place...or make an enquiry! The Workshops are being run from both Maker’s Yard in Leicester and Wistow Gallery! Prices start at £55 for a One Day Workshop. Check  website - www.janefrench.co.uk - for more information on dates, times, prices and availability or contact me directly if you have any questions by phoning 07769 976041 or emailing info@janefrench.co.uk

Katherine Fortnum Ceramics Workshops
15 knoll street, market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 9QR www.katherinefortnumceramics.com / kfortnum@hotmail.co.uk / 07732789997. Ceramics workshops are great for anyone looking to learn a new skill whilst creating something beautiful and unique. Whether there's a specific item you wish to make or simply just to have a play and explore the world of clay, we have a range of workshops available designed around you. Available for: one-to-one/group workshops, parties, Hen parties, schools, after school clubs, craft groups and care organisations.

Art & Craft Courses & Events at Cotesbach Educational Trust

• Lamp-Shade Making Saturday 19 April. Learn how to make your own drum lampshade for ceiling or side lamp in these two workshops with Victoria Satchwell. Level: B/I 9.30am – 12.30pm : Use a choice of materials (or bring your own) to create a lamp shade with a professional finish. £35 inc refreshments & materials. 1.30pm – 5.30pm : In this extended workshop, print and design your own material  first - before making your unique lampshade. £45 inc refreshments & materials. 
• Rag Rugs Saturday 17 May 10am – 1.30pm : Learn to prod and hook in this practical and stress-busting heritage craft. You’ll create your own 30 x 30 cm rag rug piece to take home – to hang on the wall, make into a cushion, or inspire a mixed media masterpiece! Suitable for adults and children 10+. Tutor: Victoria Satchwell. Level: B. £25; £15 u16 inc teas & materials.

 

 

Booking essential: Book now: 01455 558373 www.cotesbachschoolhouse.org.uk
Main Street, Cotesbach, Lutterworth, Leicestershire, LE17 4HX

Upcoming Workshops at The Art Studio and Ten2 Gallery

• Willow Weaving with Tom Hare Create a beautiful plant support from willow in this 2.5 hrs workshop £25.00 Sat 17 May 1.30 - 4.00
• Lino Printing Interest in lino printing has had somewhat of a resurgence lately, and now you can come and spend two evenings creating your very own limited edition print. Wed March 26th & 2nd April £35.00
• Life Drawing Always wanted to have a go, but didn’t know where to start? Then this is the class for you. The class starts with looking at the ideal materials to use when sketching the figure, followed by body proportions. Wed April 16th. £35.00
• Sculpting the Figure Get your hands dirty in this two week sculpting course. Working from photographs and instruction on body proportions you will build an armature and apply clay to create a three dimensional work of art. Wed April 23rd & 30th £35.00

Booking essential, The Art Studio and Ten2 Gallery 102 Castle St, Hinckley 
01455 636339 http://www.ten2gallery.co.uk/

Inspiring Art - Upcoming Workshops from Linda Harding

• Crafts Patchwork and Quilting Wed 7th May 10 – 4 at Belgrave Hall £35
• Fusing Fabrics and Foils Sat 10th May 12-2:30 at Wygston’s House £20
• Vintage Crafts Victorian Decoupage Wed 14th May 10:30-1 at Belgrave Hall £20
• Vintage Crafts Rag Rugging at Belgrave Hall Wed 21st May 10:30 - 1 £20

 

Above workshops booked through Leicester Guildhall either in person or by phone on 0116 2532569 Visit the Inspiring Art website for more information

Upcoming printmaking courses at Leicester Print Workshop

• Photoplate Lithography Saturday 26 April 10 - 4. An alternative to stone lithography, this quick process enables hand drawn, photographic or digital film positives to be transferred onto lithographic plate and printed on an etching press. Some knowledge of lithography is useful but not essential as full instruction will be given.
  £75 / £67.50
• Introduction to Etching Thursday 1 May until Thursday 22 May 6 - 9. This four week evening course will introduce you to the wonderful technique of etching. Join our Artist in Residence Kate Da’Casto as she takes you through the main principles of this technique. You will learn how to prepare and draw a plate, how to add tone and etch, then to ink and print. £110 / £99

 

• Twilight Session: Printmaking introduction and refresher for educators Tuesday 13 May 6 - 9. To complement our workshops in schools we offer art teachers and technicians a termly 3 hour session designed to provide an opportunity to learn new skills or revisit old ones, in a sociable environment. £25.
• Life Drawing and Waterless Lithography Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 May 10 - 4. Drawing directly from the (male) model onto printable lithographic plates you will explore mark making and composition. You will then learn how to print the plates using waterless lithography. This is a 2 day course: Day one is based at Embrace Arts, day two in the LPW printmaking studio. £125 / £112.50

 

Upcoming Artist Talks at Leicester Print Workshop

• ARTIST TALK: Kathryn Desforges Friday 25 April 6 - 8. Kathryn Desforges is the 2013 Postgraduate Lithography intern at Leicester Print Workshop, a post for which she has been awarded funding from Arts Council England. Kathryn is a visual artist and fine art printmaker based in Leeds, West Yorkshire. She works for West Yorkshire Print Studio and exhibits nationally. Join us for an informal evening of discussion and dialogue as Kathryn talks about her lithography internship and her art practice. £5.
• PRINT RUN talks: Is this a print? Wednesday 14 May 6 - 8. Is this a print? Is this an edition? How should I frame this? How can I exhibit this? In the first of our PRINT RUN series of talks, artists Sarah Kirby and Serena Smith discuss the professional practice of printmaking, from signing your prints to preparing them for an exhibition. The evening will begin with an informal talk and be followed by a discussion around example print projects and advice on how to take these forward. Attendees are invited to bring along prints or projects to be discussed at this stage should they wish.
  £5

 

Leicester Print Workshop,  50 Saint Stephens Road, Leicester, LE2 1GG
www.leicesterprintworkshop.com

Art & Craft Courses & Events at Embrace Arts

• Life drawing masterclass Saturday 26 April, 10 -3.30pm, £40 / £22. Push the boundaries of life drawing to produce expressive works of art. For those who wish to take their skills to the next level.
• Adventures in art Tuesdays, 29 April - 1 July, 10-12.30pm.New guest tutor every 4 weeks, £8 / £4 per session. A broad look at the theme of natural items, this course is designed for those who wish to find ways into art. Visual images and objects will be provided to inspire a variety of approaches using all sorts of materials.

 

• Exploring art: Women makers and artists Wednesdays 10.30 -12pm, 30 April - 9 July (not 28 May) £65 / £35 for 10 sessions. Women often seem absent from art history. Uncover the changing status of women and ideas of womanhood in this exploration of their role from the earliest times to the present.
• How to exhibit Fridays, 9 May – 11 July, 10- 1pm, £120 / £60 for 10 sessions. Ever wondered how an exhibition is put together? Gain an insight by visiting local art galleries, meeting professional curators and artists, and classroom based work. Learn about various aspects such as advertising techniques, display and presentation, writing an artist’s statement, and planning a show. A great opportunity for practicing artists to gain confidence in making connections and discussing professional practice.

 

Embrace Arts, Richard Attenborough centre, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 7HA. www.embracearts.co.uk

Art & Craft Courses at Rutland Water Nature Reserve

• Pastel Workshop with Alan Oliver – Portraits Wednesday 23rd April 2014 - 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Back by popular demand, Alan  is putting on a series of Workshops on a Wednesday morning based at the Birdwatching Centre at Egleton. There will be regular workshops from 10am to 1pm and the cost will be £35 per day.  For further details and to book please email Alan directly on alanoliver2@gmail.com for a booking form.
• Introduction to Natural History Photography with Pete Murray
  Saturday 3rd May 2014 - 9:45 AM - 4:00 PM. This beginner’s course will show you how to take better  pictures and develop a photographic eye for of a range of natural history subjects, on a day in the Egleton Reserve. £55 for the day. Any type of digital camera is suitable for this course.

 

 

• Watercolour Workshop with Alan Oliver – Tinted Paper with Gouache Wednesday 7th May 2014 - 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Back by popular demand, Alan  is putting on a series of Workshops on a Wednesday morning based at the Birdwatching Centre at Egleton. There will be regular workshops from 10am to 1pm and the cost will be £35 per day.  For further details and to book please email Alan directly on alanoliver2@gmail.com for a booking form.
• Close Up Natural History Photography Course
  Saturday 24th May 2014 - 9:45 AM - 4:00 PM. This course shows you how to use your digital camera to take close-up pictures of a variety of natural history subjects. This course shows you how to use your digital camera to take close-up pictures of a variety of natural history subjects. The course is limited to 8 people to ensure you get the most from your day. £55 per person.

 

Rutland Water Nature Reserve, Egleton, Oakham, Rutland LE15 8BT 
http://www.rutlandwater.org.uk/

 

Creative Leicestershire Business Surgeries
Book a one-to-one session with our business advisor, Fred Brookes.

• Leicester 22 April LCB Depot, LE1 1RE. One hour slots available.
• Kegworth 13 May Kegworth Library, DE74 2DA. One hour slots available.
• Melton 10 June Melton Mowbray Library, LE13 0UJ. One hour slots available.

 

 

These sessions are only available to residents of Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland. This is a Creative Leicestershire event

'Why Don't You 2?' PechaKucha Event
Thursday 8 May, 6-8 LCB Depot Leicester. Join us for our second exciting PechaKucha event, harnessing creativity in 20 images, 6 minutes, 20 seconds! PechaKucha is a special event in which people show slides on any subject and talk for 20 seconds on each, we will have inspirational presentations from people who are making collaborations, confirmed guests include Will Davies from Ideastap, Lucia Masundire from Click ; Connect ; Curate ; Create and Daniel Kelly + Gino Attwood from Two Queens. The evening is about recognising the talent we have in Leicester, harnessing creativity, good will and an enthusiasm for making things happen together. Book your FREE ticket here This is a Creative Leicestershire event

Literary Salon at Loughborough University
Loughborough University’s Department of English and Drama are delighted to announce that their next Literary Salon will be held on Tuesday, 13th May 2014. Our Literary Salons offer literary conversation, debate and performance and the focus of discussion for this particular evening will be Writing for Young Adults in the 21st Century. Aimed at writers, authors, publishers, creative industry professionals, university staff and students and literary enthusiasts in general, the idea is to network, share and learn in an informal atmosphere. The Literary Salon, on 13th May, will be held in the Leonard Dixon Studio and courtyard of the English and Drama Department (Martin Hall) on the University campus and will start at 7.00 pm until 9.00 pm. Tickets cost £10 or £5 for concessions and refreshments will be provided. Tickets must be booked in advance and are available through Helen Relf (Email: h.l.relf@lboro.ac.uk).

Simon’s Birthday - Original Ink
Original Ink are taking the conventional way of writing and turning it on its head. In association with Scufflebox Theatre Co and Upstairs at the Western, we are looking for four writers to join us on a new venture to create a production of collaborative writing. We want big ideas, quirky ideas, gripping ideas and dramatic ideas. Ideas to get the audience to think, make them despair and make them smile. Offering writers the chance to experience new disciplines within group writing as well as hone their individual writing skills; Simonʼs Birthday will be an unconventional journey into storytelling. The end goal is one script, one story written by four writers. The production will take place as part of Upstairs at the Western’s summer season on the 27th and 28th of June. Writers are asked to submit a script for a 10 minute open ended play, preluding a birthday party for Simon, who is turning 26. The characters can be of any relation to him: strangers, friends, family, a girlfriend, a boyfriend? More details here. Submission deadline: Thursday, April 17th. Please send all entries to hello@originalinkuk.com.

Stagetime 2015 - East 15 Playwriting Competition
Playwrights! Fancy seeing your work up on the London stage East 15 Acting School is looking for a new writing play to produce as part of their series of BA Acting final year performances in May/June next year. This play will be performed a minimum of two times at a London theatre during the summer 2015 term by a company of final year BA Acting students, director TBC. More information here. This brief will close at 12pm on Wednesday 30 April 2014 and is open to IdeasTap members aged 18 and over.

Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award 2014
The Poetry Society and judges Grace Nichols and Simon Barraclough are leading the call for the very best new poetic talent amongst 11-17 year olds. Take a chance on the ‘one to beat’ – the award is open to all young writers worldwide writing in English. Deadline for entries : 31st July 2014 www.foyleyoungpoets.org

Edge-Lit 3 - science-fiction, fantasy and horror day, QUAD, Derby
EDGE-LIT 3 – a day of science-fiction, fantasy and horror writing Saturday 19th July, 11am-11pm, QUAD, Derby. Tickets £25, including access to all activities on the day. Book from QUAD Box Office on 01332 290606 or online at www.derbyquad.co.uk Derby's annual genre fiction extravaganza returns for a third installment in 2014, once again featuring some of the finest in UK writing talent. Expect a great range of panels, workshops, readings and much more on the day, including the brain-taxing Edge-Lit Quiz, the near-legendary Edge-Lit raffle and a special science-fiction and fantasy instalment of the HOW TO WRITE BADLY WELL comedy show. EDGE-LIT 3 is the ideal day out for anyone with an interest in reading or writing in the fields of science-fiction, fantasy and horror. Find out more at http://www.derbyquad.co.uk/special-event/edge-lit-3 or join us on Twitter @EdgeLitDerby 

Writing School Leicester
All Leicester courses take place at Leicester Adult Education College, Wellington Street, Leicester LE1 6HL. 

• Novel Writing Workshop with Rod Duncan. 9 Sessions from 29 April (No classes Tuesday 27 May) Tuesday 7.15pm – 9.15pm, Price: £135. The only way to learn the craft of the novelist is to write a novel. This course – for students with some existing experience – will make the process of writing and editing easier and more enjoyable. You will share work-in-progress, receive constructive feedback, hear aspiring novelists sharing their work and offer your own feedback to them. 
• Poetry Writing for Beginners with John Gallas. 2 Sessions from 14 May, Wednesday 1pm – 3pm, Price: £30. First-time writer, dabbler, hopeful or looking for fun with words, this 2 part course will set you on your way. Session One will help you to write poems in pairs, groups, and on your own, with clear targets, various forms and styles, learning through enjoyment. With some work on these at home between sessions, you will come to Session 2 ready to make changes according to the responses of others in the group.

 

• Writing as a Reader with Polly Tuckett. 4 Sessions from 1 May, Thursday 10am – Noon, Price: £60. Reading widely, you will take inspiration from the work of other writers, trying out various literary forms without worrying too much about discovering your own authentic “voice”. Reading for pleasure as well as reading with a critical eye improves one’s ability as a writer no end. Texts include fiction and poetry. You will be encouraged to poach the ideas and stylistic devices that appeal to you in the work of published writers, coming up with what will inevitably be your own distinctive take on a theme.
• Writing Young Adult Fiction with Maxine Linnell. One day course 12 May 2014 Thursday 10am – 3.00 (Lunch not included) Price: £45. How do you deal with the latest language on the street? What subjects can be covered? Does it have to be fantasy or realism? More than anything, young adult fiction has to tell a gripping story. This one day course will give you a chance to try out your ideas, discuss them with other writers and see what shapes might work. Suitable for writers at all levels of experience.

 

All courses have a 4% PayPal fee if booked online. More courses are available on the Writing School Leicester website

Creative Leicestershire Business Surgeries
Book a one-to-one session with our business advisor, Fred Brookes.

• Leicester 22 April LCB Depot, LE1 1RE. One hour slots available.
• Kegworth 13 May Kegworth Library, DE74 2DA. One hour slots available.
• Melton 10 June Melton Mowbray Library, LE13 0UJ. One hour slots available.

 

 

These sessions are only available to residents of Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland. This is a Creative Leicestershire event

'Why Don't You 2?' PechaKucha Event
Thursday 8 May, 6-8 LCB Depot Leicester. Join us for our second exciting PechaKucha event, harnessing creativity in 20 images, 6 minutes, 20 seconds! PechaKucha is a special event in which people show slides on any subject and talk for 20 seconds on each, we will have inspirational presentations from people who are making collaborations, confirmed guests include Will Davies from Ideastap, Lucia Masundire from Click ; Connect ; Curate ; Create and Daniel Kelly + Gino Attwood from Two Queens. The evening is about recognising the talent we have in Leicester, harnessing creativity, good will and an enthusiasm for making things happen together. Book your FREE ticket here This is a Creative Leicestershire event

Inside Out
From 10 – 19 April, Leicester’s Curve theatre is hosting its first annual arts festival, Inside Out, which celebrates the region’s best up-and-coming talent. Taking place over 10 days during the Easter holidays, Inside Out is packed full of exciting family-friendly workshops and new shows, including comedy, dance, and drama as well as free performances, professional masterclasses, live music and interactive installations – all created by over 150 emerging East Midlands artists who are taking the country by storm. http://www.curveonline.co.uk/whats-on/inside-out-festival/

Bootleg Jazz Festival 2014
Thursday 24 to Saturday 26 April, The Cookie, 68 High St, Leicester LE1 5YP. The small and beautifully formed, BootLeg Jazz is back. Picking up on last year's sellout success, BootLeg Jazz presents three evenings of uncompromisingly excellent live jazz music representing the UK's finest and most talented. Not just for jazz enthusiasts, but also an event for any and all that have an appreciation for live music performed by dedicated and creative performers. With this year's line-up audiences will be treated to original music, jazz standards and classics interpreted with style, skill and inventiveness. For more details and to book tickets visit www.bootlegjazz.com

Become a member of the Foundation for Community Dance
If you're a dance teacher or leader, Professional Individual Membership of the Foundation for Community Dance offers a range of benefits to support your practice including; Public Liability and Professional Indemnity insurance cover up to £10m, Legal Expenses and Personal Accident cover, giving you peace of mind. Prices start from £83 for a whole year. Visit the website for more information. 

IdeasTap Inspires: Circus Maximus 2014
Supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England. Circus Maximus is the UK's first circus competition, created by Underbelly Productions and National Centre for Circus Arts, in collaboration with IdeasTap, Greentop and Circomedia. Twenty shortlisted acts will compete in a series of live heats at Udderbelly Festival at Southbank Centre this July. A live audience will vote for the act that they want to go through to the final at the end of the week. During the final, the four winners of the live heats, plus a wildcard act chosen by the judges, will compete for the grand prize: £5,000, and the chance to develop a new show with Underbelly Productions and the National Centre For Circus Arts. More information here. This brief closes on Thursday 22 May 2014 at 5pm GMT and is open to IdeasTap members aged 18 and over.

Performing Arts & Music Courses/Events at Embrace Arts

• Jazz Performance Mondays, 7.15pm – 9.15pm, 28 April – 14 July 2014 (not 5 or 26 May)£70 / £35 for 10 sessions. Gain confidence in your ability to improvise through a better understanding of scales, modes and chords, and develop your performance skills. For anyone with an interest in jazz and reasonable proficiency on a musical instrument. To take full part in all aspects of the course you will need to read music or chord symbols, but those who play by ear are also welcome.
• Acoustic guitar for improvers Wednesdays 30 April – 9 July 2014 (not 28 May) 6.30pm – 7.30pm. Learn in a friendly group setting with a strong emphasis on ensemble playing. No previous musical knowledge is required for beginner level. The improver level is suitable for players with approximately two years’ experience who can already read music. You will need to bring your own nylon-strung guitar, footstool and course book – please ask us for details. You are advised to take the beginner course for 30 weeks before moving on to the improver level.

 

• Flamenco dance for beginners Wednesdays, 7 May – 28 May, 1pm – 2pm, £20 / £15 for 4 sessions. Flamenco is fun, feisty and passionate. The focus will be on the co-ordination of footwork, arms and choreography, whilst investigating the traditional flamenco rhythmical patterns.
• Wagner and Verdi Thursdays, 15 May – 19 June, 6.30pm – 8.30pm, £60 / £40 for 6 sessions. 2013 was the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the births of Wagner and Verdi. Come and learn about their lives, contrasting creative personalities and their great music.

 

Embrace Arts, Richard Attenborough centre, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 7HA. www.embracearts.co.uk

'Why Don't You 2?' PechaKucha Event
Thursday 8 May, 6-8 LCB Depot Leicester. Join us for our second exciting PechaKucha event, harnessing creativity in 20 images, 6 minutes, 20 seconds! PechaKucha is a special event in which people show slides on any subject and talk for 20 seconds on each, we will have inspirational presentations from people who are making collaborations, confirmed guests include Will Davies from Ideastap, Lucia Masundire from Click ; Connect ; Curate ; Create and Daniel Kelly + Gino Attwood from Two Queens. The evening is about recognising the talent we have in Leicester, harnessing creativity, good will and an enthusiasm for making things happen together. Book your FREE ticket here This is a Creative Leicestershire event

Creative Coffee
Phoenix cafe-bar, Midland Street, Leicester LE1 1TG. Creativity, Coffee & Conversation. We're a free fortnightly networking meet-up for creative people and those looking to meet creatives. Next event Wednesday 16 April 10-12. See www.creativecoffee.org.uk

Writers Meet Up Leicester
The monthly meet up sees an average of 6-10 writers from a wide range of disciplines and backgrounds come together.It is a friendly group and everybody is always made to feel welcome. Sign up to our next event by visiting our Facebook event page  where there is also a brief report about each meet up. 2014 dates: DAYTIME MEET UP 1st TUESDAY in: May, July, Oct, Nov at The Curve cafe. EVENING MEET UP 1st WEDNESDAY in: June, Sept, Dec 6pm at The Exchange

Open Coffee - Leicester Tech Startups
This is a networking and community event for existing and aspiring tech startup entrepreneurs. Aimed at geeks, techies, scientists, coders, students, entrepreneurs and innovators who are serious about turning great tech ideas into money via startups, spin-offs and joint ventures. See http://www.leicesterstartups.com/

Professional Development Planning Workshop with Cathy Grindrod
This is a FREE workshop for Creative Leicestershire subscribers. Professional Development Planning (PDP) provides an opportunity for you to explore your current position as an artist, and to gain clarity regarding future steps you might take, with the help of a guide who will assist you in the goal planning process. During the session, which will be delivered in a small group, you will look at your past journey, your present creative life balance, and how you can overcome barriers and confidence issues and identify the support you most need. Two sessions available, click the link to book, place are limited:

• Loughborough University Arts - Wednesday 11 June, 10:00 - 1.00pm 

 

 

An Introduction to Licensing Your Intellectual Property
Thursday 15 May, 12:00pm to 3:00pm, Atkins Building, Hinckley LE10 1QU. Free. Book your place here. Protecting And Leveraging Your Work With Intellectual Property Rights - An Introduction, delivered by David James Ross. Intellectual property is a topic that many designers, makers and other creatives find confusing. This workshops aims to untangle some of the difficulties and complications arising from intellectual property and help learners find anwers to the following questions: What is Intellectual Property? What are Intellectual Property rights? Which rights apply to our work? What strategies can we use to leverage and protect our work? Supported by Creative Leicestershire.

Presenting and Marketing your work: Self Image Management for artists led by Emilia Telese
Tuesday, 10 June 2014 from 12:30 to 6:00pm, Phoenix Cinema and Art Centre, Leicester LE1 1TG. Book your place here. This one day practical and theoretical workshop will explore techniques and strategies for visual artists to interact with the art world in the most effective way, through written and visual presentation aimed at galleries, commissioners and funders, effective marketing and self-image management strategies. Emilia Telese is an artist, writer and broadcaster based in Sussex. Born in Italy, Emilia graduated in painting from the Fine Arts Academy in Florence in 1996, following studies in literature and philosophy. Her practice spans several art forms, including interactive and body-responsive technology, film and live art, installation, literature and public art. She has exhibited around the world in venues such as the Freud Museum, the Royal festival Hall, ZKM, Ars Electronica and the Venice Biennale. Supported by Creative Leicestershire.

LCB Business Development Team
LCB Business Development Team can help you start your creative business or help you grow your existing creative business. We offer one-to-one coaching and advice sessions, delivered by experienced and qualified professionals. In addition, we are currently developing a new programme of workshops to cover all aspects of starting and running your creative business. More details soon. Finally, we also provide networking opportunities and grants. For more information please contact the Business Development Team on: T: 01162422900 E: develop@lcbdepot.co.uk

FREE training opportunities with Pedestrian
Pedestrian are launching a FREE training programme for creative entrepreneurs. Whether you are a graduate looking to turn your skills into employment or a creative/artist currently employed outside of your area of specialism, we aim to provide a meaningful training opportunity for 19-25 year olds interested in working in the creative industries. For more information and to apply visit the Pedestrian website. 

The Pricing Toolbox: Maximise the impact of your pricing - Arts Marketing Association
Nottingham Contemporary, 7 May 10.00 - 5.00. Designed to help you review and adjust your pricing to achieve your objectives as belts tighten, this workshop will arm you with the information you need to maximise the impact of your pricing. David Reece, Director of Consulting, Baker Richards, will use a range of relevant case studies and exercises to guide you through pricing strategies and tactics. You’ll explore: price differentiation, behavioural economics, discounting, bundling, revenue management, dynamic pricing and integrated earned income strategies. This course is for people from small and medium sized organisations who can have an impact on pricing decisions. Member rate: £140 (excl VAT) Non-member rate: £200 (excl VAT) For more details and to book click here

Training from Voluntary Action Leicestershire

 

• Equality and Diversity 15 Apr 2014 - 10:00am - 12.00pm, FREE. This session aims to give volunteers and understanding of equality and discuss, in particular, their responsibilities in valuing diversity. This fun and interactive session covers issues around inclusive practice and a brief overview of current equalities legislation.
• PTLLS (Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector) 20 May - 24 Jun 2014, £350. On completion of the course you will receive the Aim Award in Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS) at Level 3. 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. 

 

 

For further information & training visit the Voluntary Action Leicestershire website. 

 

 

Free support for Blaby District enterprises
Growing businesses in Blaby District have the chance to benefit from a free package of business support worth up to £500 to help kick start their expansion and improvement plans. The Growth 4 Enterprise scheme is open to applications from independent small firms located in Blaby District who have plans to develop and grow and currently employ less than 50 staff.  The package of support includes a business assessment, followed by one to one professional advice and access to a choice of training masterclasses. Blaby District Council is working in partnership with Nottingham Business Venture to run this pilot business support scheme. Contact Carole Troake, Principal Economic Development Officer on 0116 2727735 for more information or find the details at www.blaby.gov.uk/business/support-advice/business-grants-and-loans/

The Mighty Creatives: Embridge Arts Award Grant Programme 2014 – 2015
As the East Midlands Bridge organisation, The Mighty Creatives has been working to help more children and young people access more great art and culture more of the time. We have been working with Trinity College London to develop Arts Award within our region. Arts Award offers young people an inspiring arts and culture journey. This year we have developed an Arts Award Grants Programme to extend the reach of Arts Award and to further develop where and how Arts Award is being delivered to young people in the region. You can apply for up to £5,000 to help you to develop or start your Arts Award offer. To find out more and down load an application form click here. Application deadlines: Round 1 - 9am 30 April 2014 | Round 2 - 9am 30 June 2014 | Round 3: 9am 6 October 2014

Voluntary Action Leicestershire - application support
VAL offers free, confidential and impartial advice to voluntary and community groups completing funding applications. We are able to review draft funding applications, offer advice on structuring your funding bid and advise and facilitate a consortium approach. To access this service call our Helpline on 0116 257 5050 or email helpline@valonline.org.uk.

Creative Employment Programme
The next deadline for applications to the Creative Employment Programme is the 25th April 2014. The £15 million, National Lottery funded programme aims to increase work and training opportunities for unemployed young people within the creative sector. The programme will provide funding for 6,500 new traineeships, apprenticeships and paid internship opportunities to help young unemployed people enter the arts and cultural workforce. Employment created will be in a wide range of disciplines, from technical to administrative roles. The programme will provide part wage grants to employers who create new apprenticeship and internship job opportunities for young unemployed people aged 16-24. Employers will need to make an application for funding in order to access a part wage grant. Read more here

Wellcome Trust – Arts Awards
The Wellcome Trust is inviting organisations and individuals to apply for funding through its Arts Awards. The Arts Awards support projects that engage the public with biomedical science through the arts including: Dance, Drama, Performance arts, Visual arts, Music, Film, Craft, Photography, Creative writing and Digital media. Applications are invited for projects of up to £30,000 through their small grants programme, and for projects above £30,000 through their large grant programme. The aim of the awards is to support arts projects that reach new audiences which may not traditionally be interested in science and provide new ways of thinking about the social, cultural and ethical issues around contemporary science. The scheme is open to a wide range of people including, among others, artists, scientists, curators, filmmakers, writers, producers, directors, academics, science communicators, teachers, arts workers and education officers. The next application deadline for small projects is the 27th June 2014, the deadline for large projects has now passed. Read more here

Government Growth Vouchers programme opens
The Government has launched a £30m ‘Growth Vouchers’ programme to help small British businesses grow. The programme will offer advice and guidance to businesses taking part and see subsidies of up to £2,000 offered to many to spend with advisers. It’s expected to help 20,000 of the smallest British businesses over the 15 month life of the initiative. The Enterprise Nation Marketplace is the place to find Growth Voucher advisers. Creative Leicestershire will be glad to hear of your experience of using this scheme. Let us know how it works for you.

Idlewild Trust
The Idlewild Trust has announced that the next closing date for applications to its grant making programme is the 24th September 2014. The Idlewild Trust is a grant making trust that supports registered charities concerned with the encouragement of the performing and fine arts and crafts, the advancement of education within the arts and the preservation for the benefit of the public of lands, buildings and other objects of beauty or historic interest in the United Kingdom. Read more at: http://www.idlewildtrust.org.uk/

Fund Innovators
The Idea's fund is offering 20 awards of £500 to creative individuals and groups. The funding scheme is open to all creative disciplines. They have 20 lots of £500 to give away – 10 for 16 to 22-year-olds, and 10 for 23 to 30-year-olds. In the past they've funded everything from dance and film projects to music videos and photography collectives. If you're thinking of applying to this brief, why not join the Ideas Fund group where you can talk to other applicants, ask questions, discuss your ideas, and be the first to find out about future rounds of funding? Read more here

Funding for Volunteers to Improve their Community
vInspired, the Volunteering Charity, has announced that its Cashpoint grants scheme is once again open for applications. The Cashpoint grants scheme offers grants of up to £500 to give young people (aged 14-25 ) the opportunity to bring their ideas to improve their local community to life. The funding is available to individual young people (or small groups) who have developed a project idea and will run the project themselves. Projects must be run on a volunteer only basis and the grants are available throughout England. There are no closing dates for applications and grants will be awarded on a continuous basis until all available monies are exhausted. Read more here

Big Potential Opens for Applications
The Big Lottery Fund has announced that its new £10 million programme to help Voluntary & Community groups and Social Enterprises (VCSEs) access social investment is open for applications. The "Big Potential Fund" which will be managed by the Social Investment Bureau will provide grants of £25,000 - £75,000 to help VCSEs carry out investment readiness work with a small group of approved providers. Big Potential will be targeting not for profit organisations that are both at an early stage of their investment readiness journey and those that are further along that journey, who are seeking to raise up to £500,000 in external investment. Eligible organisations can include registered charities, social enterprises, companies limited by guarantee with charitable aims, Community Interest Companies, mutuals etc.). Before charities apply to the fund they will be able to access support from Charity Bank, Social Enterprise UK or Locality before submitting an application. They will then be expected to approach an approved provider, and the charity and provider will make a joint bid to the fund. The fund has not appointed any approved providers yet, but organisations can now apply to become one. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Read more here

Funding for Schools to Purchase Musical Equipment
Schools in the UK, that wish to purchase musical instruments and equipment can apply for funding of up to £2,000 through the EMI Music Sound Foundation's Instrument and/or Equipment Awards. To date the Foundations has made awards to over two thousand schools, individual students and teachers improve their access to music through the purchase or upgrade of musical instruments and equipment. The funding has to be made for music education that is beyond statutory national curriculum music teaching. The Foundation cannot fund retrospectively and schools are not eligible for financial assistance under this scheme if they have already purchased their instruments or if they do so before their application has been approved. The closing date for applications is the 10th September 2014. Read more here

Women Make Music
In 2010, PRS for Music Foundation launched a unique funding opportunity which invited women music creators to apply for our support. The fourth year of Women Make Music comes after hugely successful projects in 2011, 2012 and 2013. Our application deadlines in 2014 are: 28th April (for activity taking place from Aug 14) 29th Sept (for activity taking place from Jan 15) The application is a 2 stage process. Only those with successful 1st stage applications will be asked to continue on to the 2nd stage. Financial support of up to £5000 is available, and new music in any genre is welcome. Click here to find out more and apply.

The Prince's Trust Enterprise Programme
Interested in setting up your own business? If you’re aged 18-30, unemployed or working fewer than 16 hours a week, the Enterprise programme can help you decide whether self-employment is right for you. Depending on the outcome of the decision process, the Enterprise programme can then offer mentoring support and, for those that really need it, financial support to start a business or mentoring support to secure goals in employment, education, training or volunteering. The programme has a rolling deadline, more information here.

Kickstarter
Kickstarter is an exciting and rewarding platform used to fund creative projects. They're a home for everything from films, games, and music to art, design, and technology. Kickstarter is full of projects, big and small, that are brought to life through the direct support of people like you. Since their launch in 2009, 5.3 million people have pledged $894 million, funding 52,000 creative projects. Thousands of creative projects are raising funds on Kickstarter right now! Click here for more information.