LSA Student Award 2015
Leicester Society of Artists and West End Gallery are working together to promote the practice and appreciation of original art. This is the first year of the LSA Student Award, funded by West End Gallery and supported by Creative Leicestershire. To qualify for the award, you must be in full or part time education at a college or university in Leicestershire or Rutland, studying a foundation course or degree course in any art or design discipline.

The award includes prizes from our sponsor West End Gallery:  £300 for the winner of LSA Student Award 2015 & £50 for two runners up on the shortlist. The winner of the LSA Student Award 2015 will be announced on Saturday 7 October 2015.  The winning work will go on display at New Walk Museum & Art Gallery in the LSA Annual Exhibition (6 November 2015 – 9 January 2016).  The winning student and runners up will be invited to exhibit in West End Gallery during 2016.

Entry to the award is free. Deadline 4 September. Apply online at: www.leicestersocietyofartists.co.uk

Creative Business Surgeries
Book an advice session with, Fred Brookes, Creative Leicestershire's business adviser, if you would like to discuss how your business could develop. If the following days are not convenient for you, you can contact Fred at fred.brookes@leics.gov.uk to seek another date

• Tuesday 14th July - LCB Depot, 31 Rutland Street, LE1 1RE.
• Tuesday 21st July - LCB Depot, 31 Rutland Street, LE1 1RE.

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

The Mighty Creatives Vacancies

• Development Manager, £28,313 21 hours a week (Maternity Cover)
  Responsibilities include; gaining insight and inspiration by researching and understanding young lives, turning insight into ideas by experimenting and prototyping, and turning ideas into action by launching and managing new products and programmes; responding to demand and creating new markets for training, events, conferences and progressive ways of individual and networked learning; managing key internal and external relationships with our beneficiaries, clients, subcontractors and associates.
  Deadline 8am, 21st July
• Commercial Director, £40,032 Full time
  Responsibilities include; Lead business development into new markets identified in the agency's business strategy; Work with internal design teams to develop new business models that deliver a return on investment; Lead the agency's membership, marketing and communications strategies in accordance with our creative direction and brand values; Oversee internal production processes, co-ordinating effective cross-agency collaboration and communication; Manage the internal Resources Team; Contribute to the life and work of the agency, including deputising for the Chief Executive, super-charging our values and helping us grow
  Deadline 8am, 3rd August

Please call Madelyn Brown on 0116 2616834 if you have any queries. For more infornmation and to download an application pack, go to http://www.themightycreatives.com/page/Work-with-us/7

Trustee, Backlit
Backlit are recruiting 3 new Trustees for the Board. Experience and skills relating to; business development, financial, fundraising, education, audience building, PR and marketing are of particular interest to further develop Backlit. He or she will be passionate about the arts and have an interest in working with local communities, developing partnerships and audiences. You will be required to attend a Board meeting every quarter and play an active role in the future development of Backlit. Backlit is an artist led studio and gallery space that supports and develops emerging artists; we are driven to support, sustain and grow the visual arts ecology across Nottingham. Please contact Suzanne Golden, Deputy Director at suzannebacklit@gmail.com for further details and information about how to apply. The closing date to apply is midday, Friday 17th July 2015. Interviews will take place Wednesday 12th August.

Young People's Programme Manager (maternity cover), Site Gallery
We are looking for an arts education specialist who has a good track record in working with young people to design and deliver peer-led activity within a visual arts environment. The successful candidate will be passionate about inspiring young people and have proven skills in project management, budget control, fundraising and evaluation. This post is funded by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation who are supporting the gallery to create an innovative programme of activity, with and for young people. Funds are in place until May 2016, with additional fundraising activity underway to continue the work. To apply: Please visit www.sitegallery.org/opportunities. Closing date for applications: midday Friday 17 July 2015 Expected start date: early September 2015

Staff Vacancy at Leicester Print Workshop: Studio & Outreach Worker
Leicester Print Workshop is looking for an enthusiastic, talented, motivated printmaker to join our team. In preparation for our move to new premises in October 2015 we are creating a new part-time post to support the smooth running of our printmaking studio and our education programme. We are looking for a printmaker with a broad and varied knowledge of printmaking to join us in the Studio. Our Studio & Outreach Worker will work closely with the Studio Manager and our freelance tutors and will play a central role in our small staff team. The postholder will look after the day to day running of the studio, ensuring it is ready for LPW artists, courses and other events and activity. The post holder will be continually learning, with the opportunity to shadow LPW artists and tutors and to support outreach activity. We hope to recruit in July for a start in August/September, so that our new colleague is involved with the preparation for Our Big Move, which is due to take place over 3 weeks in late September/October. Download job specification and application information here. Deadline for applications: Tuesday 21 July, 5pm.

Design, Fabricate and Install Decorative Welcome Gateway, Nottingham City Council
A Specialist Artist / Creative Practitioner / Metal Fabrication Company is sought to design, fabricate and install a decorative welcome gateway for either end of Trinity Walk, central Nottingham. The design will be informed by a consultation process with local businesses. It will require the words ‘Trinity Walk’ and give the area a unique identity. Illumination at night should be considered. The finalised design will be submitted to a panel for final approval. Budget is £9,500 excluding VAT. The indicative budget covers materials and costs associated with the design, fabrication and installation of 2 decorative, illuminated, welcome gateway features. Full brief from: Catherine Mayhew 0115 876 4938 catherine.mayhew@nottinghamcity.gov.uk

Parts & Labour commission
Animate Projects, QUAD and D-Lab seek to commission an artist (or artist group) to make on-site and moving image work that employs animation, drawing and digital technologies, for a continually evolving exhibition in QUAD’s Extra Gallery Spaces and online. We would like the selected artist to create work that acts out narratives across QUAD’s corridor walls, using the space in innovative ways, that can – of equal importance to the physical space – exist online on the D-Lab, Animate Projects and QUAD websites. The fee is £3000 inclusive of VAT; an additional £1000 towards material and production costs; an additional £250 for delivery of a workshop and talk. There will be some additional support towards travel and accommodation. The artist will receive curatorial support from the commissioning partners and assistance with installation at QUAD from the gallery team. The deadline for proposals is 22 July 2015. For guidelines and how to apply, please visit: http://www.scribd.com/doc/268918883/Parts-Labour-Commission-Brief

Development and Projects Manager - Live & Local
£27,323, pro rata (0.8 FTE/ 28 hours per week/ Flexi time). It’s an exciting time to join Live & Local. We are growing fast this year to eventually support a network of over 300 voluntary organisations across seven counties in the east and west midlands who choose and promote professional live performances and film screenings for their local community run venues. You will join a team of eight in Warwick and be responsible for the creation of long-term value for Live & Local from audiences, promoters, artists and other partners consistent with the values of Live & Local. This involves being an ambassador for the organisation, shaping and delivery of a fundraising strategy, managing time limited projects and driving forward new initiatives to ensure long term growth and sustainability. The successful candidate will have exceptional project management skills and a track record of effective fundraising for cultural projects plus a knowledge of and passion for the performing arts and film. Excellent communication, networking and interpersonal skills are essential, as is the commitment and vision to strengthen and develop the organisation.Deadline: 10am on Monday 13th July 2015. Interviews: Tuesday 21st July 2015 in Warwick. Application: Via online application form only. Application pack available for download on our jobs page: www.liveandlocal.org.uk.

Director - LEVEL
£35K - £42K depending on skills and experience. For 25 years LEVEL has pioneered in the power of arts and creativity to change the lives of people with learning disabilities. Based in Derbyshire, the charity’s work has a growing national and international impact. In 2008 we opened the doors of the stunning £1.8million purpose-built LEVEL Centre at Rowsley, where we attract over 5000 attendances per year from people with a learning disability. A successful NPO bid has secured funding for the 2015-18 period and confirmed the Arts Council’s continued confidence in LEVEL’s past achievements and future aspirations. At this exciting time, we seek an inspirational Director to lead LEVEL’s development as an innovative provider of high quality arts experiences with and for the learning disabled community. Further information and application details can be found at:
www.levelcentre.com/about/opportunities. Or contact Alison Foote to find out more alison@levelcentre.com or call on 01629 734848 or 07702829985. Closing date for applications is 3pm on 13th July 2015. Interviews are on 24th July 2015

Nottingham Castle and Gallery - Artist Commission
In November of this year, Nottingham Castle Museum & Art Gallery will host the exhibition   A World to Win:- Posters of Protest and Revolution from the V&A. The exhibition presents a century of posters agitating for political change. From the ‘Votes for Women’ campaign of the early Twentieth Century to the recent Occupy movements, the poster has been used to mobilise, educate and organise. Nottingham Castle is looking to commission two artists (or artist groups) to create new work based on the themes of the exhibition but also in collaboration and response to the ideas of young workshop participants. The resultant artwork with be shown alongside ‘A World to Win’ in the Museum temporary exhibition galleries. As part of this commission, each artist will deliver 5 days of workshops with a group of young people to explore the themes of ‘A World to Win’ through practical and creative activities. These workshops will be used as action research to create content that will inform the new commissioned artwork – the group will not assist with the physical creation of the work, nor will they have a say to how the work is created, but the artist will be expected to use the themes and ideas of the workshops to influence the artwork. Full brief here http://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/museumprojects/index.aspx?articleid=29995. Deadline 13th July

Digital Artist Commission - D-Lab/ Junction Arts
Fee: £1500. Deadline: 10am on 13 July. D-Lab is an exciting new project, supported by Arts Council England through the National Lottery, Derbyshire County Council and Arts Derbyshire. It aims to bring the best and most exciting new media artists and artworks to an online audience, focussing especially on artists and organisations in Derbyshire and the East Midlands. We are inviting proposals from digital artists to develop a new and innovative online response to Junction Arts' Rural programme in the East Midlands area, showcasing new and existing work, through an interactive online element. We are interested in working with artists who will develop new technologies and innovative ways of interacting with communities and connecting with new audiences. Junction Arts would like to create new output alongside and in response to this commission that may include live webcasts, audio trails, and other creative interventions. Full details at www.d-lab.org.uk

Associate Centre Assistant - The Royal Ballet School
The successful candidate will be responsible for working with the Centre Coordinator to ensure the efficient running of day to day activities for the Associate Programme, ensuring student’s safety and well-being at all times. This role will be varied and fast paced and will involve chaperoning the students around the building and supervising them at all times outside of the classroom. You must help to ensure the correct procedures are followed by parents and staff; whilst maintaining confidentiality in regard to all student and staff activities of The Royal Ballet School. Suitable child protection training and ongoing support will be provided. 9.45am- 4.15pm or 12.15pm- 6.30pm Saturdays. Some flexibility may be required. For more information and an application form, please see our website: http://www.royalballetschool.org.uk/information/work-with-us/. Closing date for applications: 9am, 13 July 2015

Adminstrator (maternity cover) - Music for Everyone
We are looking for an enthusiastic, highly-organised multi-tasker, with a genuine enthusiasm for music making to join the staff of our unique arts education charity, the most active independent music participation organisation in the East Midlands www.music-for-everyone.org. The role will include; dealing with all general enquiries (face-to-face, telephone, postal and email) and providing a pleasant and positive interface with the public at all times; managing incoming and outgoing mail, taking messages, photocopying, filing, ordering stationery, ensuring maintenance of office equipment and implementing administrative systems efficiently; keeping all contact databases up to date; inputting ticket sales, membership and course enrolment data into computer held box office system; providing weekly reports to the Events Coordinator for course enrolments, ticket sales, etc; carrying out day to day book-keeping and banking of cheques/cash; working on own initiative in relation to administrative and office based tasks. Location: Hockley, Nottingham. Salary range: £14,500 - £15,000. Hours: full time (37.5 hours per week). For full job description please contact Su Evans, General Manager email: su@music-for-everyone.org or tel. 0115 958 9312. The closing date for applications will be 12 noon on Friday 14th August.

Open call for artists for Emergency!
Leicester Artists based in the East Midlands are invited to submit their ideas to us for Emergency! showcase Sunday 4th October 2015 at The Y Theatre. We are interested in all artistic works such as dance, theatre, short film, music, comedy and poetry, anything that is considered to be creative that you can perform or exhibit in our theatre! Emergency! promotes artist development! The show will provide the opportunity for 4 artists to perform in a professional venue and receive audience feedback during the show. There is no registration fee to take part, no CV's or show reels are required just a simple idea for a performance that lasts a maximum of approximately 15 minutes. The submission deadline for Emergency! is Friday 17th July. Please email NPeart@leicesterymca.co.uk for an application form.

Animateur - Rambert
Britain’s national dance company requires Freelance Dance Animateurs. Rambert is looking to increase its team of experienced, Freelance Dance Animateurs who deliver high-quality sessions to over 30,000 people across the UK every year. This is a challenging and exciting opportunity to join Rambert’s learning and participation team in delivering its extensive portfolio of community based outreach work. Drawing on the resources of the company’s artists, repertoire and heritage, the learning and participation department creates opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to engage with Rambert and develop their appreciation of contemporary dance. Current areas of work include an extensive workshop activities for schools and colleges across the UK, a programme of events in theatres, a dance and health programme (with a particular focus on older adults), annual holiday courses and evening classes. The department runs more than 800 workshops and events per annum, engaging over 30,000 people. For more information, visit www.rambert.org.uk/about-us/jobs-auditions/freelance-dance-animateurs/. Deadline for applications: Friday 17 July 2015 by 5pm.

Exhibitions & Events Traineeship - Culture Coventry
Part Time 4 days per week (29.5 hours). £1,000 per month bursary. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain experience and understanding of all aspects of exhibitions and events within the museum and heritage sector. It is intended that for the duration of this 18 month traineeship you will be given every opportunity to develop your skills and build professional experience, to enable you to develop a career in this popular sector. You will mainly be based at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, but may be required to work across other Culture Coventry sites. To find out more go to: http://www.theherbert.org/about/jobs/exhibitions-events-18-month-traineeship. Closing date for Applications : 17th July 2015. There are two other traineeships available: History Centre and Curatorial

General Manager/ Producer - Zest Theatre
Zest is a national touring theatre company creating innovative, interactive work for, by and with young people. We tour to theatres, outdoor spaces and schools with a variety of immersive, site specific or promenade productions. Our work places the audience right at the centre of the action and creative process. Each year we engage around 17,000 people across the country as audience members or participants with productions that have been described as ‘inclusive’ (The Northern Echo) and ‘invigorating’ (The British Theatre Guide). Zest is currently in an exciting stage of refocusing its output and streamlining its management structures. The General Manager / Producer is a key new role within our restructure as we create a stronger, more robust organisation. You'll be responsible for the smooth operational running of Zest’s day to day business administration and have oversight of the logistics and organisation of the Company’s touring activities. £20,800 pro rata. 32 hours per week including occasional evenings and weekends. If interested in applying, please download the application pack and return the application form with any supplementary information by 12 noon on Friday 17th July 2015. For more information,  please visit: www.zesttheatre.com

Vacancies at 2Faced Dance Company

• Admin and Finance Officer
  2Faced Dance Company are seeking to appoint an Admin & Finance Officer who will work three days a week to help ensure the smooth running of the company finances and administration of the Education Department. You will be using both Excel spreadsheets and Sage Instant Accounts Plus and will be responsible for all financial record keeping. Closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday 17 July 2015. Interviews will take place on Friday 24 July 2015.
• Learning and Participation Manager2Faced Dance Company is looking for a dynamic individual to oversee and develop the exciting range of Learning and Participation projects that the company offers. This includes its established Community Dance Programme, Dance Traits Initiative, The Trench and our Touring Programmes. This role includes the practical delivery of workshops and classes to children and young people aged 4 – 24 years in and across a range of settings. Closing date for applications is 6pm on Friday 17 July 2015. Interviews and practical class day will take place on Friday 24 July 2015.

Visit http://www.2faceddance.co.uk/about/the-company/job-opportunities/ for details about both opportunities

The Generator Loughborough CIC First Phase Development Manager
The Generator Loughborough CIC Board of Directors invite applications to manage the development of this project in its first phase and to secure funding. Deadline for questions: Thursday 16th July 2015. Closing date for Application: 9am on Friday 17th July. Bidders should note that there is a maximum budget of £15k, inclusive of VAT, allocated to the delivery of this work. The first stage of this work requires a range of skills including being able to successfully apply for funding applications. The role requires looking at combinations of funding options and development options for the entire project. You must also be able to apply a level of detail and recommend steps that need to be taken for success. You will be a champion for the cause and grasp an understanding of the project quickly. The successful candidate will be capable of interpreting The Generator Loughborough CIC’s vision and fully understand its ethos and philosophy. This includes understanding the role of the Board of Directors and wider stakeholders. Download the full application here

Marketing and Communications Manager - People Dancing
People Dancing - the UK development organisation and membership body for community and participatory dance - is looking for an energetic and full-of-ideas Marketing and Communications Manager to join the team in this newly created role. Full-time, permanent contract. This newly created role will enable the development of marketing and communications work at People Dancing across all programmes and activities. It is an exciting and creative opportunity for a highly skilled individual to make a significant and positive impact, helping to build on People Dancing’s reputation as an innovative, forward-thinking leader in the field. This is an ideal post for someone with a good track record in marketing and communications and who is ready to step up to the next level. Application deadline: noon, Monday 20 July 2015. Interviews held: Thursday 30 July 2015, People Dancing’s Offices, Leicester. Salary: £25,277 - £27,253 pa. To apply go to: http://communitydance.org.uk/DB/jobs/marketing-and-communications-manager-leicester.htm

Customer Service Supervisor (Casual) - The Y
We are looking to recruit a casual Customer Service Supervisor to oversee the smooth running of events at The Y Theatre and champion high quality customer care, predominantly during weekend evenings. The 300 seat theatre is part of The Y, a vibrant and diverse charity also offering supported accommodation and education for young people, homeless services and sports facilities. The post holder will provide on-duty supervision of the reception/ box office, bar and front of house team.  This will include administrative, technological and financial aspects of reception management including theatre box office, support for event bookings and banking.  An integral member of the customer service team, you will be responsible for the efficient and safe operation of public areas of the East Street building whilst on duty. The ideal candidate will have experience of working in a customer facing role and supervising staff, with venue and bar experience an advantage. You will be a proactive team-player with excellent communication skills and enthusiasm for working in the arts and with young people. www.ytheatre.co.uk. Deadline 22 July

Commission for a screen based interactive - D-Lab/ LEVEL
Fee £2,000. Deadline 5pm on 24 July 2015. We are re-advertising a D-Lab commission in partnership with LEVEL. D-Lab is an exciting new project, supported by Arts Council England through the National Lottery, Derbyshire County Council and Arts Derbyshire, which aims to bring the best and most exciting new media artists and artworks to an online audience. We want to encourage artists to make more and better use of digital media in their creative practice, to take risks and experiment, and to showcase their work to an online audience. The brief is to create a new work or works that will provide an automatic interactive performance space/environment for people with a learning disability. An online manifestation of the art works would also be necessary, as D-Lab is a predominantly online project. If you want to discuss your proposal and find out more about the building and resources at LEVEL you are invited to an open afternoon on Friday 10 July from 1.30pm - 3pm. This isn't compulsory but is highly recommended. Please email info@davidgilbert.org.uk and andrew@randomline.co.uk to let us know if you’d like to visit. Full details at www.d-lab.org.

Writing about Art Commission - The Collection and Usher Gallery
We have a new commissioning opportunity for someone under the age of 26 to write a response to an exhibition we are holding at The Collection and Usher Gallery in October. This is an exciting opportunity for a young writer to work with an art gallery. The resulting work will be shown in the gallery as a handout and online on our website. For this new commission we are looking for a piece of writing that offers an alternative access point for the exhibition; a different way to discuss the issues raised. We would like to commission someone who is truly engaged with the subject matter. This opportunity is open to anyone who might have something to say about the subject matter, no matter what level of writing experience. Click here for full details about the commission. Deadline 5pm, 24th July

Head of HLF East Midlands
The Head of the HLF East Midlands Team will lead, manage and support the operational team responsible for all aspects of HLF work in the region. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to become involved in the wide variety of heritage projects supported by HLF. They will work across the East Midlands to promote and be an advocate for the value of heritage to people and communities. They will be responsible for agreeing and overseeing the delivery of a strategy for outreach, development and pre-application advice across the region and will work closely with a range of external partners including local authorities and statutory agencies. They will oversee management of the full range of complex and diverse applications for grant within the region and will administer a substantial delegated grants budget.The role involves close working with HLF's Committee for the East Midlands which makes decisions on applications for grants between £100,000 and £2 million in value together with making occasional presentations to HLF's main Board of Trustees. For more information about this role and to apply on line please visit the website at https://forms.hlf.org.uk/applications/HLFJobs_PublicPortal.ofml. Closing date for applications is Monday 27 July 2015

Temporary Radio Staff Wanted - 2Funky
2Funky Arts is seeking temporary staff for BHM Radio2Funky, a temporary FM Radio station that will be part of Black History Month 2015.This is an excellent opportunity for rising radio professionals looking to develop their careers in broadcasting.

• Full Time Radio Manager
  Freelance, fixed term, 40 hours per week, 8 weeksSeptember-October 2015. £10 per hour. Duties will include implementing programme content and schedules, keeping financial records, supervising radio training, volunteer management, dealing with public enquiries and safeguarding young volunteers.
• Full Time Assistant Radio Manager
  Freelance, fixed term, 40 hours per week, 4 weeksOctober 2015. £8 per hour. Duties will include assisting in management of volunteers and implementing programme content, dealing with public enquiries, and assisting in training and safeguarding young volunteers.

Please contact Vijay Mistry on info@2funkyarts.co.uk for full job briefs.  Application is by CV and brief cover letter (outlining any relevant experience / your reasons for applying), via email.

Trustees - Phoenix
Phoenix is now looking for up to 3 new Trustees to work with the established Board of 10 experienced Trustees - and its management team - to build upon its success. We are particularly interested to hear from people who have business sector leadership experience, and specific skills: digital marketing, creative media production, community engagement and economic development. We are looking for strategic thinkers who have the confidence, integrity and credibility to support Phoenix over the next 2-3 years in this voluntary role. Applications are encouraged by the 21st August 2015, when the first short-listing panel will take place. The opportunity will then close or could remain, depending on the profile of applications received. For informal discussions, please contact John Rance, Chief Executive Officer john.rance@phoenix.org.uk, To apply for this post please download the application pack from the Phoenix website and send to jobs@phoenix.org.uk or Administrative Officer Phoenix Phoenix Square 4 Midland Street Leicester LE1 1TG

Black History Month Volunteers - 2Funky Arts
Are you aged 14-25 and interested in a career in radio, journalism, arts or history? Help us research and / or present the history of Black music, arts, culture and society in Leicester from the last 67 years. Expenses paid! Boost your skills, knowledge and CV! Training for volunteers will take place August–October 2015, Granby Street, Leicester. This will include interview, research, presenting, media and broadcasting techniques, as well as working towards an Arts Award accreditation. We are also looking for young people to help us manage the project. Radio shows will be aired as part of Black History Month, October 2015. Interested? Please contact Vijay Mistry info@2funkyarts.co.uk or visit www.2funkyarts.co.uk

Junior Animator - Moving
We're currently looking for a talented junior animator / motion designer to work with us at our Leicester based agency on a full time basis. Recent graduates are more than welcome. You'll be working with our small team of three, supporting existing and future projects. We'e looking for someone with a good eye for detail, good understanding of design / layout and real experience in After Effects and the animation workflow, in a commercial sense. You'll need an eye for layout, polished transitions and good composition. We'll teach you the rest. We're not necessarily looking for experience in character animation, stop-motion or walk cycles. Any other skills such as print design would be a bonus but you'll mostly be supporting our animation side, so we can focus on getting the interesting work through the door. Please send CVs and portfolios / reels to info@movingstudio.co.uk - up to 10mb attachments please.

Government tendering opportunities - Contracts Finder
Contracts finder allows businesses to search for information about tending opportunities for government contracts worth over £10,000.Businesses can use Contracts Finder to:

• search for contract opportunities in different sectors
• find out what’s coming up in the future
• look up details of previous tenders and contracts

You can create an account to get email updates and save your searches. You can still search and apply for contracts without an account. www.gov.uk/contracts-finder

Knighton Lane Artists studios
Knighton Lane Artists studios have available studio spaces. 70.00/month includes 24/7 access, bills, onsite parking and use of the workshop. We are a collective so membership will also entitle you to exhibit regularly as part of the KLA. To view the studios or to get more information please contact our membership co-ordinator timjfowler@hotmail.com or visit http://www.knightonlaneartists.co.uk

Dock
Dock offers a wide variety of services for entrepreneurs, so you’ll find something that fits your needs. Dock is an excellent base to grow your business. Our quality office, lab and workshop spaces are professional and affordable. All our workspaces have 24/7/365 access, with a managed internet and telephony system so you can plug in from day one. All workspaces are unfurnished but furniture can be leased at competitive rates, if desired. Find out more here.

The Innovation Centre
De Montfort University’s Innovation Centre is a launch-pad for student, graduate and staff businesses which are either innovative by nature of their products or services or can demonstrate innovative working practises. We provide a physical hub in which local entrepreneurs and innovators can grow and develop their business. The Innovation Centre offers: A space for your business to operate from; 24 hour access to your unit; Meeting, boardroom and event space at no extra cost; Access to DMU expertise; your business could benefit from working with world class Researchers, Academics and Professional Services staff; A social hub for informal meetings and recreation. Because The Innovation Centre is part of De Montfort University, we are able to connect our residents with Researchers, Academics and Professional Services staff who can assist in the growth and development of the business. Find out more here.

Two Queens - Studios
Two Queens studio spaces are intended to provide a flexible, affordable and supportive space for the continued practice of emerging artists. All spaces benefit from natural and artificial light and include 24/7 access, wifi, bills and rates included. All studio holders have first call to take part in discussions, critiques and studio events. Minimum studio occupation period is 3 months, a deposit equal to one month’s rent is required at time of moving in. Standard (2.5m x 2.5m) - £50pm/Double (2.5m x 5m) - £90pm. Apply for a space.

B-Film presents the inaugural Screening Rights Film Festival
9-11 July 2015 at mac birmingham. The need for heartfelt films about the depths of human adversity around the world has grown enormously in recent decades. This new film festival will bring some of the best and most interesting of these films to Birmingham. The festival programme combines screenings of highly acclaimed social justice films with post screening discussions involving directors, producers, writers, activists and experts. Screening Rights is a new venture aiming to inspire and develop debates on the potential of film to affect personal, social and political change. Events can be booked individually, or a festival pass can purchased for £15.

Royal Television Society - Midlands Centre Awards 2015
We are now inviting entries for the 2015 Royal Television Society Midlands Centre Awards. You are invited to submit programmes or other content which were, or will be broadcast and/or published between 1st July 2014 to 30th June 2015 for consideration for the Midlands Centre Awards for 2015. Programmes or other content must have been produced, published, commissioned or creatively controlled by a Midlands based company. (Midlands Region for the purposes of these Awards includes: - Derbyshire, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands and Worcestershire.) Find out more here. Enquiries and entry information should be directed to Jayne Greene, RTS Midlands Centre Administrator, Telephone: 07792 776585, email: jayne@ijmmedia.co.uk Submission deadline: 10 July 2015. 

Learning at Phoenix
Phoenix, 4 Midland Street, Leicester LE1 1TG. Contact Phoenix Box Office on 0116 2422800 or for more information go to www.phoenix.org.uk
 

• A Day in the World of Mike Leigh Sat 11 Jul, 10.30am – 4pm Price: £24/£20 conc Tutors: Alan Seaman. Now the dust has settled from last year’s release of Mr Turner, we take a look at Mike Leigh’s illustrious film directing career that spans more than forty years. From the early BBC television work such as Nuts In May and Abigail’s Party through to the current day. We’ll examine what typifies the idea of a film ‘devised by’ Mike Leigh, the themes, actors and acting styles, the characterisation and aspects of comedy and tragedy that mark his territory.
• Talking Pictures (Autumn) Tuesdays, 20 Oct – 21 Dec, 10.30am 10 weekly tutor-lead group discussions putting the cinema week in focus. Price: £80/£70 Conc Tutors: Alan Seaman. Share your love of film at Phoenix with a course designed to provide the fullest possible cinema-going experience, including weekly admittance to the Phoenix matinee screening, showing our usual high quality mixture of the best in independent, world and mainstream movies, a cup of tea or filter coffee and – best of all – a tutor-led discussion among fellow motion picture lovers about the film of the week, current film news, controversies, obituaries and everything in between.

Virtual and Augmented Reality Innovation Contest Briefings
The IC tomorrow ‘Virtual and Augmented Reality Innovation Contest’ will offer up to £210K to businesses to explore and encourage innovation within the flourishing world of Virtual and Augmented reality. Through a range of challenges, including themes of smart construction, immersive retail, enhanced medical training and care, next-gen vocational education, tactile experiences and amplified music experiences, IC tomorrow are looking for innovative proposals from companies with digital solutions relevant to these themes. Winners will not only benefit from contest funding but will have an exclusive opportunity to collaborate with one of our contest challenge partners, which include Crossrail, John Lewis, Queen Mary University London, Enteric HTC and Royal London Hospital, Pearson, King’s College London, Konica Minolta and Ericsson and Columbia Records. IC tomorrow aims to see unique solutions with potential appeal to a broad commercial market, successful applicants will then embark on the opportunity to trial their proposed solutions with the industry partners for a minimum duration of 3 months. The Knowledge Transfer Network will be organising and jointly hosting two briefing events for this contest:

• 13th July 2pm-5pm, Ambassadors Bloomsbury 12 Upper Woburn Place WC1H 0HX
• 15th July 2pm-5pm, The Landing, Blue, Media City UK, M50 2EQ

 

UNICEF Wearables for Good Challenge
The Wearables for Good challenge seeks to develop innovative, affordable solutions to make wearables and sensor technology a game-changer for women and children. Each of the two winners will receive $15k funding and mentorship prizes. Deadline 4th August. To find out more and to apply, go to http://wearablesforgood.com/the-challenge

Animate OPEN call for submissions
Animate Projects and QUAD are pleased to announce an international call for Parts & Labour, the second Animate OPEN exhibition. We invite submissions of experimental single channel work that relate to the theme Parts & Labour: emphasising the craft – analogue and digital – of contemporary creative animation practice. The Animate OPEN will present work in a gallery, in cinemas and online. The submission fee is £10 for one work, £15 for two. Animate Projects is a charity and all fee income contributes to the administration of the Animate OPEN. The deadline is: 11:00 (British Summer Time), Thursday 3 September 2015. A jury will award an Animate OPEN Prize of £1,500. An Audience Prize of £750 will be selected by visitors to the exhibition at QUAD. Exhibition fees will be paid to the selected artists. For guidelines visit: http://www.animateprojects.org/news/animate_open_parts_labour1

Summer Cinema
Surface Gallery are now seeking artists, filmmakers and creatives to submit short videos for a screening taking place at the end of July. Surface’s large project space will be transformed into a screening space for a two-day exhibition exploring emerging talents in contemporary film, video art and animation. The theme of the exhibition is open! The only specification for submission is that films are suitable to be shown on a large screen projection, and be less than 10 minutes long. For further information please visit our website: www.surfacegallery.org or contact us here: info@surfacegallery.org / 0115 947 0793

Funding opportunities from Creative England

• Film Enterprise - Offers business' tailored support and funding to allow entrepreneurs to develop creative strategies, refine their business models and attract increased levels of corporate finance. This fund is open to new business alliances and joint ventures and to help companies.
• Creative England Production Fund - Aimed at feature films with a budget of £2 million, open to established directors and up and coming talent. With a particular focus on regional based films.
  
   
• Short film production - This fund aims to back writers, directors and writer/directors who have some experience and would like to make their own short within a budget of £10,000 - £50,000 and feature. To be eligible, the film must already be in first draft and a creatively and professionally relevant calling card for a first feature.
• Feature film development - Targeted at an audience that has some industry or public recognition with previous experience but has not made a feature film that has attracted theatrical distribution. This programme is willing to fund option costs, research, writer's fees, script editing, producer's fees/overhead, director's services, legal, budget/schedule, casting, recce and other costs as may be agreed.
   

Call for applications: Human Spaceflight and Microgravity Outreach: Arts and Creative Technology
The UK Space Agency is supporting new outreach related to human spaceflight and microgravity research. In 2013, the UK joined the European Space Agency’s International Space Station (ISS) and Life and Physical Sciences (ELIPS) programmes, to advance national science and industry. It is recognised that these space programmes can also connect with new audiences and increase knowledge of space beyond its usual STEM focus (science, technology, engineering and maths). The upcoming flight of Tim Peake to the International Space Station has boosted interest in human spaceflight in the UK. The current scheme, however, looks beyond this one mission: the Agency is seeking original ideas which give new perspectives on science, technology and exploration in a sociocultural context. Awards are available from £10k up to a maximum of £50k. The Agency expects to make between 1 and 5 awards. The Agency is looking for creative work which responds to space science and technology in new and interesting ways. Funding may be matched from other sources or be used to fund one part of a larger project. Proposals are welcome in these areas: Visual arts, Video games or Creative technology + immersive media. The deadline to apply is 4pm, 27th July. For full details visit the Gov.UK website

You is for University
Following the success of our 2014 competition and publications, The Student Wordsmith is re-opening its ‘You is for University’ competition for one month. As usual, we are accepting written entries (on any topic deemed crucial to university life) in the form of: Poetry (Max: 600 words), Prose (Max: 2000 words), Drama (Max: 2000 words) and Non-fiction (Max: 1000 words). However, this year, we are expanding our entries to include other art forms too! These include: Short Film (Max: 7 minutes), Performance Poetry (Max: 3 minutes), Photography (One photo/entry) and Illustration (One piece/entry). To enter a submission in any of the above art forms, simply send your work in the form of a short video, in jpeg or PDF formats, or as a Microsoft Word attachment, to competitions@thestudentwordsmith.com. Entries cost £10.00 and should be sent to the above email address once you have paid your entry fee via our shop at www.thestudentwordsmith.com. Entries will close at 5pm on Friday 17th July 2015. Prizes include: publication in our 2015 anthology, a signed copy of the collection, chance to be part of a live event or exhibition and the chance to win one of our top secret awards at our first-ever, annual awards evening (held early next year).

New Summer Course Programme at Leicester Print Workshop
Learn relief printing, silkscreen printing, embossing, etching, drypoint,  monoprint, textile screenprint and solar plate etching at Leicester Print Workshop this August and September. All courses are suitable for beginners as well as experienced printmakers. More information and booking links here: www.leicesterprintworkshop.com/courses

LSA Student Award 2015
Leicester Society of Artists and West End Gallery are working together to promote the practice and appreciation of original art. This is the first year of the LSA Student Award, funded by West End Gallery and supported by Creative Leicestershire. To qualify for the award, you must be in full or part time education at a college or university in Leicestershire or Rutland, studying a foundation course or degree course in any art or design discipline. The award includes prizes from our sponsor West End Gallery:  £300 for the winner of LSA Student Award 2015 & £50 for two runners up on the shortlist. The winner of the LSA Student Award 2015 will be announced on Saturday 7 October 2015.  The winning work will go on display at New Walk Museum & Art Gallery in the LSA Annual Exhibition (6 November 2015 – 9 January 2016).  The winning student and runners up will be invited to exhibit in West End Gallery during 2016. Entry to the award is free. Deadline 4 September. Apply online at: www.leicestersocietyofartists.co.uk

Open Exhibition 2015 Sock Gallery
The Open invites you to submit two-dimensional work ranging from paintings, photographs, drawings, original prints and mixed media work. Pieces must be submitted in person at Loughborough Town Hall on one of the specified submission dates in July/August. Successful applicants will have their work exhibited in Sock Gallery from Saturday 8th August - Saturday 5th September 2015. Pick up an application form from Sock Gallery at Loughborough Town Hall or download one here where you can find out more. 

Artist and Designer Fair - Call Out
Cotesbach Stable Yard: Sunday 13th September, 10.30AM - 4.30PM. Calling all artists, craft practitioners and designers. Cotesbach Estate and Cotesbach Educational Trust will be joining forces once again to open for national Heritage Open Days and we invite you to get involved. This is your opportunity to help build our reputation as an arts and culture hub, the home of Music in the Yard, Arts Council ‘Rewriting the Archives’ project, professional artists and designers living and working on site and multiple community arts projects over the years.  Pitches £20 for early bookings and also if you can supply your own table and gazebo or £25 and we will supply the above. Please email info@cotesbach.net for more information about the selection process and an application form. Or contact Sophy Newton on: 07720761285/Cotesbach Hall, Nr Lutterworth, Leics LE17 4HX

Lino Print Workshops with Victoria Satchwell
At Naked Lunge Studio, Leicestershire - Learn the art of Lino Print.  Design & carve your own lino - choose to print on fabric (a scarf, tote bag or teatowel) or stationery (notebook, cards & gift tags) Sunday 28th June or Sunday 23rd August
3.5 hours, £30. Book here. Other workshop info can be viewed at www.victoriasatchwell.com

Workshops & Events at The Refectory Table
All courses are held in Loughborough in a relaxing and friendly home – with a fabulous garden. Payment by instalments also available, go to website or contact direct for more info www.therefectorytable.com

• 18 July Flotsam and Jetsam  - Beachcombing natural treasures and shoreline scavenging. A creative workshop using beach material with Artist Jane Bevan. Feeling landlocked? Craving an outing to the beach? In anticipation of summer this unusual art workshop will teach you all the secrets of beachcombing on the British shoreline and the set of practical skills needed to create jewellery using beach/marine material. Maximum 8 people £65/£70. For full details please see website.
• 26 September Pattern and Plants - A creative workshop with Artist Helen Rhodes. An informal, relaxed and thoughtful day exploring plants and pattern with Helen. Discover the secrets behind Helen's different techniques, make an inspiring guided exploration of local gardens, and create your own rich and colourful mixed media artworks. Maximum 8 people £65/£70 For full details please see website.

 

 

Art & Craft Courses at The Attenborough Arts Centre
Attenborough Arts Centre, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 7HA. www.embracearts.co.uk
 

• Introduction to oil painting Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July, 10am – 5pm, £65 / £40. Tutor: Maria Collingham. Develop new skills and approaches that will enable you to confidently produce oil paintings within a relaxed and supportive environment.
• Textural acrylic painting Saturday 25 July, 10am – 4pm, £40 / £22. Tutor: Chris Jay Rogers. Discover and explore creative techniques using acrylic paints and common inexpensive household materials.

 

Call for applications: Hothouse
Hothouse is a national programme taking place in four areas across England and Scotland. In 2016 there are up to 46 places available on the programme which will run from February to July 2016. All of the cohorts are open to makers practicing in any craft discipline. Hothouse provides emerging makers with a programme of focussed, intensive business skills and creative development, complemented with 1: 1 support over a six month period. The programme is delivered in partnership with professional development and craft organisations across the country making it a tailor-made programme for contemporary craft makers. Hothouse participants get to meet lots of other national organisations and regional organisations and our partners get to see up and coming talent and help them realise their potential. The deadline for applications is 11th August. For more information and to apply, go to http://www.craftscouncil.org.uk/what-we-do/hothouse

Outside In Call for Artists
Working in collaboration with Craftspace, Outsider Craft combines Outside In's fourth triennial open art exhibition and Craftspace's touring exhibitions programme, which reflects developments in craft. The exhibition will showcase UK  creativity by artists facing barriers to the art world for reasons including health, disability or social circumstance, and who have submitted their work through the Outside In website. The works selected through this open call out will be displayed alongside pieces by historically renowned and invited contemporary outsider and self-taught artists. This major exhibition will launch at Pallant House Gallery in Chichester, the home of Outside In, from 12 March - 12 June 2016, and will be followed by a national tour. Submissions for the open callout are invited from UK based artists whose work is three or two dimensional and centres around craft processes. The deadline for applications is 5pm Friday 30 October 2015. For full details, visit the website

Are you a crafter/designer/artist working with yarn?
Cotesbach Educational Trust is holding it's first Pop Up wool Week running from 1st-9th August. As part of this, each weekend we will a mini market place. We have stalls available on Saturday 1st, Sunday 2nd, Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th August, 10 - 4 at only £15. If you're interested, please get in touch with our Centre Co-ordinator at hello@cotesbachschoolhouse.org.uk or phone 01455 558373. We'd love to see you there!

Call for applications: Human Spaceflight and Microgravity Outreach: Arts and Creative Technology
The UK Space Agency is supporting new outreach related to human spaceflight and microgravity research. In 2013, the UK joined the European Space Agency’s International Space Station (ISS) and Life and Physical Sciences (ELIPS) programmes, to advance national science and industry. It is recognised that these space programmes can also connect with new audiences and increase knowledge of space beyond its usual STEM focus (science, technology, engineering and maths). The upcoming flight of Tim Peake to the International Space Station has boosted interest in human spaceflight in the UK. The current scheme, however, looks beyond this one mission: the Agency is seeking original ideas which give new perspectives on science, technology and exploration in a sociocultural context. Awards are available from £10k up to a maximum of £50k. The Agency expects to make between 1 and 5 awards. The Agency is looking for creative work which responds to space science and technology in new and interesting ways. Funding may be matched from other sources or be used to fund one part of a larger project. Proposals are welcome in these areas: Visual arts, Video games or Creative technology + immersive media. The deadline to apply is 4pm, 27th July. For full details visit the Gov.UK website

Getting Started
Have you graduated in the last five years from a certified UK Precious Metal course? Do you need support in developing your business skills but aren’t sure exactly what skills you need? Getting Started could be the course for you. Run by the Goldsmiths’ Centre and supported by the Goldsmiths’ Company this one week, free programme is the business taster programme for people who want to pursue a career within the industry. Delivered as a series of seminars, interactive workshops and talks from keynote speakers, the programme will give delegates a greater understanding of the skills needed to run a business or move on within a creative career. You’ll also get the chance to showcase your work and make the contacts and connections to get you on the way to success. Deadline to apply 30 October, with the course taking place Monday 11 - Friday 15 January 2016. For full details, visit the website

Kate Bush Inspiried Me Exhibition Call out
An exhibition of work inspired by Kate Bush, August 26th - September 26th. In August 26th 2014 Kate Bush did her first live concert for 35 years - it was amazing (to say the least)and resulted in an outpouring of love for her and her music on facebook. Many began posting artwork and videos, and Ten2 Gallery thought wouldn’t it be great to bring all these people together, who have been inspired by her, in the form of an exhibition. If you have a piece for consideration for the exhibition (we hope we will be able to show every entry, but we just don’t know how many we will receive), please email an image of it to: rose@ten2gallery.co.uk by the 8th August.

You is for University
Following the success of our 2014 competition and publications, The Student Wordsmith is re-opening its ‘You is for University’ competition for one month. As usual, we are accepting written entries (on any topic deemed crucial to university life) in the form of: Poetry (Max: 600 words), Prose (Max: 2000 words), Drama (Max: 2000 words) and Non-fiction (Max: 1000 words). However, this year, we are expanding our entries to include other art forms too! These include: Short Film (Max: 7 minutes), Performance Poetry (Max: 3 minutes), Photography (One photo/entry) and Illustration (One piece/entry). To enter a submission in any of the above art forms, simply send your work in the form of a short video, in jpeg or PDF formats, or as a Microsoft Word attachment, to competitions@thestudentwordsmith.com. Entries cost £10.00 and should be sent to the above email address once you have paid your entry fee via our shop at www.thestudentwordsmith.com. Entries will close at 5pm on Friday 17th July 2015. Prizes include: publication in our 2015 anthology, a signed copy of the collection, chance to be part of a live event or exhibition and the chance to win one of our top secret awards at our first-ever, annual awards evening (held early next year).

Secrets of Effective Copywriting - one day course
Wednesday 30 September 2015, 9.30am – 4.30pm, Leicester
Discover secrets of effective copywriting on this information-packed course with a highly experienced copywriter. Hear tips you can use in your business straightaway including ten powerful planning questions, how to write with your target market in mind, ten top tips for creating more compelling body copy, ten points to look for when you’re editing your copy …and much more. The fee of £225 per delegate includes lunch, refreshments and notes to take away. To find out more, to read testimonials or to book your place, visit inspiringwords.co.uk/courses. Alternatively, call 0116 286 9800 or e-mail gillian@inspiringwords.co.uk

Wolves & Apples
Saturday, 3 October 2015 10:00 to 17:00, College Court Conference Centre, Knighton Rd, Leicester. LE2 3UF. An event for writers on creating work for children and young adults. Wolves & Apples is a new annual event for writers focussed on on writing for children and young people across books, tv and theatre, involving panels, talks and practical workshops from experienced practitioners. Confirmed guests include Debbie Moon, writer and creator of the CBBC series ‘Wolfblood’, Tanya Landman, children’s author, winner of the 2015 Carnegie Medal for 'Buffalo Soldier', and Juliet Forster, Associate Director at York Theatre Royal. Further guests will be announced as they are confirmed. For further information and booking visit www.red-lighthouse.org.uk

Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award 2015 - Open for entries
With acclaimed poets Liz Berry and Michael Symmons Roberts at the helm as judges, Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award is once again on the search for the world’s most exciting new poets aged 11-17. Deadline for entries is midnight GMT on the 31st July 2015. The Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award is now firmly established as the key competition for young writers. Last year the Award recieved entries from 7,603 young poets from a total 78 countries, cementing its position as the world’s largest literary competition. Amongst last year’s winners are poets from France, Israel, Australia, New Zealand, India, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Canada and the USA - and from right across the UK. Find out more about the award here. 

Frieze Writer’s Prize
Frieze Writer’s Prize, the annual international award to discover and promote new art critics, is now open for entries. The winner will be commissioned to write a review for frieze and will be awarded £2,000. This year the prize will be judged by Paul Teasdale, assistant editor of frieze; the London-based Mexican author Chloe Aridjis; and Hamza Walker, co-curator of ‘Made in L.A. 2016’. Aspiring art critics are invited to submit one unpublished review of a recent contemporary art exhibition, which should be 700 words in length. Entries should be emailed as a Word attachment to writersprize@frieze.com. The closing date for entries is 21 July. for full guidelines, visit http://www.frieze.com/writersprize/category/wp_2015/

Writing East Midlands Mentoring Scheme
A well-matched mentoring relationship can give momentum to writers, helping to develop their craft and their awareness of the market they wish to enter. Our mentoring scheme will offer support and advice to 3 writers each year that, in our view, are able to demonstrate great promise and commitment. The scheme matches the selected writers to sympathetic, established, professional writers. The deadline for applications to this round of Writer Mentoring Scheme is 31st of July. For full details, visit http://www.writingeastmidlands.co.uk/services/mentoring/

The Wasafiri New Writing Prize
The Wasafiri New Writing Prize welcomes entries from around the world in three categories: Poetry, Fiction and Life Writing and is judged this year by Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, Toby Litt and Roger Robinson. The competition is open to anyone who has not published a complete book in their chosen category. Entries should be no longer than 3000 words or a maximum of 5 poems and should be submitted by 5pm GMT on 24 July 2015 along with a completed application form and appropriate fee. Prize for each category: £300 and publication in Wasafiri Magazine. For further information contact wasafiriprize@open.ac.uk or go to www.wasafiri.org

Help for Writers
What does Help For Writers do exactly? Well, like Ronseal, we do exactly what it says on the tin and help writers to get their manuscript converted into ebook format and distributed into online stores. We’re based in Leicester and we love helping local writers to take their books from desk drawer to e-readers around the world. One of the most satisfying parts of the job is seeing authors reaping the rewards of their work and being inspired to carry on writing. You can find us at www.helpforwriters.me or give us a call on 0116 253 0203

NET.WORK@LFF
NET.WORK@LFF provides a unique opportunity for 15 emerging UK writers, directors, writer/directors and producers to participate in an internationally focused professional development programme at the very heart of the BFI London Film Festival. It is an intensive three and a half day event that combines masterclasses, workshops, private screenings, facilitated networking and one-to-ones with exclusive opportunities to meet and interact with leading international filmmakers and industry executives drawn from the Festival’s programme. Participants will receive full accreditation for the entire duration of the 59th BFI London Film Festival, which gives free access to press and industry screenings, as well as the programme of industry events. For more information and to apply, visit the website. The deadline to apply is 5pm, 31 July

You is for University
Following the success of our 2014 competition and publications, The Student Wordsmith is re-opening its ‘You is for University’ competition for one month. As usual, we are accepting written entries (on any topic deemed crucial to university life) in the form of: Poetry (Max: 600 words), Prose (Max: 2000 words), Drama (Max: 2000 words) and Non-fiction (Max: 1000 words). However, this year, we are expanding our entries to include other art forms too! These include: Short Film (Max: 7 minutes), Performance Poetry (Max: 3 minutes), Photography (One photo/entry) and Illustration (One piece/entry). To enter a submission in any of the above art forms, simply send your work in the form of a short video, in jpeg or PDF formats, or as a Microsoft Word attachment, to competitions@thestudentwordsmith.com. Entries cost £10.00 and should be sent to the above email address once you have paid your entry fee via our shop at www.thestudentwordsmith.com. Entries will close at 5pm on Friday 17th July 2015. Prizes include: publication in our 2015 anthology, a signed copy of the collection, chance to be part of a live event or exhibition and the chance to win one of our top secret awards at our first-ever, annual awards evening (held early next year).

People Dancing Summer School - Save the date!
People Dancing have announced that their annual Summer School will take place from Tuesday 21 to Friday 24 July 2015 at De Montfort University's Performing Arts Centre of Excellence building in Leicester. Find out more on the People Dancing website

EMI Music Sound Foundation
The EMI Music Sound Foundation is an independent music education charity, established in 1997 to celebrate the centenary of EMI Records and to improve young peoples' access to music education in the UK & Ireland. The EMI Music Sound Foundation provides two types of awards: Firstly, the Instrument and/or Equipment awards which allows schools, music teachers and individuals in full time education to apply directly to the Foundation for assistance with the purchase of musical instruments and/or equipment. Secondly, the Bursary awards which allow students at the colleges/organisations detailed below to apply for assistance with fees and/or living expenses (these are handled directly by the college/organisation). To find out more visit, http://www.emimusicsoundfoundation.com/index.php/site/awards/

Momentum Music Fund
The Momentum Music Fund is a £500,000 fund to develop the careers of talented artists and bands. It is anticipated that grants of between £5,000 and £15,000 will be awarded to between 50 and 75 artists/bands over the next 2 years. Applications can be submitted by the artists themselves or those who are working on their behalf, e.g. a manager, an independent label or publisher. Priority will be given to those that haven't been funded by PRS for Music Foundation in the previous 12 months. For further information on the fund and on how to apply, please click: http://www.prsformusicfoundation.com/Funding/Momentum-Music-Fund

Venues Day 2015
Tuesday 20th October 2015. Music Venue Trust are delighted to announce that Ministry of Sound are the first confirmed official partner for Venues Day 2015 and that their venue in Elephant & Castle, London, will host this year's event which will take place on Tuesday 20 October.  Venues Day 2015 is designed especially for the needs of small and medium scale music venues from across the UK, with a range of partners from government, the cultural and music industries joining hundreds of music venue owners and managers to explore how to support the future of the UK's vital grassroots music circuit. If you would like to know more about Venues Day 2015 please contact Event Producer Beverley Whitrick by email: beverley@musicvenuetrust.com. Read more at: www.musicvenuetrust.com

Wingate Foundation Music Grants Programme
The Wingate Foundation has announced that its Music Grants programme is open to applications. The Music Grants programme supports those areas of music performance and education which do not readily attract backing from commercial sponsors or other funding bodies, or which are not eligible for public funding. Priority will be given to those organisations which give opportunities to young professionals and to education projects for young people as well as for new adult audiences. This would include direct assistance as well as funding for organisations which promote their work or performance, and support for Master Classes. The next deadline for applications is the 24th September 2015. Read more at: http://www.wingatefoundation.org.uk/sc_music.php

You is for University
Following the success of our 2014 competition and publications, The Student Wordsmith is re-opening its ‘You is for University’ competition for one month. As usual, we are accepting written entries (on any topic deemed crucial to university life) in the form of: Poetry (Max: 600 words), Prose (Max: 2000 words), Drama (Max: 2000 words) and Non-fiction (Max: 1000 words). However, this year, we are expanding our entries to include other art forms too! These include: Short Film (Max: 7 minutes), Performance Poetry (Max: 3 minutes), Photography (One photo/entry) and Illustration (One piece/entry). To enter a submission in any of the above art forms, simply send your work in the form of a short video, in jpeg or PDF formats, or as a Microsoft Word attachment, to competitions@thestudentwordsmith.com. Entries cost £10.00 and should be sent to the above email address once you have paid your entry fee via our shop at www.thestudentwordsmith.com. Entries will close at 5pm on Friday 17th July 2015. Prizes include: publication in our 2015 anthology, a signed copy of the collection, chance to be part of a live event or exhibition and the chance to win one of our top secret awards at our first-ever, annual awards evening (held early next year).

Market Town presents The New Maker Economy
Wednesday 15 July, 4pm - 6.30pm. The Swan In The Rushes, 21 The Rushes, LE11 5BE. As the growth of makerspaces, fab-labs, and community workshops continues we ask what opportunities could they hold for Loughborough and how could they support the town’s economic sustainability? Recognised as sites of civic and social innovation, creativity and learning, makerspaces are increasingly seen as an exciting opportunity to support design, entrepreneurship, fabrication, manufacturing and technological innovation. Key people writing about and working in this field will share their thoughts and ideas. Book your tickets here

Leicestershire Business Event 2015
Thursday, 29th October. Leicester Tigers Stadium. A business event tailored for business owners, directors and decision makers. A range of business sectors are situated under one roof, giving time-poor company owners, directors and decision makers everything their business needs within a short travelling time from their offices – creating a total solution. Keep up to date with new products and services – see the products in action (a working situation) and meet potential business clients or partners face-to-face. Source products and services from carefully selected and diverse business to business companies including HR, Sales, Marketing, Finance and IT. For full details, go to http://www.hi2events.co.uk/index.php?id=2

Creative Coffee
Creativity, Coffee & Conversation. We're a free fortnightly networking meet-up for creative people and those looking to meet creatives. See www.creativecoffee.org.uk

Writers Meet Up Leicester
Writers Meet Up is  a relaxed and informal meet up for writers living in and around Leicestershire. You'll find plenty of advice and inspiration or just a listening ear amongst this friendly group. The format: Buy a drink, introduce yourself and see where the conversation leads.

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/

FSB & Network Midlands - Networking in Leicester’s West End
FSB & Network Midlands bring SPICE to Networking in Leicester’s West End (First weds of each month) at the NEW Chef & Spice Restaurant. Meet people who can help you within your business or help get you in front of your customer. Talk directly to business people who have resolved business issues which you may be having. Venue: Chef & Spice 1 Andrewes Street, Hinckley Road, Leicester, LE3 5PG,  Date: first Wednesday of each month. Time: 6pm to 9pm, Price as stated (includes networking, food and a drink) Places must be booked via the Eventbrite booking system. 

Coaching & Workshops at The Refectory Table
18 September - The Art of Shouting Quietly. Self-promotion for introverts & other quiet souls. Workshop and coaching with Pete Mosley. This day is for all the brilliant creative people out there who struggle with self-promotion, through shyness, introversion or a mistrust of marketing. You will go away more confident with a personal strategy for self-promotion, lots of new ideas and things to try. Maximum 8 people £100/£120. Includes a 45-minute follow up coaching session to keep you on track. All courses are held in Loughborough in a relaxing and friendly home – with a fabulous garden. Payment by instalments also available, go to website or contact direct for more info www.therefectorytable.com

Exploring Arts and Social Prescribing
Thursday 17th September, Liverpool. This one day national conference will gather the latest academic and practical research into social prescribing, focusing on the role that arts and cultural activities play. A range of workshops will introduce practical examples of social prescribing using arts and cultural activities. The day will highlight good practice approaches and discuss how to most effectively commission, fund and evaluate social prescribing activity. The content will be relevant for CCG commissioners, public health commissioners, health and wellbeing boards and social care commissioners. It will also be relevant for arts and cultural organisations which are actively engaged in social prescribing and want to deepen their understanding and networks. Please visit the website for more information and to book a place https://www.eventbrite.com/e/social-prescribing-conference-tickets-17495269823

Thrive: Continuing professional development (CPD) programme for creative practitioners
Delivered by experienced and knowledgeable facilitators, the sessions cover a wide range of topics tailored to meet the needs of creative practitioners. The Feburary to May programme also includes monthly portfolio review sessions. All sessions will take place at The National Centre for Craft & Design unless stated otherwise. Find out more www.nationalcraftanddesign.org.uk

Culturehive
Culturehive is an online knowledge hub, jam-packed with free innovative arts marketing and audience development resources. Who knows which new ideas might spark your interest?

The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity - Education Loans
The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity provides educaiton loans of up to £6,000 interest free for 9 years in order to assist with the cost of post-graduate courses anywhere in the world.
To be eligible for consideration for a loan you must be; over 18 and under 35 years of age; resident in Leicestershire or Rutland for the last three years; have a gross annual income of less than £15,000 per annum; have net assets of less than £50,000;
able to demonstrate a real need for the loan; applying to study or already studying on a post graduate course. To find out more about the loan and how to apply, visit http://www.stwcharity.co.uk/education-loans/

AD:UK Conference 2015/16: Call out for Case studies & presentations
23rd/24th February 2016, St Andrews Halls, Norwich. We are starting to programme our next Annual Conference, which this year is taking place at St Andrews Halls in Norwich on 23rd and 24th February 2016. The Conference this year will be continuing the theme of Our Cultural Commons, as a partnership with Voluntary Arts and we are looking for case studies from you. ‘Our Cultural Commons’ is collecting evidence of collaborative activity being used to sustain and develop local cultural infrastructure across the UK and Republic of Ireland and we are seeking conference proposals on this subject. The general idea is to theme breakout presentation (which last about 1 hour with a 30 minute presentation followed by a 30 minute round table discussion) on how arts and cultural organisations are having an impact in local communities; how they may work with other cross-cutting agendas (wellbeing, education, social care, environment or crime reduction) and how they are also making the best use of local resources and venues to do so. If you would like to submit a case study for consideration for the conference, please send your ideas to artsdevuk@aol.com  before 17th July and we will submit them to our Conference Working Party for consideration.

LCB Depot Business Development
Whether you’re a startup or an established creative or tech business based in Leicester, take advantage of our FREE business support by booking on to one of our Business Advice Surgeries http://www.lcbdepot.co.uk/events-business. Find out how we've helped businesses like yours and get in touch at  www.lcbdepot.co.uk/develop. Funded by ERDF

Grow: Strategic Audience Development
Grow is a six-month professional development programme for cultural marketers and audience development practitioners to build skills and confidence to manage audience strategy. Consisting of a diagnostic session, two full-day interactive workshops and follow up support, the programme will run from August/September 2015 - February 2016. Places are filling up and numbers are limited, so book now to avoid disappointment. Visit The Audience Agency website for full information.

Dealing with indecision and maximising your potential
Being at cross roads about a decision can be a very uncomfortable feeling and you can waste a lot of valuable time and money thinking about what do. With a decisive mindset you can be certain if securing a creative niche in the market is going to prove beneficial long-term. Being decisive will help you balance relationship requirements, appear more trustworthy to others, optimise spending, and improve financial security. Idea Coach is running a seven step program to help manage indecision. New program price and student rate available. Please get in touch here.

The National Arts Fundraising School
The National Arts Fundraising School is the UK’s most intensive fundraising training programme exclusively for the arts and cultural sector. More than 1,200 museums, galleries, theatres, festivals and dance companies have benefited from the School. So far the learning they’ve gained has helped them raise over £200M. Whether you are relatively new to fundraising and keen to jump in at the deep end, or an old hand in need of time to reflect and refresh, the School will help you deliver the results your organisation needs. Run over six demanding days it’s hard work and challenging. Above all it’s practical – focusing on ‘how to’ skills. Oh, and it’s fun as well. For more information and to book on the next session, visit http://www.nationalartsfundraisingschool.com/

2016 Alexandra Reinhardt Memorial Award Artist in Residence
The ARMA Artist in Residence Award is a fantastic opportunity for a venue to work with an artist or artists through a residency and public art commission, and to develop their education programme with children, young people and/or families. The venue does not need to have previously hosted an artist in residence or to have commissioned artists to create temporary, semi-permanent or permanent artworks to apply for this Award. Since engage began running the programme ARMA venues have included the Bluecoat, Liverpool; New Walk Museum and Art Gallery, Leicester; and mima, Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art. To apply to host the ARMA Artist in Residence 2016: Visit www.engage.org/arma2016venues and read the Information for Venues and complete the Application Form. Deadline for applications: 5pm on Tuesday 13 July.

Melton's Teenage Market Stallholder call out
The Teenage Market is the perfect opportunity for markets to connect with their town’s population of young people, by providing a free platform for them to be entrepreneurial, try out a new a business ideas and sell creative products. The Teenage Market gives young people (13 - 21 years old) who are already trading online, a chance to trade at their local market. It also inspires young people who have never considered the idea of trading on a market, the chance to have a go. As well as a creative retail offer, a Teenage Market should also include some type of performance element, giving a platform for local performers and large community groups to showcase their unique skills and talents. For more information please visit http://theteenagemarket.co.uk/about-the-teenage-market/. Anyone that is interested in getting involved and having a stall or putting on a performance should contact Amy Scoins at Melton Borough Council ascoins@melton.gov.uk

Creative Britain 2015: Access to finance and skills
Thursday 17th September, Event City Manchester. Creative Britain will connect 100 companies and several hundred delegates from the creative industries with over 1,200 Angel investors, Crowdfunder and professional VCT and EIS companies that can make their projects a reality. Delegates from creative companies will learn about support in terms of skill development along with the solutions and infrastructure available to help turn concepts into reality and protect the value of their work.  For Investors in the creative industries, the show will be a chance to view demonstrations and meet with some of the most exciting prospects in Film, TV, Digital, Gaming, Technology and Publishing. For more information and to book, go to http://creativebritain.today/

Arts and culture in the UK Seminar - priorities for funding, partnerships and access
Thursday, 8th October 2015 Central London.  This seminar will offer a timely opportunity to discuss priorities for supporting the arts and cultural sectors across the UK. Delegates will examine the roles of central, devolved and local governments, national development agencies, funding bodies and the private sector including media organisations. In the context of the cultural, social and economic value of the arts and culture to the UK, the agenda will bring out latest thinking on the way forward for public sector funding, as well as prospects for strengthening private revenue streams through cross-sector partnerships, corporate sponsorship, digital innovation and philanthropy. Sessions will also consider best practice examples and strategies for widening and diversifying audiences in light of the Warwick Commission's final report highlighting inequalities in access to the arts. Keynote presenters include: Chris Murray, Director, Core Cities Group; Nick Capaldi, Chief Executive Officer, Arts Council Wales and Dr Munira Mirza, Deputy Mayor for Education and Culture, Greater London Authority. Find out more here. 

Sir Thomas White Loan Charity Funding Applications
The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity provides loans for new business ideas and young businesses needing investment. Eligible candidates may borrow up to £15,000 interest free for 9 years to establish themselves in their chosen career.
To be eligble you must be; over 18 and under 35 years of age; resident in Leicestershire or Rutland and wanting to start a business or have run one for less than four years; going to base or be running the business in Leicestershire or Rutland; have a net annual business income of less than £25,000 per annum, after tax and drawings; have business assets of less than £25,000; able to personally demonstrate that the business has the potential to succeed; able to demonstrate that you have a real need for the loan and that the project would not proceed without assistance from the charity; meaning that you are able to demonstrate insufficient personal funds or credit status to secure the funds required from elsewhere.
For more information and to apply go to http://www.stwcharity.co.uk/business-loans/. The next deadline for applications is Friday 10th July.

Actors of Urban Change
Are you working in the cultural sphere (non-profit), public administration (public body & institutions) or the private sector (for-profit)? Do you have project ideas on how to contribute to the development of your city, together with partners from other sectors, and in a participatory and sustainable way? Are you looking for inspiration, knowledge-transfer and international exchange? If so, feel invited to apply to the program “Actors of Urban Change. Urban Development through Cultural Activities and Cross-Sector Collaboration in Europe”!
It aims to achieve sustainable and participatory urban development through cultural activities. Participants are given an opportunity to strengthen their competencies in cross-sector collaboration. Through local projects, process-related consulting, and Europe-wide exchange, the program participants put their skills into practice.Over the course of 18 months, ten teams from various European cities receive support for the implementation of their joint local projects and obtain professional qualification, as well as networking opportunities. The call for the next round of the program is open until September 13, 2015. For more information visit http://www.bosch-stiftung.de/content/language2/html/47964.asp

Morrisons Foundation Charitable Grants
Charities registered in the UK can apply for grants from the newly established Morrisons Foundation. The Foundation is looking to award approximately £2 million a year for community projects that improve people's lives. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and there is no specific grant amount that can be applied for but applicants must demonstrate how the project will deliver public benefit, who in the community will specifically benefit and how it will bring about positive change. Applicants must also have financial information dating back to 2012 and have raised some of the funding elsewhere. Read more at: http://www.morrisonsfoundation.com/

Wellcome Trust – Arts Awards
Applications are invited for projects of up to £40,000 through their small grants programme, and for projects above £40,000 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 next application deadline for small projects is the 7th August 2015. Read more at: http://www.wellcome.ac.uk/Funding/Public-engagement/Funding-schemes/arts-awards/index.htm

Funding from Arts Council England

• Ambition for Excellence Fund - the fund wants to stimulate and support ambition, talent and excellence across the arts sector in England, especially outside London. It is particularly keen to support the creation of work for major national moments that build on the legacy of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad. Applications for grants of £100,000 to £750,000 are open to national portfolio organisations, museums (applying for arts projects) and organisations primarily focused on creating, producing, distributing and presenting the arts
• Large Capital Grants - arts organisations in England can apply for grants of £500,000 and more improve of existing arts buildings rather that to fund new buildings. The Arts Council will support organisations to develop resilience by having the right buildings and equipment to deliver their work and become more sustainable and innovative businesses.

 

 

 

Coalfields Regeneration Trust's Grants Programme
The Coalfields Community Grants programme provides funding from £500 to £10,000 to organisations who will make a positive difference in their community. Funding is available for; Projects that help people into work; Developing skills and qualifications; Improving health and wellbeing. There is no closing date and applications can be submitted at any time. Read more at: http://www.coalfields-regen.org.uk/what-we-do/social-investment/coalfields-community-grants/. You can find out the eligible Leicestershire wards here

Adam Reynolds Memorial Bursary
The Shape Arts Adam Reynolds Memorial Bursary (ARMB), set up in memory of sculptor Adam Reynolds to support mid-career disabled artists, is now open for submissions. This year’s successful recipient will be awarded £5,000 and a three-month residency at The New Art Gallery Walsall in January 2016. The Bursary provides an opportunity for artists to develop their ideas and practice without pressure to deliver a particular outcome such as finished or exhibition-ready work. Previous residencies have been hosted by the V&A, Camden Arts Centre and Spike Island, Bristol. The deadline to submit applications is 12pm, 27th July. For full details, go to https://www.shapearts.org.uk/news/adam-reynolds-memorial-bursary-201516-submissions-open

Architectural Heritage Fund
The Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF), is a registered charity that promotes the conservation and regeneration of historic buildings in the UK and is now open to applications. Grants and low interest working capital loans are available to registered charities and constituted not for profit organisations to help with the regeneration of historic. The AHF can provide grants to help with assessing the viability of a project, or to fund development costs. Currently two types of grants are on offer, these are; Project Viability Grants (PVG) of up to £3,000, administered on a rolling basis and Project Development Grants funding of up to £25,000, the next application deadline is the 12th August 2015. The AHF also provides loan facilities to eligible charities and other not-for-profit organisations, either for the acquisition of a building, or to provide working capital throughout a restoration project. Loans usually require some form of security, either a first legal charge or a repayment guarantee from a local authority. Read more at: http://www.ahfund.org.uk/grants.php

Santander Community Plus Fund
UK registered charities can apply for a grant of up to £5,000. The funding must be for a specific project that helps disadvantaged people. For example this could be for a piece of equipment or to pay for the costs of a part time seasonal worker. To apply, just visit any Santander branch and complete a nomination form. The completed form should be dropped into the box provided in your local branch. There are no closing dates and entries will be regularly considered by a panel of staff drawn from across the region. Successful charities will be notified within 2 months of submitting their nomination. Read more at: http://www.santanderfoundation.org.uk/community-plus.aspx

Persimmon Community Champions
Persimmon Community Champions is aiming to fund good causes across the UK. In the next 12 months they are planning to give away up to £750,000 to fund local community initiatives. Their charity match programme gives donations of up to £1,000 to local UK groups and charities, which have already raised vital funds themselves. All of their 24 businesses, including their timber frame business Space4 and PLC head office are giving away up to £2,000 each every month – that’s a whopping £52,000 a month available to fund local community initiatives.
To find out more and to apply, please visit the Persimmon Community Champions pages here

Creative Industry Finance
Creative Industry Finance is a programme designed to assist creative and cultural enterprises in securing the finance and investment they need to successfully develop and grow into sustainable businesses. The programme offers tailored advice with a focus on supporting businesses through the process of applying to one of their lending partners for a business development loan. Visit the website for more information and to apply, www.creativeindustryfinance.org.uk

Innovate UK
You can get an Innovation Voucher worth up to £5,000 to pay for an external expert to help your business grow. You can use this expert to get advice on a novel idea or to use design within your business. You can ask them to help you make the most of intellectual property (IP). You can also use Innovation Vouchers to buy time and support on specialist equipment or facilities. The next deadline to apply is 12pm, 21st July. Find out more on the website

Paul Hamlyn Foundation Funding Programme
Paul Hamlyn Foundation, one of the largest independent grant makers in the UK has announced a new funding strategy. The Foundation will be focusing its grant making on achieving six strategic priorities. These are to:
• Support imaginative people to nurture exciting ideas
• Widen access and participation in the arts
• Improve people's education and learning through the arts
• Show that arts makes a difference to people's lives
• Support the development and growth of organisations investing in young people and positive change
• Improve support for young people who migrate, and strengthen integration so that communities can live well together.
The Foundation will be making £25 million of grants per year in support of organisations and individuals working towards these goals. Some of the new funds are now open for applications. For further information on which grants are open for applications and for more detail on the application process, please click: http://www.phf.org.uk/our-work-in-the-uk/

Artists in Residence Grants
The Levehulme Trust is offering grants of up to £15,000 to UK universities and museums to foster a new creative collaboration with an artist (visual artists, creative writers, musicians, poets) working in a discipline outside the institution's usual curriculum. Artists may not apply directly - all applications must be made by the host institution. There must be a distinct contrast between the artist and host department's expertise (for example, a poet being hosted by a physics department, a composer by a geography department). The residency must be a newly constituted collaboration between artist and hosts. The deadline for applications is 4pm on the 10th September 2015. Read more at: https://www.leverhulme.ac.uk/funding/grant-schemes/artist-residence-grants