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

Call for Proposals - Click; Connect; Curate; Create
Click; Connect; Curate; Create is looking to commission a series of development projects that will allow us to explore what potential digital content we can use to encourage engagement with and visits to our collections (either within museums or within our Collections Resource Centre). By working with creative practitioners / researchers/ creative media & digital heritage companies we would like to have a range of projects that will allow us to understand different opportunities for exploiting our content online.

We are seeking proposals to develop prototype/test projects in the following areas: Digital Modelling, Gaming, Interpretation, Storytelling and Social Media strategies. We are inviting proposals from arts organisations, creative practitioners, digital media companies, heritage companies as we would like to have a range of activities to choose from. Whilst digital content creation is at the heart of this programme we would encourage proposals that include events, physical products and include a range of artforms and technology. To view the full briefs go to our Project Commissions page.

Marketing Officer - Embrace Arts
Salary Grade 5 - £20,374 to £24,289 per annum, Open Ended Contract, Ref: SSC00493. Working with the Embrace Arts team and supported by the Enterprise Manager and Co-Directors with other marketing specialists (when required), your role will be to develop and implement the Embrace Arts marketing strategy to increase audiences and income and to raise our profile within the University of Leicester and its communities. Deadline 16th February. Apply here.

Events Coordinator – Music for Everyone, Nottingham
Salary: £19,500 - £21,000 (pro rata) Part time - 3 days per week (to include some evening and weekend work)
We are looking for an experienced events coordinator to provide administrative and practical support to our extensive participatory music programme. The role of Events Coordinator is an important new post at Music for Everyone, a unique, dynamic and successful music participation organisation for people of all ages in the East Midlands.

The post provides the opportunity to take on new creative challenges in a supportive context, working with a committed team of experienced music leaders, administrative staff and voluntary supporters. The closing date for applications is Monday 3 March 2014 at 12 noon. Interviews will take place in Nottingham on Friday 7 March 2014. For more information and to download the full job description and person specification please visit the Music for Everyone website.

Leicester City Council Festivals & Event Online Tender Form
At a number of Festivals throughout the year Leicester City Council ask businesses to tender for the opportunity to sell their goods as part of the event. Tender forms for these opportunities are now available online. The tender opportunities for this year's Riverside Festival are now open for Caterers, Arts & Crafts Stalls, General Stalls and Funfair.

Festival Volunteer - The Spark Arts for Children
The Spark Festival is a two-week summer festival of the performing and visual arts for children in Leicester. Taking place across the city in schools, libraries and venues such as Curve, The Y and Phoenix, The Spark Festival brings the best in children's theatre, music and dance to 0-13 year olds and their families. Each festival welcomes over 18K people and this year we are looking for volunteers to both support the run-up to and the festival itself. This year's festival runs from 19 May-1 June. Whether you are interested in getting work-experience, would like to try something new, or would just like to volunteer your time and meet new people, we are interested in hearing from you. We need support in: Marketing and distribution including online and print communications; Stewarding at performances; Helping with arts and craft activities; Event support; Representing The Spark at schools, with delegates and to the public; Getting feedback and evaluating the festival. Closing date 5th March. For more information and for an application form please email volunteers@thesparkarts.co.uk

Mini-Event Creative Practitioners - Flaming Skirt Festival2
Flaming Skirt Festival2 is an alternative contemporary arts festival in a rural industrial location on Sunday 27 April 2014. Four mini-events will be held in village halls in east Amber Valley, Derbyshire, the fifth will unfold on the coach carrying the participants between the venues, building during the day with delightful surprises encountered at each venue. Are you a creative person experienced at inspiring audiences in village communities? Do you have the skills to bring accessible contemporary art to this festival with humour and beauty in a refreshing way? I need five artists/creative practitioners: each to devise and facilitate a dynamic activity, something intriguing or spectacular that lasts a maximum of an hour including set up time. This could be film/photography, dance, drumming, mask making, story telling/local history, games, Room 13 ideas...

Fee: £250 for planning, delivery, travel and materials. Overnight accommodation is available with local artists if necessary. For further details contact Sally Lemsford on 07974 785624. To apply please complete an application form available from Sally at sally@lemsford2.demon.co.uk. Deadline: 5pm Friday 28 February 2014; successful applicants will be notified by Monday 3 March 2014

Designers / Illustrators / Studio Assistants - Watermark Publishing
Watermark Publishing is one of the U.K.’s leading Greetings Card Publishers. We are currently seeking highly creative, motivated designers, illustrators and studio assistants to join our ever growing team. If you think you are suitable and have a willingness to learn, then we would love to hear from you! Deadline: 28th March. Please visit http://www.watermarkpublishing.com for more details and to apply

Temporary Creative Mac Artworker - Watermark Publishing
Watermark Publishing is a market leader in the innovative design of greeting cards for the UK. We currently have positions available for Temporary Creative Mac Artworkers to join the creative team at Watermark Publishing. The main purpose of the role will involve art working to structured briefs in a target driven environment, utilising the design packages Adobe, Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. Other aspects of the role will include creating finishes for greeting cards, typesetting, colour retouching and image manipulation.

A creative background in Graphic Design or similar would be preferred, however other candidates would be considered. The successful candidate will possess excellent Mac skills and will enjoy the technical artwork side of the creative process. Deadline: 28th February, to apply please complete the online form: http://www.ukgreetingscareers.co.uk quoting ref: TCMAWM03

Communications Internship - Spottydog Communications
We're offering a paid three month internship to a graduate who's looking to get some really great experience of working within the PR,communications and social media sector. We work with a great mix of clients delivering consumer, b2b and public sector campaigns for clients across the Midlands, in London and Internationally. We're based in rural Leicestershire near Desford, so access to a car is essential. Deadline: 28th February, email spotted@spottydogcommunications.com for more details.

Artist Brief – Accessing Rutland’s Museums Project
Rutland County Council is to commission a work of art to raise awareness of, and enhance, the new Bus Station in Oakham. The Council seeks a unique contemporary work inspired by local heritage, culture and transport, which will be accessible to the general public and will actively involve local people in the development of the design.

Expressions of interest are required by 12 noon on 28th February 2014.  This should include an artist’s CV, examples of relevant previous work and a statement explaining why they are interested in this particular commission, based on the information provided in this brief.  We would particularly like to hear about your experience of developing community art projects and how you plan to engage local people with this project. Expressions of interest should be sent to: Robert Clayton, Culture & Leisure Services Manager, Rutland County Council, Rutland County Museum, Catmos Street, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6HW, 01572 758435, rclayton@rutland.gov.uk Please see the Creative Leicestershire Jobs Page for the full Artist Brief.

Freelance Artists, First Movement
At First Movement we are entering into an exciting new phase in our development and are looking to expand our bank of sessional arts workers. In particular, we are looking for arts workers with an interest and experience in digital arts technologies who will support the development of Raise, our international arts technology project. Applicants should have a passion for working with people with disabilities, and always be keen to find ways for learning disabled participants to be empowered to be the originators of their own creative work. This needs ingenuity and inspiration. Ideally leaders should be practising artists/musicians/performers with experience of working in a participatory arts setting.

If you are interested in working with us then please send your CV along with a short covering letter outlining your interest in the position to janette@first-movement.org.uk. If you would like to know more then call us on 01629 734848 or find out more about the work we do at www.first-movement.org.uk. Closes Saturday 15 February.

Operations Manager - National Trust
Ulverscroft, Leicestershire, Permanent, Full Time, £23,497 per annum. An inspirational leader with a passion for engaging people in heritage, you’ll identify and explore new opportunities to maximise the appeal of Stoneywell Cottage and take responsibility for its care and preservation. Creative in your thinking and operationally hands-on, you’ll lead a team of staff and volunteers, ensuring that we deliver outstanding visitor experiences time and time again. What’s more, you’ll explore and develop an exciting range of activities, attracting new people to experience and enjoy everything that this beautiful Arts and Crafts cottage and garden has to offer. To find out more, and to apply, please visit the website. Closing date: 16th February 2014.

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

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

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

Artangel Open
The new Artangel Open is £1 million initiative in alliance with BBC Radio 4 for new site-specific commissions across the UK - a call for artists working in all media, anywhere in the UK, to come forward with bold site-specific proposals that will transform the UK's cultural landscape. Open invites artists to submit their ideas for projects of real scale and ambition in relation to particular places - ideas which might otherwise never see the light of day. Open proposals are encouraged from visual artists, filmmakers, writers, artists working in the digital space, composers, theatre makers, producers and choreographers.  Deadline for submissions is 28 February 2014, click here to find out more.

 

For full details visit the Creative Leicestershire Jobs Page

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

 

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

• Leicester - 18 February. LCB Depot, LE1 1RE. One hour slots available.

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

Seed Creativity: Media Bomb 2014
Following the success of last year’s event, Seed Creativity are collaborating with De Montfort University’s Cultural Exchanges Festival to bring you Media Bomb 2014. Media Bomb is an event for emerging graduates looking to break into the media industry, providing them with valuable insight and guidance at the start of their careers. There will be a team of panelists made up of top industry professionals, who will be there to answer the student’s questions and provide advice on how to enter the competitive sector before their student fuses burn out.

Media Bomb will be a perfect opportunity to get a first-hand perspective into the media profession and ask leading media experts what they look for when employing graduates. This is an ideal opportunity for anyone who would like to know more about contracted companies, freelancing, media funding plus much more. Media Bomb will take place on Friday 21st February at the Clephan building 3.01 on the DMU campus, Leicester, 4-6pm. Students can contact the festival directly for more information and to book their place for this year’s exciting event- http://www.dmu.ac.uk/cultural-exchanges-festival/index.aspx

Broadcaster, poet and legendary musician join DMU for annual cultural festival
Broadcaster and presenter Lord Melvyn Bragg, poet Benjamin Zephaniah and former drummer of legendary punk band Crass, are among the exciting line-up of guests taking part in De Montfort University’s (DMU) annual Cultural eXchanges festival. This year’s festival, which runs from 17-21 February, boasts some of the biggest names since the festival began 13 years ago. It is organised and run by final year students from the Arts and Festivals Management degree, providing students with great hands-on experience of organising and promoting real high-profile events. Most of the events are free to attend. For a full list of events and how to book tickets visit www.dmu.ac.uk/culturalexchanges or call 0116 250 6229.

NSDF14 Photography Training Programme
The National Student Drama Festival is offering two IdeasTap members the chance to act as in-house photographers at their upcoming fest. The winners will receive professional mentoring, a free ticket to the festival, as well as travel and accommodation. The winners will be mentored by professional photographer Tony Bartholomew, who has been working in the industry for over 25 years. They will receive at least two mentoring sessions from Tony throughout the festival, plus feedback once the festival is over. The winners will be expected to snap all aspects of the festival: Production shots, headshots, workshop classes ”atmosphere” shots and of course some seaside shots! NSDF takes place in Scarborough and runs from 12 to 18 April 2014 inclusive (brief winners will leave Scarborough on Saturday 19 April). This brief closes on Friday 21 February 2014 at 5pm and is open to IdeasTap members aged 16 to 25, more information here.

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

Explore Leicester's cultural quarter with a brand new app and trail!
The Leicester St Georges App for iPhone and Android will help you explore the St Georges area's rich history through pictures, audio and video. This collection of interactive guides is free to download and will put the past - and present - of Leicester's Cultural Quarter in the palm of your hand. Following a six month heritage project that explored the rise, fall and reinvention of industry in the St George's area of Leicester from the 1960s to the present day, this comprehensive guide contains over 100 photographs, plus audio interviews and information about 25 locations around the Cultural Quarter. The project is supported by the University of Leicester, Cuttlefish and Phoenix. The tour starts from Phoenix. Find out more at leicesterstgeorges.co.uk and follow us on Facebook  for the latest news.

Designer Forum - Support for Designers
Designer Forum is a membership driven creative business community that inspires, informs and connects fashion & textiles, prints & graphics, interiors, furniture & product design sectors. We are dedicated to innovation and the birth of ideas that become profitable product ranges of the future. We support you at every stage of the process, from concept and planning to manufacturing and retail. Designer Forum is also home to the UK's only trend forecasting library that offers such a broad spectrum of resources to help you with the start of the creative process. 

ANNOUNCEMENT: with regret Designer Forum will close its doors for the last time on Friday Feb 28th 2014. Sadly rising costs and government funding mean the business is no longer sustainable. Business as usual until then so please contact us if you wish to come in to use the resources before they go

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

• Leicester - 18 February. LCB Depot, LE1 1RE. One hour slots available.

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

My Workshop
My Workshop offers low-cost access to a range of digital fabrication equipment in a creative studio environment. From 3D printers, CNC machines, laser cutters, sewing and knitting machines to basic hand-tools, whatever your project, you will find suitable tools to make anything, from working prototypes to small production runs. The project is aimed to support start-ups, freelancers and SMEs in bringing their ideas and products to market. I am hoping to create a 12 month pilot digital making facility in the area, which will act as a catalyst for start-up and existing businesses. If you are interested in supporting this project please visit www.myworkshop.org.uk to view our video and tells us what equipment you would find most useful and if you would like for this to be set up in Leicester.

It's an exciting opportunity with far reaching potential not just for the businesses and independents but for the city as well. The response so far has been fantastic and I hope it will only grow.  If you would like to sponsor, donate equipment or get involved as a volunteer please get in touch with Anna at anna@foxandcompany.co.uk.

The Gallery@Pedestrian are now receiving applications to exhibit in April 2014!
Our vibrant and well sought after exhibition space is located in the heart of Leicester's Cultural Quarter, and combined with our beautiful floor to ceiling windows, it provides a wonderful venue for community and professional arts exhibitions.
Our ethos is focused on providing high quality exhibitions that will give both professional creatives and emerging artists a space to showcase their work and develop their practice.
The Gallery is open Monday - Friday 9.30am - 5pm and is available to be open weekends and evenings.

For an application form you can either email: gallery@pedestrian.info or visit our website: www.pedestrian.info

Broadcaster, poet and legendary musician join DMU for annual cultural festival
Broadcaster and presenter Lord Melvyn Bragg, poet Benjamin Zephaniah and former drummer of legendary punk band Crass, are among the exciting line-up of guests taking part in De Montfort University’s (DMU) annual Cultural eXchanges festival. This year’s festival, which runs from 17-21 February, boasts some of the biggest names since the festival began 13 years ago. It is organised and run by final year students from the Arts and Festivals Management degree, providing students with great hands-on experience of organising and promoting real high-profile events. Most of the events are free to attend. For a full list of events and how to book tickets visit www.dmu.ac.uk/culturalexchanges or call 0116 250 6229.

Handmade in Leicestershire Summer Craft Fair
Saturday 19th July, 11:00am – 5:00pm. HandMade in Leicestershire is a prestigious contemporary art, craft and design fair that this year returns to the beautiful setting of Belgrave Hall and Gardens.  A wide range of arts and crafts will be on sale in the newly refurbished rooms of the Hall and Gardens with demonstrations and workshops on offer throughout the afternoon.

Call out for Stall holders - Cotesbach estate
We are looking for makers interested in trading at our markets which run on the first Saturday of every month. Our next 3 markets will take place on Saturday 5th April, Saturday 3rd May and Saturday 7th June. We welcome all traders, whether you’re selling one-off hand crafted gifts, jewellery or artisan foods. Set in the old Stable Yard here in Cotesbach it is a unique market in a fantastic location which people love to visit. £15 per stall. For more information on Cotesbach estate, visit www.cotesbach.net Please email Livvy for an application form at: markets@cotesbach.net

Call out for artists and makers
CDS Gallery is looking for new talent to exhibit and sell their work in their new Spring Collection. More opportunities are available at CDS please visit www.cdsgalleryandstudio.com Please submit the following information, description of work/s, retail prices and images to cdsgallery@live.com

Leicester Print Workshop’s Printmaking Course Programme for February– July 2014 is out now!
Including paper and textile silkscreen courses, letterpress, monoprint, block printing, etching, silk aquatint collagraphs, stone and photoplate lithography, Twilight evenings for art teachers and technicians and our ever popular Introduction to Print evening course. View our courses here. For more information visit our website, email us or call us on 0116 255 3634.

LPW – Offsite Printmaking Courses in Nottingham
Leicester Print Workshop is working with Lakeside Arts Centre at Nottingham University to present a programme of printmaking courses alongside the Lakeside Arts Centre exhibition programme. Featuring courses in silkscreen, monoprint and collagraph printmaking. More information here

Leicester Print Workshop & DMU present a free artist talk
As part of Cultural Exchanges LPW are pleased to be teaming up with the Fine Art Department at DMU again to present a free talk by artist Paul Winstanely at DMU on Tuesday 18th February from 5pm – 7pm. More information and booking link here

Great chance to showcase your art at Snibston
Snibston Discovery Museum at Coalville is offering artists and groups the opportunity to exhibit their work in the new year. The Leicestershire tourist attraction has a community gallery to the right of the main entrance and bookings are now being taken for 2014. The expansive, 15 square-metre area of white space is suitable for sculpture, canvas, textiles, ceramics and other forms of art with thousands of visitors each year viewing the works as part of their tour of galleries. Richard Blunt, Leicestershire County Council Cabinet member for museums, said: “We’d love to hear from established or emerging artists in Leicestershire as well as groups so have the opportunity to showcase their work.” If you are interested in exhibiting at the community gallery, email snibston@leics.gov.uk

Rutland Open 2014 an Exhibition in Rutland County Museum, Oakham
March 15th-April 26th 2014
Entries are invited in 2D and 3D artworks in the form of Paintings, Prints, Drawings, Photography, Sculpture, Ceramics, Jewellery or Craft Works, created by Artists from Rutland and surrounding counties,(Lincolnshire, Northants, Leicestershire and Cambridgeshire.)
Artists may submit up to 3 works at £5 per piece.

1. Handing in day: Monday 10th March 10am-4pm
2. Selection: Tuesday 11th March
3. Inform artists selected or not: Wed 12th March e-mail only please
4. Collect unselected work: Thursday 13th March
5. Private view: Friday 14th March
6. Exhibition opens: Saturday 15th March
7. Exhibition ends: Saturday 26th April
8. Collection Of unsold work: Monday 28th April 10am-4pm

For further information please contact Mo Gardner mo@mosculpt.co.uk or tel; 01572 747639

Market Bosworth Festival Call Out
The Market Bosworth Festival is taking applications for its annual summer handmade craft market. The Festival is keen for the craft market to have a good balance of work / mediums and so is on the look-out for local handmade crafters and artists to take part. The event takes place on Saturday 21st June under a covered marquee in the market square and stalls cost £20. For more information contact info@bosworthfestival.co.uk

Ruth Singer Studio
Makers’ Yard, 82-86 Rutland St, Leicester LE1 1SB
www.ruthsinger.com ruth@ruthsinger.com / 07740 345062

Sewing Classes and Creative Workshops in the centre of Leicester run by professional textile artist and author Ruth Singer. 2014 workshops include Dressmaking, Pattern Cutting, Purse Making and Learn to Sew.
Also available at the studio: Special events, sewing socials & talks, One-to-one lessons £30 per hour, Private parties & group bookings, Craft parties for children, Creative hen parties.

Emily Found A Thing Workshops
Bookings now being taken for NEW workshops at Emily Found A Thing, Wymondham, Melton Mowbray
 

• ‘Light up your home’ - No Sew Drum Lampshade making 7-9.30pm £35 Make your own professionally rolled edge 30cm drum lampshade in the fabric of you choice. Lampshade kit included. Thursday April 24th, Thursday July 24th or Thursday October 23rd
• ‘Frame It’ - Make a distinctive memo-board 7-9.30pm £35 Transform an old frame and some left over fabric into a beautiful place to store your photos, postcards and other paper items. All materials provided. Thursday May 15th

 

www.emilyfoundathing.co.uk       rachelgrevatte@gmail.com

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

Spring Programme of classes from The Art Studio, Ten2 Gallery and Art Cafe
Click here to view Ten2 Gallery's Spring Programme of classes, and it isn't too late to sign up for a class if you are interested. Also we are holding some Wednesday Workshops, - two weeks, four hours and some exciting, different classes which we hope will inspire you. To book a place call us on: 01455 636339 or complete and return the booking form on our website.

Art & Craft Courses & Events at Embrace Arts

• Material explorations - Be inspired by artists from Degas to Lichtenstein to learn new skills and approaches in a range of media and styles. Tutor: Peter Clayton, £55 / £30 for 5 sessions. Pastel possibilities: Wednesdays, 10am – 12.30pm, 26 February – 26 March 2014. Reveal the versatility of oil and chalk pastels to create mood, pattern and the illusion of space in representational or abstract work.
• Artists and ideas - Learn more about the ideas underlying the work of great artists and make pictures inspired by them, using a variety of drawing and painting techniques. Tutor: Peter Clayton, £55 / £30 for 5 sessions. Roots of modern art: Wednesdays, 1.30pm – 4.30pm, 26 February – 26 March 2014. Put art history into practice in this exploration of some of the world’s most influential artists.

 

• But is it art? - Starting with specific artworks and their creators, from Tracey Emin’s ‘My Bed’ to the 18th century Chinoiserie Room at Claydon House, these sessions aim to encourage lively discussion to help you broaden your appreciation of art and, if you wish, develop your confidence to talk about art in public. Thursdays, 7pm – 9pm, 27 February – 10 April 2014 (not 27 March)
  Tutor: Conny Bailey, £45 / £25 for 6 sessions.
• Life drawing for absolute beginners - For newcomers wishing to create a convincing life drawing. Designed to give participants the know-how and confidence to render the human form using a variety of media and one-to-one teaching. Saturdays 1 March 2014 and 6 September 2014, 10am – 3.30pm, £40 / £22

 

 

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

a-n - Support for visual artists
a-n, the artists' network, provides opportunities for artists to connect as well as practical advice, guidance and information for visual and applied artists.

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

• Leicester - 18 February. LCB Depot, LE1 1RE. One hour slots available.

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

Broadcaster, poet and legendary musician join DMU for annual cultural festival
Broadcaster and presenter Lord Melvyn Bragg, poet Benjamin Zephaniah and former drummer of legendary punk band Crass, are among the exciting line-up of guests taking part in De Montfort University’s (DMU) annual Cultural eXchanges festival. This year’s festival, which runs from 17-21 February, boasts some of the biggest names since the festival began 13 years ago. It is organised and run by final year students from the Arts and Festivals Management degree, providing students with great hands-on experience of organising and promoting real high-profile events. Most of the events are free to attend. For a full list of events and how to book tickets visit www.dmu.ac.uk/culturalexchanges or call 0116 250 6229.

What was the Book that Changed your Life?
De Montfort's Leicester Centre for Creative Writing invites you to share the book that changed your life. We'd like to invite you to come to the event The Book That Changed My Life at the Cultural Exchanges Festival, 5-6pm, Thurs 20th Feb, in Clephan 2.30. Contributors and visitors will be invited to put their names into a hat (this isn't compulsory) and, if their names are drawn, to talk about their chosen book for no more than three minutes. An egg-timer will be used to maintain a strict limit for contributors; and if you bring the book with you, we can physically show it too. The aim is to share book recommendations and our love of reading. Please RSVP to say whether you intend to come to the event CreativeWriting@dmu.ac.uk

Inspired By My Museum writing competition
Sampad South Asian arts, in partnership with British Council India, has announced the launch of a major new international writing competition called ‘Inspired By My Museum’. Entries can be in the form of a poem, short story or reportage and people can take their inspiration from the museum space, architecture, design, a specific object or objects within the museum, or even the museum/exhibition curator. Further to overwhelming response the competition deadline has been extended until 10 March. For more details and to apply click here.

THE Writers’ Conference 29 March 2014
Leading authors, publishers and agents will network with and talk to emerging, mid-career and established writers about how to build a successful writing career. Click here to book your EARLY BIRD ticket today for just £35 inc lunch! 

Writing East Midlands Critical Read Service
We work in partnership with The Literary Consultancy (TLC) to provide writers with detailed, written reports of their work from experienced editors.To be eligible for this service you can write fiction, non-fiction, poetry, drama, screenplays or theater plays, however you must be on a low income. This could mean you are a full-time student, retired or on income support, or in receipt of Job Seekers’ Allowance or disability benefits. But if none of the above applies to you, we will also consider other financial factors – just tell us what they are.TLC’s Readers are editors and writers with in-depth knowledge of the publishing industry and are experts across a wide range of genres.

Read more about the scheme and how to apply here.

Teaching Creative Writing at Post-16: for teachers who write (or want to write)
CPD Course for Post-16 teachers. 12-13 June, 2014. Residential and non-residential options available. With special guest speaker, Daljit Nagra.
The Centre for New Writing at the University of Leicester is offering a two-day residential/non-residential teacher training course focused on the new A-Level in Creative Writing.
Designed for English teachers who wish to develop their own creative practice, this course is for those who may have experience of teaching Creative Writing in schools but who wish to develop their skills as teachers of the subject at post-16 level, or as teachers new to the A-level in Creative Writing.
The course is suitable for:
• Teachers who are already teaching Creative Writing A-level
• Teachers preparing to teach the A-level in Creative Writing
• Teachers interested in offering Creative Writing as an enrichment activity at Post-16 level

For more information and to book click here. 

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

• Poems, Stories, And Sequences: with Deborah Tyler-Bennett. Fancy having a go at writing inspired by objects, where one narrative links to another? Taught by a published poet and short fiction writer and based-on her work for museums and galleries nationally, this course considers how to write and link short poems and fictions. 6 sessions from 3 March 2014, Monday 1pm – 3pm, Price: £90 plus a 4% PayPal fee if booking online
• Plotting Novels and Screenplays: with Rod Duncan. A course for those who are wrestling with the age-old problem of plotting long fiction – be it novel, novella or feature-length screenplay. 7 sessions from 24 February 2014, Monday Evenings 7pm – 9pm or 7 sessions from 26 February 2014, Wednesday Afternoons 1pm – 3pm. Price: £105 plus a 4% PayPal fee if booking online.

 

• Keeping Journals, Writing Fiction: with Polly Tuckett. This course combines journal writing with writing fiction or poetry. We will look at how the one feeds into the other. Keeping a daily diary sharpens the powers of observation which helps creative writing. We will read different types of journals for inspiration, e.g. nature journals, diaries, celebrity gossip diaries, confessional journals, dream diaries. 7 sessions from 27 February 2014. Thursday 10am – Noon. Price: £105 plus a 4% PayPal fee if booking online.
• Editing workshop: with Maxine Linnell. Completing a first draft of a story, novel or memoir is a real achievement, but there’s usually a lot of work to do to make your writing as good as it can be. This course introduces a simple four-level model for editing your own prose. During the day there will be opportunities to practice editing at the four levels and to develop effective ways to improve your work.
  Saturday 1 March 2014, 10am – 4pm (With a one hour break for lunch. Lunch is not included.) Price: £70 plus a 4% PayPal fee if booking online

 

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

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

• Leicester - 18 February. LCB Depot, LE1 1RE. One hour slots available.

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

Things Heard, Touched & Spoken – workshop
Poet sound-artist Mark Goodwin wishes to collaborate with creative people who are blind or partially sighted, to explore the possibilities of sound and linguistic creativity. During this collaborative sound-&-wordplay workshop you will experience Held in the Hand objects from Leicestershire County Council's Artworks collection. These wonderful tiny works of art have been made especially to stimulate the senses. Participants will get the chance to hold and listen to these fascinating objects, and then create from them through voice and noise.

Mark would like to collaborate with creative people who are willing to experiment, and accompany him on a creative-learning journey.  No prior experience of poetry is required, you just need to be keen to play with sound and words, and be fascinated by what might happen. Workshop date: 9th March 10.30 am – 4.30 pm Embrace Arts, Lancaster Road, Leicester, LE1 7HA. The workshop is free, but refreshments and lunch are not provided. If you would like to collaborate in this experimental workshop, please contact: Nikki Clayton, Tel: 07429 400254,  Email: expresseumpoetics@yahoo.co.uk

Speakeasy Theatre Company
Speakeasy Theatre Company are running a short drama course for adults with moderate Learning Disabilities and the course is on Monday mornings, at Embrace Arts centre, Lancaster Rd, Leicester. If you would like more information please contact Andy Reeves on 0116 2836646 or alternatively his email is: andy@speakeasytheatre.co.uk Website:  www.speakeasytheatre.co.uk

Broadcaster, poet and legendary musician join DMU for annual cultural festival
Broadcaster and presenter Lord Melvyn Bragg, poet Benjamin Zephaniah and former drummer of legendary punk band Crass, are among the exciting line-up of guests taking part in De Montfort University’s (DMU) annual Cultural eXchanges festival. This year’s festival, which runs from 17-21 February, boasts some of the biggest names since the festival began 13 years ago. It is organised and run by final year students from the Arts and Festivals Management degree, providing students with great hands-on experience of organising and promoting real high-profile events. Most of the events are free to attend. For a full list of events and how to book tickets visit www.dmu.ac.uk/culturalexchanges or call 0116 250 6229.

Young Dancers Needed for Sensational Inclusive Performance
Are you a young person living in the East Midlands with a passion for dance? Do you want to perform at the national youth dance festival, U.Dance 2014? Would you like to work with exciting professional choreographers? We are looking for participants of all abilities aged 11-19 (up to 25 years with a disability) who have a passion for dance and are keen to try something new. The project will be delivered inclusively and Dance4 is committed to supporting the access needs of any participants. Join us for a taster workshop to find what the performance project will be like. Taster workshops will take place on: Sunday 23 March in Nottingham and Saturday 29 March in Leicester and Wellingborough. For more information and to book a place on your local taster workshop contact Jess at Dance4 on 0115 941 0773 or e-mail jess@dance4.co.uk or click here to download a booking form.

Opportunity for Leaders with an interest in South Asian Youth Dance
FREE Continual Professional Development Day. Wednesday 26 February, Rusheymead School, Melton Road, Leicester, LE4 7AN 9.30 – 3.00pm lunch provided. Dance4 and DanceXchange, are joining forces to provide support for leaders with a focus on South Asian youth dance based in the East and West Midlands.The day is for leaders wanting to improve their knowledge and expertise in working within South Asian Dance and with young dancers. To sign up to the CPD day click here or email: rebecca@dance4.co.uk or contact Dance4 on 0115 941 0773.

Call for Contributors: People Dancing International Event
Foundation for Community Dance seeks proposals from across the world for inclusion in the programme at People Dancing, the international event dedicated to participatory dance taking place 13-15 November 2014 in Cardiff, Wales. Through a programme of presentations, practical workshops and performance work, the event will provide opportunities for learning, sharing practice, debate, professional development and international networking.

Proposals are sought that reflect the breadth of practice, practitioner, setting, culture and participation that takes place across the world. We seek to programme a variety of innovative sessions to engage a delegate audience from arts and non-arts sectors in countries from all areas of the world. To find out more and to submit your proposal visit: www.communitydance.org.uk/international Submissions close Wednesday 19 February 2014.

Music Studio Course
16 week music courses for 16 - 19 year olds. Baby People and Babington Business College present Derby's leading music studio course. An opportunity to work with artists with music industry experience, gaining qualifications in music technology, key skills and employability skills. The venue for the new music course is EK Awaaj One Voice, 72 Belgrave Road, City Centre, Leicester, LE4 5AS. For more information and to sign up contact Babington Business College: tel:  0845 605 6045 email: joanne.mcclarence@babington.co.uk 

Choreographers needed for research
Dance4 Associate Artist Robert Clark is searching for 100 choreographers to take part in a joint research project he is undertaking with Clinical Psychologist Chris Irons and his charitable foundation (www.compassionatemind.co.uk) into the relationship between choreographic practice and happiness. For more information click here.

abDance: New Classes for 2014!
Get 2014 off to a dance and fun filled start with NEW classes at Dance Leicester run by Ali of abDance. All classes £4. Dance Leicester Studio, 1st floor, 32 Belgrave Road, Leicester, LE4 5AS. Contact Ali Bacon for bookings and more information, abdance@ntlworld.com www.abdance.co.uk 07932 686 087

FREE CAT School Workshops
Dance4's Centre for Advanced Training Programme offer FREE dance workshops to secondary schools in the East Midlands as part of our recruitment process for a September intake. Workshops will be available from 18 November 2013 to 24 April 2014 for year groups 7,8,9 and 10. The workshops will be two hours in length and will include a technique class and a creative session which will give students a taster of the CAT scheme. E-mail cat@dance4.co.uk for more information.

Centre for Advanced Training FREE Open Taster Event
The Centre for Advanced Training are offering a FREE Open Taster Session for young people aged 11 - 17 years to take part and experience a CAT session before auditioning for the programme. The session includes a technique and creative session as well as an opportunity to watch current CAT students take class. The next Free Open Taster session will be held on 15 March 2014. E-mail cat@dance4.co.uk for more information.

Performing Arts & Music Courses/Events at Embrace Arts

• Funny Bones Discussion Sunday 23 February at 3pm FREE. Will the changes in government policy make disability-issues in comedy more political? Will comedians become even more central to rights campaigning? This debate, chaired by comedian Gareth Berliner, will discuss the experiences and aspirations of D/deaf and disabled comedians, the comedy industry and the media. Do you have a view? Be prepared for some lively discussion.
• Darbar unplugged: Kirpal Panesar - Thursday 27 February at 7pm £10 / £8 / party of four £30. The Taus and Dilruba instruments are rare bowed string instruments from North India. Surdarshan Channa accompanies on the also rare percussion instrument, the Jori, which is used to accompany Kirtan (hymn singing). These rising star young maestros will take you through a journey of Indian melody and rhythms.
• Sivan Rubinstein: BeAt spACe BEat - Sunday 2 March at 7pm £10 / £8 / £5er. A human installation accompanied by an unusual live soundtrack.
  The audience is invited to have a peek into a private improvised space: where the performers are triggered by one another, moving with a liberty that exploits the dynamics in their bodies and minds. Break the structure, the rules and the frame. Explore a whole new range of possibilities within a world without disabilities. There will be a discussion, exploring Sivan’s work in improvisation, following the performance.
• How to Occupy an Oil Rig - Saturday 8 March at 8pm £10 / £8. There are all sorts of lessons to be learned in life: How to blend in on a march; How to crash a board meeting; How to avoid becoming romantically attached to an undercover police officer. That sort of thing. In this playful and provocative show about protest, you’ll learn how to do these things and more.

 

 

 

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

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

Benefiting Business - Networking Event
De Montfort University invites Leicester based businesses to a Networking Evening on Wednesday 12th March. The evening is free to attend and will have the following format: 5.30pm – 6.00pm: Registration and open networking. 6.00pm – 6.30pm: How DMU can benefit your business (funded graduate recruitment, recruiting students, incubation and conference space, short courses and access to academic expertise. 6.30pm – 7.30pm: Light buffet and open networking. To find out more and to book click here.

De Montfort University postgraduate coffee morning
Find out more about joining our creative and professional postgraduate student community in De Montfort University’s Faculty of Art, Design and Humanities by attending one of our postgraduate coffee mornings. Drop-in to the Clephan Building, ground floor, room 0.28 where you can speak to our expert staff and current postgraduate students to find out which course is right for you. Our events are taking place on: Wednesday 19 February 2014, 10am-1pm & Saturday 8 March 2014, 10am-1pm. There is no booking required. For more information, please visit dmu.ac.uk/adhpg

Spring To Action's Spring into Startup - Networking for new business
Wednesday, 19 February 2014, 6 - 8pm LCB Depot. FREE Book your place here. Spring's popular Spring into Startup event is back for 2014.  We specialise in delivering events that are informal and friendly, supporting both our clients and people interested interested in starting a business.  Meet other people in the same situation, share ideas and find solutions to your problems. The event will be relaxed and allow you to meet as many people as you want to in the time. You can meet and greet people in the same industry, complementary industries or people you can help find work (and vice versa).  Networking is one of the best ways to generate new business when you're starting out.

We will also be offering you the chance to promote your wares by hiring a stand for the evening (£10 for Spring's Start-Up Loans clients, £15 for everyone else) - so if you're selling a service bring your leaflets and attract people to a stand.  If you're selling a product use the time to test and research your product, perhaps even sell some and make some profit. 

Professional Development Planning Workshop with Cathy Grindrod
Thursday 20 February & Thursday 20 March 10am to 1pm. This is a FREE workshop for Creative Leicestershire subscribers. Professional Development Planning (PDP) provides an opportunity for you to explore your current position as an artist, and to gain clarity regarding future steps you might take, with the help of a guide who will assist you in the goal planning process. During the session, which will be delivered in a small group, you will look at your past journey, your present creative life balance, and how you can overcome barriers and confidence issues and identify the support you most need. Two sessions available, click the links to book, place are limited:

• Huncote, The Pavilion Leisure Centre - Thursday 20 February, 10:30 - 13:00
• Oakham, Rutland County Museum - Thursday 20 March, 10:30 - 13:00

 

Harnessing Social Media at Loughborough University Arts
Tues 11 March, 11 – 2pm, Loughborough University Arts. Harnessing social media for promoting and funding your practice, led by artist, writer and critic Jack Hutchinson.

The morning session enables artists to get to grips with social media as a tool for the promotion and development of new opportunities to enhance their professional lives.
With tips and advice about the practical aspects of being an artist, from his personal experience of graduating from Lancaster in 2005 to his life now as a professional artist and Communications Officer for AIR Artists Interaction and Representation, Hutchinson explains how using social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and blogs like WordPress and Artists Talking led to paid work with publications including a-n Magazine, Zchweizer Kunst and Dazed and Confused. He also demonstrates the role of digital communication in expanding peer networks, and how this has led to exhibition opportunities and an expanded network of supportive artists.

These workshops are an exclusive offer to Creative Leicestershire subscribers and are being offered FREE  in partnership with a-n  The Artists Information Company. To book a place please email events@a-n.co.uk with the seminar title and date in the subject heading. Places are allocated on a first-come first-served basis so book early to avoid disappointment. We will email back to confirm your place, along with payment information and directions to the venue. Please bring a sandwich with you as this will run over lunchtime! Supported by Creative Leicestershire.

eCommerce for Creatives: How to start selling your stuff online
Thursday, 27 March 2014, 12:00pm to 3:00pm, Marlene Reid Centre, Belvoir Road, Coalville, LE67 3PH. Free. Book your place here.

Delivered by David James Ross. Many designers, makers and other creatives would love to start selling their wares online but don't know where to start or how to choose between the bewildering array of options. This workshop will explain all the constituent parts of online selling and make recommendations for services that suit the needs of creatives. Please bring a packed lunch with you as this session will run over lunchtime. Tea/Coffee provided. Supported by Creative Leicestershire.

Free skills and leadership boost workshops, and confidential mentoring from the PAL Next Generation development Programme –Year two starts March 2014
Open to all PAL (Performing Arts Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland) members, those working closely with them and prospective PAL members.
Places for up to 12 people in junior/middle management level posts within PAL organisations who want to take part in a 6 month group learning experience (1 day/month) to develop their confidence and skills.  We are developing leaders for the future! Mentoring also available to those seeking one to one confidential support and development. For more detailed info on what’s available to you contact our project Manger Sue Pike on 07831 136827 or email her at sue@suepike.com for more information. She can also put you in touch with someone from this year’s cohort who can share their experiences with you.

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

TMC Traineeships in the Creative Sector
16-18 years old? Currently not in employment or other education and training programme? Interested in the Creative and Cultural Sector? The Mighty Creatives (TMC) Traineeships might be for you! A Traineeship is a short programme (about 12 weeks) for those who are interested in learning a new skill needed for a particular job and would like to explore it as a career option or further training in that industry. The Traineeships TMC are offering are specifically for the Creative and Cultural Sector. You will be given an opportunity to work towards nationally-recognised qualifications, develop relevant and transferable skills, and complete work shadowing with organisations in the arts and culture sector to gain invaluable insight into the skills and attributes needed to be successful. It's all about starting you off on your career journey.

Interested in exploring the Creative and Cultural Sector as a possible career option? | Motivated to attend a short part-time training course that will help you improve your skills to enter the world of employment and further training?  | Want to take control of your life? If the answer is yes to any of these questions, then complete TMCs very short online form and they'll be in touch to let you know your options. Don't worry, you're not committing yourself to anything by filling this in, and you won't be sent any information other than about Traineeships. If you're still not sure or want to know more please email carl@themightycreatives.com or call him on 0116 2616 834.

TMC Education Conference: Embedding Creativity in the Primary Curriculum
10 March, National Space Centre, Leics FREE EVENT. The Mighty Creatives believes that arts and culture can support outstanding teaching and learning. But we recognise the tension caused by a changing curriculum and rigid accountability frameworks means that knowing how to support creativity in schools is a challenge. The Mighty Creatives Education Conference is aimed at helping you connect with schools and partners from across the region to help you respond to this challenge with energy and enterprise.  We want to help you to support creative teaching and immersive learning.

In the out of this world environment of the National Space Centre, we will be exploring how the arts, culture and education sectors can work together to ensure that all children and young people have access to quality arts and culture within and beyond the curriculum. To register your place and select your workshop choices please visit our eventbrite site. Book by Fri 28 Feb.

Random String Symposium
Coventry-based creative technologists Ludic Rooms in partnership with Warwick Arts Centre, invite you to the Random String Symposium on Friday 7 March, 9.00-4.30pm at Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry. The Random String Symposium brings together artists, curators, facilitators and cultural organisations to experiment and play with interactive technology as a creative medium. There's a lot of pressure on artists and organisations to engage with technology, but it can feel like too big an area to grapple with. Ludic Rooms wants to demonstrate that technology projects can be accessible and scaleable; generating fascinating outcomes relevant to all art forms. Ludic Rooms has been working with six cross disciplinary practitioners, including potter and a theatre company, to play and make things with interactive technology for the first time. The artists will share their experiences at the Random String Symposium in an artist showcase. 

The event includes the opportunity to pitch for support & £500 seed money towards a creative technology project. For more information and to book tickets visit http://randomstring.ludicrooms.com

Arts Development UK Conference 2014: A call for Case Studies
The Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff Bay have offered to host the AD:uk Conference for 2014, so it is a welcome return to Wales for the next conference. The conference will take place on 16th and 17th October 2014 so please hold the dates in your diary. We will be looking for good practice case studies from our members to share at the conference. If you would like to be considered, can you please submit a short synopsis of your presentation to artsdevuk@aol.com so that the Conference Working Party can consider them at their next meeting? Suggestions for presentations should be submitted by 28th Feb. Remember that those chosen will each receive a free place at the conference and you can also use the experience to earn credits towards our next AD:uk Professional Fellowship Programme.

From Data to Insight CultureHive Workshop
Wednesday 19 March 2014 Nottingham. Thinking about your last campaign, did you use data you already hold on your audiences effectively? This workshop will show you how to apply insights from a range of sources to undertake audience development campaigns.  Read more here. 

Do you work with young people? Support their creative development with Arts Award
Arts Award is for all young people and can work through any arts, cultural or media activity. Training as an adviser is the first step in getting going with Arts Award. Advisers support each young person and assess their progress. When you train as Bronze & Silver adviser you will learn how to deliver and assess Arts Award at QCF* Levels 1 and 2.
This course is suitable for those working with young people aged 11-25 and who meet the requirements outlined in the adviser person specification including:
• teachers and teaching assistants
• youth workers and arts co-ordinators
• arts and music professionals
Upcoming training dates:

Wednesday 12th March 9am – 4pm Marlene Reid Centre Coalville Leicestershire          
Cost: £155 (includes adviser toolkit, lunch and refreshments)
View more course dates and book online
*QCF – Qualifications and Credit Framework

CultureHive Online Workshop: Excellent Email Campaigns
25 Feb 2.00pm to 4.30pm, ONLINE. This online workshop will explore how to create excellent emails. Trainer Amy Rushby, Digital Marketing Officer, Royal Shakespeare Company is a self-confessed email marketing geek and will share the knowledge she has gained researching, creating and trialling the perfect email. During the workshop you will have the opportunity to think about how to use emails strategically, top tips for excellent emails and how to analyse the effectiveness of your email campaigns. Limited places available book here.

Training from Voluntary Action Leicestershire

• Starting a New Group - Starts 24 Feb 2014 - 10:00am. Ends 24 Feb 2014 - 12:30pm. Harborough Innovation Centre, Harborough, LE16 7WB. Cost Free for VCS only. This session, specifically designed for people in the very first stages of starting their group, aims to give you an understanding of how to go about establishing your group by developing your aims, developing your committee and registering for a bank account.
• Asset Transfer - 26 Feb 2014 - 10:00 - 11.00am. Do you know of a property or land that you would like to be transferred to your organisation and use for community benefit? Have you been offered land or property? Do you know how to go about it? This hour-long online workshop will give you case studies of how asset transfer has been done successfully and the chance to discuss your needs with others online and with an expert facilitator.
  The session will be facilitated by Tobias Gould, WISE Coordinator for Voluntary Action LeicesterShire and will be conducted via a connection on your computer.

 

• Reducing the Risks to Trustees - 27 Feb 2014 - 6 - 8.30pm, Kings Centre, Wigston. This course is aimed at charity trustees and looks at the liabilities that might affect them and how to ensure that these risks are reduced. Have you just joined a committee but are not sure what you are supposed to be doing? Are you worried that you might be legally vulnerably in your role? Would you like to learn which things you should do to safeguarding your organisation from risk?
• Excellence in Managing and Recruiting Volunteers - 4 Mar 2014 - 1:00 - 3.30pm. This course is designed for experienced managers of volunteers including those wanting a refresher course, or those managing volunteers in larger organisations. Free.

 

 

 

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

Business Development Workshops from LCB Depot
All workshops will be held at LCB Depot, Leicester, LE1 1RE

• The Power of Brands: Effective Brand Communications FREE* 2-Part Workshop - Thursday 20th February 2014 & Thursday 6th March 2014
  9.30am-12.30pm LCB Depot. Two FREE* practical workshops to explore and implement best practice in creating a professional image that will stand out from your competitors and effectively communicate your product or services and maximise your marketing investment to reach the right customers.

 

Due to funding restrictions, only businesses based within the Leicester City area will be eligible for support. You will be asked to show proof of your address at the start of the workshop.

 

 

 

Plans for a New Creative Centre in Loughborough
The possibility exists of developing a new creative business centre in Loughborough. A strong group of partners including Loughborough Business Improvement District, Charnwood Borough, Loughborough University, Charnwood Arts, 20:20 and Creative Leicestershire has raised funds to carry out a study of the potential for a new centre. Research is now under way to gain current data about the demand for facilities and the interest in the development. To make your views known, go to  https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LoughboroughCreative

Two Queens audience survey
Two Queens is an artist-run gallery and studio situated in the heart of Leicester's cultural quarter. We are currently seeking feedback on the exhibitions and events that we have held throughout the last year. If you have ever visited Two Queens we would greatly appreciate if you could take 5 minutes to complete a short questionnaire about your experience. Your feedback will help us to shape what we do in the future, and you can enter a prize draw to win one of our printed editions. Closing date for entries is Sunday the 23rd of February. The questionnaire can be found here For more information about Two Queens please visit: http://www.2queens.com/

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

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

The East Midlands ESF Community Learning & Skills Grants Programme 2014 - 2015
The East Midlands ESF Community Learning and Skills Grants 2014-2015 programme is a new programme offering grants of up to £10,000 to small, third sector, voluntary and community organisations to engage with local communities to deliver a range of skills and employment support activities; to enable people from the hardest to reach communities, experiencing multiple disadvantages, to make progress towards the labour market.

The programme is funded jointly by the Skills Funding Agency (SFA) and the European Social Fund (ESF).  This grant programme is administered by Enable who has been selected by the SFA to act as a Grant Co-ordinating Body.  Enable will work with voluntary and community sector organisations in each of the East Midland’s 5 counties to promote the funding opportunity.  An ESF Community Grants Steering Group will oversee the implementation of the East Midlands’ programmes, and applications will be selected by sub-regional selection panels. Round One is now open with an application deadline of 21st February 2014. For more information and application details visit the Enable website.

The National portfolio and Major partner museum application process is now open for 2015 – 2018
Arts Council England have opened the application process for their national portfolio of arts organisations and museums for 2015 to 2018. They are also setting out their overall investment plans for 2015 - 2018, which include Strategic funds, museums development and Grants for the arts. The National portfolio (including Bridge organisations) and Major partner museum programmes are now open to applications. To find out more visit the ACE website.

The LOROS Accumulator Challenge
Sign up to the 2014 Accumulator Challenge to help LOROS raise the £4.5 million we need each year to continue providing our services to the people of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland! The LOROS Accumulator Challenge is so straightforward anyone can take part, whether you are a one man band or a multinational organisation. You simply sign up online and LOROS provides you with £50 which you have three months to "grow" in any way you like (as long as it is legal and ethical!) The campaign kicks off on the 11th of March 2014 with a launch party at Sturgess Motor Group, and competitors will then battle against other local businesses in a bid to win awards for “Most Money Raised” and “Most Innovative Idea”. For more information and to sign up please visit www.loros.co.uk or email laurabetts@loros.co.uk

Launch of the New £10 Million Enact Investment Fund for UK SMEs
The Enact Investment Fund specifically targets small and medium-sized companies with 250 employees or less. Enact will leverage the combined expertise of its investor base, comprising successful UK entrepreneurs and professionals, with experience from industry sectors such as retail, manufacturing, distribution and financial services. The Fund has a total investment pot of £10 million available. Individual equity investments will range from £250,000 to £2 million. Typical Enact equity investments are three to five years in length. Established UK-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) may apply. Businesses may be operating in any sector other than leasing, legal services, property development, hotels, nursing homes and insurance. Enact's investment strategy is to invest in companies have a robust business model, but are facing cash flow constraints, strategic or operational issues.

Applicants must meet the qualifying criteria for Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) investments and be demonstrate they would benefit from a hands-on investment approach. Applications may be submitted at any time, visit the Enact website to find out more.

Momentum Music Fund
Momentum offers grants of £5k-£15k for artists and bands to break through to the next level of their career. To find out if you, your band, or an act you represent, could be eligible for funding from Momentum read through the information below. You can also find links to the online application process. The next application deadline is 8 April 2014. Click here to see all the Momentum application deadlines for 2014.

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

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

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

Creative England Innovations and Partnerships Film Fund
Creative England is looking for companies who have new and innovative ideas for ways to help the film sector to grow and develop outside London. It is offering funding of between £10,000 and £50,000 per project. The Innovations and Partnerships Fund (£250,000 pa) is a unique opportunity to work with Creative England on original projects related to the film industry. These could support a wide range of areas from development, production and distribution to business growth, innovation, and inward investment. For more information and to apply click here.

British Film Institute: Programming Development Fund now open (UK) 
The British Film Institute (BFI) has announced that its Programming Development Fund will re-open for applications in January 2014. The fund which is worth up to £1.4m per year to 2017 is designed to empower programmers and exhibitors to bring specialised and independent British films to audiences across the UK in fresh and original ways.  There are three funding strands, the next funding round will be for strand 1 and 2 only and the closing date will be the 3rd March 2014. Read more here.

Our Heritage
This fund is for projects that make a lasting difference for heritage, people and communities in the UK. Projects must focus on heritage, which includes many different things from the past that we value and want to pass on to future generations, for example involving people in exploring local cultures, traditions, languages and ways of life. Click here for more information.