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June 28, 2006
Veterans' Day to become an annual event
Minister for Veterans Tom Watson this week announced that the 26th of July would become Veterans' Day from now onward.
"I am keen that we should raise awareness of our veterans among young people, particularly those still at school and perhaps studying history. They should appreciate how the courage, bravery and personal sacrifices of their forebears ensured the conditions of freedom, democracy and prosperity that they enjoy today..."
Tom Watson on www.mod.co.uk
The Veterans Agency has published this PDF document for schools and community groups
http://www.veteransagency.mod.uk/veteransday/leaflet.pdf
There is also an art competition organised by the MoD, which could also become an annual event:
http://www.schools.mod.uk/veteransday/artcomp.html
These intiatives should be of use to schools under the social and cultural awareness and emotional literacy umbrellas.
The date was chosen to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the first presented Victoria Cross and on the same week as the anniversary of the Battle of the Somme in 1916.
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June 23, 2006
Virtual Vision - live online now!
You can no log on, find out what the ideal virtual school looks and sounds like on the Virtual Vision website and post a comment (scrolling to the Explore menu (right hand side) and clicking onto 'Thoughts and Ideas'):
Click onto:
www.virtual-vision.org
Virtual Vision - Thursday 22nd and Friday 23rd of June 2006
We invite you to review our flagship project, where Gateshead teachers worked one-to-one with our Cultural Partners to create a virtual creative school, creative curriculum and creative management model.
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June 21, 2006
Gateshead Cultural Ambassador's diary from Lebanon study visit
For Refugee Week
Mrs Patricia Riddell is a special Cultural Ambassador teacher. She covers schools across Gateshead as a supply teacher, taking all her CCA information along with her.
Patricia has just returned from a study visit to the Lebanon and has sent this extract from her diary for other Cultural Ambassadors and interested teachers to read:
I went to the Lebanon with a group of teachers into the schools in the Palestinian refugee camps in the Spring Bank Holiday with a charity organisation called Education Action International.
Monday
Today we visit schools in the Shatila Refugee Camp. Fifty yards from the school, 1,000 names on a wall mark a mass grave and ensure that those massacred in a three day killing spree are not forgotten. It puts is in a sombre mood. We are guided around the camp and are shocked by the terrible deprivation of the estimated 15,000 refugees living in Shatila. They are cramped into an area little bigger than a football pitch.
In the school I read the hopes of the children on their frieze - ’I want to be in Palestine'.
I meet my co-teacher and the smiling children in their pink tops. Later in the week I’ll be teaching them.
Time to meet Ms Afaf Maki, Head of Education at UNRWA (United Nations Relief & Works Agency), which runs the schools. She is proud of what they have achieved with such limited resources. There are not enough schools so a double shift system is in operation with boys studying in the morning and girls in the afternoon.
Later at ARC, Education Action’s other partner in Lebanon, we learn how crucial seeing the child as a whole and not just in terms of their education needs is. This is especially important here where life outside school is a
struggle. I am raising awareness in the schools here of the educational needs of the children. I have lots of photographs, a video, profiles, stories etc. If you are interested and would like to know more please contact me on my e-mail: riddellpat@hotmail.com
I am fund raising for the charity which gives help to educate children in those countries, where because of fighting, the children are denied a quality education. If you are interested in donating to this charity please contact me or the charity at:
Education Action International, 14 Dufferin Street, London EC1Y 8PD
international@eductio-action.org
020 7426 5820
Postscript:
Hear Pat talk about her trip next Sunday, 2nd of July on BBC Radio Newcastle's Sunday Breakfast Show with John Hall at 8.20am.
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June 15, 2006
Brokerage system for cultural sector training
Do you provide training with creative and cultural sector clients?
Are you a creative or cultural organisation considering supplementing your income through providing training or skills development work?
Are you involved in developing business development or other skills for the creative and cultural sectors?
Are you aware of the changes that are taking place in public sector funding and brokerage of skills and business support?
Do you want to find out more about new opportunities and challenges in the provision of creative and cultural sector training?
* Product development
* Marketing and promotion
* Quality and brokerage
* Networking and partnerships
* Planning for change
12th June 2006: Middlesbrough 11am - 2pm Centre for Enterprise, University of Teesside
14th June 2006: Hexham 11am - 2pm Queens Hall
19th June 2006: Newcastle 10am - 1pm Arts Council North East, Central Square
There is no charge for the workshop, but registration is required - please email jennifer@nmp.biz to reserve a place
Each workshop will be led by Deborah Best - an independent consultant specialising in the creative and cultural sectors. There will also be a representative from both Business Link and NCSP present at each session to discuss your training and development needs. Lunch is provided and there will also be opportunities for informal networking.
Email jennifer@nmp.biz stating which session you wish to attend.
Regards
Douglas Hunter
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June 14, 2006
What's on at Seven Stories this July
Seven Stories, the Centre for Children's Books have sent their newsletter for Gateshead teachers.
Friday 16th June - Friday 23rd June - Architecture Week (J All ages)
We have a selection of activities available throughout the week, for visitors of all ages. These include our Magical Homes Gallery Trail in our Incredible Journeys Exhibition, ‘I Remember’ Response Boards and a selection of drawing and drop-in art activities.
Sunday 18th June - Junk Sculpture Workshop (J 7-12yrs)
A place called home workshop 11.30-12.30: A fun family workshop in which participants will be inspired by illustrations of homes in children’s stories. Children, supported by accompanying adults, will model their dream home! Booking is essential.
We also have a selection of tours available throughout Gallery 5, our Incredible Journey’s exhibition, highlighting representations of homes.
Sunday 2nd July – Wonderful Creatures Live Amongst Us! With Pat Renton. J 2+
Sunday Storytelling at 1pm, 1.45pm & 2.30pm: Can a caterpillar frighten a rhinoceros or a turtle trick a coyote? Is a little grey rat the strongest thing in the world? Come and find out, and hear their stories, in association with A Bit Crack Storytellers. Suitable for a family audience.
Monday 3rd July – Rhymes and Songs for babies (J 0-2yrs)
Interactive session 1.30pm – 2pm: Seven Stories Chrissy, will be holding half hour sessions incorporating rhymes, songs and stories to entertain children aged 2 and under, in the Artist’s Attic. It is a great way for your child to develop language skills and to be able to bond and have fun together.
Friday 7th July – In Conversation with Tony Ross and Jeanne Willis (18+ & þ)
Author and illustrator event 6 – 8pm: A special opportunity to meet much loved children's author and illustrator team Jeanne Willis and Tony Ross who will be sharing their ideas and inspiration for their work. This will set the scene for a discussion about how they work together and the relationship between text and illustration. The event includes a Q & A session, a book signing and a private view of the galleries available from 5pm. Especially suited for adults, particularly suitable for teachers, librarians, parents and carers, and those wishing to write or illustrate for children.
Admission charge £5 (£4 for annual pass holders). Pre booking is advisable
Saturday 8th July – Talking words and pictures with Tony Ross and Jeanne Willis (J & þ)
Author and illustrator event 11am – 12 noon: Much loved children’s duo Tony Ross and Jeanne Willis are available for an interactive family event, talking you through their inspiration, ideas and favourite stories. Together they have created many much loved picture books including the Dr Xargle series and The Boy who Lost his Belly Button.
Tuesday 11th July – In Conversation with Allan Ahlberg (18+ & þ)
Author event 4.00 pm – 6.00 pm. An award winning duo, Janet and Allan Ahlberg created unique and highly successful books. Today Allan continues to write brilliant and successful stories for children and is seen as an indispensable element in their journeys into reading. This event offers a rare chance to meet Allan and have your questions answered! It also includes a Q & A session, a book signing and a private view of the Ahlberg exhibition showing the highlights, and a chance to share ideas regarding activities and the schools and groups programme, available from 3.30pm.
Especially suited for adults, particularly suitable for teachers, librarians, parents and carers, and those wishing to write or illustrate for children.
Admission charge £5 (£4 for annual pass holders). Pre booking is advisable
Monday 17th July – Rhymes and Songs for babies (J 0-3yrs)
Interactive session 1.30pm – 2pm: Seven Stories Chrissy, will be holding half hour sessions incorporating rhymes, songs and stories to entertain children aged 2 and under in the Artist’s Attic. It is a great way for your child to develop language skills and to be able to bond and have fun together.
Saturday 22nd July – Tricks, Tales and Monkey Business with Philippa Tipper of A Word in Edgeways (J 7+)
Saturday Storytelling 10.30am and 11.30am for forty minutes: Life is full of characters, rogues and general bad behaviour. Wheeling and dealing, twisting and tricking; hear about some of the world's worst scoundrels ... of course, that could be you! Join us for a one off Saturday event in association with A Bit Crack Storytellers. Suitable for a family audience.
Don’t forget you can catch Storytime everyday in the Bookshop at 11am.
Key:
J suitable for children, recommended ages
& includes book signing
þ pre-booking advisable
Access to events is through normal admission to the centre for which standard admission charges apply. Events outside of normal centre opening hours may be subject to an individual price.
For bookings please call 0845 271 0777.
Special Offer: Buy a combined adult ticket for Tony Ross and Jeanne Willis on Friday 7th July and
Allan Ahlberg on Tuesday 11th July for just £8.
Please note it is essential that school sessions are pre-booked, call Liz Paton on 0845 271 0777 for details.
For more information and updated event details please refer to www.sevenstories.org.uk
Seven Stories 30 Lime Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 2PQ, Tel: 0845 271 0777 www.sevenstories.org.uk
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June 1, 2006
Books, coffee and more in Gateshead
Has your reading lost its text appeal?
Books Without Borders is a group for those interested in:
· Recapturing traditional storytelling skills.
· Telling stories without a book.
· Gaining experience in an informal environment.
· Seeking out the best story collections.
·
Come along and bring friends to our next session on:
Tuesday 6th June at 8pm in Starbucks
(1st floor, Borders Bookshop, Team Valley)
and thereafter on the 1st Tuesday of every month.
Put the book down – bring the story alive!
Contact Jim Craig on 0191 499 8057 or Rev.Jim@BTOpenworld.com
or Jill Morris (Borders) on 0191 487 7803
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Hub Dating Day!
Opportunities for Freelance Creative Practitioners who wish to work with Museums and Galleries in the North East.
Wednesday 14th June 2006
See attached...
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Music Leader events for summer
Vocal Training Opportunities Summer 2006
We're writing with details of some exciting vocal opportunities taking place over Summer 2006. Our Tyne & Wear/Northumberland Singing Squad continues to meet throughout the summer, and we also have a series of exciting training days presented in partnership with 20,000 Voices.
Singing Squad Tyne & Wear/Northumberland- Ongoing
Vocal Leadership Day 17 June
Love Your Voice 22 July
And some dates for your diaries:
Tees Valley Singing Squad, Saturday 30 September, Hartlepool Venue TBC
Mend Your Voices, 11 November, Venue TBC
Details will be posted on the North East pages of www.musicleader.net
We look forward to seeing you at some of our events.
Louise Taylor
MusicLeader North East Coordinator
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Tyne & Wear/Northumberland Singing Squad
Dates: Last Tuesday of the month - 30 May, 27 June & 25 July
Time: 10am - 12pm
Venue: Music Education Centre, The Sage Gateshead
Leader/s: Sharon Durant & Mandy Oliver
Cost: FREE
Singing Squad is a FREE peer development network for anyone involved in leading singing activities.
The network provides support for both aspiring and experienced music leaders interested in learning, developing or extending their vocal leadership skills. The meetings will provide time for networking, trouble-shooting, sight-singing and song arranging.
Please email us on musicleadernortheast@thesagegateshead.org if you'd like to attend any of these meetings.
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Vocal Leadership Day
Date: Saturday 17 June
Time: 11am - 5pm
Venue: Hepscott Educational Development Centre, Morpeth
Leader: David Lawrence
Cost: £30 waged / £18 unwaged
David Lawrence will work with vocal leaders on preparing material, good teaching technique, using gesture to get the best from your singing group. David is a superb technician, and a great teacher and encourager who brings out the best in everyone. This is an opportunity not to be missed for anyone who leads vocal groups, whether adult or young people, advanced or beginner. Suitable for music teachers and freelance musicians.
Full information about the day and a booking form is available on the training pages of our website.
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Love Your Voice
Date: Saturday 22 July
Time: 10.30am - 4.30pm
Venue: Morpeth Methodist Church
Leader: Sally Burchell
Cost: £22 full price / £20 concessions
The day will include voice production and technique, vocal health and wellbeing, and increasing individual vocal confidence. Sally Burchell had the idea for Love Your Voice some time ago, and will use this workshop to pass on the knowledge she has gained from her years of experience as a soloist and teacher.
The day will consist of a morning of work on vocal technique and health, followed an afternoon session with an interactive workshop - run on an informal masterclass model - with singers performing solos or group songs. The day is primarily for choral singers who would like to be able to sing more effectively in their choirs.
Suitable for all adult singers, leaders and teachers.
Full details and a booking form will be on the Norht East Training pageour website soon. Contact 20,000 Voices on 01665 606280 or email info@20000voices.org if you have any quetsions in the meantime.
2006 marks the 60th anniversary of the Arts Council's royal charter. Public arts funding over 60 years has made a huge difference to England's people and places - imagine the country without the arts. Go to our website to find out more www.artscouncil.org.uk/sixty
www.artscouncil.org.uk
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Passion for Paint at Laing Art Gallery until July 16th
Unleash pupils’ Passion for Paint
What is the exhibition about?
The National Gallery touring exhibition ‘Passion for Paint’ focuses on the ways that artists have used paint. The pictures in the exhibition span several centuries, draw on different cultures and show various artistic representations of the world around us. The exhibition explores artists’ use of paint to create space, movement, sensation, emotion and personality. It includes spectacular paintings by Degas, Rembrandt, Gainsborough, Rubens and Turner.
Why should I bring my class to ‘Passion for Paint’?
The ‘Passion for Paint’ exhibition can be used to inspire children’s imagination and creativity along with developing questioning and investigation skills. The nature of the work encourages individual responses, discussion and debate, and is an ideal starting point for developing further work.
Curriculum links:
Art & design, Literacy, History, Citizenship, Drama and Science links
Workshops and resources available to support the Passion for Paint exhibition:
· Free teachers’ pack and exhibition catalogue on booking a visit
· 15 minute introductions to the exhibition led by gallery staff
· Handling boxes linked to the exhibition
· Pre-visit school assembly sessions (subject to availability)
All sessions and handling boxes must be booked in advance. Please also let us know if you are bringing a group for a self-led visit.
To find out more about the ‘Passion for Paint’ learning opportunities or to book a visit please contact the Learning Team on (0191) 211 2104. Textphone users dial 18001 0191 211 2104. Fax: (0191) 222 0952
Unleash pupils’ Passion for Paint
Download file
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It's Volunteers Week
Volunteers' Week (1-7 June) is the UK's annual celebration of the work volunteers do.
During the week, events are held across the country to recognise, reward and recruit volunteers. This web site provides a range of tools and resources to help you celebrate Volunteers' Week and the contribution that your volunteers have made.
http://www.volunteersweek.org.uk
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International Photographic Exhibition at the Durham Light Infantry Museum
The Royal Photographic Society's 149th International Print Exhibition opens its national tour at the DLI Museum and Durham Art Gallery on Saturday 10th June 2006. The exhibition runs until Sunday 16th July. This stunning collection of photographs is an ideal inspiration for art and other curriculum areas, including citizenship. It has an excellent accompanying Education Pack for Primary and Secondary ages. The attachment has more details about how to download the Education Pack (pdf file).
Contact the DLI to book time for you and your class in the gallery and be inspired!
£1.25 per student with accompanying adults free.
Tel: 0191 3842214 - Sheila Gray or Sarah Gouldsbrough
The DLI also has lovely grounds in which to enjoy a picnic lunch.
www.durham.gov.uk/dli
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Videoconferencing grants for organisations who work with schools
Videoconferencing grants for cultural sector organisations
The Department for Education and Skills has provided MLA with funding to enable cultural sector organisations in England to connect to the National Education Network (NEN) in order to provide videoconferencing sessions to schools. A small number of grants, totalling £50,000, will be provided to cultural sector organisations that have already expressed an interest in providing videoconferencing sessions, but are currently unable to fund their connection to the NEN.
Applications are welcomed from cultural sector organisations, including museums, galleries, archives, libraries, arts organisations, science centres, heritage bodies and other similar organisations in England.
For more information see: http://www.mla.gov.uk/website/programmes/online_initiatives/Videoconferencing/
David Dawson
Head of Digital Futures
Museums, Libraries and Archives Council
Note new address: Victoria House, Southampton Row, London WC1B 4EA
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New Writing North - newsletter
News from one of our cultural partners dated May 23rd
In this issue:
ANNA CHANGES HER NAME
EXPLODING ALPHABETS POETRY NIGHT
GLASS ORANGE MAGAZINE SEEKS SUBMISSIONS
NORTHERN FRINGE EVENT
RENGA DAYS
CONTRIBUTE TO ALAN SHEARER BOOK!
EVENTS AT BORDERS, TEAM VALLEY
LAUNCH OF EPISTEME MAGAZINE
TEESSIDE POETRY NIGHT IN LONDON
POLKA THEATRE PLAYWRITING OPPORTUNITY
TRAVEL-WRITING COMPETITION
UPDATE FROM ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND, NORTH EAST
GENERAL EVENTS INFO FROM LITERATURE NORTHEAST
VACANCY AT THEATRE SANS FRONTIERES
ARTISTS’ OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH HELIX ARTS
NEW BOOK BY DARLINGTON WRITER
Read on for the content...
THE NAME’S DISLEY, ANNA DISLEY
Just so you know, if you receive correspondence from an Anna Disley, it’s all legitimate. Our recently-married Deputy Director, Anna Summerford, has changed her name, so please update any records you might have!
NEW POETRY NIGHT FOR THE NORTH EAST
Exploding Alphabets is a new literature event happening at Morden Tower in Newcastle. The first takes place on 6 June at 8pm, with the theme of Journeys. Admission is £1. The organisers write: “Poets and storytellers, listeners and observers come to the best new poetry night in Newcastle. Bring maps, a compass and an eye for a storm. Exploding Alphabets is going on a journey; lace up your poetry boots, hike yourself to the Morden Tower (in the city wall behind China town) and we'll map a route to the source of the river. Tea provided. No experience necessary. All welcome.�
For more information, contact Clara at explodingalphabets@hotmail.co.uk
GLASS ORANGE POETRY MAGAZINE SEEKS SUBMISSIONS
A new poetry magazine is being launched in Stockton and is looking for submissions. According to the editors, Glass Orange Poems will be “available to all and for all, submissions accepted from all!� For more information, or if you have any work you would like to contribute – poetry, short prose, artwork, photographs – you can email them to Ann & Trevor at glassorangepoems@aol.com
NEXT NORTHERNFRINGE EVENT
NorthernFringe, the showcase for actors and writers in the region, is holding its next event on the theme of Animals and is looking for monologues and duologues to be performed on the night. Each one should be 7-12 minutes long. For more information, or to submit your work, contact Jill Dellow at thenorthernfringe@yahoo.co.uk
BRING A LITTLE RENGA INTO YOUR LIFE…
If you fancy taking part in an unusual poetry event, there are a series of renga days happening in the region, where you can help to construct a group poem. They all run from 10am to 5pm, and are happening on 17 & 18 June at the Garden Station in Langley, Northumberland, and on 25 June at The Alnwick Garden, Alnwick. If you happen to be in London on 1 July, you can also take part in one in the garden of the Royal Geographical Society. To find out more about renga, and how to get involved, visit www.renga-platform.co.uk
TONTO PRESS SEEKS SHEARER FANS
If you’re still crying into your Brown Ale over Alan Shearer’s retirement, then try turning your grief into something positive! Tyneside publisher Tonto Press is planning a tribute book, looking at Shearer’s career through the eyes of his fans – including some celebrities - and offering his devotees the chance to contribute. They write: “Do you have a favourite Shearer goal or moment? How pleased were you when he signed for Toon? How did you feel when Alan broke Jackie Milburn's goal record? What was the best team or strike partnership he played in? What did his 10 years at Newcastle mean to you? And just what is it that makes Big Al such a special Geordie Legend? To see your memories of Alan Shearer in black and white, send all thoughts and comments to shearer@tontopress.com. You're welcome to send anything from a short message, to a longer article or essay. Be sure to include your name, tell us where you are from, and whether you are a Newcastle United fan, season ticket holder, etc. The closing date is Wed 31st May.�
BORDERS EVENTS FOR READERS AND WRITERS
The new(ish) Borders store at Team Valley, Gateshead, plays host to a number of reading and writing-related groups, which may be of interest to people who live in the area. Words & Voices is for budding writers looking to develop their skills and meets on the second Friday of every month at 8pm (for more info, contact Adam Fish or Jill Morris on 0191 4877803.) Books Without Borders is a group for those interested in traditional storytelling skills, telling stories without a text and increasing their confidence in public speaking. This group meets on the first Tuesday of every month (contact Jim Craig – 0191 4998057 of rev.jim@btopenworld.com – for more details.) Both groups meet in the store’s Starbucks coffee shop. I am told that the same branch of Borders are planning to start other groups too – more information when we get it.
EPISTEME MAGAZINE
Episteme is a new London-based literary magazine, which features international short stories, poetry, play extracts, comics and photography. Each issue explores a different cultural, political or social theme, the first of which will be ‘New Europe’. Writers are being invited to submit work that focuses on the new European landscape and how it affects their life, community and local literary heritage. Submissions should be in English, and short stories should be a maximum of 2,500 words. Work should be original, and not previously published in English. For more information, email adi.drori@epistememagazine.co.uk. Submissions should be sent to the same address; paste your work into the body of the email, and make sure to include your name, postal address, email address and a short bio in the text of the submission.
TEESSIDERS INVADE LONDON!
The Teesside Scene is going on tour and will be landing at the Poetry Café in Covent Garden on Thursday 1 June. Andy Willoughby, Bob Beagrie and Jo Colley will be taking their unique brands of poetry down south, aided and abetted by world music duo Gobbleracket and blues musician Shaun ‘Blackeye’ Lennox. If you’d like to experience a taste of the smog in the Big Smoke, the event kicks off at 7.30pm and tickets cost £4/£3 on the door. For more information, contact Andy Willoughby on 07919668698 or at andywillopoet@hotmail.com
PLAYGROUNDING AT POLKA THEATRE
Playgrounding is the new writing programme of the Polka Theatre in Wimbledon. It is designed to give new and established writers the chance to develop their work for children and young people, with what is the UK’s leading new writing theatre for children. There is the opportunity for 3 writers to take part, and the chosen few will take part in workshops with some of the UK’s best theatre practitioners, have one-to-one sessions with the Polka’s Associate Director and Dramaturg, will be mentored by an established writer, and much more. For more details, see the theatre’s website – www.polkatheatre.com. To apply, send a one-page synopsis and 5 pages of dialogue to Frauke Franz/Richard Shannon, Playgrounding, Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London, SW19 1SB – or email it to frauke@polkatheatre.com
HAVE PEN, WILL TRAVEL
The Independent on Sunday, in conjunction with Bradt travel guides, is holding a travel-writing competition, where you could see your story in print, earn a commission to be published in the newspaper, and win a holiday to Hungary. The theme is ‘Taking the Road Less Travelled’, and entries must contain a strong travel element. Each submission must be a true account based on the experiences of the entrant, and the maximum length is 800 words. The closing date is Friday 26 May, so get writing!
UPDATE FROM THE ARTS COUNCIL, NORTH EAST
Rachael Ogden, Literature Officer at Arts Council England, North East writes: “The following successful Grants for the arts applications have been made so far in May 2006:
An individual has received £4,900 towards research and development costs of a novel
Iron Press has received £5,010 towards a year's publishing activity
Diamond Twig has received £550 towards a feasibility study
Vane Women Press has received £1,800 towards the cost of producing two new pamphlets
The total investment in the literature sector through Grants for the arts in 2005/2006 in the North East was £465,311. In addition, regularly funded literature organisations jointly received £462,517 in the same financial year.�
GENERAL EVENTS INFO 23 MAY – 5 JUNE By John at Literature Northeast
Bridge of Dreams, the first volume of Chaz Brenchley's new fantasy series Selling Water by the River was published on 2 May by Ace Books. Although the book has not yet found a UK publisher, the launch party has now been arranged at the Lit & Phil. Drink wine, chat to Chaz, listen to a reading, buy the book, get it signed and come out for a drink after...
Poets crossing The Tees this month are Sebastian Barker and Andrew Burke, who will be making the trip up to Middlesbrough's Sam's Place. London Magazine editor Sebastian Barker reads from his new Smokestack collection The Erotics of God, a series of visionary meditations on the theology of desire, the lineaments of the sublime and the beautiful, the mortal and the divine. Australian poet and playwright Andrew Burke calls in on his UK reading tour to read from his recent books Knock On Wood, Whispering Gallery and Pushing At Silence, succinct and quirky tales of small-town life in Western Australia.
Paul Batchelor and WN Herbert share the bill at Newcastle University on 25 May. Paul Batchelor has received an Eric Gregory award from the Society of Authors and the Andrew Waterhouse Award from New Writing North. His poems have appeared in Modern Poetry in Translation, The North, Poetry Review, Poetry Wales, Shearsman, Stride and Tower Poetry and his new pamphlet, To Photograph a Snow Crystal, is published by Smith Doorstop. Bill Herbert has published five collections with Bloodaxe. His latest book, Bad Shaman Blues, is a Poetry Book Society Recommendation.
Staying at the university, Writing From The Inside Out will be hosting the First Thursday lunchtime session for June. Writing from the Inside Out is a group for women poetry and prose writers based at the Centre for Lifelong Learning (CLL) in Newcastle and includes Joanna Barnes, Sue Rylance, Eileen Sutherland, Pippa Little, Beda Higgins, Louise Hislop, Helen O'Neill, Lorna Beasley, Maggie Tate, Penny Minney, Jenny Howe and Heather Young, some – or maybe even all – of whom will be reading at the event.
Following the success of their Book Club Summit in September 2005, the Cafe Culture team have programmed a second summit, where Gillian Slovo will be talking about her book, Ice Road. First coming to fame for Every Secret Thing, her memoir of life with her anti-apartheid activist parents, Gillian has since written a series of acclaimed thrillers. Her latest, the political love story Ice Road, is set in 1933 Leningrad.
Chaz Brenchley: Bridge of Dreams book launch Lit & Phil: 19:00, Wed 24 May 2006
Sebastian Barker and Andrew Burke Sam’s Place, Middlesbrough: 19:30, Wed 24 May 2006
Paul Batchelor and WN Herbert Newcastle University: 19:30, Thu 25 May 2006
First Thursday: Writing From The Inside Out Newcastle University: 13:15, Thu 1 Jun 2006
Book Club Summit: Gillian Slovo: Ice Road Curtis Auditorium, Newcastle University: 19:00, Mon 5 Jun 2006
THÉÂTRE SANS FRONTIÈRES SEEKS ADMINISTRATOR
Théâtre Sans Frontières, based at the Queens Hall Arts Centre in Hexham, is looking to appoint an administrator. The post is for 20 hours per week, with a salary of £14,000-£16,000 pro rata, dependent on skills and experience. For more information, or to get an application form, email admin@tsfront.co.uk or call 01434 652484. Alternatively, you can download a form from www.tsf.org.uk/company/jobs.html
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ARTISTS
The Smart Justice for Young People arts programme, in partnership with Helix Arts, wishes to employ 6 artists to lead a series of workshops with 6 groups across the region. Each contract is for 10 days work, at a rate of £206 per day, with an additional materials/production budget of £600. To apply, contact Helix Arts on 0191 2414931. The deadline for applications is Wednesday 24 May – so if you’re interested, you’ll need to be quick off the mark! The information about the groups is as follows:
GROUP 1: Shaidy Characters, Homeless Young People, Age range: 16-25
Location: Stanley
Artform Focus: Film-making
GROUP 2: Corner House, Youth Project, Age range: 8-21
Location: Stockton
Artform Focus: Drama
GROUP 3: Gateshead Youth & Inclusion Programme, Age range: 11-16
Location: Gateshead
Artform Focus: Visual Arts
GROUP 4: Azaad, Youth Project
Location: Middlesbrough
Artform Focus: Visual Arts - Mural/Graffiti
GROUP 5: Fairbridge, Disadvantaged Young People, Age range: 13-25
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
Artform Focus: Music
GROUP 6: One Step Closer, Youth Group, Age range: 11-16
Location: Bishop Auckland
Artform Focus: Drama/Music
NEW BOOK BY DARLINGTON WRITER
Darlington-based crime writer, John Dean, is publishing his fourth novel in June 2006. Entitled The Latch Man, it is based in the fictional northern city of Hafton, and is being published by Robert Hale. For more information about the book, email John at deangriss@btinternet.com
New Writing North is funded by Arts Council England and some of our project work is supported by the CSDI programme which uses funds from the European Union, ERDF and ESF programmes to support the development of work opportunities and training for writers.
New Writing North
2 School Lane
Whickham
Tyne & Wear
NE16 4SL
Tel: 0191 488 8580
Fax: 0191 488 8576
Posted by Barbara-Ann Brown at 9:49 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack