August 2024
We have lots of exciting creative events to share with you this summer. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this month's edition. Our newsletter has grown significantly, and we hope it serves as a valuable resource for those interested in creative opportunities, events, and activities in Worcestershire. If you’d like to submit content for next month's edition, please send it to [email protected] by 3 September for the release on the 6.
?? OUR NEWS ??
?Stay updated with Severn Arts news and discover what's happening in the Worcestershire area.
?Mela at Worcester Show?
?Worcester Mela is excited to return to the Worcester Show on Sunday, August 11, for the third year, bringing you a cultural feast for the senses. They will thrill audiences with engaging workshops, family activities, and a wealth of artistic performances on the Mela stage! Create visual artwork to be displayed at The Melting Pot and contribute to a soundscape using the Mammoth Beat Organ on August 12 and 13. The Melting Pot is an exciting opportunity to explore Worcester's industrial history through memories captured from our diverse communities. Using dance, music, storytelling, and visual arts, we will take you on an immersive journey through The Granary. This event will take place on Saturday, September 28, at 11 a.m., 3 p.m., and 7 p.m.
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LINE UP is back for a bigger second year
?Severn Arts are thrilled to present LINE UP 2024 at Malvern Cube on Saturday, August 24 , and Sunday, August 25.?
Funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, this year's LINE UP 2024 promises to be an exciting event with headlining acts Richard Dawson and Shovel Dance Collective. The full programme features artists spanning from drone music to folk and even spoken word, ensuring there's something for everyone.?
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?? OPPORTUNITIES ??
?Explore exciting creative opportunities in the Worcestershire area. For more details about any of the opportunities listed below, please contact the individual or organisation directly.
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?Calling all young performers ages 13-18
We are recruiting for Tribe Young Company and are looking for young performers of all experience levels aged 13-18. As part of this project you will access:
?? Over 100 hours of rehearsals and workshops
?? A spring performance showcase
?? Participation in 2 x competitive one-act play festivals
?? Participation in the National Theatre Connections Festival
?? A summer showcase of an original play (developed by our own young people)
We welcome all young people and encourage diversity of backgrounds and ability. There are no audition requirements for entry. Get in touch with: [email protected]
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ReNew Grants is open for applications
?We are pleased to announce that the second round of ReNew Grants is now open for application.
Grants of ￡500 - ￡2000 are available, for creative activities for people aged 16 and over, targeting areas in Redditch Borough or Bromsgrove District.
Groups not related to Heritage Open Days should apply before Monday 2nd September.
The guidance notes and application forms for both Bromsgrove and Redditch are here through these websites Bromsgrove?and?Redditch.
Calling all Visual Artists
?Don't miss an exciting opportunity to sell your work at Worcester Cathedral's Art Market. A shoppable festival of visual art in the stunning Medieval Cloisters.?
31 Oct - 2 Nov
10am - 4pm
For more information and to get involved, please contact the team [email protected]
Join ESO as a Trustee!
?Are you passionate about the arts and interested in making a meaningful impact?
ESO is recruiting three new Trustees and is especially keen to find individuals with professional experience in the arts. As one of their experienced trustees will be stepping down at the end of the year, this is a fantastic opportunity to bring your expertise and vision to their organisation.
If you or someone you know might be interested in this rewarding role, please visit their Trustee Recruitment age for more details.
Calling aspiring music and art reviewers
Young Reviewers in The Shire?are on the look out for?aspiring music reviewers?to attend?LINE UP Festival in Malvern on the 24 and 25 of August, and aspiring art reviewers to attend H.Art (Herefordshire Art week) between the 7- 15 September. No previous experience is required, free tickets and training will be provided. Reviewers must be aged between 16-30 and live either in Herefordshire or a neighbouring county. Email?[email protected]
Apply for Community Arts Funding
As part of the Malvern Hills Community Arts Coordinator programme we are offering individual artists, arts organisations, venues and community groups the opportunity to apply for Community Arts Funding.?
Who can apply??
To apply for this grant, you must fulfil the following criteria:?
Your project must have an arts focus and take place in Malvern Hills District.
You / your organisation must have a UK bank account.
You have completed the Grant Application and sent the relevant documentation to us by the stated deadline.?
You are an individual artist / arts organisation / venue / community group planning to work with an artist or arts organisation.?
How to apply?
The deadline for application is 9am on Friday 20 September 2024. Please send the following information to: Lee Farley, Community Arts Coordinator (Malvern Hills district) - [email protected]?
Please complete no more than two sides of A4 containing:?
Your project summary
How your project addresses the essential criteria
Your contact details, including any website or social media links?
Please send a pdf file, using the title of your project as the file name?
Please also include a budget breakdown; including artists fees, venue hire, materials, any other costs. If you are applying for other funding as part of a larger project, please include details in your budget breakdown.?
Want to find out more or ask questions??
There will be a consultation meeting at 10am on Wednesday 4 September 2024 in the Morgan Room, Malvern Hills District Council offices.?
If you are unable to attend the meeting but would like to ask questions about the application, please email [email protected]?
Invitation to tender for the West Midlands Cultural Sector Research Project 2.0
Culture Central and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) on behalf of their regional stakeholders and partners are seeking proposals for a research project to understand audience’s cultural and creative participation in the West Midlands geographic region. We are looking for innovative proposals that build on the first phase of the West Midlands Cultural Sector research project, including broad definitions of participation alongside socio-demographic information and insights that will be of value to cultural organisations, local authorities, funders and wider stakeholders connected to the cultural sector in the West Midlands. Deadline: 10am, Wednesday 11 September Timeline: All work and dissemination must be completed by 31 March 2025 Fee: A maximum fee of ￡75,000 (excluding VAT) to include all expenses and costs is available for this work
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??? EVENTS ???
Check out local events throughout Worcestershire from the creative community. If you would like further information about an article, please contact the individual/organisation directly.
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?LINE UP
???Malvern Cube?
??Sat and Sun Aug 24 - 25?
LINE UP is back and this time it’s bigger!??
Severn Arts are thrilled to present LINE UP 2024 at Malvern Cube on Saturday, August 24, and Sunday, August 25.
LINE UP 2024 promises to be an exciting event with headlining acts Richard Dawson and Shovel Dance Collective. The full programme features artists spanning from drone music to folk and even spoken word, ensuring there's something for everyone.?
Creative Friends - the new National Lottery Project
??Destination Zone, Bromsgrove High Street
??Every Thursday starting from September 5
Creative Art Showcase are delighted to have received funding to launch a new 2-year community project. The aim of Creative Friends is to bring the wider diverse community together, in the pursuit of inspirational fun art and craft activities, breaking down barriers and growing understanding. ? The workshops will take place on the first Thursday of every month. Come to the ?launch evening on the 5 September at Destination Zone, Bromsgrove High Street and find out more. Or email [email protected] or call/text 07818830988 for further details.? Showcase 24 in Bromsgrove in October, is one of the biggest events on the calendar, for everyone from across the Midlands, so if you haven’t booked your artisan stall or entered your artwork into the Open Call please do it now! ??
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North Worcestershire Art Trail
??6 venues in Worcestershire
??23 and 26 Aug
This year, as Worcestershire Open Studios takes a break, artists in North Worcestershire welcome you to the first North Worcestershire Art Trail. There are 6 venues showcasing 10 artists and they are all excited to open the doors to their studios and homes to art lovers and makers alike. It’s a chance to have a unique behind the scenes glimpse at how artists create their work and there is an opportunity to buy original art pieces. This free event will run over 4 days, from Friday 23 August to Monday 26, 2024. There is a guide with details of venues and opening dates and times and it will be worth checking this because there is some variation between venues. For more information, please email [email protected] or you can find information on @north_worcs_artist_collective
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I N N E R S C A P E S?
??The Gallery Arch, Arch 28
??7 to 16 Sep from 10am
INNERSCAPES features a collection of abstract and mixed media work created over the past two years by one of The Artery Studios resident artists, Jayne Gaze.? Artist's statement: The underlying view of the mind as a distinct space or ‘scape’ has a long history. As dreams incorporate elements and experiences from the outer world to shape the landscape of consciousness, your ‘innerscape’ can be a vehicle that might help you to reflect upon and interpret some of what is going on in your subconscious.? Over the past two years, through this body of work, I have allowed myself to intuitively explore my internal personal geography and make visual representations of my ‘innerscapes’.? The images are a reflection of my interior world and how I experience existence. They are memories, experiences, sounds and smells, feelings and emotions. They are loss, love, regret, joy and hope. They are people and places known, unknown, visited and left, both physically and emotionally and those I might yet visit in the future, imagine or dream about.? As an artist this is my buried treasure for me to excavate, examine and record.?
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Severn Arts Music Box
?? The Hive
?? Thur 29 Aug?
Join us with the Music Box at The Hive on August 29. We’re thrilled to announce a special event for this year's Summer Reading Challenge! On Thursday, August 29, the Music Box bus will be at The Hive, offering exciting, hands-on music workshops for young people. There will be two sessions available: from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM for ages 8-12, and from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM for ages 12-18. This is a fantastic opportunity for children and teens to explore digital instruments and enjoy a fun, interactive music-making experience. To reserve your spot, please click the button below.
Spaces are limited, so be sure to sign up soon! For more details, feel free to reach out to Jacqui Dance at: [email protected].
Malvern Theatres - Take Part
??Malvern Theatres
??Autumn 2024
Bookings are now live on all Malvern Theatres' fantastic classes for the upcoming Autumn Term. New classes will run alongside returning favourites in dance, drama and art, to form a balanced selection of inspiring and engaging opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. New classes for 2024-25 include: junior street dance, beginners Irish dance for adults, Chichi Fit, scriptwriting, and junk-book journaling.?
Whether you are 18 months old or 80+ years old, there will be a class for you to enjoy. So come and spend your mornings, afternoons, or evenings with us at Malvern Theatres.?
Book your class or workshop online below or call the box office on 01684 892277
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Guest Artists at the Studios at Bevere
??Bevere Gallery
??Open 10am to 4pm
Also on site: resident artist studios, ceramics, jewellery, original prints & café.
Margaret Powell
??Bevere Gallery
??Sat 17 Aug
Artist Studios at Bevere welcomes back talented local artist Margaret Powell, a classically trained artist inspired by light and colour. Margaret paints seasonal flower still life paintings, as well as local landscapes and pet portrait commissions.
Alison Simon
??Bevere Gallery
??Sat 24 Aug
Artist Studios at Bevere is delighted to welcome artist Alison Simon, otherwise known as Dragon Rune Crafts. Alison specialises in fluid acrylic art and resin on a range of canvases. She also makes beautiful silver and gold filled wire-wrapped jewellery.
Ella Buchanan?
??Bevere Gallery
??Sat 31 Aug
Artist Studios at Bevere welcomes Worcester artist Ella Buchanan whose artwork can be described as abstract realism, often combining realistic portraiture with experimental mark making and mixed media techniques. Ella’s work has been described as romantic, dreamlike and peaceful.
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Get Creative: Ledbury Poetry
This August?Ledbury Poetry?are hosting a series of?free arts activities for children.
The Word Crew Special
??Ledbury Poetry House
??Sat 17 Aug 10am-12pm
A free creative writing workshop on Saturday the 17 August. 10am-12pm, for ages 10-16.
Play in a week
??Ledbury Poetry House
??19 Aug until 23 Aug
A free week of drama where children create their own play from Monday 19 August until Friday 23 August. 10am-1pm (last day 10am-4pm) , for ages 8-12.
Groovy Bird children’s Collage
??Ledbury Poetry House
??Wed 21 Aug 2pm-4pm
A free art workshop on Wednesday 21 August. 2pm-4pm, for ages 6-10.
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Paper Flower Making
??The Artery Studios
??Fri 16 Aug 6:30pm-8:30pm
Inspired by the joy of summer and floral festival adornments we have created a paper flower making workshop for people to be able to make their own summer celebration crown or bouquet. Using paper and card we will explore methods of making our own ever lasting blooms.?
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Discover the "Planting Healthy Minds" Project
??Woodrow Shopping Centre
??1 Aug to 15 Aug
We’re excited to share the "Planting Healthy Minds" initiative led by artist Ben Adamson, which will bring together Redditch communities to create a unique apple tree sculpture from reused materials. This project highlights local resilience and creativity.
Creative Workshops are available from August 1 to 15, where small groups can join in to help build the apple tree and its soundscape, with wellbeing guidance provided by Brenda from Ahead of Wellbeing. Advance booking is required for these workshops. Interested participants should sign up by emailing [email protected]
For those who prefer a more flexible approach, Drop-In Sessions will run concurrently. These sessions are open to individuals and small groups and require no advance booking, offering a chance to contribute to the project at your convenience.
The project will culminate in the Planting Healthy Minds Celebration on August 20 from 2-7 PM. This special event will showcase the completed apple tree, featuring free music, delicious food, and local art stalls. It’s a fantastic opportunity to experience and celebrate community creativity.
For more details, visit Unit 9, Woodrow Shopping Centre, Redditch.?
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Rob Draper: Work, Dreams, WiFi Exhibition
??University of Worcester's Art House
??Wed to Sat 12-4pm until 16 Aug
Experience the innovative work of internationally renowned artist Rob Draper at the University of Worcester. “Work, Dreams, WiFi” showcases Draper’s diverse career and creative journey, featuring a true-to-life recreation of his studio.
Draper’s impressive portfolio includes projects for The Golden Globes, Nike, and NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. This exhibition highlights three pivotal stories: his decision to reinvent himself after job loss, his return to humble beginnings while living with his family, and how a shed and a pandemic reshaped his creative process.
The show offers a unique glimpse into Draper's artistic evolution and processes, blending various themes and styles. Open until August 16, Wednesday to Saturday from 12 - 4 pm at the University of Worcester’s Art House, Castle Street WR1 3ZQ. Free entry for all art and design enthusiasts.
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Lights, Camera...Paint
??Worcester City Centre
?? 24 Aug to 29 Sep
A free art trail around Worcester city centre in collaboration with Worcester Film Festival.?
Artwork created by local people was submitted and 25 have been chosen and turned in to movie style posters to find in shop windows around the city. This years theme was movie mash-ups, asking entrants to choose one or more movies, genres or characters to mix up into one art work and the results are fantastic. We can't wait for you to see them all!
More information and a map of where to find each poster will be released nearer the launch date. Don't forget to keep your eyes peeled for Worcester Film Festival updates over on their website and socials.
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Discover ARTSTRANDS
??Coach House Theatre, Malvern
??21 to 24 Aug 10am-5pm
Explore the vibrant works of ARTSTRANDS, a collective of 10 local artists with diverse backgrounds and skills. This group showcases a wide range of artistic disciplines, reflecting their unique life experiences and creative talents.
Join them at the Coach House Theatre, Malvern from August 21-24, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, for a special Craft Sale featuring these remarkable artists. Don't miss this opportunity to experience and support local creativity!
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Events at Script Haven
??Script Haven
?? Aug 2024
Script Haven celebrated its 1st birthday on Monday 5 August, and what a year it has been! From being voted as the UK's 3rd best indie bookshop by The Times readers in January to uncovering a visit by Charles Dickens in 1858, the shop has become firmly established in the heart of the Worcester creative community. The date was celebrated with special offers and a book launch by owner Leena Batchelor. During August, we'll be hosting several exciting events,?including a visit by Malcolm Boyden on the 21st?and Samuel Sargeant’s launch of ‘Faith of their Fathers’
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Park Life Reads
??Wembrook Community Centre
??Sat 10 Aug
Warwickshire Libraries is hosting a free family festival to celebrate nature and wellbeing. This year we’re delighted to be hosted by Wembrook Community Centre in Nuneaton. As well as a library stall where you can find out more about the incredible services on offer in our libraries, there will be free activities and workshops all day. Come and enjoy poetry with Coventry’s first Poet Laureate, storytelling in a fabulous tent, and lots of crafts and fun activities including nature journalling, stop-motion animation, lino printing, nature walks (leading to and from the Big Local), face painting and henna art. We also have boxing sessions, mini facials, hand massages, Indian head massages, Reiki, Breathwork and Emotional Freedom Tapping. All sessions and activities are entirely FREE! We even have free lunches (first come, first served), thanks to the Holiday Activities Fund, and free Creative Art Packs (limited supply). We have something for all ages!
Find out more here and book a free slot on a workshop.
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Worcester Film Festival Animation Movie Quiz
??Hand in Glove
??Wed 14 Aug 4pm
Tickets: ￡2 on the door (kids go free)
If you know your animation Inside Out, gather your minions and walk those Happy Feet over to Hand in Glove to test your luck! Who will be the Megamind??
Our August quiz is in conjunction with the Worcester Festival. It is a family friendly quiz so all ages will be able to?participate. There will be fun themed drinks available from the bar for kids and adults alike. See you there!
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Inclusive Voices Crafting Session
??The Hive
??Thur 26 Sep 5-6:30pm
We invite you to an Inclusive Voices Crafting Session, a social event dedicated to celebrating diversity and equality in books, films, podcasts, illustrations and more.???
From 5 to 6:30 PM, we welcome you to engage in meaningful discussions with the University and Worcester community, in a relaxed environment where creative activities will also be on offer.??
This launch event offers a unique opportunity to connect with others, exchange perspectives, and inspire future initiatives. We also hope to gather interest at this launch event and ask for your feedback on how to shape future events.???
We aim for this launch event to initiate a regular community meet up in The Hive, where you can either participate or listen to recommendations and insights on books, articles, films, podcasts etc. which engage with other perspectives. We welcome you to come to this event to connect with members of the community and inform others of your events. The session is a safe space to share ideas whilst learning from the wider community.?This event?is open to collaboration with academics, staff, students, public and local groups.??
We have a number of opportunities. I will email them across ??