GemArts – In the City

Call to all musicians, artists, dancers, street performers!!

GemArts are a leading arts organisation programming some of the very best concerts, events and festivals in the North East of England

Do you want massive exposure to huge audiences?

If the answer is yes, then we have a fantastic opportunity for you, your band, performing arts group, dance or street theatre company to perform in Newcastle City Centre.

Alternatively if you have a concert or festival to promote, then this is a brilliant opportunity for you to profile your acts and generate great publicity before the big event.

From traditional to folk, from classical to contemporary we are looking to programme a diverse and eclectic mix of outstanding performances – so get in touch now!!

All performances will be guaranteed a fee.

If you are interested in this opportunity please send us your

CV/biog, CDs / DVDs , MySpace links, YouTube links, Upcoming performances and any other information that would be useful for us to know more about you and your act
Contact details:

GemArts
Project Co-ordinator
Gateshead Old Town Hall
West Street
Gateshead
NE8 1HE

0191 4404124
alexandra@gemarts.org

News:Old Vic New Voices: 24 Hour Plays Applications Open, Old Vic New Voices
Join the rush of talented actors, writers, directors and producers applying to take part in the ultimate theatrical challenge: The 24 Hour Plays: Old Vic New Voices.

If you’re 18–25 and eager to launch yourself into the world of professional theatre, then this is the opportunity you’ve been looking for!

Following rigorous auditions and workshops successful applicants will have just 24 hours to prove their talent by creating engaging, edgy theatre for the Old Vic stage. The results will be seen by an audience of 1,000, including top industry professionals.

This thrilling event is in its fourth year and has launched over 150 careers so far; securing agents, West End contracts, TV roles and commissions.

Don’t miss out – go to www.ideastap.com now to apply

Deadline for applications is 10am on Friday 29th May 2009

News:pictures of shop fronts, mailout
Are you an artist, organisation or community group who have recently acquired an empty shop and are doing something creative with it?

Mailout, the national magazine for arts work with people, is seeking high quality images and some text about creative uses of empty shops. We are mainly interested in creative shop projects which engage or are run by a local community group. Please email us your high quality photo of the front of your shop – or interior- along with some text describing your project. If you’re really proud of your project then please talk to us about writing an article.

Deadline for images and text 15th May.

email to editor@e-mailout.org

www.e-mailout.org

News:Mushroom Works Exhibition, Mushroom Works
Let Them Eat Cake

A group exhibition of art and design inspired by the more frivolous side of food.

Need a bit of comfort food? Want to temporarily escape the credit crisis? The Mushroom Works invites you to delve into the world of cake art whether admiring it on the walls or creating some of your own in glorious sugar craft.

The exhibition features fabric gingerbread men, Marie Antoinette-inspired pieces and a host of other works, which celebrate food in its most enjoyable form. Events programmed to feature within the exhibition include a tea dance and a sugarcraft workshop.

It’s a subject of much debate whether Marie Antoinette really did coin the phrase ‘Let The Eat Cake.’ And if she did, whether it was out of ignorance and insensitivity or because she knew taxes could be lowered on brioche thus helping the poor. But whatever you believe, Marie Antoinette will always be remembered for her frivolity. Come to the Mushroom Works and indulge in your frivolous side – confident in the knowledge that unlike her, you won’t end up under the guillotine.

Have your cake and eat it!
Sugar craft workshops.

During the Late Shows (Friday 15th and Saturday 16th May, 5-11pm) Catherine Hodgson will be hosting sugar craft workshops for all ages. Come along and craft your very own culinary masterpiece and then watch it disappear!

You’ll also be able to see what goes on behind closed doors at Mushroom Works with an opportunity to visit our studio holders. Many of the artists, designers and makers will be holding open their studio doors during the late shows.

Lottie McPhee, will also be selling her amazing cupcakes on both nights.

This exhibition will also coincide with NewcastleGateshead’s EAT! festival.

18th April – 31st May 2009
Preview evening – Friday 17th April 2009 6pm – 8pm Special opening for the late shows on 15th and 16th May 2009 5pm – 11pm

News:You are invited to The Big Lunch, The Big Lunch
The Big Lunch is inviting you and all 61 million people across the UK to simultaneously sit down to eat lunch with your neighbours, in the middle of your street on Sunday 19th July as a simple act of community.

A new initiative run by the Eden Project, The Big Lunch encourages communities to come together through growing food and flowers; creating street music, art and theatre; dressing the street and, of course, cooking and eating together.

The day after the Big Lunch, people will walk down their street and know someone in most windows. However, the legacy of The Big Lunch is much bigger than just the day after… The aim is to give people the tools to strengthen their communities through activities such as neighbourhood-watch; improving local amenities such as youth centres; taking care of the elderly or disabled; making imaginative improvements to the local environment; sharing resources from lawnmowers to cars; and supporting local charities both with money and volunteering time.

You can support The Big Lunch by:

1) Spreading the word – we have leaflets and posters, and you can join our Facebook group ‘The Big Lunch – an eden project’

2) Organise a Big Lunch – it’s really easy. The Big Lunch website and printed Guide Book will take you through the process step by step, giving you the tools, templates and resources to make it as simple as possible. You can set up your own Big Lunch, or find others planned in your street or area by simply entering your postcode on our Big Lunch map on our website.

To find out more visit www.thebiglunch.com or call 020 7636 8152

News:Short Courses for Artists, Helix Arts
Short Courses for Artists working in Participatory Arts

Helix Arts and the University of Northumbria (UNN), working with a number of participatory arts organisations, have developed a programme of short courses for artists in any discipline (from film making and visual arts to creative writing, dance and drama) covering the core skills needed for participatory arts projects, including working with specific client groups. The next training course will take place in May and June 2009 in the North East of England and you can download information and a booking form from www.helixarts.com/pages/opportunities.

Please note that closing date for booking forms is Friday 22 May 2009.

News:Free Seminar for Fashion Designers, Own-it
The 4 ‘I’s of the fashion business: Ingenuity, influence, inspiration and infringementWhen: 21.05.09 at 18:00
Where: G10 Boardroom, Institute of Digital Innovation, Phoenix Building, University of Teesside, TS1 3BA It is meant to be a glamorous life as a fashion, textiles or accessories designer. You design some very exciting collections, get noticed and either carve a name for yourself or go freelance for the global or UK high street. However there are a lot of business and contractual issues that need to be interwoven into your everyday business life.

So what about confidentiality, copying, inspiration and infringement in the fashion world? How can you make sure that you are on the right side of the law when it comes to influence and when you have got a fashion winner? And how will you make sure that you make as much profit as possible using all the business acumen you need

Admission is free, however places are limited. To reserve your place you must register and book online at: www.own-it.org/north/events/the-4-i-s-of-the-fashion-business-ingenuity-influence-inspiration-and-infringement