Philippa Berry Arts Blog

SLOUGH CREATIVE JELLY

2011-09-16T01:36:00.001-07:00

After several months of planning, we're finally ready to launch the very first SLOUGH CREATIVE JELLY.

Are you based in or near Slough?

Would you like the chance to get out of the (home) office and work alongside other like-minded creative practitioners for a day?

Slough Creative Jelly, supported by Creative Junction and Slough Borough Council's arts team, will run on Friday 30 September 2011 in the Blue Room at The West Wing Arts Centre between 9.30 am – 4.00 pm.

There is space for 12 people with laptops, free wifi and free parking at the centre.

If you would like to attend, you will need to register for a free ticket at http://sloughcreativejelly.eventbrite.com/ where you will also find further details. Alternatively, contact me at mail@philippaberryarts.com.

Contemporary dance in East Surrey

2011-06-10T02:26:00.000-07:00

It may be the last chance to try out Natasha Mckenzie’s contemporary dance and street dance classes this evening at Bell Street Studios in Reigate (www.bellstreetstudios.co.uk). Lack of numbers means Natasha may not be able to continue the classes for now, unfortunately.

If you’re interested in trying out contemporary or street dance, or for more information, do contact Natasha at funkytash7@hotmail.com.

I Value The Arts

2011-01-27T03:39:00.000-08:00

Check this out at www.ivaluethearts.org.uk.

SOUTH HILL PARK - CRAFT FAIR 2011 - CALL FOR NEW ARTISTS

2011-01-20T03:00:00.000-08:00

Saturday 19 November & Sunday 20 November

Call for new artists & makers (all media)

South Hill Park offers over 80 stall positions in a Georgian mansion and modern theatre & gallery space.

Held for over 25 years, the fair has a reputation for high quality craftsmanship in awelcoming atmosphere. A curatorial committee views applications in March, after submissions by artists before the end of February.

Application packs are available.

Further information 01344 484123
www.southhillpark.org.uk

Sing Up East Berkshire research report now up on the web

2010-11-29T02:11:00.001-08:00

The research report that Creative Junction commissioned me to write is now up on their website at http://www.creativejunction.org.uk/assets/What-were-doing/sing_up/Sing-Up-EB-Research-Report-14.10.10-sm.pdf.

The report includes our findings about young people's attitudes to singing based on our work on the Sing Up East Berkshire community programme between October 2008 and October 2010.

Gauging interest in a Surrey Jelly for those working in the creative industries

2010-11-17T03:29:00.001-08:00

I've been attending Jelly co-working events for the last couple of months, thanks to Hazel McLellan and Lyn French who arrange and host these monthly gatherings in my local area.

Following a conversation with Lyn and having just seen that The Space Studios in Hackney (www.spacestudios.org.uk) host regular co-working events for artists and other creative freelancers, I'm wondering if there might be scope to set up a regular co-working event for creative practitioners in Surrey.

If you're based in Surrey and working as a freelancer or are part of a small business in the creative industries, would this be of interest to you? First off, here is some information about what Jelly is all about...

What is Jelly?

Jelly are free, casual, co-working events happening in cities across the world. If you work from home, it's a chance to work in a space with other like-minded folk. The host venue provides the space, desks, wifi and tea and coffee making facilities. You bring your laptop, plug in and get on.

Registering interest

So if you might be interested in this, please go to www.facebook.com/jellysoutheast, or email me at mail@philippaberryarts.com.

Dance Development at Surrey Arts - Scoping Exercise

2010-11-16T03:18:00.000-08:00

Jo Hardy, Dance Development Officer for Surrey Arts, is doing a scoping exercise in Surrey around the arts and cultural activities and opportunities available for people with disabilities in Surrey. She is interested to hear from practitioners and organisations who either specialise in this work or include this work in their remit. This information will be used to make recommendations to schools, disability arts groups and organisations, day centres, youth services and anyone else who contacts her requiring this specialism.

If you would like to be included or find out more, please contact Jo Hardy at jo.hardy@surreycc.gov.uk.

Music practitioners sought

2010-11-11T02:32:00.001-08:00

Slough Music Service would like to hear from music practitioners and organisations who would be interested in supporting the delivery of a new music programme funded by Slough Borough Council’s Education Department. The programme, entitled ‘Music7’, is set to run in Slough schools this academic year.

For a copy of the brief and further details, please contact Philippa Berry at philippa.berry@sloughmusicservice.co.uk.

The deadline for expressions of interest is Friday 19 November.

Creative Partners sought

2010-11-05T10:32:00.000-07:00

Penn Wood Primary School in Slough is looking for two creative partners to work with them in the third year of their Change Schools programme.

This year the work will be focused on Year 4 of the school. Penn Wood would like to work with a creative practitioner, interested in the Year 4 topics including adventurers and explorers, non-fiction writing and habitats. It is envisaged that the practitioner would make links with the ideas behind Professor Guy Claxton’s ‘Building Learning Power’, and across the curriculum, incorporating the use of ICT. This person needs to be a great communicator, supporting and enhancing talk between parents/carers and their children. We envisage that this person might be a writer, storyteller and/or media specialist.

The school also wishes to appoint a creative practitioner who is a media artist, able to work with various technologies, especially video and who would be able to lead CPD sessions for staff.

For more information and a copy of the brief, please email philippa.berry@southhillpark.org.uk.

Closing date for submissions is Friday 19 November.

Good news for OYAP

2010-09-17T09:26:00.001-07:00

Here is some great news for a project I've just been working on, and I even get a mention!...

The summer may be coming to a close but at OYAP Trust we are celebrating the last few rays of sunshine as we have just been awarded £39,000 from Arts Council England towards our pioneering project, Stepping Up (Young Creative Leaders Training programme). This will support young artists aged 18-25, giving them a boost in their early creative careers, and enrich the arts in Oxfordshire. We are now working hard to secure the remaining funding for the programme. Read our press release here

We are now recruiting participants to enrol on the 2010 programme and for established practitioners to train as mentors to support a new generation of youth arts professionals, young artists and emerging arts managers. Visit http://go.madmimi.com/redirects/ec6c2c16ac9a84a4155447c24f404f1b?pa=1824661825 to find out how you can get involved.

YAK SHACK launch event
Our pilot cohort of Young Leaders formed the Young Artists Kollective (YAK) earlier this year, and launched their first pop up arts venue upstairs at the I-Cowley project in Templars Square shopping centre – young people participated in a show of static exhibitions and live performance organised by the Young Leaders and over 100 people visited the YAK SHACK to see the work. Our very first Young Leaders are now embarking on their creative careers and putting everything they have learned into practice. A huge thanks to their mentors, Janine Charles, Linda Jane James, Philippa Berry and Juliet Brain, for giving them such amazing support.

http://www.oyap.org.uk/

Creative Partner sought - Outdoor Learning Programme

2010-08-11T02:27:00.001-07:00

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Bracknell is looking for a creative partner with experience in outdoor learning programmes to work alongside another creative partner on the third year of their Change Schools programme (www.creative-partnerships.com).

For more information and a copy of the brief, please email philippa.berry@southhillpark.org.uk.

Closing date for submissions is Friday 10 September.

Seeds and Songs project - artist placement sought

2010-07-14T08:42:00.000-07:00

SEEDS AND SONGS
SINGING ADULT PLACEMENT OPPORTUNITY

Deadline for applications: Friday 16 July 2010

Are you from a community that’s new to the UK?
Have you got experience of singing?
Do you enjoy working with and want to learn about working with children and young people though singing and drama/theatre?
Do you have songs to share and are interested in learning songs from other cultures?

Seeds and Songs is a partnership project between The Sage Gateshead, Slough Music Service and The Oval House Theatre in London.
The Seeds and Songs project is offering an exciting training opportunity for an adult artist from new and diverse communities in Slough. You will become part of an artistic team where you will work with established singing facilitators to support a group of young singing leaders and deliver singing workshops for young children in the Slough area. The teams from each of the partner areas will meet up for three inspiring national gatherings to share songs, skills, make new friends, and contribute to the creation of a new intercultural songbook.

This opportunity is open to an artist aged 20+ from a new community who is not yet working as an established facilitator. Those interested in this opportunity will be asked to demonstrate a passion for singing and skills sharing, an aspiration to work with children and young people, and a desire to progress their own career development.

You will be required to commit a minimum of 4 hours per week, mostly for one after school session per week for the period September 2010 to the end of January 2011. There will also be a training day in Slough on Tuesday 27th July. Travel expenses for the programme will be covered, as will any other agreed out-of-pocket expenses.

If you are interested in getting involved, please contact Philippa Berry at philippa.berry@sloughmusicservice.co.uk for further details. The deadline for applications is 4.00 pm on Friday 16 July 2010.

Slough Music Service is committed to promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young people. All posts are subject to an Enhanced Disclosure by the Criminal Records Bureau. All references will always be taken up in advance of interview, and we may contact other previous employers for references where the post involves work with children and/or vulnerable adults.

FREE Singing CPD twilight session - Tuesday 15 June, Sing Up East Berkshire

2010-06-11T02:58:00.001-07:00

FREE Early years/KS1 CPD twilight session led by Sue Nicholls
Tuesday 15 June 2010, 4.00 pm – 5.30 pm,
Oakfield First School, Imperial Road, Windsor SL4 3RU.

Sue Nicholls will be leading a singing session for EYFS and KS1 practitioners on 'Singing at the Heart of the Curriculum', forging strong links between singing and Areas of Learning and Development and the KS1 curriculum.

Please RSVP to Philippa Berry at mail@philippaberryarts.com.

'Seeds and Songs' - young leader and artist placement opportunities

2010-05-28T05:03:00.001-07:00

I'm currently doing some work with Slough Music Service on this new project...

‘Seeds and Songs’ is an exciting new project and partnership between Slough Music Service, The Oval House Theatre in London and The Sage Gateshead, funded by Sing Up, and is set to run from June 2010 – January 2011.

Slough Music Service is currently looking for four young people aged between 13 and 19 and from diverse communities to volunteer to train as Young Singing Leaders and for someone aged 20+ who may be interested in getting involved in the project as an ‘artist placement’.

For more information, please email philippa.berry@sloughmusicservice.co.uk.

Inspiring Times

2010-05-10T02:30:00.001-07:00

Wow, have just returned from an incredibly inspiring 4 days of training and creativity.

Thursday and Friday were focused on Creative Partnerships with fellow Creative Agents from the Thames Valley region. Creative Junction has given us the opportunity to work towards a Level 1 accreditation in Philosophy 4 Children, with our group facilitated by Jason Buckley of Outspark (http://www.outspark.org.uk/). On Friday we used a technique called 'Open Space' to address questions around creative learning and our work as creative practitioners. There was a heightened sense of anticipation in the room that day as we recognised the unique privilege and potential there is in us all coming together, whilst hearing snippets of news from the election. Oh yes, and there was dragon boat racing!

I then headed up to Oak Barn in Shropshire (http://www.oak-barn.co.uk/) for a Natural Voice Practitioners Network (http://www.naturalvoice.net/) songwriting weekend. Facilitated by Polly Bolton, Gitika Partington, Sue Harris and poet Gill McEvoy, we looked at lyrics and poetry as the starting point of songwriting. My head is now full of thoughts, ideas and some new rounds learnt from the incredible group of women who are all leading singing groups in different parts of the UK.

FLOURISH 2010

2010-03-11T06:56:00.000-08:00

MOVING VOICES: VOLUNTEERING
A one day workshop looking at how to create meaningful volunteer opportunities and placements for young people in dance. Based on the successful South East Dance model moving Voices, the day will involve practical sessions led by volunteers and moving Voices Co-ordinator Catherine Gill and case studies from regional organisations.

• Monday 15 March
• 10am – 3pm
• University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7XH
• £10 / £7 for artists based in the South East
• Suitable for: arts organisations and venues, practitioners, local authorities, youth
workers and dance managers.

TRAVEL BURSARIES TO ATTEND ARE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST
Please contact Emily James at emily.james@southeastdance.org.uk

To book your place please contact South East Dance:
E sed@southeastdance.org.uk
W www.southeastdance.org.uk

Creative Partner sought

2010-03-05T03:12:00.000-08:00

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Bracknell is looking for a creative partner with expertise in AV/animation to work alongside another creative partner on their current Change Schools programme.

They are looking at making links and connections across the school and curriculum, with a focus on the visual medium and Professor Guy Claxton’s ‘Building Learning Power’.

For more information and a copy of the brief, please email philippa.berry@southhillpark.org.uk.

'40 Miles West' album launch at The Wokingham Theatre

2010-02-26T01:55:00.000-08:00

Simon Williams is launching his debut album '40 Miles West' at The Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road, Wokingham tomorrow night (Saturday 27 February). Check out www.myspace.com/siwilliamsmusic for more information.

The evening will include 2 hours of great live music with support from top quality acts as well as the debut performance of Simon's album. Ticket price includes a programme and a free copy of Simon's 12 track album all for £5. Tickets in advance so please contact Simon on 07795 383631.

'Berkshire Sings 2010'! The Sing Up CPD Conference.

2010-02-01T04:08:00.001-08:00

Tuesday 23 March 2010.
The Spirit Conference Centre, Farnham Road, Slough.
9.00 am to 4.00 pm

March 23rd is a day for teachers and other school staff, singing leaders, children and young people. Following on from the success of last year’s event, this is not to be missed. It will feature members of the prestigious vocal a cappella group ‘Mouthful’.

For further information and a booking form, please contact mail@philippaberryarts.com.

Venue confirmed for singing CPD...

2010-01-13T03:49:00.000-08:00

Tuesday 19 January, lead by Ken Burton. The session will be held at St Joseph’s Catholic High School, Shaggy Calf Lane, Slough SL2 5HW from 4.15 to 6.15 pm.

It is open to all adults with an interest in singing, whether music teachers or otherwise. There is no cost to attend the session. Many thanks to Anne-Marie Fenn and the school for hosting the session.

Ken has been asked to do some work on technique and repertoire and generally give participants a good sing. For booking info, see below...

FREE SINGING LEADING CPD session lead by Gospel Musician Ken Burton

2010-01-06T07:58:00.000-08:00

Tuesday 19 January, 4.15 pm - 6.15 pm in Slough.

This is a unique opportunity for teachers, school staff, community singing leaders and young leaders to work with renowned Gospel musician Ken Burton (http://www.kenburton.com/) in a workshop funded by the Independent State School Partnership, as part of a project organised by Windsor Festival with Slough Music Service.

For confirmation on venue and to reserve a place, please email name(s), school/organisation and contact details to Simon Lock at music.service@beechwood.slough.sch.uk.

Free CPD session for singing leaders – Tuesday 8 December

2009-11-18T08:04:00.001-08:00

Tuesday 8 December, 4.30 pm – 6.00 pm
(refreshments and networking from 4.15 pm).

St Agnes Fountain Music and Faith Centre, St Leonard's Road, Windsor, Berkshire SL4 3DX.

These sessions aim to share good practice amongst singing leaders from schools and the community, and will include some led training sessions and chances to network, share ideas and resources.

All sessions are fully funded by Sing Up.

If you would like to attend, please RSVP to mail@philippaberryarts.com.

Sing Up East Berkshire - November bulletin

2009-11-06T03:28:00.000-08:00

November 2009

Sing Hallelujah
‘Sing Hallelujah’ is a nationwide project which encourages people to find their voice and discover the joy of singing through Handel's famous "Hallelujah Chorus". Sing Hallelujah is a project from the BBC, led by BBC Radio 3, and English National Opera (ENO).

Everyone can be involved from beginners to experienced choirs. If you are new to singing, there are two free Sing Hallelujah events on 5 and 6 December 2009 to get you started. If you are a confident singer or in a choir already, they would like you to perform the Hallelujah Chorus in November or December 2009, whether informally or as part of a bigger concert. For more information, check out www.bbc.co.uk/sing/hallelujah.

Sing Up - Young Leaders project
The young singing leaders project is part of the Sing Up national programme, aimed at training young people to become singing leaders and deliver supervised singing activities within their school and/or community. For more information about the young leaders’ programme, contact Gloria Garcia at gloria.garcia@creativejunction.org.uk.

CPD for singing leaders
We held our first session for singing leaders on Tuesday 20 October at the West Wing in Slough. Glyn Murphy, the Area Leader for Berkshire East taught some warm ups and songs which could be used in the classroom, and those present shared thoughts and ideas for repertoire. We’ll be running these sessions over the next academic year, so if you’re a teacher in school or a singing leader in the community, and would like to learn more about using singing in the classroom, do come along. The next session is booked for Tuesday 8 December between 4.30 pm – 6.00 pm (refreshments and networking from 4.15 pm). It will be held at the St Agnes Fountain Music and Faith Centre, St Leonard's Road, Windsor, Berkshire SL4 3DX. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to mail@philippaberryarts.com.

Update from local schools

Windsor Schools' Choir
The Windsor Schools' Choir takes place at Windsor Boys' School every Friday between 4.00 pm - 5.15 pm. It is open to anyone in years 7 - 13, girls and boys, and all abilities are welcome. For more information, contact James Manwaring, Head of Music at Windsor Boys' School at manwj001@rbwm.org or telephone 07811 199545.

Each month, we include news on singing activities, events or opportunities from your school community. Please do drop us a line with any information.

Opportunities and events

FREE CPD session with VCM
Monday 16 November 2009, 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm, Penn Wood Primary School, Penn Road, Slough.Open to all teachers and school staff. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to Sarah Evans at Sarah_Evans@pennwood.slough.sch.uk.

Windsor Boys’ School presents ‘The Pajama Game’
24 - 27 November at 7.30pm, Windsor Boys’ School Main Hall
Box Office 01753 716060 ext 286; Evenings and Weekends - 07811 199545
Email Ticket Requests to manwj001@RBWM.ORG. Tickets Adults £8 & Concessions £6

FREE singing workshop lead by VOCES8
Saturday 28 November from 2.00 pm – 3.00 pm at Farnham Maltings, Farnham, Surrey
The 8-piece vocal group will be leading two workshops which will run simultaneously – one aimed at children, the other for adults. The members of VOCES8 will be divided between both workshops. No singing experience necessary – just enthusiasm! Booking for the workshops is required through the Maltings Box Office on 01252 745444 or at www.farnhammaltings.com. There will then be a concert (tickets are priced at £10 or £6 concessions - students & OAPs) at 7.30 pm.

Slough Singers
Slough Music Service's adult choir, directed by Gillian Dibden, will meet for 5 rehearsals after half term to prepare a programme to sing at our carol service in Eton Chapel on Monday 7 December. Rehearsals will take place at St Ethelbert's School, Wexham Road, Slough from 4.15 to 5.45 on Thursdays 5, 12, 19, 26 November and 3 December. Membership is free and open to all adults. To enrol, email music.service@beechwood.slough.sch.uk.

Firestation Arts Centre in Windsor –singing projects
The Firestation Vocal Group (Wednesday evenings) and Sing Out (Friday evenings) continue this term at the Firestation Arts Centre in Windsor. Contact the singing leader Gloria Garcia at gloria.garcia@creativejunction.org.uk for more information.

Dates for your diary

Future dates for CPD for singing leaders’ sessions
Tuesday 8 December 2009; Tuesday 12 January 2010; Tuesday 9 March 2010; Tuesday 27 April 2010; Tuesday 15 June 2010. For more information, contact mail@philippaberryarts.com.
Primary Singing Festival
Run by Slough Music Service, this will be held at The Centre, Farnham Road, Slough on Tuesday 1 and Wednesday 2 December 2009. For more information, contact Simon Lock at music.service@beechwood.slough.sch.uk.

Eton Carol Service - Monday 7 December 2009.

Slough Music Festival - March 2010
Co-ordinated by Slough Music Service, this is a month of celebrating music in Slough culminating in a wide mix of performances and events in the week of the 22 March. A CPD session for teachers will take place on Tuesday 23 March. More information to follow next month.

Windsor First Schools concert - Sunday 7 March, 6.00 pm at The Hexagon in ReadingFor more information, contact oakfield@rbwm.org.

RBWM Music Conference ‘Outstanding Music Education in your School’
Monday 8 March 2010 at Norden Farm Centre for the Arts in Maidenhead. A conference for all involved in music education in schools in the Royal Borough. Places are free to teachers working in Royal Borough schools. A limited number of places for those outside the Borough will be available at £75 to include all refreshments. Fliers about the conference will be in schools by the middle of November.

Sing Up Spring Up!
A celebration for young and adult community singing groups and choirs in Windsor and Slough.
Tuesday 16 March 2010 7.00 pm – 9.00 pm, West Wing Arts Centre, Main AuditoriumFree entrance; please book your place in advance.

Sing up Spring up is a fantastic sharing evening for community singing groups and choirs in Windsor and Slough. This is a chance for local singing ensembles to network, showcase songs, learn new warm up exercises, sing songs as a big choir and have lots of fun. The event is aimed at singing groups whose members are at least 12 years old.

Singing groups will have the opportunity to perform for each other on a professional stage and learn new songs and techniques with a professional acappella group. Basic lighting and sound will be provided and the event will be audio recorded for participants. If your choir/singing group is interested in taking part in the event please contact gloria.garcia@creativejunction.org.uk or 01753 470324.

Resources and funding

Sing Up Awards
Has your school considered applying for a Sing Up Award? The Sing Up Awards recognise, celebrate and promote primary-age schools who put singing at the heart of their school life.
The Sing Up Awards are open to any school with primary-aged children and a nominated Sing up Awards Champion who will support and develop the Awards in your school. For more info, check out www.singup.org/teachers-music-leaders/sing-up-awards.

Sing Up website
If you’re a primary school teacher, have you registered your school on the Sing Up website in order to receive the free termly magazine? For more details, go to www.singup.org/teachers-music-leaders.

Future Talent
Future Talent is a very special charity that provides critical support to further exceptional music talent where it would otherwise be lost.

We give financial awards and guidance to young musicians between the ages of 5 and 18 up and down the UK, who are clearly demonstrating outstanding musical ability or potential, but for whatever reason, do not have the means to reach their goal. In this way, we provide the stepping stones to enable these talented individuals to aim high and make their musical dreams a reality. For more information about Future Talent, please visit our website www.futuretalent.org

Choral Ambition - New Fund for Choirs
The BBC Performing Arts Fund in association with Making Music have launched a funding scheme for choirs and other singing groups, with grants available from £500 - £5000. http://www.bbc.co.uk/performingartsfund/choral_ambition/

SOUTH HILL PARK - CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR 2009

2009-11-03T09:50:00.001-08:00

Saturday 14 November • 11am– 6pm
Sunday 15 November • 10am– 5pm

For more info, check out http://www.southhillpark.org.uk/

Creative Partner sought

2009-10-20T01:30:00.000-07:00

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Bracknell is currently looking for a visual artist to work with them in the planning and development phase of Year 2 of their Creative Partnerships Change Schools programme.

For a copy of the Creative Partner brief, email mail@philippaberryarts.com.

Play therapy

2009-09-30T04:55:00.000-07:00

My two Creative Partnerships Change schools are just beginning new programmes of work which will run over the next academic year.

One of the schools is looking for a creative partner who will work with pupils, parents/carers and staff through Early Years. They envisage this partner might be a play therapist, so I'm currently doing some research on play therapy.

CROWTHORNE SUMMER ARTS PROGRAMME 2009

2009-06-23T02:56:00.000-07:00

Jane Turner and I will be running this programme during the Summer holidays in Crowthorne. Bracknell Forest and Wokingham Extended Services are funding these activities again and we also have support from Crowthorne Baptist Church, as they are providing the venue for week 1.

Week 1 - Monday 3 August – Friday 7 August 2009 (10.00 am - 4.00 pm each day)
Location: Crowthorne Baptist Church, High Street, Crowthorne RG45 7AT
Cost: £60 for the week (Please note that there are a couple of bursaries available to those on low incomes).

No previous experience necessary.
Please bring a packed lunch.

Following on from last year’s Crowthorne Summer Arts Week at Crowthorne Baptist Church, we are running a week of singing and drama for ages 10+. There will be lots of games and fun drama and singing activities, and a chance to take part in a performance for friends and family at the end of the week.

To register, or for more information, contact mail@philippaberryarts.com.

Week 2 - Monday 10 August – Friday 14 August 2009 (10.00 am - 4.00 pm each day)Location: Morgan Recreation Ground and Centre, Wellington Road, Crowthorne RG45 7LD
Cost: These sessions will be free, though there will be a small charge for any craft materials used.

No previous experience necessary.
Please bring a packed lunch.

A development this year is this creative workshop week for children and young people, lead by Jane Turner and I, including singing, drama, games and a range of other fun arts and craft activities.

We are also looking for volunteers for both weeks for a range of roles, and would be interested to hear from any young people aged between 14 and 16 years, who would like to train as arts leaders.

For more information about week 2, contact mail@philippaberryarts.com.

Young people achieve Arts Award Bronze through Philippa Berry Arts

2009-05-19T04:33:00.001-07:00

3 young people who participated in the Crowthorne Summer Arts Week in 2008 have achieved Arts Award at Bronze level.

Participants over the age of 11 worked on the Arts Award, thanks to funding from the Edgbarrow School Community Grant, but just three of them committed to go through to the moderation process.

Having put hours of work into their individual portfolios, which included writing a review of an arts performance, leading part of an arts workshop, and researching an arts hero or heroine, the three were presented with their certificates on Saturday 9 May 2009.

For more information on the Arts Award, check out www.artsaward.org.uk.

The Crowthorne Summer Arts Programme is due to run again this Summer, thanks to funding from Bracknell Forest and Wokingham Extended Services.

'SOONER OR LATER' - NEW EP ON SALE NOW

2009-04-15T03:25:00.001-07:00

My new EP, featuring 6 original tracks is out now and available to purchase for £5 + P&P.

For more info and to buy a copy, visit www.myspace.com/philippaberry.

EP Launch Event - Saturday 18 April

2009-03-31T14:12:00.000-07:00

Consultation on visual arts in the UK

2009-03-31T14:11:00.000-07:00

Have your say on how our plan for the visual arts sector should develop, and influence the skills needed to ensure the UK’s creative industries continue to lead the world.

‘The Visual Arts Blueprint; a workforce action plan for visual arts in the UK’, will address skills gaps and training needs. The consultation is seeking the views of those with a keen interest in visual arts and the people that work in the industry.

We would like to hear from a range of people including artists, curators, gallery owners, commercial gallery employees and managers, public and community arts, gallery educators and artist-run studios. Anyone who works within this exciting sector can contribute.

To have your say go to http://www.ccskills.org.uk/VisualArtsconsultation and complete the online survey. The consultation closes 10 April 2009.

Creative partner sought - photographer/multi-media specialist

2009-03-27T03:14:00.000-07:00

Hawthorns Primary School in Wokingham and Creative Partnerships wish to contract a creative partner or partners to support the delivery of their creative learning programme, of which the theme is increasing enjoyment of learning, and enabling a greater effectiveness in learning and teaching.

For a full brief please email philippa.berry@southhillpark.org.uk.

Submission deadline: 4.00 pm on Friday 17 April 2009

Reading Arts blackboard

2009-03-12T05:59:00.000-07:00

Andrew Taylor, Music Director of Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra has sent through this info...

Reading arts blackboard on Facebook.

As well as posting to the various arts blogs in the area, an excellent way to notify interested parties about arts events has been created via Facebook, by Andrew Taylor and Heather Snaith. The 'Reading arts blackboard' group takes advantage of FB's excellent 'event' function. If you join the group, you will receive an invitation to every arts event publicised via the group. To publicise events, all individuals or societies need to do is to nominate a representative who can create events, which can then be sent on to all the members of the group. To find the group, simply enter 'Reading arts blackboard' into the search box within Facebook.

Berkshire Sings!

2009-02-26T08:09:00.001-08:00

Berkshire Sings!
Sing Up comes to Berkshire and its neighbours.

March 25th, 2009 The Centre, Farnham Road, Slough

March 25th is a day for teachers and other school staff, singing leaders, children and young people. This is a chance for your school to be part of the national ambition for singing! And to be in at the start of the two year Sing Up journey in this area. Not to be missed.

Singing is good for learners: it improves concentration, lifting standards across the curriculum
Singing is good for individuals, improving health and increasing feelings of well-being
Singing is good for communities – bringing people together in harmonious ways

For more information, contact mail@philippaberryarts.com.

Art, Transformation and Change

2009-02-18T03:19:00.000-08:00

Creative Arts Projects in Mental Health Forensic Settings

A Symposium Examining Themes of Identity, Self-worth, Belonging and Well Being

Wednesday 11 March @ The Learning and Development Centre
Littlemore Mental Health Centre, Sandford Lane, Littlemore, Oxford OX4 4XN

For more information contact the Artscape Office (01865) 226649
email:Alison.Butler@obmh.nhs.uk

Artree Open Mic night

2009-02-16T05:03:00.000-08:00

Thinking Out of the Box

2009-01-23T01:46:00.000-08:00

Berkshire Arts: Local Authority Partners (Bracknell Forest Borough Council, Reading Borough Council, Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, Slough Borough Council, West Berkshire Council and Wokingham Borough Council) have employed consultants from David Powell Associates, to research and generate ideas for improving access to future funding for the arts across Berkshire.

This project is called "Thinking Out of the Box" and you are invited to attend a Future Arts Funding Workshop Day to advise on ways to strengthen the flow of funding to the arts across Berkshire.The workshops are taking place at:

28 January 2009 Maidenhead Town Hallor
5 February 2009 South Street Arts Centre, Reading

There are three workshops each day (six in total), each covering the same topics, but aimed at promoting discussion in four broad areas; funding opportunities for building based organisations (venues and arts centres), individual artists, arts organisations (production and participation) and amateur/voluntary arts.

Please book a place at the workshop which best matches your interests or your availability.

28 January - Maidenhead Town Hall
11am Venues and arts centres
2.30pm Individual artists
5.30pm Amateur/Voluntary Arts

5 February - South Street Arts Centre
11am Venues and arts centres
2.30pm Arts Organisations
5.30pm Individual Artists

Each session will last two hours. For more information or to book your place contact faith.dodkins@dpa-ltd.co.uk. Please state which workshop, date and time you would like to attend and provide full contact details. You will receive the full agenda once you have booked your place. Places are limited so book as early as possible.

Creative Partner sought

2008-12-09T01:45:00.000-08:00

Ranelagh School is part of the Creative Partnerships Change schools programme and wishes to work with a range of creative partners to inspire learning activities around identity and cultural diversity.

For more information, please email me at philippa.berry@southhillpark.org.uk.

The deadline for submissions is Monday 5 January 2009.

SING UP!

2008-11-11T04:43:00.000-08:00

I'm now working as one of the Project Leaders for Sing Up in the Windsor/Slough area. Sing Up is the Music Manifesto's national singing programme. For more information, check out www.singup.org.

NEW monthly arts workshops

2008-09-16T05:26:00.000-07:00

Following on from the Crowthorne Summer Arts Week, I'm piloting a new monthly Saturday morning session. Again, the sessions are subsidised, thanks to support from Crowthorne Baptist Church, and are open to young people aged 9+, with a focus on music, drama and creative skills.

10.00 am - 12.00 pm

4 October 2008
1 November 2008
6 December 2008

Crowthorne Baptist Church
Cost: £2 per session

Press coverage for the Crowthorne Summer Arts Week

2008-08-28T02:48:00.000-07:00

Here's a copy of an article from the 21/8/08 edition of The Bracknell Standard about the Crowthorne Summer Arts Week.

The Rising Sun

2008-08-26T02:45:00.000-07:00

I've just got back from Greenbelt, where I was working on the Performing Arts team for the second time. Helping to meet and greet some of the acts appearing over the weekend, I had the privilege of seeing shows by mime artist Nola Rae, South West dance company Cscape, and a talk by Synergy's Esther Baker about her theatre work in prisons.

Other highlights from the weekend included watching stand-up poet Jude Simpson's show on the Saturday night, Seth Lakeman's mainstage performance, and taking time out in the 'Soul Space' venue.

Making the Standard

2008-08-20T05:53:00.000-07:00

I appeared in the Thursday 14 August edition of the Bracknell Standard, doing their '60 seconds with...' slot.

Contemporary Dance class at South Hill Park

2008-08-12T07:32:00.000-07:00

Dancer/choreographer John Darvell, who I know through my work with Creative Partnerships, will be teaching a couple of contemporary dance taster sessions at South Hill Park in September.

Dates as follows:

Thursday 18th September, Beginners 6.15pm - 7.15pm, Intermediate class 7.30pm - 8.45pm

Saturday 20th September, Beginners 1.15pm - 2.15pm, Intermediate class 2.30pm - 3.45pm.

Check out www.southhillpark.org.uk for more info.

Arts Award

2008-07-10T23:33:00.000-07:00

I am now trained as an Arts Award Adviser at Bronze and Silver level. For more information, check out www.artsaward.org.uk.

Funding for CSAW confirmed from Wokingham Extended Services

2008-07-04T07:01:00.000-07:00

Wokingham Extended Services have confirmed that they will be part-funding the Crowthorne Summer Arts Week (CSAW).

The full list of funders is as follows:

Bracknell Forest Extended Services
Crowthorne Baptist Church
Edgbarrow School Community Grant
Wokingham Extended Services

Freelancers' survey

2008-07-03T09:18:00.001-07:00

Creative & Cultural Skills, the sector skills council for the creative and cultural industries, would like to know what kinds of skills you think are relevant to make it as a successful freelancer.

To help them do this, Creative People (www.creativepeople.org.uk) is asking you as to whether you could help them by completing a short survey about what skills, activities and knowledge are important for freelancers to work effectively in your sector.

The survey should only take around fifteen minutes to complete and can be found at http://www.ccskills-nos.org.uk/freelance.html By completing these questions you will be helping Creative & Cultural Skills to write a series of professional standards which will in turn help freelancers, employers and clients understand the skills that are needed to work freelance.

Creative & Cultural Skills is the sector skills council for the creative and cultural industries which campaigns on behalf of advertising, crafts, cultural heritage, design, literature, music, performing and visual arts. It acts as a link between industry, government and education. The qualifications team at Creative & Cultural Skills work on curriculum reform through various projects including writing National Occupational Standards (NOS) like these. If you would like more information about the work that they do please contact them directly or visit: http://www.ccskills.org.uk/

Funding for CSAW young leaders training programme

2008-07-01T10:22:00.000-07:00

Edgbarrow School Community Grant has now confirmed funding for the young leaders' training programme for the Crowthorne Summer Arts Week (CSAW).

Part-funding confirmed for CSAW

2008-07-01T07:21:00.001-07:00

I have just received confirmation that Extended Services Bracknell Forest will be part-funding the Crowthorne Summer Arts Week (CSAW), the youth arts programme I'm currently working on, which is due to run Monday 4 August - Friday 8 August 2008.

"Extended services - opening up opportunities in our local communities".

Creative Partner sought for Berkshire primary school

2008-06-12T08:23:00.000-07:00

As part of the 2nd wave Enquiry Schools programme, run by Creative Junction (www.creativejunction.org.uk) in the Thames Valley, Harmans Water Primary School in Berkshire is looking for a creative practitioner or company working in carnival/celebratory arts or cultural festivals.

This creative learning programme is due to run from July 2008 - January 2009.

For more information, please contact Philippa Berry at mail@philippaberryarts.com.

CROWTHORNE SUMMER ARTS WEEK (CSAW)

2008-06-09T03:15:00.000-07:00

Monday 4 August – Friday 8 August 2008
Crowthorne Baptist Church, High Street, Crowthorne RG45
COST: £10 for the week

This is a subsidised week-long arts course for young people, suitable for ages 9+, lead by professional artists and qualified teachers. It will give you the chance to develop your knowledge and skills in singing and drama, leading to an informal performance on the Friday afternoon.

No previous experience necessary.
Please bring a packed lunch.
Hours are 10.00 am - 4.00 pm each day

We are also looking for young people aged between 15 and 18 years, who would like to train as arts leaders.

To register, or for more information, contact mail@philippaberryarts.com.

Blue Velvet Acoustic

2008-05-21T09:33:00.000-07:00

I'll be playing at a brand new acoustic music night in Woking next Thursday 29 May. Check out www.myspace.com/bluevelvetacoustic for more info...

Festival season has begun!

2008-05-13T05:05:00.000-07:00

I had a great time playing a couple of my songs at the Farnham Maltings last Saturday, as part of the third Maltings Festival. With the sun shining, and arts and crafts activities for all ages running from 11.00am - 11.00pm, it seemed like everyone was up for a bit of a party, or at least a slice of cake and a mug of tea.

For more info, check out http://www.farnhamcreates.com/.

Two Minutes More - date of next meeting

2008-04-22T03:44:00.000-07:00

The next meeting of 'Two Minutes More' is set for Thursday 8 May between 6.00 pm - 8.00 pm in the San Francisco Room at South Street Arts Centre in Reading.

This month we’ve set each other the challenge to create something based on the theme of May day, which we can share at the meeting.

Two Minutes More is a small group of artists, working in a range of different art-forms, who met through a ‘Developing Creativity’ professional development session lead by Michael Atavar in October 2007.

Pilgrim Hearts

2008-04-14T11:32:00.000-07:00

Last week I was working with Elaine Chalmers-Brown, Director of Pilgrim Hearts Trust, helping her put together some case studies of projects she has set up and managed over the past 8 years. They are doing some great work. For more information, check out http://www.pilgrimhearts.org.uk/.

BBC Berkshire session

2008-04-04T10:19:00.001-07:00

I was down at the BBC Berkshire studios last night recording a song and interview alongside singer/songwriter Hamish Meaney and Olly and Sanjay of Raw Linx. The session will be broadcast as part of Linda Serck’s show at 7.00 pm this Sunday 6 April. Check out www.bbc.co.uk/berkshire.

'Growing up Games'

2008-03-31T05:02:00.000-07:00

My friend and stand-up poet Jude Simpson will be performing her solo show at Norden Farm Centre for the Arts in Maidenhead on Thursday 17 April at 7.45 pm. Check out http://www.nordenfarm.org/.

Artist's in print

2008-01-28T11:38:00.000-08:00

My article on freelancing in the arts has been published in today's issue of ArtsProfessional magazine. Check out http://www.artsprofessional.co.uk/ for more info.

Reading and Writing

2008-01-24T03:53:00.000-08:00

I've just started writing reviews for the arts listings website remotegoat.co.uk. My first review was of the second annual Write Fest at the Progress Theatre in Reading. Here's the link...

http://www.remotegoat.co.uk/review_view.php?uid=1059#reviews

Hope for 2008

2008-01-10T04:12:00.000-08:00

With the dawning of the new year come new projects and partnerships.

Yesterday I visited a primary school in Berkshire with Jo, the Education Officer at South Hill Park. Jo was leading a workshop with 6 pupils who will be interviewing 2 artists next week, and deciding which artist they want working with them on their Creative Partnerships-funded project. It was great to be back in a school again, and see creative learning in practice.

I'm part of a new gathering of artists and arts practitioners which has grown out of the 'Developing Creativity' workshop I attended back in October. On Monday we were talking about yoiks, which are "like a miniature portrait... a way to process emotions. A release, a cleansing -- expressing that which is inexpressible in words" (Nils-Aslak, a Sami musician quoted on Robert Beahrs' blog, http://throat-singing.blogspot.com/2006/07/wandering-into-lapland.html).

We were also talking about how difficult it can be for us as artists to get to grips with some aspects of business planning, when the nature of creativity and arts practice is so un-pin-downable. I've just submitted an article to ArtsProfessional (http://www.artsprofessional.co.uk/) on freelancing in the arts, which looks at some of these issues.

Conversations with Creative Partnerships

2007-12-13T01:50:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday I attended a 'Conversations' event set up by Creative Partnerships Thames Valley (now becoming known as 'Creative Junction').

An inspiring day, mainly lead by children from some of the primary and secondary schools involved with Creative Partnerships' projects, it was held at the beautiful Taplow Court. We were encouraged to doodle throughout and take part in other creative activities, and it was a great opportunity to meet with a range of arts practitioners and educationalists. The singing workshop lead by Anna Tabbush was, perhaps unsurprisingly, my favourite bit. It still amazes me what an incredible sound a group coming together for the first time, can make in such a short session.

It was also fascinating to witness the 'Philosophy for Children' session, which included a debate by a group of young children from one school on 'confusion - is it a necessary part of life?' using a work of art as a starting point. The overall conclusion seemed to be that confusion is necessary because it leads us to learn and grow, and means we have freedom of choice in our lives.

SING

2007-12-05T01:45:00.000-08:00

I've just found this through Annie Lennox's website. It's a great campaign, so please do check it out if you get a chance.

www.annielennox.com/advent

Growing Up Games

2007-12-04T01:42:00.000-08:00

One of my regular clients, the stand-up poet Jude Simpson, took her solo show 'Growing up Games' to the Edinburgh Festival this year, and I am currently helping to book in some tour dates for 2008.

Venues for the Spring tour include The Maltings in St Albans, Norden Farm in Maidenhead, The Mylor Theatre in Truro and The Horsebridge Arts Centre in Whitstable. For more information check out www.judesimpson.co.uk.

Pensions for Artists

2007-12-03T01:46:00.000-08:00

EUCLID are running some more Pensions for Artists seminars. For more info, check out www.euclid.info.

Creative Block - a block upon which to build

2007-10-17T03:56:00.000-07:00

This week, I had the fantastic (and free, thanks to CIBAS) opportunity to attend a day-long workshop on 'Developing Creativity' lead by artist, mentor and facilitator Michael Atavar.

There can't be many other professions/vocations where you find yourself in a training session at 10.15 am on a Monday morning revealing far more than you might choose to to a room full of strangers (I'm talking internal stuff here, not body parts, though I'm well aware that happens in the arts too!). Artistic output, in whatever form it takes, being so intrinsically linked to who we are as people.

As well as wanting to try and shift the songwriter's block I've been suffering for a while now, it was a great opportunity to meet some arts practitioners living in Berkshire. It was incredibly inspiring and I came away tooled up with a number of practical exercises to use whenever the need arises.

South Hill Park/The Wales Theatre Company

2007-09-04T12:10:00.000-07:00

Currently doing some work with South Hill Park Arts Centre, on their upcoming co-production with The Wales Theatre Company of 'Macbeth Kill Bill Shakespeare'. It's the original text of Macbeth but with a Tarantino twist, conceived and devised by Malachi Bogdanov. My job is to set up some education workshops, liaise with the other tour venues about the education programme, and promote the show to local schools.

Il Barrio and Greenbelt

2007-08-29T01:28:00.000-07:00

Well, having taken a couple of months out to travel, I'm now back in the UK picking up where I left off with my arts work here.

Whilst in Italy in July I spent a couple of weeks working at the Il Barrio festival in Bologna. The festival runs for just over a month every year, and features a different genre of music each night, thereby showcasing many local, national and international acts. The aim of the festival is to promote intercultural dialogue and understanding, which was very apt given the fact that I didn't speak any Italian to begin with, and was struggling through with a mimed routine that Marcel Marceau might have been proud of.

Having then gone to Edinburgh (see below), I spent this bank holiday weekend working with the Performing Arts team at the Greenbelt Festival in Cheltenham (http://www.greenbelt.org.uk/). My job was to look after a couple of the acts appearing: salsa tutor Chuli Scarfe, magician Mark Townsend (http://www.magicofsoul.com/ - I'm still trying to work out how he did it) and the 'Scratch the Sky' project from Cardiff based People Round Here (via http://www.billtaylor-beales.com/ - I'm still singing the title track), who were all fantastic.

Edinburgh Festival

2007-08-23T06:50:00.001-07:00

I have just got home from Edinburgh, having been promoting stand up poet Jude Simpson's one-woman show 'Growing Up Games', which is on at the Pleasance Courtyard until Sunday 26 August. Jude's been getting some great reviews, which you can check out at www.pleasancepages.co.uk/growing_up_games. It was an interesting experience being out on the Royal Mile in the rain competing with the likes of men dressed only in pink underpants and glitter!

MA research into freelance arts practice

2007-06-04T08:31:00.000-07:00

I have now completed my MA research project on freelance arts practice through Middlesex University.

If you would like a synopsis of the report, please email me at philippa.berry@yahoo.co.uk.

FREE networking sessions and events

2007-05-16T02:24:00.000-07:00

CIDA is running a programme of free events this Summer, open to all. Check out www.cida.co.uk.

Pensions for artists

2007-04-24T07:10:00.000-07:00

This morning I went to a free seminar on pensions run by EUCLID, supported by the Arts Council at the Arts Council's London headquarters. Apparently 70% of artists who responded to an online survey (that covers all artforms and types of practitioners) did not have a pension.

A very straightforward presentation on the options available and the practical implications with no strings. They're not selling, merely providing information, as you'd have to go to an Independent Financial Advisor for detailed advice and practical help on setting up a plan. For more info, check out:

www.pensionsforartists.org.uk

Insurance fact sheet for arts practitioners

2007-04-23T03:32:00.000-07:00

Creative People have produced a fact sheet on insurance for arts practitioners.

For a copy, you can email info@creativepeople.org.uk.