Tuesday 29 January 2008

Can any artists help out with this?

I have just taken over the running / organising of the Gateway Mencap club
in Shrewsbury and I am putting together a schedule of activities for 2008.
The club is a very well attended and established with approx 50 members who
all have learning disabilities, the support, moral and positiveness of the
club is amazing, I am hoping to invite people from all different art forms /
backgrounds to our club, musicians, artists, performers etc. It also maybe
an opportunity for these people to promote what they do and they may like to
share their skills with us.

We have limited funds but we are very happy to pay what we can afford and
cover expenses etc.

A few details:

Day: Mondays
Venue - Mencap Centre, Albert Road, Sentinel Gardens, Shrewsbury,
Shropshire, SY1 1HY
Time - 7:00pm to 9:00pm ( possibly 7:15pm start, 8:45pm finish with
appropriate breaks)
Group size - approx 40-50
Contact - Mencap organiser Dawn Bettany - 07921 781350

Shropshire Illustrators

Come and see the work of some of Shropshire’s leading Illustrators from the Shrewsbury Writers and Illustrators Group.

The group was formed in June last year and is made up of both professional and those who aspire to become professional illustrators, writers or both. It’s aims are for both social and networking purposes. The exhibition will be a showcase of the wide range of talent within the group. As part of the exhibition there will be a talk by Jenny Jones – a painter and children’s book illustrator on Saturday 23rd February 10.30 – 11.30am in the gallery.

Shropshire Illustrators

4th February - 1st March 2008

Preview Friday 1st February 6pm – 8pm www.qube-oca.co.uk/inviteillustrator.pdf link for invite.

For a preview of what’s coming up at Qube Gallery www.qube-oca.co.uk/janmay08.pdf

January Qube News www.qube-oca.co.uk/qubenewsjan08.pdf

Qube Gallery opening hours

Mon – Thurs 9-5pm

Fri – 9-4pm

Sat 9.30-12.30pm

Greenhouse Britain

You are invited to the Private View of the exhibitions

Greenhouse Britain
Helen Mayer Harrison and Newton Harrison
And

Greenhouse Shropshire ‘….like there’s no tomorrow’
David Haley and Sheilagh Jevons


Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery
Friday 1st February 6.00 – 8.00pm

This event will be the launch of the
Shrewsbury Darwin Festival 2008
Officially opened by
His Worship the Mayor of Shrewsbury & Atcham, Cllr. John Cooke

Exhibitions continue until 1 March
Tuesday – Saturday, 10.00am – 4.00pm

and
‘Cloud Space’
An installation in the Music Hall Gallery
by
The Cloud Gallery Artists’ Collective


SPECIAL EVENTS

Tuesday 26 February 7.30pm
Greenhouse Britain
Old Market Hall Film and Media Centre

Free Admission
Join us for this special presentation by acclaimed international artists
Helen Mayer Harrison and Newton Harrison

And

Wednesday 27th February 10am – 1pm

Cloud Gallery

Join us for this presentation and debate on
sustainable building projects …

Tickets £5/£4
Booking strongly advised as spaces are limited 01743 28128

Thursday 24 January 2008

Being Inspired 2

Being Inspired 2


Solihull Gallery and Arts Development team are recruiting 6 arts practitioners to embark on the Being Inspired 2 Project with us.

To apply for these commissions please send:
- Up to date CV
- Examples of previous projects
- Photocopy of CRB ( police check)
- Cover letter expressing your interest and detailing how you propose to run the project


Send in the post or email:

Aimee Green
Solihull Gallery and Arts Development
Solihull Arts Complex
Homer Road
Solihull
B91 3RG

agreen@solihull.gov.uk

For more information contact Aimee Green, 0121 704-8349/ agreen@Solihull.gov.uk

-------------------------------------------
Back Ground Information


Solihull Gallery and Arts Development team are running a community art project in connection with a gallery exhibition. This project will involve one Gallery exhibition, 3 community groups, 3 lead artists and 3 trainee artists.

The project is funded though the Gallery using Arts Council funding to run a series of art workshops in the community setting of the chosen groups inspired by the exhibition, ‘Centre Point’ in the art form most preferred by the group. The content of the project will be determined by the lead artist who is also responsible for mentoring the trainee artists through facilitating the workshops.


The community Groups that we are in partnership with to run this year’s Being Inspired project are:

• Xstream youth group

• Solihull Stroke Association

• Bruce Burns, Psychiatric Unit, Solihull Hospital


Call for Artists!

We are recruiting 3 lead artists and 3 trainee artists.

We require:

• One lead artist to work with Bruce Burns Unit, a local psychiatric unit to work in the Photographic medium. A knowledge or experience of working with people with Mental Health problems is ideal. We also require one trainee artist to support them. The trainee artists could also be from a photographic background, but we will welcome any medium that could compliment this. Such as creative writing, story telling…
• One lead artist to work with X-tream, a youth group based in Solihull with a group of young people during their half term week in February. This project will involve commitment to work with the group for 2-3 hours each day across the whole half term week or selected full days within that week. X-tream would like to work with an animation artist. The artist will need to be able to work with the youth centre limited computers or bring in their own. We are able to buy licenses for essential software. An experience of working with young people is essential and within an education setting is desirable. One trainee artist is also needed for this project, working in animation or a medium that would compliment this.
• One lead Artist to work with, ‘The Stroke Association’ a group that supports people that have suffered strokes. The lead artists will need previous experience of working with community groups similar to this and demonstrate the ability to work with people with communication difficulties. The medium for this is visual arts. We are open to suggestions and proposals around what visual arts can be explored. The arts development team has consulted with the group and this can be drawn upon by the lead artist. We require one trainee artist from any art form that has experience of working in a care setting and can be comfortable work with people with communication difficulties.





Lead Artist requirements

We require an art practitioner that has worked on a regional or national scale and has extensive experience of art workshop facilitation, experience of working with trainee artists is desirable, but just an expression of interest to do this is fine. A knowledge or experience of working with the specific community groups is also desirable.

Fee: £800 (inclusive of planning ½ day and ½ briefing of trainee artist, 7 x 2hour sessions)

Plus £100 for evaluation of project

There is a separate materials budget.


Trainee Artist Requirements

We aim to give three trainee artists a mentoring process to help them to move into working in community art in a participatory sense. You may already have experience of this already, or demonstrate a strong interest in this area but need an project of this kind to give you the experience and confidence to run your own project as a lead artist. There is a fee for this role, but a small one. This is a great opportunity to work with an experienced participatory artist, learn valuable skills and best practice and meet some of Solihull’s community groups and arts development team.

Fee:

£100




All artists must be CRB checked and Lead artists have public liability.

Tuesday 15 January 2008

Workshop Providers Required

Workshop Providers Required
Bilston Craft Gallery is launching a pilot after school Craft Club, for local children. The initial five taster sessions will take place fortnightly on a Wednesday evening from 4.30pm to 6.30pm between the beginning of February and the beginning of April 2008. Sessions will be open to children aged 8 - 15 and are aimed at offering the participants practical sessions to engage and stimulate them whilst retaining them as regular gallery users.

We require workshop providers from a variety of disciplines to run these workshops.
To apply please provide us with a CV and a description of the workshop you could provide.
Fee: £150 for the session including materials and travel
Closing date: Deadline for application Monday 21 January
Contact details:
Please post your application to: Natalie Cole, Bilston Craft Gallery, Mount Pleasant, Bilston WV14 7LU or email it to: natalie.cole@wolverhampton.gov.uk

If you have any queries please email Natalie on natalie.cole@wolverhampton.gov.uk

Obstructions Network Event - ONE

Sunday 24 February 2008
Obstructions Network Event - ONE
Fowler+Sumner will be hosting the first ONE meeting in mid-February at Belmont Arts Centre in Shrewsbury. We hope the Obstructions Network Event will become a regular feature on the new media events calendar in the West Midlands.
The event will be an opportunity for media artists to come together, and work in a creative environment for a day, responding to a set of instructions, or obstructions, to create new work. Each participant will produce their own piece.
Participants will receive their obstructions at the beginning of the day, and not before. At the end of the day there will be a screening or showcase of the produced work, and a vote for the winning piece. Belmont Arts Centre has its own digital media studios, but artists are also encouraged to bring any kit with them that they are likely to need.
Places will be limited, so artists need to book in advance.
More details www.fowlersumner.net/one

Crafts Council Opportunity: Call for a Next Move Coordinator

Next Move Co-ordinator is sought by the Crafts Council to deliver the Next Move programme in England for the period March 2008 – March 2010

“At the time of finishing Next Move, I am the busiest I have been in my career to date, which in itself is a reflection of the scheme and the progression it has allowed me to make.”
James Maclachlan, Next Move placement University College Falmouth, 2005 - 07

Next Move is the innovative start-up scheme for new graduates from BA and MA applied arts and 3-d design courses, managed by the Crafts Council. Working in partnership with Higher Education Institutions it assists makers to set up a creative practice within a protective environment, with access to workspace and specialist equipment. It was launched in 2000 in partnership with Arts Council England North West supporting five makers working in five colleges in the North West region. Since its launch, the scheme has supported 56 makers, worked in partnership with 21 Higher Education Institutions, the majority more than once, across eight Arts Council England regions. Next Move is now in its seventh intake and is currently being piloted in Wales in partnership with Arts Council Wales. The Welsh placements are managed through Arts Council of Wales.

The Co-ordinator will ensure the delivery and completion of Next Move placements Group G (2006 & 07 graduates) in English colleges, including planning and delivery of the training programme. Placements run from September 2007 - December 2009. As well as monitoring and supporting these individuals the Co-ordinator will be expected to gather and collate data on this group for evaluation purposes in line with the aims and objectives of the scheme. A full induction will be given by the Crafts Council, with ongoing support to be provided by the Maker Development Team.

The Crafts Council offers a fee of £15,000 inclusive of all expenses. The Co-ordinator will be engaged as a freelancer. As a freelancer they will work from their own premises and be responsible for their own tax, National Insurance and any health and safety issues. The Co-ordinator will be accountable to the Maker Development Officer at the Crafts Council and will meet on a quarterly basis with them. The fee is based on approx. 60 days work over the two years, at £250/day. The Co-ordinator is expected to travel to all host colleges, and some overnight stays could be incurred. All expenses are expected to be covered in the fee stated.


Outline of responsibilities and duties

Management of current Next Move placements in England – Group G

Name of Placement Discipline Host College
Clare Willard Textiles University of Wolverhampton
Heather Gillespie Glass University of Wolverhampton
Kathryn Partington Jewellery School of Jewellery, UCE
Ekta Kaul Textiles Bath Spa University
Claire Loder Ceramics Bath Spa University
Shannon Clegg Ceramics University of Sunderland


• Each placement to receive two studio visits per year, to include a meeting with the host co-ordinator. Visits to be recorded through written studio reports
• Arrangement and delivery of training programme, including photography session for all placements, including those based in Wales
• All administration for the placements and hosts, including follow up support from training sessions or studio visits
• Written summaries outlining activities, visits and progress of placements to be submitted at quarterly meetings at the Crafts Council with the Maker Development Team
• Gather and collate data from placements and hosts for internal and external evaluation at the end of the scheme
• Ensure good communication with all parties, including the Crafts Council, Arts Council of Wales, host colleges and placements
• Act as an advocate for Next Move and the Crafts Council


Person specification

• Detailed knowledge of contemporary craft practice
• Experience of mentoring and / or teaching preferably within Higher or Further education
• Minimum of five years working directly with creative practices or running own practice
• Experience of managing and working with budgets
• Good project and time management skills, with the ability to start and complete tasks within a set time frame
• Self motivated, with the ability to work alone as well as part of a small team
• Good verbal and written communication skills, including negotiation, diplomacy and persuasion skills
• Intermediate IT Skills
• Able to travel throughout the UK on a frequent basis, which may include evenings and some overnight stays
• The Crafts Council has an Equal Opportunities policy which all freelancers are expected to implement in their work



Application Process

To apply for the Next Move Co-ordinator opportunity please send a CV with a covering letter outlining relevant experience and what you can offer Next Move to:
Beatrice Mayfield
Maker Development Manager
Maker Development Team
Crafts Council
44a Pentonville Road
London
N1 4BY

Further information on Next Move can be found on
www.craftscouncil.org.uk/guide
Or for an informal conversation please contact:
Beatrice Mayfield, Maker Development Manager on 020 7806 2529

Deadline for applications:
Friday 25 January 2008
Interviews will take place in mid February at the Crafts Council.

Designer Makers Opportunity

Hello



Wesley-Barrell are keen to ensure that all makers who fit the criteria, are made aware of the WESLEY-BARRELL CRAFT AWARDS 2008 and encouraged to

enter. We would be very grateful for your support in raising awareness. I have included brief details below and full details and an application form can be found on the

Wesley-Barrell website www.wesley-barrell.co.uk and clicking on 'What's On' on the home page which will take you through to the Craft Award pages.



****************************


Winning a Wesley-Barrell Craft Award will bring recognition to maker's skills - the judging panel is made up of some of the most respected and discerning names in the world of craft and design including Jon Snow - Channel 4 News anchorman, Kara O'Reilly - Associate Editor Sunday Times Style, Celia Birtwell - Textile designer, Alastair Graham - Furniture consultant, Sheryll Catto - from the Crafts Council, Helen Chislett - Journalist and Juliette Barrell - from Wesley-Barrell.


The Wesley-Barrell Craft Awards are aimed specifically at makers who are 'mid-careerists' that have been working professionally in Britain for five years.

There are two categories; Furniture and Textiles for Interiors.

As well as a cash prize of £3,000, the two winners will also benefit from a business mentoring scheme with Wesley-Barrell which will give them access to professionals from

every department including marketing, sales, accounts and IT.



Winners from each category will be announced at Origin 2008 - The London Craft Fair run by the Crafts Council at Somerset House. Winners and short-listed makers

will be showcased at the Fair following a touring exhibition of selected Wesley-Barrell stores next summer including their flagship store at 15 Wigmore Street, London.



****************************



If makers are unable to enter online they can also contact me for a hard copy of the application form. Please do let me know if you have any queries and thank you

for your support.



Best wishes, Ali

Alison Griffiths

Marketing & Publicity Manager

Tel: - 01993 893108

Fax: - 01993 893135


www.wesley-barrell.co.uk

Thursday 10 January 2008

DARWIN COMMUNITY ARTS FUND

PROPOSAL to Apply for SHREWSBURY & ATCHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL DARWIN COMMUNITY ARTS FUND
“In 2009 Shrewsbury will at the centre of the worldwide Charles Darwin bicentenary celebrations. This is an unprecedented opportunity for Shrewsbury to celebrate its famous son, under the glare of the international spotlight. Shrewsbury & Atcham Borough Council has launched this Darwin Community Arts Fund to celebrate his achievements. We are offering a wonderful opportunity for the community to get involved and deliver cultural activities that both inspire and engage”.
Cllr Charles Armstrong


Vision
We are looking for high profile creative projects that have a wide reach within the community. Projects must be ambitious in their scope and have the ability to deliver in scale. Successful applications must be programmed into the bicentenary no later than October 2008.



Context
Shrewsbury is the birthplace of Charles Darwin and was his home for the first 27 years of his life. Our Darwin is a young, enquiring mind not the hirsute, aged academic on a ten pound note.
This is the town of his formative years and early influences. He attended two universities and went on the Voyage of the Beagle whilst still a resident of the town. This is where the mind was made.
The ideas that he committed to paper continue to resonate in all areas of society, Science, Education, Politics, Art and Culture.
February 12, 2009 is his 200th birthday and 2009 is also the 150th anniversary of the publication of “On the Origin of the Species”.




FUNDING
Proposals will funded up to £5,000 We are keen to encourage applicants to seek additional sources of funding to add value and scale to their
project.



APPLICATIONS
Please write a proposal describing your project in no more than two sides of A4 and include a cost breakdown
+ supporting information. The scheme is likely to be highly competitive and awards will only be given to projects that demonstrate value for money.



AIMS
Who can apply? Established groups or organisations, groups or organisations coming together to deliver a project, Schools, Voluntary Groups and Arts Practitioners.
What is the project? Events, Activities and Projects that celebrate Charles Darwin and his ideas.
Where must the event, project or activity take place? Within the geographical area of SABC
When can your project take place? July 2008 – December 2009



Applications must be delivered for consideration by April 11 2008
Objectives Events, Projects and Activities must address ONE of the following objectives: ¬
Community

1. Involving communities

2. Providing opportunities for participation.

3. Promoting vibrant communities. Education

1 Projects related to Darwin’s life, ideas and intellectual legacy.
2 Projects that engage, stimulate and develop skills across the community.
3 Projects to support formal and informal learning.

Criteria
1 This fund is for NEW work
2 Your project must be community-led or community partnered and have local community support (a true grass roots initiative)
3 It must address one or more of the important issues identified in the Shrewsbury & Atcham Borough Council Community Arts Strategy (See below)
4 It must be delivered within parameters stated, unless otherwise agreed by the council
5 The project should have measurable milestones which will be monitored regularly by SABC staff
6 There must not be any revenue implications for the Borough Council or its successors

What the fund cannot be used for
1 It cannot be used for a project that does not meet the main objectives of the Community Arts Strategy (Attached)
2 It cannot support a private or commercial enterprise
3 It cannot be a substitute for core funding
4 It cannot be used for revenue in terms of ongoing maintenance, eg. Maintenance of equipment /open spaces
5 It cannot be used to offset other promised funding
6 It cannot be used for continuance of existing projects

S.A.B.C. RELEVANT ARTS STRATEGY OBJECTIVES:

Ref Objective 5 Improve Access To Arts Activities
5.3 Supporting arts projects that promote social inclusion
5.2 Supporting arts activity in rural areas

7 Maximise Available Resources
7.2 Fund projects that meet the Council’s core objectives

7.3 Lever external funding through Arts Grants scheme 8 Increase and Broaden Participation

8.1 Provide development opportunities for local artists/organisations

8.2 Encourage professional artists/organisations to present work in SABC
11 Develop Festivals and Events
11.1 Support the development and co-ordination of Shrewsbury’s events and festivals
For further details on these objectives applicants are advised to read the SABC Arts Strategy available on SABC website – www.shrewsbury.gov.uk
Applications must be delivered for consideration by April 11 2008
Applications to the DARWIN COMMUNITY ARTS FUND should be sent to: Maggie Love – ADO The Guildhall, Frankwell Quay, Shrewsbury. SY3 8HQ
Any questions contact:- Maggie Love - 01743 281043 or maggie.love@shrewsbury.gov.uk

ARTS CAFÉ

ARTS CAFÉ
Belmont Arts Centre
Monday February 4th 2008 from 7- 9pm

Hello Everyone

I do hope all the Festive Fun has filled you with inspiration there’s a lot to look forward to this year and next. So get your creative hats on!

Enclosed is the Arts Grant application form for 2008-2009, deadline for application is March 10th 2008. Also enclosed the Summer season Brochure application form and who to contact.

contact maggie

Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council has agreed to offer funding of £70,000 to a Darwin Community Arts pot for applications up to £5,000 each. All the details are enclosed all you have do is write a proposal meeting the aims, objectives and criteria laid out. These proposals need to be delivered for consideration by April 11 2008.

The Arts Cafe will be an ideal opportunity to ask questions on any of these applications.
Otherwise please email me at the above address with your quires.

It would be really helpful and environmentally correct to start setting up email communication with you all. If you would prefer to receive future information and be part of a network of information please send me your request by email. At the same time please confirm if you are attending this FREE Arts Cafe, as this will help ensure there is enough wine to go around. Dash will be presenting its successful project, ‘Barriers’. I’ve also invited Micaela Schmitz from Making Music - an umbrella organisation for voluntary (unpaid) music organisations (performers, promoters) to tell you how your group can benefit from membership.

I do hope you will be able to join me for a glass of wine/juice at the Arts Café on Monday Feb 4th at the Belmont Arts Centre, 7pm. Remember the evening provides people with a good opportunity to meet each other and find out what we are all up to. I look forward to seeing you there.

All good wishes
Maggie Love
Arts Development Officer

Wednesday 9 January 2008

Designer Maker West Midlands, Seminar Discussion Days

Designer Maker West Midlands, Seminar Discussion Days on the 21st January and the 11th February 2008 10-5.00pm.

There are still a few free places left for the two events. They will be held at Arts Council England West Midlands, 82 Granville St, Birmingham B1 2LH


The seminar days are aimed at supporting mid-career makers from the (West Midlands region) wishing to engage in discussion on ideas for new work and developing new markets.

The intention is to provide an interactive and friendly opportunity for debate, the exchange of ideas and the practical working up of plans for new work and new markets.

21st January 2008
'In Conversation with Leading Practitioners' - discussions focusing on the developing new work, the leading practitioners are:

· Jane Adam - Jeweller www.janeadam.com
· Chris Keenan - Potter www.chriskeenan.com
· Heather Belcher - Textiles www.heatherbelcher.co.uk

11th February 2008
'In Conversation with Curators and Gallery Professionals' - a seminar discussion day focusing on developing marketing opportunities, the Curators and Gallery Professionals are:

· Kate Stoddart - Freelance curator at Nottingham Castle Museum and Lustre at the Djanogly Art Gallery
· Jack Doherty - Potter & CPA Chair, CPA organises the Ceramic Art London, at the RCA Galleries
· Aileen Hamilton - The Grace Barrand Design Centre

Booking is essential. Please find attached pdf for further details on the events, visit the DMWM website or contact Wendy Jones 0121 331 6759.

www.DesignerMakerWM.co.uk or email info@DesignerMakerWM.co.uk

Tuesday 8 January 2008

directory of freelance artists

We are planning to compile a directory of freelance artists who can run fun and flexible workshops with kids aged 5- 11 years old in South Shropshire during the holiday periods.



A series of children’s sport & art holiday activities and events are run in village halls and community centres across the South Shropshire district by the council’s Leisure Development team. The aim is to provide fun activates for local children to prevent holiday boredom and equip youngsters with new skills.



We are interested in hearing from all artists working in any artform, including; dance, drama, crafts, music, sculpture, circus, visual arts and digital media.



Artists will be paid £25 per hour on a freelance occasional basis inclusive of expenses. Additional costs for materials may be negotiated.



If you have previously run holiday activities for SSDC you will still need to apply as this directory will replace the previous scheme.



For further information contact Jenny Henrywood on tel: 01584 813190, email: jenny.henrywood@southshropshire.gov.uk

Thursday 3 January 2008

Brief for Support Artist

Arts in Mental Health Pilot Project

Brief for Support Artist

Background and Project

This is an artist led pilot project, supported by a collaborative partnership comprising of Joint Commissioning Team for Mental Health, Telford & Wrekin Community Mental Health Teams, Arts & Culture Team at Telford & Wrekin and Shropshire Arts Partnership.

The idea is to take forward the concept of Art in Health and Well Being by offering creative activity in the form of well supported creative workshops within a community setting, as a therapeutic focus and a means of aiding and sustaining mental health recovery. We want to provide an opportunity for people with mental health needs to access and participate in structured creative art workshops, which will be led by an established artist with the on-going support of experienced mental health workers.

The workshops would offer high quality intervention encompassing new thinking/practices for mental health recovery at its core objectives. This community based structured format would be supported by robust existing referral and risk management systems for people with mental health problems. This project aims to establish a good working partnership between mental health service providers and Arts & Culture Team

The Arts & Culture Team at Telford & Wrekin has many years experience of delivering arts projects to communities in priority wards and vulnerable or targeted groups and also aims to train and support emerging artists interested in working within community arts.

A project manager/lead artist has been appointed. The team is offering an opportunity for a support artist to work alongside the lead artist on this pilot project.


Project detail

The workshops will be coordinated by an established artist. The participants will be referred through the community mental health teams and their contacts. Criteria for referral will be as robust as possible with participants required to:
• Have a keen interest in the arts.
• Be committed to attending each weekly session

If appropriate completed artwork(s) may form an exhibition at the end of the pilot with participants taking part in curating the exhibition .


Person Specification

It is anticipated that the appointed person will have the following:
• A high level of personal skill in two-dimensional artwork.
• Experience of working with people in a way which enables them to reach their potential.
• Be willing to work as part of a team under the direction of the lead artist.
• A desire to develop skills and experience in community arts.

The contract will be for 8 weekly sessions of approximately 2.5 hours each, commencing end January 2008. The sessions will take place on a Wednesday between 12 noon and 3pm

The rate of pay will be £12 per hour.


How to apply
• A written response of no more than 2 sides of A4 outlining previous experience and why you are interested in this opportunity.
• CV

Please email helen.chesters@telford.gov.uk
01952 382367 / 07800 671712

Deadline for expressions of interest: Friday 11 January 2008

Informal interview of short listed artists: Wednesday 16 or Thursday 17 January 2008

The successful candidate will be subject to a Telford and Wrekin CRB check.

Brief for Artist’s Mentor

Arts in Mental Health Project

Brief for Artist’s Mentor

Background and project information
This is an artist led pilot project, supported by a collaborative partnership comprising of Joint Commissioning Team for Mental Health, Telford & Wrekin Community Mental Health Teams, Arts & Culture Team at Telford & Wrekin and Shropshire Arts Partnership.

The idea is to take forward the concept of Art in Health and Well Being by offering creative activity in the form of well supported creative workshops within a community setting, as a therapeutic focus and a means of aiding and sustaining mental health recovery. We want to provide an opportunity for people with mental health needs to access and participate in structured creative art workshops, which will be led by an established artist with the on-going support of experienced mental health workers.

The workshops would offer high quality intervention encompassing new thinking/practices for mental health recovery at its core objectives. This community based structured format would be supported by robust existing referral and risk management systems for people with mental health problems. This project aims to establish a good working partnership between mental health service providers and Arts & Culture Team

The Arts & Culture Team at Telford & Wrekin has many years experience of delivering arts projects to communities in priority wards and vulnerable or targeted groups and also aims to train and support emerging artists interested in working within a community arts setting.


Project detail
The workshops will be coordinated by an established artist. The participants will be referred through the community mental health teams and their contacts. Criteria for referral will be as robust as possible with participants required to:
• Have a keen interest in the arts.
• Be committed to attending each weekly session

The workshops will run for two and a half hours each week on Wednesdays between 12.30 -3.00pm at Castle Farm Community Centre, Hadley, Telford

If appropriate completed artwork(s) may form an exhibition at the end of the pilot with participants taking part in curating the exhibition

Person Specification
We are looking for a person with experience of managing, supervising or mentoring, able to support, advise and offer guidance to a lead artist working on this arts in health project.

The person should demonstrate an interest or have experience in an arts, health or creative environment and be available to work with the lead artist to determine the direction of the project

Skills required
It is anticipated that the appointed person will also have the following:

• Good listening skills
• An understanding of personal / professional development.
• A high level of personal skill in two-dimensional artwork.
• Experience of working with people in a way which enables them to reach their potential.

The pilot project will run for 8 weeks from January to March 2008.

We would like to negotiate regarding what you consider could be delivered before, during and or after the project for the fee of £600


How to apply
• A written response of no more than 2 sides of A4 outlining previous experience and why you are interested in this opportunity.
• CV

Please email helen.chesters@telford.gov.uk
01952 382367 / 07800 671712

Deadline for expressions of interest: Friday 11 January

Informal interview of short listed candidates: Wednesday 16 or Thursday 17 January 2008.

The successful candidate will be subject to a Telford and Wrekin CRB check.