Wednesday 27 April 2011

Coming to the end of your art & design studies at Derby?

Coming to the end of your art & design studies at Derby?

No doubt, you are frantically working on your show ready for the private view and unable to really think of anything else.

Here at Careers, we undertand that and it's one of the reasons that we offer you free, impartial guidance, advice and information about your future opportunites for three years after you finish your course.

If you would like our help, contact us when you are ready. We are open all summer.

You can access our support in person, on the phone and on line.

See you at the Private View!

Artistic commissions, SO2011 Festival, Skegness

Artistic commissions, SO2011 Festival, Skegness



SO 2011 has an ambition to create a series of artists installations and ‘dressings’ of landmarks, buildings, gardens and beach areas of the Skegness seafront for the three days of the festival. We are calling for expressions of interest from visual artists, creative minds and designers to create a series of simple but bold temporary artworks or design installations. We are particularly interested in hearing from artists, creative’s and designers who would like the opportunity to ‘dress’ the famous Skegness foreshore and sea front. We are interested in practitioners based not only in Lincolnshire and the East Midlands but from across the UK.

Commission range £500 to £2000

Initial expressions of interest for full brief please email lesley@magneticevnts.org

Friday 15 April 2011

How to get crowd-funding (a-n knowledge bank article)

How to get crowd-funding (a-n knowledge bank article)


By Emily Speed

Emily Speed on how crowd-funding uses the Internet to manifest new possibilities for revenue streams, turning small stakes into big ideas.



Crowd-funding uses the same principles as crowd-sourcing, where high quality information or knowledge is sourced from a large group of people. In the case of crowd-funding, information is replaced by cash. One funding platform, Sponsume.com, uses the strap line 'Small stakes in big ideas', and it is this idea - that many small donations will add up to a lot - that crowd- or peer-funding embraces. This is a different form of patronage greatly enabled by the internet and social media websites. It takes the focus away from a central organisation and appeals to those with an interest in the arts and peers who wish to support great new ideas and help new work be produced. Peer-funding operates with an open source ideology familiar to computer software, so unlike traditional grants and awards, it embraces transparency and honesty.



For the full article – follow this link…

Wednesday 13 April 2011

Jerseywear and knitwear designer vacancies

at btsknitwear based in Leicester. Must have previous experience. To work with high street accounts. Full time.
Email CV to btsknitwear.com
Call 0116 2738620 or 0780 1417345

Network coordinator vacancy with EMVAN

Join the EMVAN team, as Network Coordinator

OPPORTUNITY FOR EXPERIENCED VISUAL ARTS PROFESSIONAL

Appointment of a part time Co-ordinator
Fee: c£15k for approx 2 days a week (12 month contract)

EMVAN is an emerging network that aims to support the visual arts sector
in the East Midlands. Following a consultation exercise which established the needs of the sector, we now have an established Steering Group and a programme of activity behind us.

We now wish to recruit an experienced visual arts professional to co-ordinate the growth of this network. The individual must be capable of driving the network through its next phase of activity and establishing it as the region’s key resource for the professional visual arts sector.
For further information on the Turning Point network look here:
http://turningpointnetwork.squarespace.com/

Person Requirements
The Co-ordinator will be the lead officer for the network. The successful candidate will be a strong online advocate with networking expertise, extremely literate in social media technologies with a strong understanding of the issues facing the visual arts sector. A good working knowledge of visual arts sector is needed.


The role is supported by an Administrator whom the Co-ordinator will be expected to manage.

EMVAN’s objectives for 2011/12:
- Launch and establishment of a vibrant website that becomes a powerful resource that connects the professional visual arts sector of the East Midlands
- Development of services and benefits that are useful to the sector
- Development of a programme of activities, events and professional development opportunities that are valuable to EMVAN’s members

How to apply
Email CV and covering letter to Keith Jeffrey at keithj@derbyquad.co.uk explaining how your skills and experience meet the requirements of this post by April 30th 2011.
Interviews to be held May 9th at QUAD. Please confirm in your application that you are available on this date.

Description of Role
Job Title: EMVAN Co-ordinator
Reporting to EMVAN Steering Group
Key Day to day Relationships: Chair of EMVAN and ACE
Hours: 2 days a week
Pay: £15k (freelance or employed)
ength of contract: 12 months (we hope to extend subject to funding)

Job Purpose
- To co-ordinate and administer the work of emVAN
- To develop and deliver an agreed programme of activities
- To be the key point of contact for emVAN
Operational Responsibilities
- To manage and organise the day to day duties of the Network
- To represent the Network in appropriate settings and contexts
- To be day to day contact point for Network members and stakeholders
- Liason with National Turning Point Network
- To develop marketing activities that meet the needs of the Network
- Day to management of website inc blog writing
- Advise the Steering Group on policy directives that affect the sector
- Management of Membership database
- Engage in activities that help build the profile of the sector and improve its connectivity
- Organise the Network’s events and the Annual Conference in consultation with the Steering Group
- Manage the evaluation of the Network’s activities
- Manage the workload of the Administrator
- Any other relevant duties that arise


Person specification
- Flexible with strong knowledge of regional and national visual arts scene
- An ability to work with a diverse group of individuals
- Good access to transport to cope with extensive regional traveling
- Excellent networking skills
- Digital media literate with strong skills in digital media communications inc social media

Management Arrangements
Day to day management will be provided through Keith Jeffrey, Director of QUAD but the post holder is responsible to the Network as a whole.

Call out for artists: Woolly Wander festival

Call out for artists, local community groups, individual knitters and crafting communities: ‘Woolly Wander’ festival workshops

Do you or anyone you know, fancy becoming a Woolly Wanderer?

For the New Mills Festival 2011, artists, local community groups, individual knitters and crafting communities everywhere and anywhere are being invited to collaboratively create a ‘Woolly Wander’: a knitted trail on the streets of New Mills.

The project will be fabricated through a series of programmed workshops during the lead up to the festival, which opens on the 9th September 2011.

Woolly Wander is a collaboration between visual artist Lyn Bannister, arts producer Maureen Jordan, community interest group New Mills Original and contemporary arts gallery The Art Lounge. Visual Artist Rachael Elwell, a textiles specialist, will be our consultant artist.

Sunday April 17th will be our first workshop to let people know what it’s all about, brainstorm ideas and get us started with our knitting.

You can find more information on other ways to take part here http://newmills-woollywander.blogspot.com/ and follow us on facebook here www.facebook.com/pages/New-Mills-Woolly-Wander/135016369904656

Please spread the word and come along to Unit 4/4a Rock Mill Lane, New Mills, High Peak SK22 3BN on Sunday 17th April at 1pm….bring wool!

Any questions, contact theartlounge@hotmail.co.uk

Wright of Derby Festival - funding available

Invitation to be part of the Wright of Derby Festival 2011 (funding available)



In the run up to the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Derby Museums are coordinating a Wright of Derby Festival funded through the MLA’s Cultural Olympiad Connecting Communities programme.



Derby and Derbyshire based organisations, schools, community groups, artists and freelance practitioners are invited to put forward expressions of interest to develop new arts and cultural projects, activities and events as part of this festival. Proposals should evidence direct inspiration from Derby Museums’ world-renowned Joseph Wright of Derby collection and associated 18th Century Enlightenment themes. This could include, for example, projects, activities and events in areas such as philosophy, science, astronomy, visual and performing arts.



All activity will be collated under a Wright of Derby Festival programme, culminating in the opening of a refurbished Wright of Derby gallery at Museum and Art Gallery in February 2012, leaving a lasting legacy for arts, heritage and culture in the City.



The aim of the Wright of Derby Festival is to:



Promote awareness of Joseph Wright of Derby and the 18th Century Enlightenment within the City and beyond
Celebrate the wealth of cultural opportunities and creativity within the City
Offer opportunities for greater participation in cultural activity across the City during the festival period
Promote participation in cultural activity and highlight existing or new opportunities available locally both during the festival and beyond
Place a spotlight on some of Derby and Derbyshire’s best known cultural venues and spaces
Raise the profile of the Cultural Olympiad in Derby and Derbyshire in the run up to the 2012 Olympic Games


Financial assistance of up to £2,000 per project is available to support participation in the festival, however it is anticipated that the majority of projects will receive financial assistance of between £200 and £1,000. If you are considering submitting a proposal for the maximum amount, we strongly advise you to discuss this with us in more detail prior to submission. Use of this funding as match-funding would be looked on favourably.



The information pack is intended to help you understand the types of activity we expect to include in the festival and the outcomes that we are looking to achieve. We have provided the simple forms you need to submit a proposal. To be eligible for consideration for involvement in the first round of the festival, you will need to ensure that your Expression of Interest Form is received by Friday 06 May 2011. A second submission deadline will be announced later in the year.



The guidance notes and Expression of Interest form can be downloaded from www.derbymuseums.org



The official festival dates are 27 July 2011 to 01 February 2012.



Expressions of interest will be reviewed in May and successful applicants will be notified by 01 June 2011.



Please note that applying to be part of this festival does not guarantee the receipt of funding.



To discuss your application please contact:

Louise Haselgrove

Access and Learning Officer, Derby Museums, The Strand, Derby, DE1 1BS

Louise.Haselgrove@derby.gov.uk 01332 641901







The closing date is Friday 06 May 2011. Completed Expression of Interest Forms should be sent to:



Katie Evans

Business Development Manager

Derby Museum and Art Gallery

The Strand

Derby

DE1 1BS

Call for applications: Print Out - 3 Dimensional prints and collages (deadline 29-7-11)

Leicester Print Workshop and Embrace Arts are inviting expressions of interest for a joint exhibition to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Leicester Print Workshop and the 10th anniversary of Embrace's Sculpture in the Garden. Bringing together both anniversaries this call out is looking for artists who use printmaking techniques to create 3 dimensional works.

The intention is to create a dynamic exhibition at Embrace Arts that showcases printmaking through a variety of methods and media including origami, books, collages, sculpture, jewellery, textiles and collage. All work will be available for sale with 50% of the sales price going to the artist; Embrace Arts hopes to have Own Art in place by the start of the exhibition. Work will be displayed on walls, shelves, plinths and in glass display cases.

The exhibition will take place from 10th October to 9th December, with a preview night on 7th October.

If you wish to be considered for this exhibition please supply:

Photographic images of up to 3 pieces of work, no less than 300 dpi. Each image must be clearly titled with the name of the work and the artist.
Dimensions of the work and details of any specific display requirements which can be supplied by the artist or detailed in the application
Information about editions, please let us know if your pieces are one off or produced in quantities
Titles, media and prices of pieces
A brief paragraph about yourself and your work (or a CV)
Please send your submission, to reach Leicester Print Workshop by 5.00pm Friday 29th July 2011, to lucy@leicesterprintworkshop.com, subject line PRINT OUT or by post (with SAE please) to: Lucy Phillips, Leicester Print Workshop, 50 St Stephens Road, Leicester, LE2 1GG.

For more information and conditions of application: http://www.leicesterprintworkshop.com/files/uploads/Print_Out_Call_Out.pdf

Studio space to rent in Derby

Studio space to rent, Derby



Forman street studios is based in Derby city centre and was established by Elaine Lim-Newton and Sophie Powell in 2009, the studio complex is a modern office building converted to be used as artists space.



· They have great facilities including:

· 24 hour access.

· excellent security

· modern kitchen and toilets

· fully central heated.



At the moment they have a number of spaces available including a room which has two large windows letting in lots of light and an internal lockable door. Currently this room is fully carpeted and would suit a graphic designer, illustrator, jewellers etc. If a dirty space is required then you will be allowed to fit lino etc at your own cost. It will be available from May.

Other options include a variety of areas suitable for workspace and/ or storage.
Rents vary according to space; contracts will be for a minimum of 3 months.

They are professional artists and are aiming to run several events and exhibitions throughout the year, which you will be welcome to take part in.
if you are interested in joining their community, please contact them via formanstudios@googlemail.com



or Facebook!
19 Forman Street, Derby, DE1 1JQ
Tel Elaine; 07912260556

Elaine Lim-Newton
Contemporary ceramist and community artist
Forman Street studios,
19 Forman Studios
Derby
DE1 1JQ
Tel: 07912260556

fashion/textiles internship closing date 29th april

Internship Advert
Job Reference: G-Partners VE07.04.11
Job title: Design Assistant
Location: Cropwell Bishop, Nottingham (NG12)
Salary: £12,000 pro rata for 6 months
Hours per week: 24
Length of internship: 6 Months
Company name: G-Partners
Company website: www.bunker-mentality.com

Company history
Our company owns a lifestyle clothing brand, both mens and ladies. Our brand is a leader in our sector and we are looking to grow our creative and design capability so the internship could lead to a full time position. The company culture is flexible, personal, informal but hard working.
Creativity is very important to us and we believe that good design is a key factor in our brand having a successful future.
Job Discription

This will be a mixture of design/ spec work and liaising with factories to ensure sampling comes through in time. There will be a couple of ranges you will be given to create by yourself and take through from concept, approval and then to sampling. Daily liaising with factories and progress chasing. Making all ranges ready for photo shoots and helping creating interesting photography for brand & catalogue books.

Qualifications & experience

Essential:
Must be an organised and focused individual with a love of clothing and an eye for detail in design. Hard working and able to use their own initiative. Key skills in photoshop and illustrator are essential. BA in Fashion Design or similar.

Application

Please send your CV and Cover Letter by 29th April to robert@g-partners.co.uk

FREE audio production and VJ course at Quad

Checkthisspecker and the Snug recording Company present a two day workshop on Audio Production and VJ workshop.
Quad 18th and 18th April 2011 9.00 to 17.00
18+ and free to Derby residents.
Info and booking at quad on 01332 290606

Marketing Intern (unpaid) deadline 18-4-11

Opportunity - Marketing Intern (unpaid) deadline 18-4-11

Writing East Midlands is looking for a Marketing Intern to support the Alt.Fiction Festival, part of our year round programme of Horror, Fantasy and Science Fiction literature events. The Alt.Fiction Festival has been running in Derby since 2006 and presents a mixture of panels, readings, workshops and podcasts featuring leading authors, agents and editors.

This is an exciting opportunity to be a part of the Writing East Midlands team as the Alt.Fiction Festival Marketing Intern. This opportunity will suit someone who has an interest in genre fiction and is keen to gain valuable experience working in literature development. The ideal candidate will be available for a maximum of 7 hours a week, (or 1 working day a week), and would be expected to work from the Writing East Midlands office in Nottingham.

While this is an unpaid opportunity, the successful candidate can expect to gain excellent work experience within a writer development agency, on a nationally recognised literature brand and respected festival. You’ll gain valuable contacts in literature, genre fiction and publishing, a reference, and will have the opportunity to attend Alt.Fiction events for free. We can also offer reasonable travel expenses and a lunch allowance.

Responsibilities will include:
• Updating the Alt.Fiction website (training to be provided)
• Maintain the Alt.Fiction website and social media presence
• Provide marketing and administrative support to the Alt.Fiction team as required
• Assist with the maintenance communications lists
• Assist with collating data
• Undertake other marketing duties as agreed with your line manager.

Person spec:

REQUIRED
• Excellent communication skills, oral and written
• Computer literate in the following: Word, email, web as well as proficiency using social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Multi-tasker with ability to prioritise and meet deadlines
• Team player
• Self-motivated with an enthusiastic approach
• Flexible and creative
• Good knowledge of literature

DESIRED
• Knowledge of genre fiction (Sci-Fi, Horror & fantasy)
• Experience of working in an office environment (voluntary or paid)
• Proven administrative and organisational skills

To find out more visit altfiction.co.uk and writingeastmidlands.co.uk

Deadline for applications is Monday 18th April at 5pm

Interviews will be held on: 28th April. Please make sure you’re available to attend an interview in Nottingham on this date.

If you are shortlisted, you will be contacted before 25th April.

Applicants must be available to start in the first week of May.

To apply send (by email only), CV and covering letter to Antonia@writingeastmidlands.co.uk

Friday 8 April 2011

Practical ceramics workshops

Practical ceramic workshops: Handz on Wheelz sessions



We have had some exciting and productive Handz on Wheelz sessions and we would like to invite you to more interesting sessions planned for the next few weeks.



Come along and create items in clay for your home or gifts for your loved ones.



Upcoming activities include:

Workshops every Friday till 3rd June 2011 from 1.30 pm to 3.00 pm or 4.00 pm to 5.30 pm
Develop and explore specialized techniques in clay
Glaze your own pots.
Demonstrations by local, national and international ceramicist/artists.
Opportunity to exhibit your work along with renowned ceramic artists.
Tours to Royal Crown Derby - dates 5th May and 13th May (please email or call to book places)


These activities are for all ages and abilities. Tours to Royal Crown Derby are offered at no cost to people participating in the workshops.

There are some places available on the workshops if you haven’t already booked, please get in touch now by email info@artcore-studio.co.uk or phone on 07877271097 to reserve your place.

Be part of this exciting project and have some fun.



Workshops are every Friday from 25th Feb to 3rd June.
Sessions are 1.30pm - 3.00pm or 4.00pm - 5.30pm.

Venue: 75a Butterfly House, Rose Hill Street, Derby DE23 8FZ



Costs: £3 per person per session, group bookings also available.

All bookings must be done in advance.



For more information and to book your place please contact us on: info@artcore-studio.co.uk or call us on: 07877271097

Call out for artists (art market opp)

Call out for artists (art market opportunity)



1st yearly Art Market being held at George Spencer Academy, Stapleford, Nottingham on Sat 9th July. The stalls are £15 and applications are welcome from anyone selling Art/Crafts/photography/graphics. We are looking to hold a good quality yearly market and therefore would like a few photos of what you intend to sell. We have 50 Stalls inside and are also looking to provide food outside if anyone would like to apply (it must be your own stall or unit outside).



There is a large area outside where installations and sculptures can be placed for anyone wanting to talk/sell/exhibit their work on the day. These could include metal/wood crafts etc. Please specify the details on your application.



Please could you send an email with a short message about what you want to sell/provide and a few photos to artexhibition@mail.com. Bookings are now being taken.

The proceeds will be going to charity and the venue and dates will be advertised in the papers and at various locations around Nottingham and Derby.



I look forward to hearing from you.



Deborah Fry

Head of Art and Photography

George Spencer Academy

Recycled Materials Sculpture Project artist vacancy

Recycled Materials Sculpture Project for Chesterfield’s Green Fair (deadline 4-5-11)



Chesterfield Borough Council are seeking an artist with experience of working with recycled materials to create a temporary sculpture in the town centre made from waste materials, including WEEE (Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment) to coincide with Chesterfield's Green Fair on 24th September 2011.

As part of the project, the chosen artist will also run 2 workshops with school and/or youth groups.

The fee for this work will be £2,500, to be paid in 2 stages, on agreement and on completion of the project.

It is anticipated that the artist will erect the sculpture in the town centre over a period of up to 3 days leading up to Saturday 24th September, in order to generate interest and excitement around the idea of the Green Fair.

The waste and recycled materials will be supplied by Chesterfield Borough Council in consultation with the artist. All other project materials required for the construction / installation / workshops must be covered by the total fee.

The successful artist will be required to provide evidence of current CRB and PLI certificates. The artist will also be required to work with the council’s officers on relevant Risk Assessments and ensure that any structure created fulfills Health & Safety guidelines.

Please send proposals along with details of previous experience in running public workshops and either 4 photos or website details, so examples of your work can be viewed. Proposals should cover no more than 1-2 sheets of A4.

Please send your proposal via email to pamela.butler@chesterfield.gov.uk.

Closing date: Wednesday 4th May

Further information if required from: Pamela Butler, Arts Development Officer (part-time Thursday, Friday & alternate Wednesdays) 01246 345583, pamela.butler@chesterfield.gov.uk

Preparing a Portfolio

Preparing a Portfolio is written by Mair Perkins, a student of MDes Visual Communication (Animation) and the Students' Union part time graphic designer, who is taking her first steps into the world of work as a self employed creative. Here she shares her ups and downs and summarizes what she has learned so far to inspire other young creatives to take their first steps.

Preparing a Portfolio

Portfolios are just as valuable as a CV to a creative graduate. A portfolio is more than just a neat black folder with examples of your work. It doesn’t even necessarily have to be pieces of paper in a black folder. A film student may have a show reel, a music specialist may have a CD and a textiles graduate a collection of fabric samples.

Your portfolio is to give a prospective client/employer a flavor of your work. It’s your chance to show them you have the skills and style they are looking for. Below are some useful tips I’ve been given by tutors, clients, employers and professionals. I wish I knew about them earlier…some of the portfolios I’ve brought with me make me cringe to think back on.

Tailor your portfolio to each job.

Just as when you send out a CV or covering letter you make the effort to research the employer and their company, do the same before showing your portfolio. Consider what styles, trends, skills etc. they are looking to hire and show them examples of your work that will suit their needs. You may be a brilliant comic illustrator but how is that work relevant if you’re applying to a packaging design job? I’ve made the mistake of putting some of my more unusual illustrative work in my portfolio during interviews. I was nervous and wanted to show them some of their work I was proud of. However they were more interested in the dull, layout and text based design work! I put that in to demonstrate my versatility but fortunately it was what caught their attention. The employer said although the creative illustrative work looked good, it wasn’t what their business needed. Since then I’ve made the effort to research and rearrange before each portfolio meeting rather than using the same content every time.
Quality over quantity.

Only put your best work in. You may think you can wow your client by showing how much work have you have done but they’re more likely to lose interest or think you’re unfocused. There is no definite number of pages or length time on show reels/sound track samples. Just use your judgement and your critical creative eye to edit your work down. If you’re struggling, get a tutor/friend/family member to flick through your portfolio for feedback.

Presentation and conventions.

Make it neat and professional. It doesn’t have to be a top of line folder or printed on gold leaf paper but avoid torn pages, crumpled paper, stains and scratched and dog eared folders. Just dress your portfolio as smartly as you dress yourself for an interview.

If you’re unsure of what your creative field’s conventions are for portfolios, just do some research. Don’t just use one source of information though. Ask your course tutors if they’re involved with the industry. Visit professional practitioner’s websites. Read at career’s advice books for your subject area. Look at job/application specification requirements. Some employers are very specific about portfolio length, content and presentation so even if you don’t apply there, it gives you an idea of the industry expectations.

Put yourself in their shoes

Finally, try to imagine you’re seeing your work for the first time. Put yourself in the shoes of the client/employer and imagine what first impression your portfolio of work will give. If you try to anticipate their needs then you’re likely to impress them and they’ll see you’re right for the job.