Training courses at Baltic

Artsplan (the in-house professional development department of ENYAN) is delighted to have an exciting programme of youth arts training courses taking place this year in partnership with the Baltic in Gateshead.

Upcoming courses include:
- Using the Arts with Juvenile and Young Offenders - 17th March 2010, 10am - 4.15pm
- Creative Facilitation - 6th May 2010, 10am - 4.15pm
- Using the Arts to Develop Aspiration, Leadership and Potential - 24th June 2010, 10am - 4.15pm

For more information on the course or to book a place, please contact The Artsplan Team, on artsplan@artswork.org.uk or call 02380 682 535.

McDonald's volunteers

McDonald's is being lined up by Olympics organisers to help recruit and train 70,000 volunteers to help at the 2012 games.

The expertise of the burger giant in teaching staff good customer service is to be used to recruit the assistants, nicknamed "McVolunteers".

Volunteer roles include interpreting, first aid, checking tickets and giving travel advice to the expected nine million spectators.

Although more than 300,000 people have already registered interest via Locog's website, Games chiefs want to ensure they have the right mix of skills and can be confident of retaining recruits, some of whom will take up their roles a year before the Olympics.

For the full story and more information on how to volunteer for the 2012 games click here.

UK Young Artists 2010

The first UK Young Artists event will take place in the Autumn of 2010. Artists who are selected to take part in this event could also be selected to represent the UK at the XV edition of the Biennale of Young Artists from Europe and the Mediterranean.

Work should be new and can be from any art form including visual arts, performing arts, literature, applied arts, film and fashion. Artists must be between 18 and 30 and be a UK citizen or have been resident in the UK for at least one year.

To register your interest and be notified when the call goes live visit www.ukyoungartists.co.uk/content/biennale-2009.

(Source: Voluntary Arts Network)

Applications sought for Newcastle Brown Ale Fund

Newcastle Brown Ale Fund is looking for applications from organisations working across the West End of Newcastle, Byker or Longbenton who can show how they are working with young people aged 18-25 to be more healthy, improve their well being and increase their confidence and self esteem, particularly through education, training or physical activity.

Grants of up to £5,000 are available for direct project costs, activities and equipment. For more information click here.

Northern Chords Young Musician of the Year

Making Music member group Northern Chords are running a music competition open to young musicians aged 11-18.

The prize is the chance to perform alongside world-class chamber musicians at The Sage Gateshead, a city centre concert of their own and a place performing at The Journal Culture Awards.

Further information is available at www.northernchords.co.uk/awards.

Boost for live music as government announces plans to exempt small venues

Live music performances for 100 people or less will no longer need to be licensed, under proposals announced by Licensing Minister Gerry Sutcliffe.

An exemption from the Licensing Act for small live music events would make it easier for a wide range of venues to put on live music, and help musicians who want to play to a live audience.

Premises such as pubs, clubs, cafes, restaurants, village halls and record shops would be able to host events without the need for a specific licence.

But to ensure that any concerns of people living close to venues are taken into account, the exemption would only apply to performances that are indoors, and take place between 8am and 11pm.

For more information: www.culture.gov.uk/reference_library/consultations/6499.aspx

(Source: Voluntary Arts Network)