North East Voluntary and Community Sector Awards 2008

Nominate a star!

30th October 2008 will see the first ever Voluntary and Community Sector Awards for the North East region. The awards are designed to recognise the work of individuals and voluntary and community sector organisations from across the region, in helping to develop our communities.

They will cover a wide variety of areas and activities, and will include:

• Most exciting project of the year
• Volunteer of the year
• Outstanding organisation of the year
• Support organisation of the year
• Young leader of the year

These awards can be made to any voluntary and community sector groups or individuals working in the North East region.

Anyone can make a nomination for an award. People or organisations can make as many nominations as they like, and can nominate their own staff and volunteers for individual awards, but cannot nominate themselves for an organisational or project award.

Go to www.vonne.org.uk/awards for a nomination guide and form and return it to VONNE's offices by 5pm on Tuesday 30 September.

New closing date for Youth Music Open Programmes

The closing date for applications to Youth Music's Open Programmes has been revised. The current Open Programmes - First Steps (Creative music-making for children aged 0-5), Make It Sound (Music-making for 5-18 year olds who otherwise lack the chance to take part), and Vocalise! (For programmes where the voice is the main instrument), will now close on 15 December 2008.

More: www.youthmusic.org.uk/looking_for_funding.jsp

The Mozart Singing Competition 2009

Deadline: 8 December 2008

The Mozart Singing Competition 2009 for singers under 35 is now open to entrants. With a prize fund of £6000 including at least £1500 reserved for singers under 25 and including special prizes for Sacred song or aria/19th century opera aria/19th-20th century art song, you can audition by CD until 8th December 2008.

For more details go to www.nationalmozart.com

Children's Choir Make First Album

The Scratchetts Children's Choir, a branch of the Durham Scratch Choir, have just finished recording their first CD, an eclectic mixture of musical styles, including gospel, world and traditional folk.

The 20+ strong group, who formed in September, showed great initiative when they raised the funds to make the recording independently through sponsored Christmas carolling in Durham Millburngate Centre last December.

Members Angel and Amber Kotwall say of the choir, "Every week at the Scratchetts we learn new things. Being involved in the choir is an amazing opportunity."

The choir's next project is a singing summer school that takes place annually at Durham Cathedral. The project is open to anyone aged 8 - 16 years and involves daily workshops from 10.00 to 12.00 the week of August 18th to 22nd. It ends in an exciting performance in the Cathedral alongside the Cobweb Orchestra and Durham Scratch Choir.

The Scratchetts always welcome new members, so for information on how to get involved in the choir and the Cathedral Summer Project please go to www.durhamscratchchoir.moonfruit.com or contact Sheila Adamson on 0191 3844495 or Bridie Jackson at bridiet@hotmail.co.uk

Win a Premier League football player

Barclays Premier League is offering to donate a player from each of their twenty football clubs to a local community group. Between September and November, twenty community groups will win a Premier League Player to help raise awareness of their cause and a £4,000 donation. In addition the Premier League will also award individual £4,000 donations to a further 100 community projects, charities or schools.

Deadline: Friday 1 August 2008

For more information visit www.vonne.org.uk/news/news_article.php?id=292.

Young Conductors' Course: ABCD 23rd Convention, Lincoln University

Lincoln University, 22-24 August

Young Conductors' Course in parallel with ABCD 23rd Convention, led by Amy Bebbington.

With the needs of less experienced young conductors in mind, this 3 day residential course is open to all aged 17-22 who do not currently earn their living from conducting and concentrates on the practical aspects of choir training, conducting and rehearsal technique.

Bursaries are available for up to 10 young conductors to benefit from subsidized Convention places at £150 each. Full price £335.

For more information contact ABCD, the Association of British Choral Directors, www.abcd.org.uk.

Marketing the Cultural Olympiad weekend

As part of the marketing campaign for the Cultural Olympiad launch weekend 26 - 28 September, London 2012 requires an update on any projects you may be considering for inclusion.

Projects chosen as part of the Cultural Olympiad weekend will be marketed through a Visual Tool Kit consisting of digital and printed formats. Visit Britain will also be including all projects and events as part of their web based marketing. It is hoped that a North East guide will be published and distributed widely across the region to promote the projects and events which are taking part in the Cultural Olympiad weekend.

If you are interested in putting forward a project for 26 - 28 September, please contact Lorna Fulton, 2012 Creative Programmer on 0191 202 3785 or lorna.fulton@gone.gsi.gov.uk.

Northern Rock Foundation Culture programme reopens

The Northern Rock Foundation has reopened its grants programme for high-quality and high-profile culture and heritage projects in North East England and Cumbria. The programme will be worth £2 million in 2008. Northern Rock Foundation is now seeking applications to support performing arts, contemporary craft, design and new media, museum and heritage exhibitions, festivals and collaborations as well as professional training for people working in these areas.

The Foundation plans to invest in a wide range of imaginative and ambitious work, and to support the region's creative talent. Alongside Culture and Heritage, the Foundation's priorities for grants in 2008 are: services for people with mental health problems, people with learning disabilities, older people and carers; one-to-one help for young people at risk, homeless people, substance misusers and groups that face prejudice and discrimination; reducing the incidence and impact of domestic and sexual violence, abuse and hate crimes.

For more information please visit: www.nr-foundation.org.uk

Newcastle College student volunteers in search of community/voluntary organisations

Newcastle College, the largest Further Education in the country, runs many successful internal volunteer projects and has links with many external volunteer organisations too.

The volunteer ethos within the college is building, and more students than ever before are volunteering in a wide variety of roles.

We would like to offer our students the chance to volunteer for local volunteering groups and would be interested in hearing from any voluntary/community organisations that would benefit from working with a group of keen student volunteers.

A recent survey conducted at Newcastle College showed that students were most interested in volunteering in the following areas:

• Animals
• Art and Culture
• Children
• Environment

However, we would be interested to hear from any organisation in need of volunteers.
If you would be interested in supporting student volunteers to benefit your organisation, please contact Emily Moran at emily.moran@ncl-coll.ac.uk or phone 0191 2004526.

Workshop for young violinists

Following the successful workshop for cellists in March, as part of the Making Music Sound Project, the Tyneside Chamber Orchestra is holding a further workshop for young musicians, again featuring the soloist in our current concert. Edward Cross will work with young violinists of grade 6 standard (or good grade 5) on a piece of their choosing.

Saturday 19 July; 10.30 to 12.30.
St. Hilda's Church Hall, Thornleigh Road, Jesmond, Newcastle.
Full details here.

Gamelan in Newcastle

Gamelan is an orchestra of gongs, found all over South East Asia but especially on the Indonesian islands of Java and Bali.

From 13th to 26th June, a Gamelan usually based in Durham will be housed at Chillingham Road Primary School in Heaton for two weeks.

There will be several open workshops available to individuals or small groups and also family workshops. If you play in a Western music group or a drumming group, here is a
chance for your group to do something together which I guarantee you will find adds to your ensemble and performance skills. If you have not played music before this could be your chance to give it a try.

Gamelan is also well suited to schools workshops, for pupils of any age, and workshops can be arranged.

You can download further details here [Adobe PDF format] or email paul@musicalmetal.com.

The Guardian Charity Awards 2008

Deadline: Friday 1 August 2008

The Guardian Charity Awards set out to showcase best practice among small and medium-sized charities and help them win the profile and funding they need to move forward.

The awards are aimed at charities delivering practical solutions to present-day problems. So long as the objective of your charity is improving social wellbeing in its broadest sense, and provided other entry criteria are met, nothing is ruled out. The five winning charities will each be awarded:

• £6,000 prize money;
• A brand new PC, donated by Trams;
• A half-day consultancy session plus follow-up support for up to six months on strategy, impact, governance, leadership, campaigning or collaboration, courtesy of NCVO's new consultancy service;
• A tailored package of media services from Media Trust (comprising a session with a top media or communications professional through Media Matching service; and places at Speedmatching events with volunteers and a Media Trust training event).

Download an application form from http://society.guardian.co.uk/voluntarysectorawards

Summer Music Gathering

Music groups invited to celebrate another year of music making in style!

Making Music has teamed up with Platform to provide a flexible mix of workshops, discussion groups, performances and networking to voluntary music groups in the North East.

Held at the Georgian Theatre, Stockton, on Thursday 17th July, the format of the event will be informal and flexible. With drop-in workshops and discussion groups from 2pm to 8pm, music groups and musicians can simply come to the sessions they want to, when they want to.

Everyone is invited to come along, and thanks to funding from Making Music and Stockton Borough Council the whole event is entirely free, including drinks and nibbles.

Further information including workshop listings is available here.

Join the Making Music committee

Several long-standing members of the Making Music committee will be coming to the end of their terms of office this year. Nominations are now open for chair, treasurer, newsletter editor and tours organiser.

Being on the committee is an opportunity to meet other musicians, have a say in the direction Making Music takes, and help voluntary music making in the region. It can also be a useful way to gather skills and experience to use with you own music group, or in your professional life.

Support will be provided to help those who haven't volunteered on a committee before settle in, and of course old hands are always welcome too!

New committee members will be elected at the AGM on 1st November 2008. For an informal chat or a nomination form contact David Crookes (davidcrookes@talktalk.net), Chairman of the North East committee, 0191 384 5515. You can read more about the current committee at www.makingmusic-northeast.co.uk/contacts.

Get your choir heard on Classic FM!

Classic FM and Making Music have teamed up to offer a selection of Making Music member choirs the opportunity to broadcast their performances on the national radio station as part of The Full Works programme, which is on every weekday evening from 9pm.

In addition, those selected will also be profiled on the Classic FM website, mentioned on-air and included on the Classic FM podcast. You could use this opportunity to reach out for new singers, new audience members, or to raise awareness of your choir in the local community and beyond.

If you have a good quality recording (on CD), which was made in the last 12 months, all you need to do is send it to us, along with a few extra details. You can download the one page application form by going to http://www.makingmusic.org.uk/MM/html/pdfs/PressReleases/Classicfm_form.pdf. We're interested in anything from small intimate a-cappella through to large-scale works, from any period.

Please return the form and CD to us by Tuesday 24 June at the latest. If you can respond sooner there's a better chance we'll be able to review your recording in time.

If you are not yet a member of Making Music you can find out about membership at www.makingmusic.org.uk/join.

Community Choirs needed for Sing the Nation

Sing the Nation needs to recruit community choirs across the country to lead the public in singing! Earn £250 for your choir as you get the community singing.

What is all this about?
Sing the Nation is looking for community choirs who can help them to help the nation come together in song. The important thing to remember is that this is not a performance. The emphasis is not listen to us but sing with us!

When is this happening?
On August 24th, the Olympic torch will be handed from Beijing to London. To celebrate this, there will be many BBC Big Screen/Live Sites set up across the country, including one in Middlesbrough. At each location we would like to employ a community choir to lead the public in shared song. The outcome we want is for people of all ages and backgrounds to join together in song.

Each Live Site is organising a menu of community events. The shared singing forms part of this and lasts just 10 minutes. Lyrics will be projected on the screens.

What kinds of choirs and choir leaders are we looking for?
We are looking for confident, outward looking choirs who will enjoy leading the public in song. Ideally, we'd like a good choir leader who can be supported by a community choir.

How do choirs benefit by taking part?

• Participating choirs will be invited to attend a free workshop on song-leading. The workshop will be led by the Director of the National Youth Choir - Mike Brewer, OBE
• Expenses of £250 will be paid to each participating choir
• A coveted performance opportunity at the Olympic Handover ceremony and possible filming by the BBC
• There may be further paid song leading opportunities in local museums and libraries

What if you aren't available on August 24th?
Contact Sing the Nation anyway. We are also looking for community choirs to lead events in museums, galleries and libraries throughout August.

What happens next?
Contact Sing the Nation (c/o Sing London) for an application form by 2nd June.

Sing London
The Tin, G02, Black Bull Yard
24 - 28 Hatton Wall
London EC1N 8JH
020 7430 7921
www.singlondon.org

Making Music and the BBC

The BBC has organised a series of free singing events as part of its accompaniment to its programme I'd Do Anything. The events will take place in Cardiff, Gateshead, Glasgow and London at the end of May (26th - 29th) and are aimed at singers of all ages and abilities.

The events in the North East are being held on Tuesday 27th May at The Sage Gateshead between 10am - 1pm and between 3pm - 6pm.

These events will give participants the chance to sing as part of a group with the BBC Singers and musicians from the BBC Orchestras, as well as some familiar faces. Adults and children over the age of 8 are welcome to attend these fun and friendly sessions, with all level of ability catered for - from keen amateurs to absolute beginners who have never dared sing in public before.

The BBC will be encouraging participants to contact Making Music if they would like to find a singing group in their local area.

For more information and an application form go to www.bbc.co.uk/oliver/events.

Anyone can join in the music

Spend a day (or as much of it as you want) with the Cobweb Orchestra at Middlesbrough Town Hall on Saturday 10th May, from 10am to 5.30pm.

Funded by Platform and in partnership with Middlesbrough Town Hall, the orchestra is running a Community Music Day. They will start by presenting a Beginners Session which will be open to anyone who has an orchestral instrument and can play half a dozen notes on it. Rusty players who have not played for a while will be made welcome too, and it's always good to have a few more experienced players who feel like brushing up on some of the basics.

Then there will be a free Lunchtime Symphony Concert of short, unrehearsed pieces open to anyone who wants to play, or to wander in off the streets and listen.

In the afternoon, the Instrument Making Workshop will give people of all ages the chance to make and play simple instruments which will be used later in the Family Concert which concludes the day's activities.

All the events are either very reasonably priced or free.

You can also join in with The Cobweb Orchestra when they perform the closing concert for the Hartlepool Maritime Festival on 6th July.

For further details and enrolment forms, contact the Cobweb Orchestra Administrator, Liz Carlile on 01642 873973 or e-mail liz.carlile@ntlworld.com.

Music cluster comes to Durham

Following the success of our pilot cluster group in Newcastle, Making Music is now setting up a cluster of music groups in Durham City and the surrounding area.

The group will decide its aims together but these might include:

• pooling publicity ideas and establishing where opportunities exist to work together
• anti-clash diary to avoid clashes of concert dates or repertoire
• collective bookings of soloists to reduce fees

An initial meeting will be held in Durham on an evening/weekend between 26 May and 8 June to suit all interested parties. At that meeting groups will discuss what the purpose of the cluster should be, how often it will meet and so on.

At this stage we would encourage society chairs plus one other (possibly a committee member responsible for publicity, venues or dates) to attend, although you are welcome to bring more people if you wish.

If you are interested in coming along to the first cluster meeting or would like more information please get in touch (kirsty@makingmusic.org.uk, 07855 642308) or visit www.makingmusic-northeast.co.uk/cluster.

Free learn to sing course - Tees Valley Barbershop Harmony Club

5 weeks, starting Tuesday 23rd September 2008
7.00pm to 9.00pm, University of Teesside, Middlesbrough

Supported by a national musical educational charity and organised by the Tees Valley Barbershop Harmony Club, this course is aimed at men aged 16 and over. It is designed for both newcomers to singing and those who have not sung for a while.

You can get an idea of the course by visiting www.learntosingharmony.com.

For more information and to book a place, contact:
Dave Tyson, Tel: 01429 263943, email: david.tyson2@ntlworld.com
or Les McGhee, Tel: 01642 554405, email: darlington5@btconnect.com, Tees Valley Barbershop Harmony Club.

Grant funding in the Tees Valley

Platform aims to sustain the long-term development of classical music in the Tees Valley. It will soon be opening another round of the Development Grants for Music Organisations in the Tees Valley. Email john_joan.carter9@ntlworld.com for more information or visit www.platformteesvalley.org.uk.

Full-time administrator wanted

Platform is looking for a coordinator to work at their office in Middlesbrough. The post would suit someone looking to further their career working in Music Events, Marketing and Administration. This is being offered as a full-time fixed term contract for 6 months with a potential extension dependant on funding. Contact mail@platformteesvalley.org.uk for more information.

Beacon Fellowship on the Lookout for UK's Charity Champions

Deadline: Thursday 1 May 2008

The Beacon Fellowship Charitable Trust has put out a call for nominations for the 2008 Beacon Prize. The Trust is urging people throughout the UK to nominate individuals who have made a significant charitable contribution in giving time, money or skills to a specific cause. With awards in 5 categories and additional regional prizes for England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, the winners will be invited to attend a gala evening in London where the overall prize winner will receive £30,000 to donate to the charity of their choice.

If you would like to nominate someone for the Beacon Prize 2008, please visit www.beaconfellowship.org.uk for a nomination form or e-mail: enquiries@beaconfellowship.org.uk or tel: 020 7203 8290.

AWARDS FOR YOUNG MUSICIANS: 2008 AWARDS DEADLINE PENDING

DON'T MISS OUT ON THE CHANCE TO GET HELP WITH MAKING MUSIC!

If you are an outstanding young musician (aged 5 to 18) and you need help with your music costs our Awards programme might be able to help you.

We support young instrumentalists, making music in any genre, who can clearly show:

• That they are really talented and committed
• That they need financial help with their music expenses

If that sounds like you then you can apply for an Award of between £200 and £2000.

To find out more and to obtain application forms:

Visit www.a-y-m.org.uk
Email awards@a-y-m.org.uk
Call 0117 9049906
Or send an A4 SAE (with a Large letter stamp please) to:

Awards for Young Musicians
PO Box 2754
Bristol BS4 9DA

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: FRIDAY 4 APRIL 2008

Choir Wars hits our screens

BBC ONE is launching a brand new Saturday night entertainment show showcasing some of Britain's favourite choirs.

Applications are invited from all choirs countrywide and the BBC wants to hear from choirs of all musical genres; classical, gospel, barbershop, pop, a cappella, folk and rock etc.

Choirs will need to get their entries in as soon as possible to avoid missing out on the competition deadline - Friday 4th April 2008 at 6pm.

Check out the link www.bbc.co.uk/choirwars to access the Choir Wars application form, or call 09001 800 313 should you have any further questions about the application process.

Saturday Singing Classes in Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough Town Hall, 10.00am - 12.30pm

From 8 March 2008 Platform are holding singing classes for adults and children with an option to work on Vocal Technique or Just Sing for Fun. Open to all levels of vocal ability with tutors from a range of backgrounds including trained Opera Singers and Community Musicians. Classes will run every Saturday morning from March 8th. Whatever type of music you are into, come along and sing!

Sing for Fun classes are FREE
Vocal technique classes are £4 adult, £2 children
For more information visit www.platformteesvalley.org.uk or contact mail@platformteesvalley.org.uk.

Teaching Music Effectively (TME)

A short course for instrumental and vocal teachers
University of Teesside: 21-22 June and 20-21 Sept 2008

Platform is working in Partnership with the University of Teesside's School of Computing to bring the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music 4 day tutor training course to the Tees Valley.

Teaching Music Effectively covers the main issues that need to be explored as part of a career in music. It is designed to meet the needs of those relatively new to teaching who will benefit from support and guidance as they develop teaching skills and insights into learning. TME is also suitable for more experienced teachers in need of professional refreshment. The follow up weekend is scheduled for 20th/21st September.

For more information and a booking form visit www.platformteesvalley.org.uk or contact mail@platformteesvalley.org.uk.

Charity Awards 2008

Deadline: 14 March 2008

Nominations are invited from arts organisations for the annual Charity Awards in the arts, culture and heritage category. The Awards recognise and celebrate exceptional achievements in the leadership and management of charities of all sizes throughout the UK. The Awards are a great way to boost morale and winners get extensive media exposure which greatly helps influence funding applications.

To submit your entry visit www.charityawards.co.uk. Please note the deadline for entries is 14 March 2008.

The Small Charities Coalition

The newly-formed Small Charities Coalition matches charities with charities to share problems and find solutions. It was handed its charitable registration number on 16th January, which means the Coalition can now start recruiting friends (the SCC's term for members) and supporters.

Membership is free to any charity with a turnover of £1million or less, so if you haven't done so already, the time to join is now.

For more information visit www.smallcharities.com
To join please email 'I wish to be a friend' to info@smallcharities.com

DCMS conducts first national study of voluntary arts activity in England

On 1 February, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport launched the first ever national survey of amateur arts groups in England. Groups of voluntary and amateur participants from all artistic walks of life - from music, dance and crafts, to theatre, visual arts and literature - are being encouraged to participate by going to www.artsurvey.org.uk and completing a short online questionnaire before 29 February 2008.

The survey will help focus attention on the wealth of amateur and voluntary arts opportunities enjoyed by millions of people across the country every day - often with little publicity. The research has the potential to be very useful for arts groups, who will be able to refer to the findings when applying for funding, and for policy-makers, who can use it to look at how amateur arts groups could be better supported.

The results will be published in the summer.

Singer/instrumentalist wanted to join our band

We play traditional and contemporary music from Geordie, Northumbrian, Irish and Scottish influences.

We have Chris on guitar and mandola, Trevor on guitar, dulcimer, bass, mouthorgan, and lead vocals, plus Brian on piano accordion and vocals.

We are looking for a female voice to join us who can sing and play an instrument to a reasonable standard, and help out with melody and harmony. I must stress that the emphasis is on enjoyment and we don't pretend to be musically sophisticated, so no musical pedants please.

We practise each Friday evening alternating each week between Marley Hill and Chester Le Street.

Why not give me, Brian, a ring for a chat and more information. You can of course have a sneaky look at our website before ringing: www.freewebs.com/fewbroth.
You can contact me on 07855 354508 or bc@chezcoop.plus.com.

Free ICT training events from Voluntary Arts England

Newcastle, 26 February 2008

Workshop One: Is your art or craft group missing out?
More and more art and craft groups are using the web and computers to help their group and promote themselves - is your group missing out? This introductory workshop will guide you through the opportunities available to your group.

Workshop Two: Developing IT within your art and craft group
Masterclass exploring topics e.g. Web 2.0 and specialist software packages guiding you through the opportunities available to develop your IT capabilities.

Who can attend?
The events are primarily aimed at voluntary arts groups but are relevant to anyone involved in voluntary arts provision (national umbrella bodies, voluntary arts organisations, local authority arts officers, Arts Council staff, policy makers, consultants etc).

How to book
For more information and to book download the flyer and booking form from www.vaengland.org.uk or phone 0191 230 4464.

Primary Music Squad comes to Middlesbrough

Platform is bringing the successful Primary Music Squad, established by MusicLeader North East and designed by The Sage Gateshead, to Middlesbrough Town Hall on 25th February 2008.

Whole Class Singing, Information about the National Sing Up Campaign, Singing for Boys, Developing Music Policies, Good Partnership Practice, networking, learn new repertoire, develop new skills and all in one day of FREE training.

Tees Valley Music Service are running a session in the morning and The Sage Gateshead in the afternoon.

This day is open to anyone who works in Primary Schools, including teachers, musicians, parents who'd like to help with music in schools, teaching assistants, cleaners and so on.

The workshop is open to people from all levels of musical ability, from beginners to advanced, and will run from 10am until 3.30pm.

Contact Rebecca Pedlow, Platform Programme Manager on 01642 384687 or email mail@platformteesvally.org.uk for a booking form.

Opportunity to sing Mahler Symphony No. 8

Newcastle upon Tyne Bach Choir, in association with Newcastle University and the Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning in Music and Inclusivity, is offering an opportunity for experienced choral singers to join them for a performance of Mahler's 'Symphony of a Thousand', conducted by Eric Cross, on April 26th 2008 in The Sage Gateshead.

As far as we know, this is a North East premiere!

Rehearsals begin on January 28th in King's Hall, 7-9 pm and run until March 10th , resuming on April 14th until the performance.

Singers will need to attend most of the rehearsals.

All voices are welcome.

The joining fee is £25, including music hire.

Singers from choirs holding Making Music membership will not be required to audition.

To discuss joining the Mahler Extra Choir, please contact:
Rose Haslam (0191 285 3975, email: vrhaslam@btinternet.com)

National survey into listening habits

Hear Here! is the UK's first classical music listening project, presented by the Royal Philharmonic Society and Classic FM, with support from the Paul Hamlyn Foundation launching in January 2008 with live performances, on air on Classic FM and online.

Hear Here! will develop month-by-month. Each month a different aspect of listening will be explored and investigated, to encourage us all to think about the music that we listen to in a completely different way.

A dedicated website at www.hearhere.org.uk will provide an interactive resource for the project with content changing and building month by month. Visit the website to take part in the national survey about your listening habits. You could even win a digital radio!

Get involved in the 2012 Cultural Olympiad

Voluntary Arts Network (VAN) recently published a special briefing - the first of a new series designed to keep you up to date with developments within The Cultural Olympiad, what's in it for the voluntary arts and how you can get involved.

London 2012's vision for The London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games is to make them for everyone in some way - to extend them beyond London, sport and 2012. The Cultural Olympiad is an integral part of this vision, allowing people to take part in cultural events and celebrations in London and all around the UK. It will begin in August 2008, directly after the end of the Beijing Games, and last for four years.

The briefing is available to download for free at www.voluntaryarts.org/12092.

New community grants fund

The Cabinet Office today unveiled the name of a new, multi-million pound funding programme to boost local community organisations with much-needed access to small grants and long-term financing. It also announced the appointment of the Community Development Foundation as its lead national partner in delivering the scheme.

'Grassroots Grants' will launch in the new year with £130 million available from 2008-2011 to strengthen the community sector. It will be divided into two parts: an £80 million small grants fund for community organisations; and a groundbreaking £50 million endowments programme to enable local foundations to generate additional donations from the private sector on a matched basis and invest them in endowments, thereby building their capacity to provide long-term funding for frontline community organisations.

For more information click here.

Making Music North East announces training events

This month, Making Music launches a new programme to help voluntary music groups and community musicians engage with young people, families and their local communities.

'Sound' will combine structured training sessions with related longer-term development projects. Workshops will run across the North East and Yorkshire from January to June 2008, covering topics such as fund-raising, project planning, legalities and good practice in working with young people, marketing and image, and coaching young people.

Full details of the training events can be found in our events listings on the Training and Development page.

For more information about the 'Sound' programme visit www.makingmusic.org.uk/sound or contact Kirsty McDowell, North East Development Officer on 07855 642308, kirsty@makingmusic.org.uk.

Securing business sponsorship for your group

The Arts and Business (Community Foundation) is hosting a seminar on securing business sponsorship for your group. Further details below.


Seminar: Introduction to Sponsorship
Organised by: Arts and Business (Community Foundation)
Durham, 16 January 2008
9.30am - 12.30pm
Cost: £15 (negotiable for voluntary groups if necessary)

An introduction to securing business sponsorship for your group.

For more information contact Ruth Raynor, rr@communityfoundation.org.uk, 0191 222 0945
www.sponsorsclub.org.uk

Perform at The Sage Gateshead

Folkworks are in the process of arranging short performance spots by local choirs/groups on the concourse in December to add to the Christmas atmosphere here at The Sage Gateshead. These spots would be prior to events in the main halls.

The following groups have already confirmed: Newcastle Shape Note Choir, Silver Threads, The Merse Singers, The Caprians, Seaton Singers, The Sage Gateshead Adult Chamber Choir, The Argus Singers.

If you would like to know more please contact Pam Hobson on 0191 443 4560 or email pam.hobson@thesagegateshead.org.

Support announced for brass bands

Making Music, Durham County Council and the Durham County Brass Band Association (DCBBA) this moneth announced a new partnership to enable Brass Bands in County Durham and beyond to access additional support and nationwide resources.

The new deal allows members of DCBBA to join Making Music, the largest umbrella organisation of its kind in the UK, for less than half price for the first year. Membership of Making Music gives bands access to a wide range of support, training, information sheets, unbeatable insurance deals, individual advice and guidance and more. All bands and events are listed free on the Making Music North East website at www.makingmusic-northeast.org.uk and in the quarterly concert diary.

Michele Hodgson, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Libraries and Culture said, "Our brass bands have been central to our communities for many years, working across generations, becoming integral to our heritage and future and a strong source of local pride. Durham County Council is delighted to be able to support the brass band movement through this partnership with Making Music."

More information about Making Music and how to join can be found on the Making Music website at www.makingmusic.org.uk, or by contacting the North East Development Officer, kirsty@makingmusic.org.uk, 07855 642308.

Free consultancy available for IT projects

If you have projects that would benefit your department or business, but can't find the time to start them, then help might be at hand.

The Business Information Systems subject area from the School of Computing, Engineering and Information Sciences, Northumbria University, is looking for projects for its BSc (Hons) undergraduates studying programmes which focus on identifying, planning and developing IT systems for businesses, including voluntary and third sector organisations.

Over the past ten years or more, students have worked with a variety of organisations, large and small, to help resolve issues related to business and technology. Students have dealt with issues including researching market needs and producing business plans and promotional materials as well as web and database development with relevant documentation and training provided.

For more information visit www.communitycampus.org.uk/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=9

'Community Kitty'

Deadline: 10 April 2008

UK Villages Community Kitty provides grants of between £50 and £300 to a range of community-based projects. In the past, the fund has awarded grants for projects ranging from a knitting circle, to a playgroup needing toys, sports equipment for cubs, and support for several village halls and playing field committees, as well as a number of Heritage projects. The next application deadline is 10 April 2008.

For more information, visit www.communitykitty.co.uk/ukvillages.nsf/b?open&s=kitty.

(From VAN news, 01.11.07)

Awards Administrator Vacancy

Do you have good organisational skills, an eye for administrative detail and a passion for supporting young musicians in their careers, with half to one day a week to spare?

Making Music is looking for a voluntary Administrator to look after our prestigious Philip and Dorothy Green Award for Young Concert Artists. Following the retirement of Kate Fearnley who devotedly nurtured this programme for many years we would like to find the right person to take this under their wing! In return we promise you a positive and rewarding experience, helping to forge the first steps on the careers of these talented young artists, and supporting our members in the process.

A job description is posted at www.makingmusic.org.uk/vacancies.

Philip and Dorothy Green Awards

All talented young musicians embarking on their professional careers are invited to apply for this prestigious scheme whose prize is performance engagements with Making Music's member groups (some criteria apply of course).

Application forms are available to download from www.makingmusic.org.uk or by emailing ayca@makingmusic.org.uk. Auditions take place at the Royal Academy of Music in London between 11 and 15 February 2008.

Using the Arts with Young People at Risk

29th November 2007, 10.00 - 16.15
BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art,
Gateshead Quays, South Shore Road, Gateshead NE8 3BA

Artsplan, the training and publications arm of Artswork, the national youth arts development agency, is pleased to be delivering the one day course 'Using the Arts with Young People at Risk' at the Baltic.

'Using the Arts with Young People at Risk' will run on 29th November 2007. The course explores what can be achieved when using the arts with vulnerable and disadvantaged young people. It will cover many of the practical issues involved in using the arts with young people at risk, including current CRB child protection legislation.

All participants will receive a certificate of attendance upon successful completion of the course, and a wealth of practical resources. The full prices for the course, which includes lunch and refreshments, is £150 but bursaries are available to allow a small number of volunteers to attend for just £55 each.

For more information on the course and to book a place, please contact Jay Barron, Artsplan Development Manager, on artsplan@artswork.org.uk or call 023 8063 0960. To subscribe to ENYAN visit www.enyan.co.uk.

All We Need is Love

All We Need is Love is making music history and a world record for the most versions of one song ever recorded in the history of music, while raising money for Children in Need.

Where else could you be part of making a new world record, raise funds for charity, be on the first ever concept single, become world famous and produce, remix, record, sing or speak your own version of a song about to be recorded by more people in the world than any other song ever! And all you have to do is be yourself and have fun? Oh, and it costs you absolutely nothing!

For more information, visit www.allweneedislove.co.uk.

(from VAN news, 26.10.07)

Making Music launches cluster group

To help groups work together towards shared goals Making Music and the Tyneside Chamber Orchestra are launching a 'cluster' group for orchestras in the Newcastle area.
The group will address subjects as diverse as shared publicity, anti-clash diaries and block bookings of soloists.

Members of all Making Music orchestras in the Newcastle area have been invited to attend the initial meeting, which will be held in mid-November.

There are then plans to roll the idea out across the North East in 2008.

If you would like to get involved in the Newcastle orchestra cluster, or if you would like more information about setting up a cluster group in you area, contact Kirsty McDowell, Regional Development Officer for the North East, kirsty@makingmusic.org.uk, 07855 642308.

Awards for Young Musicians

Awards for Young Musicians invests £50,000 a year in talented musicians in the UK. Awards vary between £200 and £2000 and are available to young people aged 5 to 18 to contribute towards expenses such as teaching, course fees, travel and instrument purchases.

Applicants are required to:

• have achieved distinction in their last music exam, or, if they haven't taken exams, show evidence of this level of ability;
• be recommended by their music teacher;
• have their families show evidence of financial need.

Application forms for 2008 awards are available from October 2007 from www.a-y-m.org.uk.

Artsplan launch new Training Centre in the North East

Artsplan, the training and publications department of Artswork and the in-house training provider of ENYAN (English National Youth Arts Network) have just announced the launch of a new Artsplan Training Centre (ATC) at Baltic on Gateshead Quays.

The one-day courses, 'Using the Arts with Young People at Risk', and 'Get Sorted 2: budgeting and fundraising a youth arts project' have been chosen following a period of consultation of professional development needs in the North East.

'Using the Arts with Young People at Risk' will run on 29th November 2007. The course explores what can be achieved when using the arts with vulnerable and disadvantaged young people. Starting with an explanation of the benefits of youth arts this session will cover many of the practical issues involved in using the arts with young people at risk, including current CRB child protection legislation.

'Get Sorted 2: budgeting and fundraising a youth arts projects' will run on 26th March 2008. This course is aimed at anyone who has a good idea for a youth arts project, but needs help in developing their budget and successfully securing funding for their project. Based upon years of experience of setting up and running successful youth arts projects in a variety of settings, Get Sorted 2 will take you through a step by step guide for planning and drafting your own budget, advise on the best way to fill in funding applications and suggest where you can go to find the funds you need.

All participants will receive a certificate of attendance upon successful completion of the course, and a wealth of practical resources. Prices for the courses, which include lunch and refreshments, range from £150 to £110, with bursaries available. Please also remember that ENYAN members receive 5% discount on all Artsplan publications and training.

For more information on the course and to book a place, please contact Jay Barron, Artsplan Development Manager, on artsplan@artswork.org.uk or call 023 8063 0960. To subscribe to ENYAN visit www.enyan.co.uk.

Understanding the web and making it work for your organisation

These FREE sessions are aimed at any third sector voluntary or community organisation, which is either considering developing a website or, which already has one but wants to make it more effective.

The sessions will cover everything from choosing a web designer, to understanding accessibility and search engines. They will be presented in clear simple English and include support materials. Additionally, we are running a day where you will have the opportunity of a consultation where you can discuss your specific web requirements directly.

These sessions will be held on November 1st and 7th at the VONNE offices.

More information: www.flatlinedesign.co.uk/training

BBC Radio 3 Choir of the Year

Deadline: 18 November 2007

BBC Radio 3 Choir of the Year is open for entries until 18 November 2007. Choirs of all sizes and musical styles are invited to take part, and there is no fee for entering. The first stage of the competition requires participants to send in recordings of their choir in action, followed by area and national selection. The competition culminates with six finalists performing at the Royal Festival Hall in London on 7 December 2008.

More information and application forms can be found on the competition website at www.choiroftheyear.co.uk.

PRS Funding Opportunity

Deadline: 2 November 2007

The PRS Foundation for New Music is again providing £50,000 to inspire and stimulate the creation of an imaginative and original piece of new British music. The New Music Award is of up to £50,000 towards a new music project and will be decided in March 2008.
In order to be considered for an award, you are required to submit an idea which:

• Is and original piece of new music
• Is intriguing, inspiring, creative and of the highest possible quality
• Challenges the boundaries of musical performance in the UK today
• Has at least one guaranteed live public performance in the UK
• Has the potential to create a lasting musical impact and reach a significant number of people
• Has been created by composers / songwriters / producers etc. living and working in the UK

Music of any genre is welcome to be entered. The performance can be presented in any context or suitable media. The project must have a public performance/showing in the UK by 1 September 2009. Additional performances need not be confirmed when an entry is submitted, however the Foundation will be looking for projects which will have a lasting musical impact.

The Award is open to individuals, groups, organisations and consortia. Additional information and entry forms are available from www.prsfoundation.co.uk/newmusicaward/index.htm

Culture Awards 2007

The Journal is now welcoming nominations for their Culture Awards 2007. The new annual awards aim to recognise outstanding North East cultural contributions from performances to playwrights, events to exhibitions, musicians to museums, artists to actors.

To nominate, or for further information visit http://www.journallive.co.uk/cultureawards.

The Culture Awards 2007 will be held at Northern Stage, Newcastle on Monday, 31 March 2008.

(Article taken from Culture North East Bulletin)

Voluntary Arts Ambassadors - available to visit YOUR group

Voluntary Arts Ambassadors meet with voluntary and amateur arts and craft groups across the country highlighting the work of Voluntary Arts England

Existing Voluntary Arts Ambassadors have been locating groups in their area, meeting with those groups, passing on information, distributing resources e.g. leaflets and giving presentations about our work.

If you are based in the North East, South East, South West or East region and feel that your group could benefit from a Arts Ambassador visit to learn more about our work and the FREE information services that we provide then download the attached booking form or contact Paul Devlin on 0191 230 4464

If you would like to become a Voluntary Arts Ambassador then visit www.vaengland.org.uk to download an application form. Induction / training days happen 3 times a year with the net one being planned currently.

Click here for the booking form: Booking Form (doc - 36k)

(From Voluntary Arts England News)

BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award 2008 (Deadline: 10 September 2007)

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award, and the search for new talent is on. Whether you are a soloist, duo or group, the BBC Radio 2 Mike Harding Show is looking for young people aged between 15 and 20 who perform folk, roots and acoustic music from any culture. This is a great opportunity for young performers to learn new skills from professional musicians, be taught the tricks of the music trade and immerse themselves in making music and song with other like-minded people.

To enter, each group, duo or soloist should send a recording of their performance along with a completed entry form to:

BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award 2008,
Mrs Casey Music,
PO Box 296,
Matlock,
Derbyshire DE4 3XU.

To request an entry form please email info@mrscasey.co.uk or call 01629 827012.
Alternatively you can download an entry form from the BBC Radio 2 website at www.bbc.co.uk/radio2. Entry forms and recordings must arrive by Monday 10 September 2007.

Entrants must live in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland. For information and full entry guidelines email info@mrscasey.co.uk or call 01629 827012.

(News item from Voluntary Arts England news).

TalkTalk Innovation in the Community Awards 2007

Many UK charities and community groups have recognised the power of the Internet for giving much needed support, from chat rooms on health issues to web-based support networks.

Broadband, mobile and other digital technologies are helping to provide essential lifelines. TalkTalk and Citizens Online have teamed up to help UK charities and community groups harness the power of the web. Thirty projects will benefit from £2,000 each, plus a year's free subscription to TalkTalk. The TalkTalk innovation in the Community Awards 2007 are open to community groups and registered charities in the UK that are seeking funding for new and existing Internet projects.

For more details click here.

UP FOR ARTS Festival

Are you up for some fun? For something new? For meeting people?

If so, take part in UP FOR ARTS - a six week fest of arts and crafts of all sorts in the North East, North West, Yorkshire and Humber and London. It's all about taking part in voluntary arts and crafts. From painting to pottery, drama to dancing, there will be shows and activities at unusual or unexpected venues. The first event is:

The UP FOR ARTS Festival at the Metro Centre in Gateshead on 22-26 July 2007. Sunderland City Library and Arts Centre 27 July Washington Arts Centre 28 July

Actor Robson Green, who supports the campaign, says: "UP FOR ARTS is a great way to try something new and have some fun. Being a student at Backworth drama centre awoke something in me and that was knowledge through creative expression and as a result I realised what I wanted to do with my life. Drama and the arts allows us to realise our possibilities and exceed our limitations. Have a go at the Metro Centre or visit an event near you and be amazed at what it could do for you".

Whatever your background, qualifications or physical abilities, find out what's on offer. Challenge yourself and have some fun. And it's all for free. Keep checking out our website for regular updates - www.vaengland.org.uk/artsandcrafts.

Cobweb Orchestra Leader Training

The Cobweb Orchestra is looking for leaders (in the sense of facilitator/conductors rather than first violinists) who want to develop their skills working with amateur orchestral musicians. Once trained, there are opportunities for paid work with the newly independent and expanding Cobweb Orchestra as a regional group leader or on a sessional basis.

What the training offers: One day studying repertoire and methods with the chance to try out your conducting with the Guinea Pig Orchestra. One session running an orchestral rehearsal with follow-up tutorial to discuss further development.

Trainer profile: We are looking for musicians with a wide variety of skills. You may be a community musician with an interest (possibly slightly rusty) in orchestras, or you may be an orchestral player who would like to try conducting and know more about how to run a successful ensemble, or a choir trainer who wants to diversify.

You can read full details of this exciting opportunity and how to apply here.

Voluntary Arts England: Summer Celebration and DVD

Get involved in Voluntary Arts England's Summer Celebration and forthcoming DVD

Voluntary Arts England in partnership with the Media Trust are planning an exciting and high profile campaign during summer 2007 with the aim of encouraging and increasing participation in the arts and crafts amongst groups and individuals that have traditionally been denied access.

Do you live in the North East?
Are you passionate about voluntary/ amateur arts and crafts in your community?

We are seeking individuals who are active (or would like to be) in their community, to play a key role in developing one or more projects or activities in their neighbourhood. If you would like to be part of the campaign or to find out more please contact:

Brian Bell, Campaign Manager at Voluntary Arts England.
Tel: 0191 230 4465
Email: brian@vaengland.org.uk