News about the arts and entertainment in Leicester and Leicestershire

The news on this is page is provided by kind permission of Creative Leicestershire and is taken from their Ebulletin for January 2008

Creative Leicestershire

Creative Leicestershire Ebulletin for January 2008

Welcome to the Creative Leicestershire Ebulletin with opportunities for arts, design & media businesses in Leicestershire and Rutland . Events organised or supported by Creative Leicestershire appear in orange.

Further info: www.creativeleicestershire.org.uk

Information in this bulletin runs as follows:

o Fashion/Textiles opportunities

o Media opportunities

o Design opportunities

o Visual arts & craft opportunities

o Writing opportunities

o Performing arts & Music opportunities

o Networking

o Jobs & Commissions

o Training & Skills

o Funding & Resources

FASHION & TEXTILES OPPORTUNITIES

Made In Leicestershire Showcase

We are looking for professional visual artists, interiors/fashion designers, craftspeople and galleries in Leicestershire and Rutland who would like to showcase their work via this new Creative Leicestershire project. Made In Leicestershire aims to get you more interest and customers locally. The website gives each artist/maker/gallery space for some text, 3 images (maximum 1MB each) and a link to your website or contact details. Once accepted onto the site you can update your details and images at any time. Marketing of the site to the public will begin in early 2008 and will include the compilation of a printed directory in autumn 2008. To get your work listed see www.madeinleicestershire.org.uk and click on ‘apply to join' in the top blue bar.

Fashion Show / Networking Event for textile businesses aimed at the British-Asian Female Market

Leicester-based designer Abha Gupta (www.ikisha.com) is planning to host a fashion show to promote her business & is inviting others to join her. It will be a great opportunity to get together over a coffee, share stories, swap contacts and generally natter. Abha has offered to host the meeting at her shop on Melton Road (on the first floor, above Chaat House, just after the bridge). Kate Cowan, from LCB Depot, is arranging the details. She's suggesting the event runs from 6pm for an hour or so... Dates currently being considered are Thursday 17th Jan or Wednesday 23rd? Do either of those suit you? Are you interested in going along? If you are running a fashion business aimed at this market or wanting another sales outlet for your clothes, then this could be a great opportunity for you. Do let Kate know if you're interested in going along & which date suits you best E: kate.cowan@lcbdepot.co.uk

Freelance Seminar (Fashion & Textiles)

Friday 18 January, 10am – 4pm (buffet lunch included), Designer Forum's studio/offices in Nottingham . Cost is £65/£90+VAT. Looking to freelance? Or already established as a freelance designer / consultant, but looking for new clients? Why not attend the Designer Forum's Freelance Seminar which aims to assist you to develop you own professional skills and/or enhance your business further. Open to individuals, new business start-ups & established businesses alike, this course is delivered by specialist consultants and is designed to be both practical & inspiring. This full day workshop covers all aspects of being a freelancer, including: Introduction to self-employment, Legal issues - contracts, design protection & confidentiality agreements, Costings & freelance rates, Sales & marketing, Company profiles & portfolio development, Briefing clients & 'avoiding disputes'. For further details or to register your interest contact the Designer Forum on 0115 9115339 or email: info@design-online.net

Courses in Fashion, Lingerie, Tailoring or Corsetry

The Alison Victoria School of Sewing is the largest independent sewing school in the UK attracting students from all over the country, Europe and further afield. The School of Sewing has a permanent base in a first floor studio over 'Fabulous Fabric', based in the heart of Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire. To find out more about dates & costs of courses visit www.schoolofsewing.co.uk

MEDIA

Create a Film4 Mash-Up or Widget and Win £1500!

Platform 4 is keen to discover creative talent wherever it is emerging. And we recognise that some of the most inspiring online work is coming from the bedrooms of passionate hobbyist coders - not always the big name agencies and software giants. To recognise this trend we're offering £1500 to the most creative mash-up of Channel 4's Film4 RSS feeds. Two runners up will also get £250. You can find a list of these RSS feeds on the RSS Central page. We'll create a gallery of all the mash-ups received that meet the judging criteria. The full guidelines of the competition, including how the projects will be judged and the timeframes for getting your entry into Platform 4, are outlined at www.channel4.com/interact/platform4/rules.html Submission deadline : 10th January 2008 5 : 00pm Winners announced on Platform 4 : 8th February, Gallery of all suitable entrants put live : 15th February. For full details & further info E : platform4@channel4.com

Skillset – Film Skills Fund

Skillset has a number of different funding schemes available including; Company Development (deadline 4 th Feb), Innovation Bursaries (28 Feb), Continuing Professional Development (4 Feb). For further info contact Sarah Trigg, Film Fund Co-ordinator, E: saraht@skillset.org or visit www.skillset.org/film/funding/about/

DESIGN

Made In Leicestershire Showcase

Photographing Your Artwork

Weds 5 March from 9.30 to 12.30 at Cross Corners Arts Centre, Leicester . Cost £10. This half day, hands-on workshop will provide an introduction to photographing your own 2D or 3D artwork for marketing and publicity purposes. Run by Pete Taylor for Creative Leicestershire, it will cover how to set up a make-shift studio and lighting; How colours work in digital photography; Downloading your pictures onto computer and an overview of how Photoshop software can be used. For application form please contact chudson@leics.gov.uk

VISUAL ARTS & CRAFTS OPPORTUNITIES

Made In Leicestershire Showcase

Calling All Comic Creators – Competition - A Hero for Leicester

Metropolis has Superman. Gotham has Batman. New York has Spiderman. Leicester needs a superhero and we want you to create them! As part of its season celebrating manga and graphic novels Leicester Libraries is inviting budding comic book artists and writers to create a short comic strip introducing a new superhero for Leicester . What powers

would a Leicester superhero have? Perhaps they need the protection of a secret identity? Do they fight crime, or maybe they are a supervillain! Let your imagination run wild! You can use any style and techniques you want to create your comic, but your final entry must be no more than four A4 pages in size. The best entries will be judged by a panel of comics industry professionals. All entries must be a maximum of 4 pages, size A4, printed on one side of the paper only. Enclose a stamped SAE so we can contact you easily. DO NOT SEND ORIGINAL MATERIAL. Send us a good quality photocopy or print. Closing date: 11th January. Judges; Matt Smith - 2000AD, John Freeman - ROK Comics, Bryan Talbot - Tale of One Bad Rat, Luther Arkwright. The winning entry will be published on the Leicester Libraries website and the author will win a selection of graphic novels. Send your entry to: A Hero for Leicester, Libraries HQ, A12 New Walk Centre, Leicester. LE1 6ZG

Photography Open Submission Show, Nottingham – ‘Resolution'

VIEW from the Top, above Waterstones in Nottingham , is having its' first photography open exhibition in support of PhotoVoice from 16th January - 9th February. VIEW from the Top hopes to present an exciting, diverse selection, highlighting the vast spectrum of the art of photography, including landscape, portrait, wildlife, architectural, abstract, sports and photo-journalism. Selection will take place at the gallery on January 12th & 13th. The exhibition will be open to the public from Wednesday 16th January to 9th February. There will be a reception for exhibitors, guests and buyers on Saturday 19th January and the exhibition will finish with a live auction of work unsold during the exhibition on 9th February. Download information and entry details from the website on the booking forms page - www.viewfromthetop.co.uk or email Katie@viewfromthetop.co.uk

Rutland Open Studios 2008 – Call for Entries

In 2007 Rutland Open Studios organised the first countywide open studio event for Rutland , this proved to be a great success, attracting thousands of visitors. In 2008 Rutland Open Studios will take place on the weekends between Saturday, 21st June and Sunday, 13th July. There will also be a week long taster exhibition in the Victoria Hall between the 12th and 18th of June. If you would like to request an entry form send an SAE to Rutland Open Studios, c/o Rowan Dejardin, 57 South Street , Oakham , LE15 8SE or e-mail rowancanflystill@yahoo.com .The final deadline for entries is Friday, 15th January. There is a £30 submission fee.

Breaking in to Comics and Graphic Novels

Saturday 26th January, 2pm - 4pm , Central Lending Library, Leicester . Whether you are a fan who has always dreamed of making your own comics but don't know where to start, or a talented writer / artist on the brink of turning professional, this event will help you understand what it takes to break in to the comics industry. Featuring guest speakers: Matt Smith - Editor of 2000AD, John Freeman - Managing Editor, ROK Comics ( www.rokcomics.com ), former editor of Marvel UK , and editor of downthetubes.net , Jay Eales - Publisher, Factor Fiction. This event is free but places are limited. To book please phone 0116 2527347 or e-mail: booknews@leicester.gov.uk

Five Leaves Anthology about Night Worlds Seeks Photographers

Five Leaves Press in Nottingham is publishing an anthology of poems about night worlds - urban, countryside, the cleaners at Heathrow making their way home in the small hours, party-goers straggling home, parents up in the middle of the night looking after their babies, insomniacs, owls, badgers... We hope to illustrate this anthology with black and white photographs of/taken at night. Are there any photographers out there who would like to submit their night photographs for the consideration of Five Leaves Press? Please send prints or good-quality photocopies in the first instance, to Five Leaves Press, PO Box 8786 , Nottingham NG1 9AW . Small fee for accepted photographs. Deadline: January 31st 2008 .

Workshops at Catmose Gallery, Oakham - Spring 2008

· Saturday 2 February - Papier Mache Characters with Julie Arkell. Cost £30/£28

· Saturday 15 & 16 March - Corset Making (1880s) with Abigail Haughton (2 days). Cost £80/£70

· Saturday 22 March - Mosaic Making with Satta Hashem. Cost £30/£28

Booking : Catmose Gallery, Vale of Catmose College, Oakham, Rutland, T: 01572 725904, E: office@catmose.rutland.sch.uk

Visual Art Workshops at Richard Attenborough Centre

Places are limited for these one-day courses so it's best to book early. All workshops cost £35 (concessions £15 – please ask for details). All materials provided. Call in person at The Richard Attenborough Centre, Lancaster Road , Leicester or T : 0116 252 2455, or E : arts-centre@le.ac.uk

· Saturday 23 February, 9.30am – 3.45pm -Textile workshop. A practical workshop to explore the exciting potential and versatility of textile art. All levels of experience and ability are welcome, as individual interpretation will be encouraged. With artist Diane E Hall.

· Saturday 1 March, 9.30am – 3.00pm , Harold Martin Botanic Garden , Oadby - Winter trees at the Botanic Garden. Explore the rich variety of opportunities that the tree with its roots, trunk, branches and colours can offer artists during the later winter months. With artist Diane E Hall.

· Saturday 1 March, 10am – 3.30pm , Drawing with Wire. Experiment with a range of forms to create beautiful 3D drawings using wire. With Maria Collingham.

Marketing Techniques for Visual Artists and Crafts people

Monday 25 February, Ferrers Gallery, Staunton Harold, Leicestershire. Run by Rachael Chambers, Leicestershire Rural Business Woman of the Year and owner of the Ferrers Gallery this course offers a practical guide to marketing and promoting. You will leave with the skills to increase the awareness of your business and therefore your sales. Rachael was a judge for the 2006 British Craft Trade Fair Awards in Harrogate and the Ferrers Gallery was recently awarded Silver for Marketing Excellence in the East Midlands Tourism Enjoy England Awards. Cost : £95.00 payable in advance. Cost includes refreshments throughout the day and a buffet lunch. If you are based in Leicestershire and Rutland then Creative Leicestershire will help subsidise your place and you only have to pay £35. Telephone 01332 863337.

Introduction to Arts in Mental Health

Thursday 28 February, 10am – 1pm , Conference Room 4, Brandon Unit, Leicester General Hospital . This session will be aimed at participatory artists wishing to expand their knowledge of the mental health sector. It will introduce participants to general and more specialized areas of mental illness, looking at presenting behaviours, risks and ways of developing best practice as a facilitator. The session will also touch upon current structure of local mental health system and look at the next step options for artists wishing to work in this field. This Creative Leicestershire session will be led by Lydia Towsey and Tim Sayers, Creative Arts Coordinators for Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust. Cost £10 including lunch. For booking form and full details please email Clare Hudson on chudson@leics.gov.uk

Shout out for artists - 2nd Spring Exhibition at J Gallery in Northampton - 28th March - 25th April

J Gallery, 25 West Street, Northampton. This is a unique showcase for art of all styles and media encompassing paintings, sculpture, photography, prints, and architectural models. A committee whose members include practicing artists and lecturers curate the exhibition. The majority of works will be for sale and artists are encouraged to enter work which is available for sale. The selection committee is keen to see new and exciting sculptures for interior and exterior areas. An artist is entitled to submit ONE piece of work for which there is a handling fee of £25 (which is non refundable). Entry forms may be purchased from the gallery admissions office. To obtain an entry form register with J Gallery by telephoning 01604 492192 or e-mail info@jardinart.co.uk. Closing date for entry forms is 29th February.

Photographing Your Artwork

Leicester Print Workshop (LPW) – Spring Programme of Courses

50 St Stephens Road , Highfields, Leicester. The new Spring programme contains exciting new courses in Textile screen -printing and Architectural 3D print, as well as new tutors Suzanne Duffy and Claire Morris- Wright. To request further info, a copy of the programme or to book your place contact LPW, T : 0116 255 3634, E : info@leicesterprintworkshop.com

Surface Gallery Shout Out for Proposals

Surface Gallery Nottingham is actively seeking proposals for their 2008 exhibition programme. All types of work will be considered and selected on individual merit, not on the profile of the artist(s) involved. Surface Gallery accept proposals from groups and curators as well as individuals. If you are interested in working with Surface Gallery, please download a form from www.surfacegallery.org or contact 0115 9348435 or E : admin@surfacegallery.org

Wanted - Comic Artists/Writers for 2008 Publication

East Midlands artists and/or writers are invited to submit samples of current work for a book of graphic short stories to be produced by Five leaves publications in 2008. The theme will be chosen to suit the artists and writers selected to contribute original pieces. Writers not paired with an artist should submit a sample short story script. Sample artwork (low res) scripts and enquiries to: brick@ntlworld.com . Hard copy to (not returnable) Comic Book, Five Leaves Publications, PO Box 8786, Nottingham, NG1 9AW.

Leicester Print Workshop (LPW) Members Web Gallery

If you are an artist yourself you can apply to be part of the LPW gallery web. LPW website has between 600 and 800 hits per week. To join the site you will need to become an associate member of LPW which is only £15 per year - a site page cost £85 per year with a max of 5 images per artists, which can be updated on a 6 month basis. All work is chosen to be part of the site by a members selection panel - for more information contact Gemma or Angela on T: 0116 255 3634, E: info@leicesterprintworkshop.com To view the new gallery visit www.leicesterprintworkshop.com/Leicester%20Print%20Workshop%20Members%20Gallery.html

WRITING OPPORTUNITIES

Calling All Comic Creators – Competition - A Hero for Leicester

East Midlands Free Read Scheme 2007/08

Would you like a free, professional, editorial appraisal of your work? For the fourth year running we are offering 20 ‘free reads' by the Literary Consultancy. Of manuscripts submitted, 20 will be selected for appraisal. You must live or work in the East Midlands and you must not have received a free read in the same genre previously. You may submit ONE of the following : Up to 300 lines of poetry (with line count on covering page), 3 short stories of up to 3,000 words each, Synopsis and 50 pages of a novel (adults or children). It is vital that your submission is as follows : Pages numbered consecutively from page one, Typed on one side of A4, using 12 point font and double spacing (except for poetry which should be single spaced), Include a SAE with a suitably sized envelope and correct postage for return, Covering sheet with name, address, telephone number and email address, and brief explanation of why you are applying. Please send to : Ali Betteridge, Literature Development Officer, Derbyshire County Council, Alfreton Library, Severn Square , Alfreton. DE55 7BQ. Deadline: Friday 11 January 2008 . You will be notified whether or not your manuscript has been selected for sending on to TLC, by mid March 2008.

Preparation for Writers

Tuesday January 15th, Knighton Fields Centre, Leicester. Free. This day will use drama and music to establish contexts which create pupil ownership and motivation and impacts on the quality of their responses. The Leicestershire Creative Partnerships Regional Programme is providing shared training opportunities suitable for teachers (all phases) & creative practitioners (currently working in Leicestershire schools or colleges) in developing work for creativity across the curriculum. Each training day offers an opportunity for all those who have an interest in extending creative learning within a variety of subject areas to encourage and improve the quality of learning. For further info or to book a place contact Rachael Phelps , Arts in Education Co-ordinator T : 0116 270 0850 or E : rphelps@leics.gov.uk

Poetry Workshop for National Holocaust Memorial Day

Saturday 19 January, 10am – 3pm at The Records Office, Long Street, Wigston. Oadby & Wigston Borough Council are offering a free poetry workshop to commemorate National Holocaust Memorial Day (27 Jan). The workshop will be led by published poet Sue Mackrell. Please call Sallie Wocha , Arts & Heritage Development Officer, on 0116 272 7617 to reserve your place.

Breaking in to Comics and Graphic Novels

Writing Industries Conference

Saturday 9th February, Loughborough University , 9am-6pm . The East Midlands host its first Writing Industries Conference, offering local writers an unmissable opportunity to meet professionals from the worlds of writing, publishing and live literature. The conference will feature panel discussions on a wide range of subjects featuring experts in the field. Topics covered including playwriting, commercial fiction, writing for children, spoken word, poetry and many more and panels will include representatives from BBC, Hodder Headline Publishing, Arts Council England and Theatre Writing Partnership as well as a host of local and national writers and performers. On top of this, the conference will also be offering selected writers the chance for an agent one-to-one session, giving you the chance to have your work read and assessed by leading agents from around the UK . Tickets are available at £32/£24 concession and are available from Loughborough Town Hall 01509 231914 or online at www.loughboroughtownhall.co.uk/bookings. Writers can apply for a one to one session after purchasing their conference ticket. Applications for one to ones will close on Friday 25th January. For more info visit http://writingindustries.wordpress.com/

Bryan Talbot Talk

Tuesday 12th February, 7 - 9pm , Central Lending Library, Leicester . FREE. Leicester Libraries is proud to welcome Bryan Talbot, creator of amazing graphic novels including The Tale of One Bad Rat, Alice in Sunderland, Luther Arkwright and Heart of Empire. His work has been cited as a major influence by Neil Gaiman, Alan Moore and Michael Zulli among others and he has won numerous awards including nine Eagle awards and an Eisner. Bryan will talk about storytelling in comics and answer questions from the audience. This event is free but places are limited. To book please phone 0116 2527347 or e-mail: booknews@leicester.gov.uk

Getting Published – Blake Friedmann Agency

Thursday February 21st, 7-9pm , Adult Education Centre, Wellington St , Leicester . The agent Oliver Munson from the Blake Friedmann literary agency is coming to Leicester courtesy of Leicester Writers Club with support from Creative Leicestershire. Blake Friedmann ( www.blakefriedmann.co.uk ) represent writers working in fiction, non-fiction, TV, film and a small number of playwrights, directors and producers. Oliver will be speaking generally about the agenting process and how to get your book into print. This is a free event supported by Creative Leicestershire - no need to book, just turn up on the evening.

Grace Dieu Writers' Circle 2008 Short Story And Poetry Competitions

This year, prizes total £1000. For further details, entry forms and rules, see www.gracedieuwriterscircle.co.uk . DEADLINE: 28th February.

Introduction to Arts in Mental Health

Thursday 28 February, 10am – 1pm , Conference Room 4, Brandon Unit, Leicester General Hospital . This session will be aimed at participatory artists wishing to expand their knowledge of the mental health sector. It will introduce participants to general and more specialized areas of mental illness, looking at presenting behaviours, risks and ways of developing best practice as a facilitator. The session will also touch upon current structure of local mental health system and look at the next step options for artists wishing to work in this field. The session will be led by Lydia Towsey and Tim Sayers, Creative Arts Coordinators for Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust. Cost £10 including lunch. For booking form and full details please email Clare Hudson on chudson@leics.gov.uk

Leicester Writers' Club – Why Not Join?

Attention all practising writers! It's well known that writing is a solitary business, but why suffer for your art in isolation when you could be a member of Leicester Writers' Club? Next year, the Club celebrates its fiftieth anniversary. Look what you get for our current subscription of £30: weekly manuscript evenings, regular competitions, free access to speaker events, the wisdom and knowledge of several professional members, an active email forum and a great social atmosphere. Also, we are currently developing a Club anthology, supported by Creative Leicestershire and the City Council, which new members will be entitled to be part of. For further details about LWC, check our website www.leicesterwriters.org.uk or call in at one of our meetings, every Thursday night, between 7-9pm , Room 3 Leicester Adult Education College, Wellington Street , Leicester .

Writing School Leicester

We have a new website www.writingschoolleicester.co.uk packed with information on our novel, screenwriting and journalism courses in the January term. Don't miss romantic writing on Valentine's Day, or funny writing for Leicester Comedy Festival. Keep checking our website for new courses. If you prefer to phone, it's 0116 233 4343 extn 227.

Wanted - Comic Artists/Writers for 2008 Publication

East Midlands artists and/or writers are invited to submit samples of current work for a book of graphic short stories to be produced by Five leaves publications in 2008. The theme will be chosen to suit the artists and writers selected to contribute original pieces. Writers not paired with an artist should submit a sample short story script. Sample artwork (low res) scripts and enquiries to : brick@ntlworld.com . Hard copy to (not returnable) Comic Book, Five Leaves Publications, PO Box 8786, Nottingham, NG1 9AW.

Flight Paths: A Networked Novel

The car park of Sainsbury's supermarket in Richmond , southwest London , lies directly beneath one of the main flight paths into Heathrow Airport . Over the last decade, on at least five separate occasions, the bodies of young men have fallen from the sky and landed on or near this car park. All these men were stowaways on flights from the Indian subcontinent who had believed that they could find a way into the cargo hold of an airplane by climbing up into the airplane wheel shaft. No one can survive this journey. “Flight Paths: a networked novel” seeks to explore what happens when lives collide – an airplane stowaway and the woman who witnesses his fall to earth. This project will tell their stories; it will be a work of digital fiction, a networked book, created on and through the internet. Writers Kate Pullinger ( www.katepullinger.com) and Chris Joseph ( www.chrisjoseph.org) encourage you to contribute stories, images, sounds, memories, and ideas to this project. Visit www.flightpaths.net to participate in a new kind of writing project that explores the themes of asylum and immigration, open to everyone, online.

PERFORMING ARTS & MUSIC OPPORTUNITIES

"Growing Ground" Advanced Contemporary Dance Class

Wednesdays 6.45 - 8.15 pm , Wednesdays, 16th Jan - 5 March (no class 13th February). Dance Studio, Abbey Park Campus, Leicester . A Foot In Hand initiative supported by Leicester College (Performing Arts Department). Cost is £3 unwaged/part-time; £4 waged. Pay weekly at the end of class. Back due to popular demand and a wonderful atmosphere last term! Louise Katerega , dancer/choreographer and Creative Director of FOOT IN HAND (plus occasional guests) welcome experienced dancers to this weekly well-spring of professional insights and friendly networking. Louise's class is release-based whilst retaining the value of placement, musicality and a sense of performance. For further info T: 07971441749.

Green Coffee Meeting

Next Green Coffee meeting is on Saturday 12 January 2008 from 1.30 – 5pm in the Performing Arts Centre at Coventry University . This is a free open workshop for disabled and non-disabled dancers to share work in progress and to experiment. This next session will focus on live music and dance. Contact Gill Williams on 07715 422 480 or gill.williams2@ntlworld.com

2-Day Intensive Dance And Technology With Darren Johnston

Friday 18 & Saturday 19 January, 10am – 4pm , Derby Dance Centre, Derby . Cost £40 / £30 Conc. Advanced Level - Aimed at artists and practitioners with at least two years of dance experience or formal training. Since winning the Borenham Choreography Prize in Belgium in 2000 while still a student at Laban, Darren has gone on to develop a reputation for pushing the boundaries within dance and technology. He founded Array in 2002 where collaborators work within electronic music, animation and set design; producing new work that bridges choreography and electronica / multi media forms. Darren has recently choreographed for Aphex Twin and is currently working with Warp records and London Sinfonietta. This is a unique chance to work with Darren for two days on the use of electronic sound gaining an understanding of the process and methods required to produce truly cutting edge and relevant work. To book please email info@dance4.co.uk or call 0115 9410773

Hip-Hop Dance with Jonzi D Productions

Saturday 19 January, 11.00am – 4.00pm , Isham Studios, The University of Northampton, Northampton Cost is £12.00 / £8.00 Conc. This workshop will introduce participants into Hip Hop dance, and how this can be used choreographically creating dramatic performances using the styles, techniques and values that come from Hip Hop culture. You will get to experience basic Breakin', learn about the origins of Hip-Hop Dance Theatre whilst having a fun and energetic day. Jonzi D Productions is the UK 's leading producer of Hip Hop Dance Theatre. The company's Artistic Director is Jonzi D, one of the foremost leading practitioners and advocates for UK Hip Hop. To book contact Tina Heeley T: 01604 233122 Website: www.northantsartsdevelopment.co.uk/dance

Open Audition To Work With Austrian Choreographer Willi Dorner

Sunday 27th January, 11am to 5pm , Dance 4, Preset, Nottingham . Willi Dorner is currently creating a series of site specific ‘guided walks', which will be performed in Nottingham City Centre during April. He is now looking for five dancers/movement artists to work with him to develop the final stages of the project and perform the final piece in April 2008 (21-25). During each performance audiences will be invited to take in an ‘alternative' guided tour of Nottingham , using specially adapted technologies to navigate them to hidden spaces and places around the City. Performers should have a physical theatre or dance background and be interested in conceptual work, improvisation, working in site specific locations and with new technologies. Although no fee is available for this project, each artist will be paid expenses for the rehearsal and performance periods. To book a place on the audition or for further information please contact Eva Straka, creative producer on +43 1 581 93 52, or email office@ciewdorner.at Please also include your CV if possible. Working Period is 7th - 25th April. Fee - travel expenses and per diems will be payable.

Practical ways into Kinaesthetic Learning - Using Dance As A Tool For Learning

Tuesday January 22nd, Knighton Fields Centre, Leicester. The Leicestershire Creative Partnerships Regional Programme is providing shared training opportunities suitable for teachers (all phases) & creative practitioners (currently working in Leicestershire schools or colleges) in developing work for creativity across the curriculum. Each training day offers an opportunity for all those who have an interest in extending creative learning within a variety of subject areas to encourage and improve the quality of learning. There is no cost for these whole day courses as they are fully funded by Creative Partnerships and Arts Council England. This session will introduce a range of techniques to enhance the curriculum using dance as a tool for learning. Includes a short DVD of a Maths and Dance initiative. For further info or to book a place contact Rachael Phelps , Arts in Education Co-ordinator T : 0116 270 0850 or E : rphelps@leics.gov.uk

Call for Performers

The sixth Market Bosworth Festival will take place next summer from June 21st till June 28th. We are also holding a day of musical entertainment on Bosworth Country Park on Sunday June 22nd, and on Saturday June 21st "In the Town" entertainment is planned for the village square, alongside art exhibitions and workshops. We would like to hear from drama/dance groups or individuals who would like to perform in the square to complement other activities throughout the day- these will include Punch & Judy, Jazz and Wind quintets, Morris dancing and other musical and juggling acts. We are especially keen to hear from anyone able to offer exciting interactive drama or dance (stage available) between 11am and 4pm on Saturday June 21st. At this stage payment cannot be confirmed - we await the results of funding applications before we can set our budget - but this could be seen as an opportunity for artists to raise their profile locally with the right to a "collection tin" and distribution of their contact details. See www.bosworthfestival.co.uk for a flavour of last year's festival and continuing activities. Please contact Jo Connell on 01455 292678 or jo@jjconnell.co.uk to make queries or to register your interest.

CEPA Visiting Practitioner Talks – Simon Vincenzi

Wednesday 23 January, 6pm-7.30pm , Studio 1, PACE (Performing Arts Centre of Excellence), De Montfort University , Leicester . This talk will be given by Simon Vincenzi, director/designer & one half of Bock & Vincenzi who have created dance/theatre works for adults & children. The talks are open to all and are free. However, we have limited seating which will be offered on a first come first served basis. It is advised that you arrive by 5.30pm to try to avoid disappointment. Directions to the PACE building and more information about CEPA in general are available on the DMU website

www.dmu.ac.uk/aboutdmu/campuses/maps/leic_campus.jsp

Intellectual Property for Musicians

Wednesday 23 January, 5 – 7:30pm , Institute of Creative Technologies (IOCT), De Montfort University , Leicester . As the music industry develops new methods of marketing to customers and moves across an increasing number of media platforms, including digital, the issue of copyright remains as crucial as ever. In this new environment, it is important to be aware not only of your legal rights, but also of the different types of deal with which you can licence and assign the copyright in your work, whatever the media, and how contingency planning can help you to control the use of your work more easily. Led by expert speakers from Berryman LLP ( Nottingham ) this seminar will be of relevance to those composing music for the videogame and ring-tone industries, in addition to traditional composers. Organiser: ProspectIP in conjunction with Creative Leicestershire. There is no charge for this event .To book a place, please call 0116 207 8931 or email jgill@dmu.ac.uk. Further information can be found at: www.prospectip.co.uk/training/forthcoming-training-events

Leicestershire Dance Network Event – How to Lead Youth Dance Workshops

Saturday 2nd February, 1pm – 5pm , Richard Attenborough Centre, Leicester. £20 / £15 Conc. Tamsin Fitzgerald, artistic director of 2FaCeD DaNcE Company, will be leading a taster session to introduce street, break and contemporary styles. This session will explore how these skills can be applied creatively within a youth dance setting. 2FaCeD DaNcE company are a young peoples all boys group who have receive a wealth of critical acclaim as well as achieving sell out performances. This workshop will be followed by SHIFT artists forum based around issues/topics associated with dance and young people. Dance4 are hosting this day with Creative Leicestershire. For more info or to book E : info@dance4.co.uk , T : 0115 941 0773

Dance 4's SHIFT Artist Forum

Saturday 2 February, 5.00 - 7.00pm , Richard Attenborough Centre, Leicester. This free event will focus on work with dance and young people. Do you want to work with young people in dance but don't know where to start? Do you want to get an idea about the type of work is already being done with young people and dance? Or maybe you just want to get together with other like-minded people. Dance4 are hosting this event with Creative Leicestershire. For more info or to book E: info@dance4.co.uk , T: 0115 941 0773

Winter Lab with Gisèle Vienne Advanced Level

1, 2 & 3 February at Dance4 studio, Nottingham . Cost is £75.00 / £60.00 Conc. (including lunch). A rare opportunity to engage with an acclaimed international artist in a hands on and collaborative way. French artist and director Gisèle Vienne returns to Nottingham after presenting Kindertotenlieder at nottdance07. The Lab is aimed at practicing artists, postgraduate students, recent graduates and students in their final year of study. The focus of this intensive is on cross- disciplinary practice so participants are invited from dance and performance but also visual arts and live art background. The Lab will explore issues around composition and structure of an art work as well as the representation of the body in a performance context. Places are limited and a selection process applies to take part. For more info & to apply E: rohane@dance4.co.uk. Deadline for application: 18 January

Sign It Silly

Saturday 9 February, 11am – 5pm , Action Deafness, 135 Welford Road , Leicester LE2 6BE . A fun, interactive day of professional training for British Sign Language interpreters who would like to break into comedy. Led by the experienced and popular stand-up Steve Day. Topics to be covered include comedy timing, on-stage positioning, how to deal with heckling and blue material, confidence in interpretation and improvisation, understanding the structure and language of the comedy performance, and cracking gags. Cost £45 including lunch (no concessions) Places are limited so it's best to book early. Contact the Performing Arts Manager at The Richard Attenborough Centre on 0116 223 1527 or e-mail performing-arts@le.ac.uk

SHIFT Improvisation- Open Space

Saturday 9 & Sunday 10 February 11.00-4.00pm , Dance4 studio, Nottingham . Free event. We are opening up our studio for all our improvisation enthusiasts to come along and get together. Email info@dance4.co.uk to let us know if you will be dropping by.

Shobana Jeyasingh Dance Company - Workshop

Saturday 23 February, 11.00am – 4.00pm , Isham Studio,The University of Northampton . Cost is £20.00 / £15.00 Conc. Dance4 have teamed up with Northants Dance to host a day workshop with Shobana Jeyasingh Dance Company. This workshop is a great opportunity to explore Shobana Jeyasingh Dance Company's physical and intricate repertory with company dancers. A contemporary and Bharata Natyam warm-up will be followed with rep and creative exercises to uncover Shobana Jeyasingh's choreographic processes. The repertory itself is drawn from contemporary, BN and martial arts influences, and as such is fast, punchy and technical. To book E: linzi@dance4.co.uk, or T: 0115 9410773

Small-Scale Touring Workshop

Wednesday 27 February, 10am – 2pm (including lunch), Peepul Centre, Orchardson Avenue , Leicester. This practical workshop is for any performers based in Leicestershire or Rutland interested in touring to small-scale/rural venues. It is led by New Perspectives Theatre Company (www.newperspectives.co.uk) , the East Midland 's flagship rural & small-scale touring theatre company. Come and find out about what to consider when looking to undertake a tour to small-scale / rural venues. An opportunity for discussion & to ask questions of a theatre company with over 30 years experience. Stay for the free lunch and chat with other performers, New Perspectives & Creative Leicestershire staff. This is a free Creative Leicestershire event but booking is essential. To book contact Angie Minton , E : aminton@leics.gov.uk , T : 0116 267 1950. Do let us know of any access or dietary requirements.

Introduction to Arts in Mental Health

Thursday 28 February, 10am – 1pm , Conference Room 4, Brandon Unit, Leicester General Hospital . This session will be aimed at participatory artists wishing to expand their knowledge of the mental health sector. It will introduce participants to general and more specialized areas of mental illness, looking at presenting behaviours, risks and ways of developing best practice as a facilitator. The session will also touch upon current structure of local mental health system and look at the next step options for artists wishing to work in this field. The session will be led by Lydia Towsey and Tim Sayers, Creative Arts Coordinators for Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust. Cost £10 including lunch. For booking form and full details please email Clare Hudson on chudson@leics.gov.uk

Emergency Showcase for Performers

Do you want to showcase your work for free? East Midlands' based artists working in theatre, dance, film, performance poetry and comedy are invited to apply to take part in the next Emergency Showcase on Thursday 20 March @ The Y Theatre, East Street, Leicester. Please submit applications of short pieces of work (15 minutes approx.), work in progress or extracts from a finished product to kate@speakeasy.fsbusiness.co.uk or visit www.emergencyshowcase.co.uk & click on ‘How to apply'.

Singers' Workshop Opera Weekend

Saturday 29 & Sunday 30 March from 10am each day, The Richard Attenborough Centre, Leicester . The weekend will consist of the extensive study and preparation of one or two operatic scores. It will be directed by Phillip Gilbert, experienced international chorus-master, teacher, conductor, coach and accompanist, with a professional staff. Limited to a maximum of 16 to ensure that everyone gets the best out of the weekend so you are advised to book early (£45 non-returnable deposit). You will be sent a rehearsal schedule and, where necessary, a copy of the work to be studied on confirmation of your booking. Cost £90. Contact the Music Manager at The Richard Attenborough Centre on 0116 223 1424 or email arts-music@le.ac.uk

Phil Riley presents Man Dance Day – Advanced Class & Discussion

Wednesday 2 April, 1pm – 2.30pm , Richard Attenborough Centre, Leicester.- Advanced level class for experienced male dancers. Cost is £10 (no concessions). 3pm – 4.30pm -Twilight debate and discussion for male dance professionals and those working with men and dance or wishing to work in the field. This discussion is free & ideal for educators, health professionals and those working in criminal justice, youth work or social services. Places are limited for both so it's best to book early. Contact the Performing Arts Manager at The Richard Attenborough Centre on Leicester 0116 223 1527 or e-mail performing-arts@le.ac.uk

NETWORKING

The LATI Business Bar @ The Bradgate

Thursday 10 th January, 7.30pm – 10pm . An informal networking event in The Bradgate pub, Newtown Linford, Leics. Leading Advanced Technology & Innovation (LATI) is a membership organisation that provides networking and business support for companies and individuals involved in the innovative use of science and technology across Leicestershire. Join fellow LATI Members for an informal get together. The LATI Business Bar gives you the opportunity to meet and have a drink with like-minded indivduals. Everyone is welcome whether you are already in an established business, just starting out or have the germ of an idea that you are considering. Many of the best business ideas start out in the pub over a drink with friends....The only scheduled part of the evening is the Info rmation Round-up where members will be invited to share news and information - the perfect opportunity to keep up to date with what's out there. The event is free to Members. There is a £5 charge for non-members. For further info T : 01509 225833, E : info@lati.co.uk

Discovery Day

Wednesday 23rd January, 10 am – 2pm at Barleycroft Healthy Living and Youth Centre, Malham Close, Leicester . The LeicestHERday Trust and Job Service Partnership are inviting residents, particularly women, in the Beaumont Leys area to attend their FREE forthcoming ‘Discovery Day' event. People in the Beaumont Leys area invited to come along to discover their own potential by taking part in challenging, exciting and innovative activities designed to test their skills and match them to jobs. They will also have the opportunity to talk about their employment, training and career needs. For further info contact: Sarah Allen , Conference and Events Co-ordinator, T: 0116 2575 615, E: sarah@leicestherday.org.uk

Bartercard Leicester - Breakfast Networking Event

Wednesday 23 January, 8am – 10am, Waterfront Bar & Restaurant, Union Wharf , Market Harborough. Cost £10. Bartercard enables Member businesses to exchange goods and services with other Member businesses, saving valuable cash, without having to engage in a direct swap of goods. For more info or to book contact Stephen Hughes, T: 01858 434 730, E: Stephen.hughes@uk.bartercard.net or visit www.leicsnet.net/LSN/HospitalityRules-sig.nsf?OpenDatabase

Arts & Business Development Forum Meeting

Wednesday 30th January, 2 : 00-4 : 30pm , LCB Depot, Leicester . The theme of the meeting will be business sponsorship of the arts and the following panel members will be talking about their experiences of arts sponsorship and taking your questions : Verity Davis, Sponsorship & Events Co-ordinator, Joules Clothing, Alison Macfarlane, Partner, Howes Percival Solicitors, A third business speaker is to be confirmed. It's a great opportunity to ask the questions that you may have always wondered about - what makes a sponsorship approach stand out from the crowd? How do I cultivate a successful relationship with a business? What exactly does business want from the arts? The meeting will also be an excellent opportunity to meet colleagues, to network, share best practice, and catch up with work being done by other arts organisations in the region, over a cup of tea and a biscuit. To find out more about becoming a Development Forum member or to book your place contact Nick Lawford, Arts & Business, T : 0115 9216950, E : nick.lawford@aandb.org.uk

PR Seminar & Creative Networking in Oadby

Brocks Hill Visitor Centre, Oadby LE2 5JJ. Weds 6 February 6pm – 8pm . What can PR do for you? A free networking event and PR seminar for creative businesses led by Alastair Campbell of Ideal Marketing. Find out about how to get good press and media coverage for your business or events. Have a drink and chat with other creatives. Find out more about what Creative Leicestershire can offer you. This event is for any arts, media or design companies based in Leicestershire or Rutland . It is free, but please book by emailing Angie Minton on aminton@leics.gov.uk or call 0116 267 1950.

F ashion | A rts | M edia | E astmidlands - The Creative Industries Show

Wednesday 12th March 2008 , 10.30am – 3.00pm , The Campus Centre, De Montfort University , Leicester . This is the largest creative industry event in the East Midlands ! Keynote Speakers; Zandra Rhodes, Fashion Designer, June Sarpong, Presenter & Broadcaster, Guy Parsons, Games Designer. Come along to; showcase your company's expertise, network with members of your industry, attract new and enthusiastic talent! To find out more & book your stand visit www.dmu.ac.uk/fame or call the Employer Liaison Team on 0116 257 7595.

JOBS & COMMISSIONS

Maternity Cover opportunity at Rugby Borough Council based at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum

Arts, Heritage and Tourism Manager, Maternity Cover fixed term for 6 months 17 March - Sept 2008. Scale & Salary PO (40-45) £32,436 to £36,657 Full time. Working with a strong team of committed officers you will lead on all aspects of the management of the newly formed Arts, Heritage and Tourism Service in Rugby including exhibitions, collections, learning, operations, projects and visitor services. For an informal discussion please contact: Nikki Grange, Arts, Heritage and Tourism Manager 01788 533203. Closing date: 18 January, Interview Date: 30 January. You can view full details of this post on our website, where you can also apply on-line. Alternatively postal application packs can be obtained by ringing 01788 533581 (out of answers answer phone) or by emailing jobs@rugby.gov.uk

Opportunity To Create Some Designs For The Online LCB Depot Network

LCB Depot, Leicester, is seeking a talented and imaginative organisation to create the branding identity for the LCB Depot Network. The network will assist tenant and postal address clients to network, socialise, find solutions to business issues and much more. The deadline for receipt of your interest with associated paperwork is noon on 27th January. The deadline for the completion of this work is 29th February. For further details & to request a copy of the full brief contact Kate Cowan, Business Incubation Officer, LCB Depot,

T: 0116 2616800 or E: Kate.Cowan@lcbdepot.co.uk

Business Development Adviser (part-time)

£14,114 - £15,240 for 18.5 hours per week. We are looking for a highly-motivated and experienced part-time business adviser to work as part of the Creative Leicestershire team. You will be working one-to-one with small arts, media and design companies and freelancers in Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland to support the development of their business. You will also be developing resources to support the sector. You will be educated to degree level in an arts or business related subject. An understanding of the creative sector and experience of the business advice are essential. The Creative Leicestershire programme is hosted by Leicestershire County Council who will be employers for this post. For an informal chat contact Clare Hudson , Creative Industries Manager on chudson@leics.gov.uk, T: 0116 267 0017. Deadline for applications is Friday 1 February. Interviews will be held on Tuesday 19 February. Application packs available from Monday 14 January. For full application pack visit www.leics.gov.uk/jobs or T: 0116 265 6253

Leicester Print Workshop - Director's Post

£25,320 pa full time salary (paid at pro rata/ for 4 day week), 3 year contract. Leicester Print Workshop is East Midland 's regional centre of excellence for fine art printmaking. The studio offers facilities for a wide range of users as well as courses in a range of print media, alongside an extensive education and exhibitions programme. The person appointed will have printmaking experience, great organizational skills and leadership qualities and will be self motivated with an ability to motivate others. For an application pack please contact: info@leicesterprintworkshop.com or 0116 255 3634. Closing date for applications: Friday 1st February.

Senior Web Designer

Cite are a Leicester based digital agency with a diverse portfolio of clients. In line with our expansion plans, we are looking for a Senior Web Designer to join our creative team. The successful candidate will have a design degree and plenty of relevant experience, along with a portfolio that‘s brimming with ideas and creative flair. You will be working on a mix of projects across a wide range of industry sectors. This role will involve some client interfacing skills, so you will need to be confident presenting your ideas and managing feedback. MUST have skills: Extremely creative portfolio including online project work, Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash, Excellent design and layout skills, Experience of designing and conception of large brand websites, Clear understanding of W3C WAI guidelines. Hands on experience of XHTML/CSS an advantage, though first and foremost we are looking for creative design flair. In the first instance, please send your CV and relevant URLs to studio@cite.co.uk

Mac Operators Required

Mac Operators required at Big Communications the award-winning advertising agency at 223 London Rd , Leicester . A range of posts from £13k to £23k. For full information see www.bigcommunications.co.uk/home.html

TRAINING & SKILLS

Becoming Self-Employed

The HM Revenue & Customs Business Support Team can offer help and guidance regarding your Tax and National Insurance responsibilities and regularly run free workshops. This course looks at; Registering your self-employment and VAT, Keeping Business Records, What the tax return consists of, Partnerships. Forthcoming sessions at Saxon House, Leicester; 15, 18 & 24 Jan & at Scalford Road, Melton Mowbray; 24 Jan & 27 Feb. For workshop times & to book T: 01332 724410.

Every Business Owns IP - What Does Yours Own?

16th January, 1-4pm, Sunley Management Centre, Northampton University. This interactive, workshop style session will be hosted by experts from the UK Intellectual Property Office. They will guide you through the key intellectual property which can arise during the course of setting up and running your business - covering Patents, Trade Marks, Design Right and Copyright . There is no charge for this event. To book a place, please call 0116 207 8931 or contact ProspectIP, T: 0116 257 7372 or visit www.prospectip.co.uk

Self-Assessment for the Self-Employed

The HM Revenue & Customs Business Support Team can offer help and guidance regarding your Tax and National Insurance responsibilities and regularly run free workshops. This course looks at; How to complete your SA Return, What expenses and allowances can be claimed, Calculating Tax and Class 4 National Insurance, How and when to pay. Forthcoming sessions take place at Saxon House, Leicester; 17 Jan & 22 May & at Scalford Road, Melton Mowbray; 22 May. For workshop times & to book T: 01332 724410.

Performance Management Skills Seminar

22nd January, Leicester. Mahmood Reza will be delivering this training course for Chairs, Chief Execs and senior management of arts organisations. Performance measurement and management has become of greater importance in the creative and cultural sector, mainly due to an increasing level of accountability to funders and other stakeholders, as well as an increasing professionalism in the management of that sector. This short seminar is aimed at those involved in the design, implementation and use of performance management systems. For further info or to book contact Rebecca Morris at Arts & Business, T: 0115 921 6950, E: rebecca.morris@aandb.org.uk

CIRT Seminar - Paper and the Environment

Wednesday 23rd January, LCB Depot, Leicester, 6pm. This is the first seminar of the new year organised by CIRT (Creative Industries Regeneration Team). James McNaughton Paper will deliver a lively and informative seminar on paper and the impact on the environment and provide lots of lovely goodies and samples to take home too! This seminar is for Leicester based creative companies/sole traders/pre-starts/ those working in the Leicester creative sector who would like to gain an insight into current environmental issues. To request a place at this free event email info@cirt.org.uk with ‘Paper and the Environment-Yes' in the subject line. Once you have requested a place you will receive details on how to secure your place through the £10 refundable deposit scheme.

Secrets of Successful Copywriting

Wednesday 30th January 2008 , 9.30am – 4.30pm, Highpoint, Leicester. If you've ever faced a blank page, you'll know how difficult it can be to fill it with the right words. Yet, you also know that the right words in your marketing material can make a real difference to your bottom line, as well as increasing the authority of your ‘voice'. Here's an opportunity to discover some of the secrets of effective copywriting. A packed day will include looking at: planning for success; golden rules for more powerful copywriting; writing differently for different tactics; creating more compelling text; the importance of the call to action; ideas for headlines.…and more. The price of £175 includes a two course lunch, refreshments and notes to take away. To book your place, please ring 0116 286 9800/07961 823674 or e-mail gillian@inspiringwords.co.uk

Creative Agent Workshop

Monday 4 February 12.30-3.30pm, LCB Depot, Leicester. An event for creative practitioners, creative industries and organisations interested in working in partnership to develop creativity in schools. Facilitated by Ruth Lewis-Jones and Nettie Scriven, experienced Creative Agents from Nottingham, you will have the opportunity to explore the role of the Creative Agent - the why, what and how of working with schools and creative practitioners in Creative Partnerships, and find out about Creative Agent opportunities in Leicester and Leicestershire. Includes lunch on arrival and refreshments. To book a place contact Diana Pasek-Atkinson on 07905326407 or diana@plantessential.com

PR Seminar & Creative Networking in Oadby

Introduction to Arts Sponsorship Seminar

Wednesday 6th February, 9:45am-4:45pm , Derby . The seminar is designed to raise the understanding of arts sponsorship and to give practical guidance to artists and arts organisations on the best ways to go about obtaining and developing it. It is aimed at those who have no sponsorship experience as well as those who wish to refresh themselves of the fundamental principles and practice of this important element of the arts funding mix. The seminar is very interactive, with plenty of opportunities to exchange ideas and experiences with other delegates. After the seminar you are also entitled to a one-to-one follow-up surgery session with one of the A&B East Midlands team for further, more tailored, sponsorship advice. The cost is £80+VAT per attendee (10% discount for members of the Arts & Business East Midlands Development Forum). This includes lunch, materials, follow-up work, and the Arts & Business Sponsorship Manual (worth £15.00). For further info or to book contact Nick Lawford at Arts & Business, E: Nick.Lawford@AandB.org.uk, T: 0115 9216950.

DMU Faculty of Humanities Postgraduate Open Evening

The Faculty of Humanities at De Montfort University, Leicester, will be holding a Postgraduate open evening on Thursday 7th February from 4pm at the Clephan Building , Leicester . Find out about all courses available at postgraduate level including: Community Arts Practice PGDip / MA, Cultural Industries MA, Creative Writing and New Media Online MA, Dance and Professional Practice MA, Music, Technology and Innovation MA, Television Scriptwriting MA. For an itinerary and to book your place, please contact: Promotion & Recruitment Centre T. 0116 250 6470, E: pghums@dmu.ac.uk, W: www.dmu.ac.uk/humanities

Introduction to Board Membership

Friday 8th February, 10.00am–1.00pm , Nottingham . The half-day Introduction to Board Membership session will help you to understand the basics of board membership. The course introduces new board members to their roles and to their legal and financial responsibilities, and offers insight into how to be effective in the role of board member through case studies and reference to models of good practice. It is also useful for current board members and Chief Executives who wish to update their knowledge of governance. The cost is £25+VAT per attendee (10% discount for members of the Arts & Business East Midlands Development Forum). This includes refreshments and handouts. For further info or to book contact Nick Lawford at Arts & Business, E: Nick.Lawford@AandB.org.uk, T: 0115 9216950.

Learn How to Optimise Your Website

Friday 22nd February, 9.00 – 5.00, Loughborough Innovation Centre, Loughborough. Do you need to improve your rankings in the search engines? This Intermediate Level one day workshop will show you how you can improve your website's rankings in the search engines. If you have the job of increasing the visibility of your website in Google, then we can provide the training and support your need. Cost is £250 + VAT. For further info or to book visit www.shcl.co.uk/events/Learn-How-to-Optimise-Your-Website.asp

Introduction to Arts in Mental Health

Thursday 28 February, 10am – 1pm , Conference Room 4, Brandon Unit, Leicester General Hospital . This session will be aimed at participatory artists wishing to expand their knowledge of the mental health sector. It will introduce participants to general and more specialized areas of mental illness, looking at presenting behaviours, risks and ways of developing best practice as a facilitator. The session will also touch upon current structure of local mental health system and look at the next step options for artists wishing to work in this field. The session will be led by Lydia Towsey and Tim Sayers, Creative Arts Coordinators for Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust. Cost £10 including lunch. For booking form and full details please email Clare Hudson on chudson@leics.gov.uk

How to Find, Attract and Approach New Customers

Thursday 28 February, 10:00am to 4:00pm , Loughborough Innovation Centre, Loughborough University . This workshop will explore the various ways in which we can generate new customers. We all need new customers at some time, but how do we go about getting them? This workshop, by Phil Atherton, of Precept Mentoring Group, will look at over 30 different ways of attracting new customers. Attendees will leave with a clear action plan suited to their own businesses. Price £147 plus vat. Contact Phil on 01509 415901 for further details.

VAT and Taxation Training Courses

· VAT Basics, Thursday 6 th March, 9:30am-1pm.

· Employed versus self-employed status, Thursday 6 th March, 2pm-4pm.

· VAT for Managers, date to be confirmed, 9:30am-12:30pm

Prospectus for VAT and Taxation training courses organised by Leicester City Council's VAT and Taxation Advice Office. The courses are from a local authority perspective. Cost is £45. For more details or to book contact Ian Harris on 0116 252 7470, E: vattax@leicester.gov.uk

Regeneration East Midlands Training Programme

The Regeneration East Midlands Training and Events Programme for 2008 is now available from the Regeneration East Midlands website www.regenerationem.co.uk With training courses such as full cost recovery, a guide to sponsorship, introduction to applying to small and large funders, applying to trusts and many more. For more information contact Regeneration East Midlands T: 0870 2404459, E: info@regenerationem.co.uk or visit www.regenerationem.co.uk, click on Training & Events, then Core Training Programme & choose from Funding, Intelligence or Skills.

Business Start-up & Development Courses in Melton Mowbray & Lutterworth

Welland Enterprise are running a number of ½ day courses in book-keeping, financial planning, sales & marketing, business planning etc. in Lutterworth & Melton Mowbray over the coming months. To find out more & to book visit www.wellent.co.uk/calendar.htm

FUNDING & RESOURCES

East Midlands Go Global Overseas Market Visit Programme 08

Boost your business through these group market visits to India (16-22 Feb), Qatar (22-28 Feb), Russia (6-10 April), South Africa (10-16 May). For further info about eligibility, financial support & how to apply visit www.goglobal-uktiem.co.uk

Leicestershire and Rutland Funding Fayre

28 February 2008 , 12pm to 4pm , Melton Borough Council Chambers, Melton Mowbray . The Funding Fayre provides a great opportunity for local voluntary and community groups to meet a wide range of organisations offering funding, grants and advice on successful bidding. Exhibitors include: Big Lottery Fund, Shire Arts Development, FLAG, Shire Small Grants, Lloyds TSB Foundation, LL Community Foundation, CC Toolkit, J4B, Biffa, among others. A timetable of presentations will run throughout the afternoon. Presentations start at 12.30pm. This is a free event but places must be reserved and seminar places booked to provide an indication of numbers. For further info E: pshore@ruralcc.org.uk

Funding available via Business Link's new Business Transformation Grant

The regional Business Link service has announced two new initiatives to help businesses introduce change to transform their business performance. The schemes, funded by East Midlands Development Agency (emda), are designed to support businesses that have less than 250 staff and that are trading in the East Midlands.

· The Business Transformation Grant (BTG) is designed to support the development and sustainability of your business and can fund projects identified through an in depth review with a Business Link adviser. The BTG can support both revenue and capital projects.

· Revenue Grant : The revenue portion is to fund the cost of consultancy. Following a business review with Business Link, eligible businesses will be offered a choice of approved solution providers from the East Midlands Service Provider Register.

The process begins with a Business Link Business Support Adviser talking through your business needs. If your company looks likely to qualify for a BTG, the Business Support Adviser will carry out an in-depth diagnostic which will result in the development of an agreed action plan with the business. For more info contact the Business Link Regional Client Contact Centre on 0845 058 6644, E : info@businesslinkem.co.uk or visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/eastmidlands

ENDS

Visit www.creativeleicestershire.org.uk for more information on Creative LeicesterShire & to keep up to date with local opportunities. Info which misses our ebulletin deadline appears on our website.

February 2008 Ebulletin

Please submit information for the next ebulletin, February 2008, to Emily Horwood at ehorwood@leics.gov.uk by Friday 1 st February 2008 . We are happy to include information on relevant opportunities to the creative sector but cannot publicise events. Thanks.

Creative Leicestershire is passing on information from a variety of sources and cannot be held responsible for changes made by other organisations. The purpose of the e-bulletin is to provide basic contact information. We cannot be held responsible for the content and quality of events organised by other agencies.

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