Get ready for Festival 31…
SOLA ARTS has partnered with Culture Liverpool and the Everyman & Playhouse Theatres to bring Festival 31 onto a new digital platform this year. Historically, the event takes place over 31 days, with the start date coinciding with National Refugee Week which begins the 15 June. This year, due to the current situation the festival will focus purely on Refugee Week itself.
We are inviting proposals from individual artists, arts organisations, artists from refugee backgrounds and emerging artists to respond to the theme of ‘Creative Connections’ in return for 10 micro-commissions worth £300 each. Interested? Find out more here.
In addition to the 10 micro-commissions we welcome anyone wanting to join us in highlighting the ongoing work taking place with our refugee communities. To publicise the activities you’re organising, read more here. All we ask is that you ensure the safety of yourself and those taking part in the delivery of the activity.
More information is coming soon, so check back on the Culture Liverpool website for further updates.
The latest financial support…
Barclay’s Bank are offering 100 UK charities donations of £100,000 if they are working to support vulnerable communities impacted by COVID-19. Through their 100×100 UK Community Relief Package, this programme will focus on supporting charity partners who are meeting the immediate needs of people in our communities, including low income families, those facing financial hardship, isolated elderly people and key workers. UK registered charities are invited to apply for a donation to support their relief work by the closing date of Friday 22 May. Apply now via the Barclays Website.
The Government’s Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) is now open and will enable some freelancers and self-employed to claim a taxable grant worth 80% of their average trading profits, up to a maximum of £7,500. This is the equivalent of 3 months’ profits and will be paid in a single instalment, within 6 days of making a claim. To see if you are able to claim, go to the eligibility checker online tool here.
Businesses supporting business…
Freelancers are a vital cog in the creative wheel. An integral part of the success enjoyed by so many that work in the arts, digital, marketing and media sectors. From cameramen to writers, a freelancer’s expertise and flexibility is relied upon by businesses up and down the country. That’s why Prolific North are doing everything they can to help them stay visible through the current crisis, by lifting all fees on their Freelancers Directory.
Sky has set up a £1 millon AdSmart SME Support Scheme to help businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic. The scheme will see 100 businesses benefitting from TV advertising campaigns worth £10,000 each. To see if your business is eligible for nomination, head over to AdSmart from Sky for more information.
The Royal Standard are inviting six outstanding artists from the North West to create a micro-commission for a new digital project responding to the theme of UTOPIA. Each artist’s work will be displayed on a landing page of their new website for 3 weeks at a time, between the months of June and October. Throughout the duration of the project, they will work with artists to help develop their project ideas and profile their process through interviews and social media takeovers. Successful artists will each receive an award of £300 for their commission. Interested? More info can be found here.
Are you a visual artist in need of guidance promoting and selling your work or looking for broader commercial opportunities and projects? Then dot-art could help through their exclusive membership package, which provides access to lots of exciting and diverse projects, such as exhibitions, sales opportunities at their city-centre gallery, as well as professional guidance, online promotion, and regular showcases. To support local artists through these unprecedented times, dot-art is offering new members this package for free for the first three months of this year-long artist membership. Interested? Find out more here.
Artistic creativity, a tool for positive change…
In Place of Waris a global charity that works with artists, DJ’s, promoters and leading cultural organisations to help transform a culture of violence and suffering into hope, opportunity and freedom. They are currently on the lookout for music organisations or artists who wish to partner with them via live streaming performances to raisemoney to support some of the world’s most vulnerable communities. If this is of interest, they would love to hear from you. Get in touch here.
Good times at the Palm House…
Sefton Park’s iconic and stunning Palm House is a popular venue for many people in our community. Can you believe that next year it will be 125 years since it first opened and 20 years since re-opening following its restoration? Whilst its doors and grounds may currently remain closed, they are looking for support from those who hold the Palm House close to their heart. Donations are being sought and welcomed to enable it to continue to flourish and to remain open free of charge for all to enjoy. Help bring back the good times here.
EveryPlayTime…
The Everyman & Playhouse Theatres have been listening to what you have said is needed to inspire young people and families whilst home-schooling or trying to keep little ones amused. Enter EveryPlayTime, a new section on their website full of FREE activities and resources to help little ones continue to learn, be creative, be inspired and have fun!
A day in the life of…
Tune in to BBC Radio 4’s Front Row, featuring the Artistic Director of the Everyman & Playhouse Theatres. During this episode, Gemma Bodinetz shares her insights into how they are continuing to work with local communities, the Young Everyman Playhouse arts programme and new projects they are currently working on.
LightNight comes home…
Everyone is invited to LightNight At Home this Friday 15 May from 5pm. During the evening artists and organisations involved in this year’s festival will showcase their work online in a newly adapted format. Whilst we may not be able to take part in the real-life communal experience like last year, we’re sure glad we can still enjoy the festival from the comfort of our home. Don’t forget to follow the hashtag #LightNightatHome and join in the conversation on their Facebook, Twitter or Instagram pages.
Creative activities to keep communities connected…
Fun Palaces has always been about tiny, person to person connections which are at the heart of the community. Right now, including those who are isolated or lonely matters more than ever before. To help build relations and to pass time creatively in self-isolation, Fun Palaces are sharing practical suggestions through their Tiny Revolutions of Connection blogs. Great inspirational and fun ideas can be found on there, so if you fancy connecting why not give it a go?
Love is all around…
Following her call out in April, Jennifer John’s ‘Love Sings’ film is ready! A spectacular feast for the eyes and ears this heart-warming footage brings together a virtual choir, singing a poignant song in glorious harmony. Performed with energy, passion and lots of smiles, we’re proud to share this far and wide to bring a little bit of joy to all. Watch here and enjoy.
Crafty fun for kids…
Creative Workshops are used to finding innovative ways to engage children in hands on, exciting arts and crafts. Using their 20 years of arts workshop experience, they have devised fun, website based workshops and activities, which can be downloaded and used at home. Check out their images and ideas here.
Care in the community…
Liverpool Al Rahma, Abdullah Quilliam Society, Al Tayseer Mosque, Liverpool Muslim Outreach Society and Together Against Coronavirus have been actively involved in helping vulnerable people in our communities and providing them with much needed supplies. Read more about their amazing work here.
Irish Community Care is workingin partnership with Irish community groups across the North West to deliver a new programme called CARA. Created to help vulnerable members of the community stay safe, well and connected through Covid 19, the programme has recruited over 60 volunteers ready to assist with shopping and be-friending phone-calls.If you know someone who is isolated or likely to need a bit more support during the coming months, please help spread the word to them or fill in this short form and Irish Community Care will take it from there.
Africa Oyé, but not as you know it…
Art in Liverpool are hosting a fantastic online exhibition of Africa Oyé photographs taken by some of the city’s finest photographers from over the years. You can to scroll through the collection here. Why not check out what else they are up to whilst you’re there?
Fancy becoming a Trustee?
Africa Oyé are inviting applications for two new trustees to join their Board as Company Secretary and Treasurer. Setting their sights on 2022 and the 30th anniversary of their well-loved festival, they are seeking trustees who will be passionate about the direction of the organisation as it embarks on an ambitious, new strategy. If you are interested in applying head over to Africa Oyé before the deadline on Friday 26 June.
Keep on reading…
Liverpool charity, The Reader, is adapting its work to help communities find connection and meaning by providing reading activities online and over the telephone during lockdown. Their new service ‘The Reader at Home’ aims to spread the connection, comfort and fellow feeling offered by great literature at a time when many people are looking for wellbeing support, distraction and meaning. So, if you enjoy the company of a good book and like-minded people then take a look and see what takes your fancy.
Queer art always welcome…
13 new artworks, created by LGBTQIA artists and creatives, will be unveiled by Homotopia this summer, as part of their new project ‘Queer Art Always’. The ability to provide artists with a platform to express themselves and have the freedom to tell their own story without the fear of censure has always been at the heart of what Homotopia do. With an investment of £10,000, the new commissions include socially distanced cabaret, an online art social for young people, afrocentric fetish fashion and an interactive dance project. Keep an eye out on their YouTube channel for the latest releases.
Get your weekly fix with Bluecoat…
While we’ve all been spending more time at home, the team at Bluecoat have been busy continuing to bring their programme of arts and heritage to everyone. Their weekly programme of digital content is full of blogs, playlists, films about exhibitions, as well as articles, poetry and podcasts from Bluecoat’s archive and partners. Want in? Then sign up to their weekly e-newsletter or head over to their website.
While the team will miss welcoming you all in person, they are excited to be taking part in LightNight At Home on Friday 15 May. Join them on social media from 5pm as they create the LightNight experience online, with an evening of ‘Home’ inspired films, music and activities.
Egoli, the city of gold…
Open Eye’s very own Nompumelelo Ncube is hosting a virtual exhibition to discuss dual identity, the cultural impact of immigration, assimilating and representation. Specialising in capturing identity, culture and dress, Nom will take you on a journey that celebrates cultural heritage. To a cosmopolitan city that has taught her the beauty of being authentically yourself. Her series pays both homage to Johannesburg whilst asking why the norm should only be western standards. Join in the conversation from 6pm on Friday 15 May here and check out her Instagram on @nomncube.
The data detox kit…
It can be difficult to know where to start when it comes to reducing your data trail, becoming more digitally secure, or building a healthier relationship with technology. As our devices become more intertwined with our personal lives, it helps to find a balance. The Data Detox Kit is a simple, accessible toolkit that walks you through the steps you can take towards a healthier online self. It takes a holistic approach, going through the different aspects of your digital life, from the amount of time you spend on your phone, to the apps that you use, to the passwords you set. Declutter your online life here.
Lessons of the sea…
If oceans and the environment are your thing then join MAST on Monday 18 May at 1pm for their webinar on coastal wetlands. Delivered by Prof Christian Dunn from Bangor University, you can join in this lesson by registering your interest here.
Keep on moving…
Liverpool’s world dance specialists Movema are preparing to launch their online dance challenge with partners NeuroLove to get young people dancing away the blues.As part of the programme, Movema will be delivering weekly virtual dance sessions to help young people gain structure to their day with something they enjoy. Using different dance styles from around the world such as Bollywood, Samba, and Kuduro, fused with the Cha Cha Cha and break dance, weekly content will be released via their YouTube channel from June.
Tune in, don’t miss out…
As part of #LightNightAtHome, Katumba are launching their new digital project ‘Tune In With Katumba’. Everyone is invited into the creative process of performance, composition, drumming, movement and visual arts! There’ll be a combination of pre-recorded past performances along with live streaming details on how you can get involved. So get social on their Facebook page or head over to their Youtube channel.
Big shout out to Bido Lito!…
The current situation is having a huge impact on Bido Lito!. They’re working hard to provide quality journalism and interesting stories to shine a light on our local creative culture online during the current climate. But there’s no getting away from the fact that the impact on their partners and stockists is having a knock-on effect. In lieu of advertising they are asking people who value the role Bido Lito!plays to sign up and become a member to support them through this period and to ensure they are able to recommence printing the magazine in the future. Sign up to become a member here and encourage friends and colleagues to do the same!
Whilst you’re there, why not head over to their Spotify Hot Pink!playlist and get your Friday night off to the right start. Tune in here.
