A r t e F a c t sArts events and news from around northumberland.

A p r i l 2 0 1 2

INSIDE: Rob and Russ, creator of comedy carpet, take the lead on the New Hartley Commission.

Also inside: Your guide to events this April in Northumberland.

Contents: 1.Hello, what's new? Page 3-4 2.Doorstep film screenings Page 5 3.Local events and news Pages 6-22 4.Regional events and news Pages 23-27 5. Funding Pages 28-29

April 2012 Newsletter

Welcome to the Art e Facts monthly arts development e newsletter for South East Northumberland. If you would like to include any of your arts and cultural events, please contact Sophie Millington on smillington@bval.co.uk by 15th April :)

About Us

Blyth Valley Arts & Leisure arts development department is responsible for projects and programs that encourage high levels of participation and appreciation of the arts in South East Northumberland. We are funded by Northumberland County Council and Arts Council England Joanne Burke Sophie Millington Arts and Film Development Officer Arts Development Apprentice (01670) 542267 (01670) 545351 JBurke@bval.co.uk smillington@bval.co.uk

Hey Everyone, You may have noticed that Helens contact details are no longer here! She has been offered a temporary 9-month secondment to Arts Council England as Relationship Manager - Engagement and Participation until 30th September 2012. However Jo Burke is covering her so she will be the main contact! :) Also keep watching what’s coming up as there are going to be many fantastic activities this year and you don't want to miss out!! Remember to keep submitting things you want to include. Sophie :]

If you would like to unsubscribe from these emails please contact me with your name and I will remove you from the contact list.

LONG TERM PLANS FOR THE ARTS The much anticipated South East Northumberland Arts Development Study by Sara Robinson is now completed and available at www.queenshall.co.uk/about-us/studies--reports/<http://www.queenshall.co.uk/about-us/studies--reports/>

http://www.queenshall.co.uk/userfiles/SENstudy-regular%20activities%20by%20area.xls

We are going to update Sara Robinsons ‘Regular activities by area’ if you have an entry let us know (date, time, location etc..) Be sure to check out the activities a cross South East Northumberland by opening the link below. Click on the tabs at the bottom of the spreadsheet as you don't want to miss out on the activities going on in the local area!

Regular activities by area BEING UPDATED.

Arts development are creating a new online directory of artists and creative groups in the area. If you would like to register your activities please complete this form and send it to me at smillington@bval.co.uk.

Get stARTed, online directory of artists and creative groups

Screenings

07/04/12 7pm Morpeth Town Hall Market Place Morpeth NE61 1LZ

Frank Rescigno 01670 510743

Made in Dagenham 15

09/04/12

1pm Newbiggin Maritime Centre Church Point Newbiggin by the Sea, Northumberland

Mark Labrow 01670 819 251

UP U

10/04/12 2pm Whittingham Memorial Institute, Whittingham, Alnwick, Northumber-land, NE66 4UP

Ian Blakey 01665 574384

Puss in boots U

12/04/12 1PM Seaton Sluice Community Centre Off Beresford Road Seaton Sluice NE26 4QX

Kathryn Quinn 0191 2376304

My Week with Marilyn 15

Friday - 13/04/12

3.30pm Blyth sports centre Bolam Park Blyth NE24 5BT

Ronnie Scheu 07889320377

HUGO U

27/04/12 7pm/6pm Newbiggin Maritime Centre Church Point Newbiggin by the Sea, Northumberland

Mark Labrow 01670 819 251

Sideways

15

27/04/2012

7.30pm The Salvation Army

Hartford Road West

Bedlington

NE22 6HU

Richard Wear-mouth 07940034745 (Personal) 01670 829356

In Time 12

Date Time Venue Contact Film Rating

Friday 27th April Fly by Night Northumberland Church of England Acad-emies The Josephine Butler Campus Litchfield Close Ashington Northumberland NE63 9RX Start Time: 2:00 pm Box Office:01670 816111

Fly by Night is a playful aerial dance show themed around sleep, dreams and bedtime. Serenaded by sounds from a musical bed, dancers run with the moon, snooze in the air and fly to the top of the stairs. With play at heart and with family in mind, bedtime, sleep and dreams come easy in Fly by Night.

A delightful show for all ages from the very young to the very old!

Would you like to present shows in your venue? Highlights is Northumberland’s rural and community touring scheme. It works in partnership with a network of village halls and community venues to tour professional theatre, dance, music and children’s shows to places with limited access to events. Because the scheme receives funding, it is able to offer shows to venues at affordable prices – reducing the risk to promoters and making ticket prices affordable for audiences. The scheme does not require super facilities but needs a sup-portive team who are able to sell tickets and attract an audience. We promote shows in community and church halls, schools and even a cricket pavilion! If you are a venue in the South East of the county and are interested in present-ing shows for your community call Esther on 07813 696 759 to find out more. For further information visit www.highlightsnorth.co.uk"

Good evening ladies and gentlemen, step into our parlour’ "We welcome those who have trodden this earth be-fore and we welcome those who are treading it for the first time. But what, I ask, have you come to see? You don’t know. We don’t know. But what we do know is that nobody knows."

The celebrated Ogden Sisters invite you to quench your lust for..... the truth!!

Sunday 6th May The Ogden Sisters Newbiggin Maritime Centre Church Point Newbiggin by the Sea Northumberland NE64 6DB Start Time: 7:30 pm Box Office:01670 811951

Saturday 10th May The Stu Brown Sextet Whittingham Alnwick Northumberland NE66 4UPStart T Start Time: 7:30 pm Box Office:01665 574964

The Stu Brown Sextet was formed to celebrate 100 years since the birth of the band leader, Raymond Scott, whose wacky, eyeball-popping ‘cartoon jazz’ used in the Looney Tunes cartoons from the 1940’s onwards and, more recently, in Ren and Stimpy, and The Simpsons. His manic, offbeat compositions, such as ‘Dinner Music for a Pack of Hungry Cannibals’ and Square Dance for ‘Eight Egyptian Mummies’ are performed with zest and spontaneity by Stu Brown’s brilliantly orchestrated sextet

Monday: Young @ Heart = 11.00-11.45, Nelson Village Community Centre. First Step = 12.30-1.30, Ashington Sure Start. Adult Salsa = 1.00-2.00, the Buffalo Centre, Blyth. Cheer Camp! = 4.30-5.15, the Buffalo Centre, Blyth. Hoop Dance = 5.15-6.00, the Buffalo Centre, Blyth. Just Jhoom! = 7.00-8.00, Seaton Delaval Arts Centre.

Tuesday: Boogie Babies = 10.3 -11.00, Seaton Sluice Community Centre. Buggy Fit = 10.30–11.30, Astley Park. ZUMBA = 1.00-2.00, Northburn Sports and Community Centre. JUST JHOOM! = 8.00-9.00, Northburn Sports and Community Centre. BOP 2 the TOP = 4.15 – 5.00, the Buffalo Centre, Blyth Funky Divas = 4.15-5.00, Sporting Club Cramlington. Wednesday: Buggy Fit = 10.30-11.30, Seaton Sluice Community Centre Adult Salsacise = 3.00-4.00, Bedlington Salvation Army. Break-a-Move = 4.00-4.45, Concordia Leisure Centre. BOP to the TOP = 4.30-5.15, Northburn Sports and Community Centre. Cheer Camp! = 5.15-6.00, Northburn Sports and Community Centre. Hoop Dance = 5.15-6.00, Seaton Sluice Community Centre. Thursday: Boogie Babies = 9.30 - 10.00, Astley Park. Young @ Heart = 10.30-11.30, Seaton Sluice Community Centre. Buggy Fit = 10.30-11.30, New Hartley Community Centre. Funky Divas = 4.15-5.00, the Buffalo Centre, Blyth. Ability 2 Play Dance = 4.30-5.15, Concordia Leisure Centre. ZUMBA & Adult Hoop Fitness = 7.00-8.00, Seaton Delaval and Holywell Community Centre. Friday: ZUMBA = 11.30-12.15, Bedlington Salvation Army. Dance ‘N’ Beats = 3.00-4.00, Cramlington High School. FREE Mini Moves = 4.00-5.00, Northburn Sports and Community Centre.

Mega Moves = 5.00-6.00, Northburn Sports and Community Centre.

MOVE IT community dance deliver a range of dance and fitness activities throughout the South East of Northumberland. All ages and abilities are welcome to the weekly sessions and classes are all very reasonably priced! For information about classes please contact Sophie Johnson: sjohnson@bval.co.uk 01670 542589. www.bval.co.uk Facebook – BVAL Make-a-Move Leisure Inclusion Team or Sophie MakeaMove. Twitter – @BVAL_MAKEAMOVE

The 2012 Newbiggin Art Trail leaflet is now available from various outlets in Newbiggin (The Old Ship, The Maritime Centre, The Library) and can also be downloaded from www.keapcreative.org.uk or www.mynewbigginbythesea.co.uk The Art Trail this year has had nine new pieces installed on the side of The Old Ship, in Ocean View, along the Promenade and at the end of Melrose & Meldon Terraces. There are now over 55 pieces. In addition a number of miniature sculptural heads have been installed in hidden spots along the promenade between the Piazza and the Horseshoe Steps. You are invited to discover as many as you can. Their story ³Safe Haven² is available on the two websites above and also on www.theoldshipnewbigginbythesea.org.uk. Or if you prefer you can read it in the bar of the Old Ship.

The Arts Forum meets at the Arts Centre now the first Monday of every month from 7 - 9. Cakes and Tiaras which will involve free tea and cakes and art activities to celebrate the Jubilee. This will be held at the Arts Centre and more details will follow closer to the day. They still have some rooms available to rent in the building, for details prospective tenants can telephone Laura Mathieson on 07595456127. Similarly we still have some capacity in the building for room hire on an hourly or daily basis at very reasonable rates. There are numerous art groups we are involved in, creative writing, photography, Live Art, general painting etc, details for these are on the website www.newbigginartsforum.org.

The Hind, Dewley, Cramlington, Northumberland NE23 6DT (01670) 715106

Whats On: 3rd April-Bram Taylor

10th April– Singers Night 17th April– Singers Night

24th April– Anthony John Clarke Coming Soon! 1st May-Singers Night 8th May-Singers Night

15th May-Steve Hicks and Lynn Gouldbourn

22nd May– Singers Night 29th May– The John Wrightson

Band

What the critics say: “He storms it every time he gets on a stage. Brilliant!!! He had our audience eating out of his hand every night on the Fairport Convention Tour”. (Dave Pegg, Fairport Convention)

Anthony John Clarke

What the critics say:

John Wrightson has spent many years involved in music in his native North East. Initially working with bands on the club circuit he became interested in acoustic/folk music and since 1988 has been a prolific writer of excellent songs, dealing with thought provoking, contentious issues, ever since.

Duck Baker says this of him, ''It seems there is nothing Steve Hicks cannot do with a guitar. He can play everything from Medieval music or traditional Irish dance tunes to classic ragtime and blues tunes. He can arrange, accompany and make even the most challenging transcriptions sound like they were made to be played on the guitar. He can even build the dammed things! But what I like best is the personality that always comes through in his playing. It's a pleasure to present the music of Steve Hicks, the best kept guitar secret in Britain''

Anthony John Clarke John Wrightson Band

Beaconsfield Street, Blyth, Northumberland ,NE24 2DS (01670) 367228 www.thephoenixtheatre.org.uk

EQUUS 11th April - 7.30pm London Classic Theatre returns to the Phoe-nix following impressive productions of Harold Pinter’s The Caretaker. In a Hampshire stable, a youth blinds six horses with a metal spike. Convicted of this appalling crime, seventeen-year-old Alan Strang is sent to a secure psychiatric hospital. Martin Dysart, the child psychiatrist assigned to him, be-gins to probe Alan’s past in an attempt to understand his motives. Initially the boy is silent and uncooperative, but as Dysart digs deeper, he begins to win Alan’s trust and the truth gradually emerges. Finally, as Alan struggles to be free of his demons, he must relive the events of that terrible night.

Take That 2 Inc Robbie 14th April –8pm 'Take That 2' have consistently kept the top spot as the UK's Number One tribute to Take That. We just cant get enough of Gary, Mark, Howard, Jason and now of course Robbie. With no expense spared and no corners cut this really is the most professional and realistic Take That tribute band available today. With live five part harmonies and live lead vocals all of the artists have studied every detail of their character in depth, so

The Wind In The Willows 26th-28th April –7:30pm Based upon the classic Kenneth Graham novel, the Young Phoenix present this comic adaptation by Zoey Zimmerman. The storyline has been updated to appeal to the modern age, but all of Graham's favourite characters are here - timid Mole, poetic Ratty and the reckless Toad but in this version they are joined by a hungry Otter and Badger has become an eco-warrior whose mission is to rid the world of all motor cars. The whole of the riverbank is here from soup-making shrews to psychoanalyst voles, from engineer hedgehogs to long-suffering horses, and of course, not forgetting the band of ras-cally weasels.

Invasion! February 11th 2012 to September 3rd 2012 TEMPORARY EXHIBITION See amazing props and costumes from your favourite sci-fi films and television shows including Star Wars, Doctor Who, Aliens and many more. Come face to face with iconic robots including Robby the Robot, B9 and Robocop. It's an out of this world experience on your doorstep! Admission Charge: £3.95 Adult, £3.50 Concession, £2.95 Children and £12.50 (2 + 2)Family Ticket.

January 14th 2012 to May 7th 2012 TEMPORARY EXHIBITION

Mining a Golden Seam is an exhibition of embroidery and textiles by members of the Embroiderers' Guild in the North East region. The artworks in this exhibition are inspired by the north east mining industry, it's communities and geology as well as by our timeless fascination with gold.

Mining a Golden Seam

February 11th 2012 to June 17th 2012 TEMPORARY EXHIBITION

Ashington Camera Club presents new work inspired by the people, places and traditions of Northumberland.

Spirit of Northumberland

This stunning 18th century house, garden and surrounding land has recently been handed into the care of The National trust. Opening times and further details call 0191 237 9100 or visit http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-seaton-delaval-hall.html

The watch house was built in 1880 as a base for the Seaton Sluice volunteer life saving company. It served as a lookout, training base and social venue for over 110 years before it closed in 1990. during its history, the volunteers were involved in a number of notable rescues from wrecks on the coast between Whitley Bay and Blyth. The museum is open on Sundays between 2pm and 5pm from June to September.

If you would like to rent a beach hut, please con-tact Blyth Sports Centre reception on: 01670 542222 Daily lets are available for: £15.50 per day. Plus £5.00 refundable deposit.

Blyth Battery is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays from 3rd April– 30th September, from 11:30am-4pm. Guided tours of the site are avail-able when possible. The Battery is also open on a number of additional days throughout the year.

The Dave Stephens centre has an excellent meeting space with a fabulous view of Blyth’s coastline. The community room is perfect for meetings, semi-nars, training sessions or workshops. The room can host up to 30 people theatre style and up to 24 people board room style. All bookings and arrangements to be made with at least one weeks notice via Concordia leisure Centre central administration on 01670 542564

Woodhorn always have things to do for the whole family. To find out about he latest exhibitions and events or for more information and opening times, visit the website: http://www.experiencewoodhorn.com

27 years of live jazz on the first Wednesday of each month

A double bill at The Elephant Jazz Club From Italy:-

Dos Guitars Plus from Tyneside:-

Elaine Binney and the

Jazz Rascals

Upstairs @ The Elephant Wednesday 4th April 2012- 8:30pm Members £4 Guests £5 inc. free raffle www.ashingtonjazzclub.co.nr

Seaton Delaval Arts Centre

DANCe distraction IN ASSOCIATION WITH DANCING FOR CHARITY

Presents A

Beginners MODERN JIVE CLASS

AND FREESTYLE @ forest hall social club

NE12 9DQ every Wednesday

& CRAMLINGTON VILLAGE CLUB

NE23 6QJ Every THURSDAY 8pm – 10.30 PM

Beginners class 8pm Freestyle and individual coaching

8.40 – 10.30pm

ENTRY ONLY £3 dancingforcharity@vpweb.co.uk

Modern jive is a fun, male led, partner dance which consists of a huge number of eclectic moves which take their origins from rock and roll, swing, lindy hop and salsa. It is very easy to learn and footwork is minimal. With just 6 classes it is usually possible to learn sufficient moves so that you can join in with a freestyle session with some confidence. You don’t need to come with a partner as everyone just mixes up whether beginner or experienced, this form of dancing is very social.

Owl Project and

Ed Carter: FLOW Flow is a tidemill – a floating artwork on the River Tyne that generates its own power using a tidal water wheel. The building houses electro acoustic musical machinery andi nstruments that respond to the  constantly changing environment of the river, generating sound and  data. 

The specially commissioned floating artwork, which visitors can board for free, will stay on the NewcastleGateshead Quayside throughout the summer as part of Artists taking the lead, one of twelve public art commissions funded by the UK Arts Councils,  celebrating the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.  

For more information visit www.flowmill.org  ~Flow is a collaboration between Owl Project and Ed Carter. ~Flow is invigilated by BALTIC Crew and members of staff from The Sage  

 Friday 4th ‐ Sunday 6th May 2012 will see  

Gateshead Town Centre being transformed by  a 

breathtaking line up of new theatre makers from 

around the world for an explosive bank‐holiday 

weekend of performances, workshops and  

discussions.     

GIFT 2012 will bring together some of the most  

innovate and exciting new work created in the  

region, from such arists as Fiona  Wright and  

Unfolding Theatre, within a curated programme 

of  

nationally and internationally  aclaimed    

contemporary theatre, from Bruno Humberto, 

a smith  and Sleepwalking Collective amongst 

many. 

 

Also, this year  sees the launch of GIFTed, the  

Festival's strand for up and coming talent from  

recently graduated & graduating theatre 

 practitioners from all over the country. 

Early Bird Tickets!  

ON SALE NOW  

The North East’s only dedicated contemporary theatre festival  

Berwick Film & Media Arts Festival is an international celebration of the art of film, set in the historic border town of Berwick-upon-Tweed. Each year the Festival captures the imaginations of thousands of visitors from North East England, South East Scotland and across the UK, and attracts hundreds of submissions from around the World. The Festival is open for entries, seeking moving image works of all types - narrative and experimental, live action and animation, fiction and documentary - within the theme of Pictures In Motion. The programme is curated thematically, and this year we focus on the relationship between the still and the moving image. Entitled Pictures in Motion, the Festival will feature work that has been created by artists who have moved from photography into filmmaking, or that have been inspired by the still image. For the first time, the Festival is introducing an Early Bird offer, charging an admin fee of only £5 / €6 per short film and £10 / €12 for features submitted by 2nd April. Go to http://berwickfilm-artsfest.com/submit-your-film for the submissions guidelines, and for the online form. The Festival closes for entries on 29th June 2012, and meanwhile a call for proposals for commissions will follow end March. The dates for the 8th Berwick Film & Media Arts Festival are 19th – 23rd September 2012, and the programme will be announced and tickets go on sale mid August. Berwick Film & Media Arts Festival is proud to be supported by Arts Council England and Creative England. Tweet: @berwickfilmfest is open for entries for its 2012 programme 'Pictures in Motion.' Submit by 2 April Early Bird deadline http://bit.ly/dkhZGo

Berwick Film & Media Arts Festival is open for entries!

Northumberland Community Chest Scheme Community groups and voluntary organisations across Northumberland provide a whole host of activities and services which support their communities. These groups are often enthusiastic to do more to meet the demands and needs of their communities, but their ambitions are often constrained by available resource. The County Council has therefore put in place a ‘Community Chest’ scheme which gives local organisations a chance to continue doing what they do best or bid for funding for something they wouldn’t otherwise be able to do. The funding can be used for a range of purposes including events, or for the purchase of equipment, however the ideas should come from the communities themselves, based on what they feel their neighborhood needs. The Council has made £300,000 available in 2011/12 which will be administered through a straightforward application process. Local County Councillors through the 3 Area Committees in Northumberland will consider all applications. Purpose of Community Chest The Community Chest Scheme is a Northumberland County Council initiative to provide access to funding support to deliver priority activities appropriate to each of the 3 Areas as determined by the 3 County Council’s Area Committees. How do I get an application form? Application forms are available from the Locality Development Team within Northumberland County Council, and can be obtained from the website: www.northumberland.gov.uk/communitychest.

Paul Hamlyn Foundation Education and Learning Programme (Charities; Local Authorities; Schools & Colleges; Out-of-School Clubs; Supplementary Schools; Youth Clubs) The Paul Hamlyn Foundation invites applications to its Education and Learning Open Grants Programme. In particular, the Foundation is looking to fund projects that address the themes of; tackling school exclusion and truancy, developing speaking and listening skills and supplementary education. The costs that can be covered by the Foundation's grants include running costs such as staff salaries and overheads such as stationery, rent, rates and utilities. There is a two stage application process: First stage applications can be made at any time. Those that are successful will be invited to make a second stage application. For more information, visit: http://www.phf.org.uk/landing.asp?id=3

The Fidelio Trust Grants Programme (Colleges; Arts Festivals; Art Organisations; Art & Culture) The Fidelio Trust provides funding for individuals or groups of exceptional ability to enable them to receive special tuition or coaching. • Participate in external competitions. • Be supported for a specially arranged performance. • Receive support for a special publication, musical composition or work of art. The Trust offers grants of up to £5,000 in support of the Arts, in particular the dramatic and operatic arts, music, speech and dance. The next application deadline is the 1st June 2012. For more information, visit: http://www.fideliocharitabletrust.org.uk/index.php

Young Film Fund (Schools; Youth Services; Community & Voluntary Groups; Young People aged 5-18 years; Media, Art & Culture) First Light Movies provides grants to projects that enable young people to participate in all aspects of film productions has announced that its next funding round will be launched on the 27th February 2012. Since launching in 2001, First Light Movies have enabled over 12,000 young filmmakers to write, act, shoot, light, direct and produce over 800 films. Every year approximately £700,000 of grants are available through three funding streams. • The Studio Awards provides grants of up to £30, 000 for between two and four films of up to 10 minutes. • The Pilot Awards provides grants of up to £5,000 for one short film of up to five minutes in duration. • The 90 seconds Comedy Shorts which provides grants of up to £20,000 to support between three and six short comedy genre films each up to 90 Seconds in duration. The closing date for applications will be 2pm on the 23rd April 2012. For more information, visit: http://www.firstlightonline.co.uk/fundingstream/young-film-fund