We Want You!

Have an idea but need money to get it off the ground?  Guernsey Arts Commission could help!

The next date for funding applications is looming.  You have until Monday 1 March to get your application in.

In 2009 we supported over 50 projects ranging from music to theatre, film to poetry and this year we want to support more.  We are looking for exciting, creative and different projects to support financially throughout 2010.  So if you have an idea, contact us we would love to hear from you.

You can download an application form from our website www.arts.gg or you can come in and collect one from our offices.  We are based in the Guernsey Information Centre, just opposite the Crown Pier.

If you have any questions regarding the application process you can call Jo – the new Arts Development Office on 749268 and she’ll be happy to help answer any queries you may have.

Looking for something fun to do in half term?

We might have just the thing!  If you are aged between 10 – 14 and love getting involved in arts activities then look no further…

What’s going on?

The Guernsey Arts Commission will be running a three day programme on Monday 15^th – Wednesday 17^th February for children aged 6 – 14 in age appropriate groups.  We will be exploring craft, physical theatre and puppetry skills with our team of experienced workshop leaders and hopefully have lots of fun too!

How is it organised?

 The afternoon sessions will target 10 – 14 year olds (Yr 6 – 9) between 13.00 – 16.00, with registration from 12.30.

Who’s who?

Monday’s session will be run by Stella Graham.  Stella is a whizz when it comes to all things crafty.  You might have seen her handiwork in GADOC’s Jack and the Beanstalk at Christmas – she made Daisy the Cow!

Farida Nasir will lead our Physical Theatre sessions on Tuesday.  Farida is a professional actress with 20 years experience, and has performed and ‘workshopped’ all over the UK.

Our Community Arts Development Officer, Laura Simpson, will take the reins on Wednesday for the puppetry workshop as well as providing support to Stella and Farida.We are also lucky that the GAC’s two new members of staff, Jo Morrissey and Justiene Boughey, will join us in a supporting role on Monday and Wednesday.

Where?

All sessions will be held at the Princess Royal Centre for the Performing Arts.  This can be found on the same site as the former St Peter Port Secondary School, off of Les Ozouets, St Peter Port.

What will my child need?

All resources are provided, together with squash and biscuits during break times.  Suitable clothing must be worn – we would suggest t-shirts, hoodies, jogging bottoms, trainers etc for all sessions.  Craft sessions may get a little messy, so please don’t wear your best clothes.  Trousers/joggers must be worn for physical theatre – no skirts (without leggings) or jewellery please! 

Other important stuff…

All our workshop leaders hold a Guernsey enhanced disclosure.  Laura Simpson is the Child Protection Officer for the GAC and is also a qualified first aider. 

What does it cost?

In a word, NOTHING!  The sessions are free to everyone as part of the GAC’s ongoing commitment to provide exciting arts activities for people of all ages and backgrounds.

This sounds great!  How do I register my child?

You’ll need to fill out a registration form (attached).  There will be up to 25 places available on each session.    Places will be confirmed on the receipt of the form, which must be received by Wednesday 10^th February.  Children may register on one, two or three sessions on a first come, first serve basis.  A waiting list will be kept in the event that spaces fill up and places will be offered should one become available.  You must be registered to take part in this event, we will not be able to accept children who turn up on the day.

I need to know more…

No problem.  You can email Laura Simpson on laura@arts.gg or telephone 749262 who will be happy to answer your questions.

Sneak preview! Lihou Winter Arts Festival – Sunday 31 January 2010

Come and share the magic and mystery of Lihou Island in this fun, freezing, family event.  Meet and work with those who Create through lantern making, dance, storytelling and more. 

Anyone wishing to join the event should meet at the Prosperity Car Park at 11.15 and be ready to undertake the journey to Lihou on foot when the Causeway clears.  It will be cold and probably wet, so make sure you wear appropriate clothing and footwear.  We will return to Guernsey by 3.15pm.  The event is free, but is unsuitable for small children who cannot manage the 20 minute walk across the Causeway (not suitable for buggies etc).

For more information contact Laura Simpson on 01481 749262 or laura@arts.gg

 

Will you Create?

NT Live: Nation Jan 30th 2010

Following the successes of Phedre and All’s Well That Ends Well, we will be hosting another fantasic live screening from the National Theatre on Saturday 30th January 2010 at the Princess Royal Centre for the Performing Arts, beginning at 1.45.

So, what’s it all about?

Nation

based on a novel by Terry Pratchett
adapted by Mark Ravenhill

A parallel world, 1860. Two teenagers thrown together by a tsunami that has destroyed Mau’s village and left Daphne shipwrecked on his South Pacific island, thousands of miles from home. One wears next to nothing, the other a long white dress; neither speaks the other’s language; somehow they must learn to survive. As starving refugees gather, Daphne delivers a baby, milks a pig, brews beer and does battle with a mutineer. Mau fights cannibal Raiders, discovers the world is round and questions the reality of his tribe’s fiercely patriarchal gods. Together they come of age, overseen by a foul-mouthed parrot, as they discard old doctrine to forge a new Nation.

Oh I think you think I want to eat you but – no no no – I am offering you afternoon tea – over there – in one hour. 

Following His Dark Materials, Coram Boy and War Horse, the National stages Mark Ravenhill’s exhilarating adaptation of Terry Pratchett’s Nation, his latest witty and challenging adventure story.

There’s no demons, no gods. Just me. And the waves and the sun and birth and death. And there’s no reason for anything. I’m sorry: that’s just the way it seems to me.

Suitable for 10yrs+

If the last few NT Live events are anything to go by you’ll be wanting to get your tickets fast!  Log on to www.guernseytickets.gg , call the box office on 749999, or pop into The Princess Royal Centre for the Performing Arts, Beau Sejour, Candie Museum or the Guernsey Information Centre to purchase.

Matthew and the Mermaids

Here, as promised, is the video of the final piece produced during our Dance and Drama workshop during October half term.

Enjoy!

A busy start!

Our new Community Arts Development Officer Laura Simpson has now been with us for two months and has been very busy already.  As well as our sucessful series of half term workshops, Laura has been out and about giving the opportunity for community organisations to have a go at drama, movement, music, puppetry or creative writing.  Nearly 500 people aged 3 to adult participated in the workshop programme, which was greatly enjoyed by all who took part:

The session created interaction between group members we haven’t seen before. (Youthgroup leader) 

Can Laura come again? (Special needs participant) 

Could we do music and singing another time? (Cub pack) 

We’d love to do a whole show. (Youth group)

 We felt part of Laura’s team. (School)

 I liked everything! (Infant participant)

All the children felt involved and activities suited the children of various ages. (School)

 I have never seen that group engage in an activity for so long before (teacher, special needs school)

 Could have done with a longer session – the children were enjoying it so much (teacher)

 We’ll definitely try this again (Cub leader)

 

So now it’s your turn!  Do you work with an organisation you thing would benefit from taking part in the arts?  Perhaps you’ve got an idea for a project but don’t know where to start, or maybe you just need some inspiration.  Get in touch with Laura on laura@arts.gg or 749262 and join in the fun!

Half Term Workshops

During the October half term holidays we ran three full day workshops for children aged 7 to 11 in costume design, physical theatre / contemporary dance and textiles.  Each day 22 children worked with Laura, our Community Arts Development Officer, Louise, our Arts Development Officer, and two terrific workshop leaders, Alison and Helen.

The BIG Draw Workshop end results - aren't they great?

On Monday we took part in The BIG Draw, a national event to encourage all types of drawing during the month of October.  The children worked in groups to design and make costumes inspired by characters in Guernsey folklore.  The results were fantastic with a startfish, a mutant shark monster, a mermaid, a man eating fish and an underwater princess being made, as well as a whole host of accessories!  The children had a great deal of fun too, and were very keen to tell us what they thought:

I wish we did more things like this at school – Chloe, aged 8

 Brilliant! 10 / 10 – Liam, aged 10

  

 

 

Ali and the group discuss the next section of the piece.

Tuesday’s session was all about dance and drama and was led by Ali Barnett, a local dance practitioner and teacher, who worked with Laura to create a very creative piece of dance theatre based on the story of Matthieu Tostevin, a Guernsey fisherman who was enticed into the water by some mermaids.  The workshop began with a series of drama and dance exercises and games which got everyone thinking about making interesting shapes with our bodies.  The children then worked in groups to develop their own movement patterns and pictures which were eventually integrated into the final piece, performed to Barber’s Adagio for Strings at the end of the day.  Ali and Laura were really impressed with the children’s ideas and how well they worked together.  The parents were impressed too by the workshop:

Thank you for doing the workshops – something really different, the girls really enjoyed them! (Mel, parent)

 Fantastic – we need more of this in Guernsey. (Paul, parent)

  

 

 

Beachcombing for items to use for weaving (it wasn't as cold as it looks!)

 October might not be the best month for spending time on the beach, but on Wednesday our workshop leader Helen Bonner-Morgan took everybody beachcombing on L’Eree Bay to gather items to use in our textiles workshop.  During this session the children made their own looms and created a unique piece of textiles by weaving with a variety of manmade and natural materials.  It was really interesting to see the different designs emerge over the course of the day, and everyone left the workshop with a completed piece and a new skill too!So all in all, a fantastic few days of exciting and creative workshops:

More please! (Sheila, grandparent)

 This has been so much fun. I really enjoyed today – it was a real challenge.  Thank you so much! (Corissa, aged 11)

 I had a fab time and I wish I could do this every day.  I would recommend it to everyone.  (Grainne, aged 10)

My daughters thoroughly enjoyed their three days with you guys. They made some lovely new friends and really seemed to become engrossed in what they were doing. Their weaving was spectacular.  Thank you to your and the team for everything. (Nicola, parent)

   Watch this space for more workshops in the future!

Take part in the Arts this October – Free Workshops

Take part in the arts this October:
Children’s workshops this October Half term

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Monday 26th October 2009                                             
The BIG Draw Workshop:
Design, draw and decorate your own   
Guernsey inspired garment.
Ages: 7-11 years
9.00am – 3.30pm 
(supervision provided from 8.30am)
The Princess Royal Centre for Performing Arts
Free, but booking essential. Book via:
info@arts.gg or 739747

Joining in with the National Campaign for Drawing, a nationwide initiative that sees galleries, museums, arts centres and libraries across the UK take part and promote and encourage drawing, the GAC are running their own BIG Draw event this October. Taking inspiration from the current exhibition in the greenhouse, Kirstie Macleod: Lacrimosa (click the greenhouse catergory on the right hand menu to see more info about this exhibition), participants will be learning about the design process and will make their own paper garments based on Guernsey folklores and stories. 
The workshop session will be lead by Louise Gilligan, Arts Development Assistant and Laura Simpson, Community Arts Development Officer.
All materials will be provided but please bring a packed lunch.
For further information or to book your child’s place email info@arts.gg 

 

Tuesday 27th October 2009                                             
Dance and Drama:
Guernsey folklore, shipwrecks and sea monsters
Ages: 7-11 years
9.00am – 3.30pm 
(supervision provided from 8.30am)
The Princess Royal Centre for Performing Arts
Free, but booking essential. Book via:
info@arts.gg or 739747

Using drama and dance skills, participants will explore some of the themes of Lacrimosa exhibition including Guernsey folklore, shipwrecks and underwater environments.  There will be a chance to learn some new skills as well as creating an original piece.  There’s no experience needed, all we ask is that everyone comes ready to have a go at anything and have fun!  Participants will need to wear loose fitting, comfortable clothes and trainers, and bring a packed lunch.

Alison Barnett will be leading the dance session and is a qualified teacher who has also worked professionally as a dancer and choreographer in the UK with styles from classical ballet to hip hop.  Ali is often seen performing on the local stage as well as choreographing and directing shows.
For further information please contact Laura Simpson, the Community Arts Development Officer via: laura@arts.gg or tel: 749256

 

Wednesday 29th October 2009

Textiles Weaving Workshop:
Beach comb to find materials to weave with
Ages: 7-11 years
9.00am – 3.30pm 
(supervision provided from 8.30am)
Les Adams Methodist Church, L’Eree, St Peters GY7 9LN
Free, but booking essential. Book via: info@arts.gg or 739747

Exploring how textiles and fabrics are made, participants will learn weaving skills and create their own woven textiles piece. Taking inspiration from the Lacrimosa exhibition underwater and shipwreck themes, participants will beach comb at the beginning of the workshop session to find materials to use in their weaving.
Helen Bonner-Morgan will be leading the workshop. Helen has a degree in Textiles, is a practising textiles designer and has delivered many textiles based workshops in the island.
For further information please contact Louise Gilliagn via: louise@arts.gg or 739747

Workshop for adults:

Jungle drummer at Talking Drums 2

Monday 12th October 2009                                             
Talking Drums 3:
for drummers of all levels to meet and talk all things drums
All ages welcome (under 16’s to be accompanied by an adult) 
7.00pm – 8.30pm
The Princess Royal Centre for Performing Arts
Workshop is Free, but book your place via: russ@arts.gg

The Talking Drums workshop is an opportunity for drummers or those interested in drumming to meet and discuss, share and learn new techniques. All levels, styles and abilities welcome (including the beginner). This workshop is part of a series of workshops run by the Music sub-committee of the GAC.  Info on future guitar workshops will be posted on this blog shortly.

La Traviata – live from the Royal Opera House

This June the College of Further Education and the Guernsey Arts Commission are bringing the National Theatre live and the Royal Opera to Guernsey in an exciting new pilot scheme initiated to make the performance arts more accessible to all. The Performing Arts Centre will be joining more than 170 cinemas and art houses across the UK in broadcasting the National Theatre play, Phèdre and the Royal Opera House’s, La Traviata.

 The performances of Phèdre  and La Traviata will be filmed in high definition and broadcast live via satellite, not only nationwide but a further 170 venues worldwide will also be screening the performance.

Phèdre, shown las week on the 25^th June, was a Ted Hughes’ version of the French classical tragedy by Jean Racine, starrign Helen Mirrem. It has been brilliantly received by audiences worldwide, with the Guenrsey audience certainly included! National theatre Live returns in the Autumn. We will keep you posted!

Scene from La Traviata

 La Traviata, One of Guiseppe Verdi’s best loved works, showing 30^th June, sees American soprano sensation Renée Fleming make an historic return to Covent Garden, singing lead role for the first time with The Royal Opera. La Traviata is an opera in three acts based on Alexandre Dumas’ La Dame aux Camélias. It was first performed at the Teatro la Fenice, Venice, March 1853.

Details for La Traviata:
Doors open at 6.40pm, performance starts at 7.00pm.
Tickets are priced at £15 for Adults and £12 for students and over 65. A glass of wine/soft drink is included in the ticket price.

Bookings taken via http://www.guernseytickets.gg or call the Box Office at the Princess Royal Centre for Performing Arts Centre on 749999.

 It is intended for this to mark the beginning of a series of Live performances screened in Guernsey at the Performing Arts Centre.