Arts Service Newsletter July 2008

As we enter into the summer months, the Arts Service has embarked on InTRANSIT, a summer programme of 25 original commissions, featuring outdoor performances, trails, talks and interactive events.  

As well as InTRANSIT, preparations for the Across the Street, Around the World arts season have started, the Artists' Development Bursary Scheme has been launched and the next deadline for our Arts Grants Scheme has been advertised.  Details for all of these are given below, as well as our regular opportunites and news sections.

We hope that it is an enjoyable and informative read!

InTRANSIT, our summer arts programme, was launched on 19 June and runs right through until 21 August.

Made up of 25 original commissions, InTRANSIT is a free and unique artist led programme featuring outdoor performances, installations, trails, talks and interactive events transforming the streets of Kensington and Chelsea.  Events are suitable for all, from individuals to groups of friends and families.

This week, between the 9 and 11 July, H2dance presents Left Behind: A Dance Trail for Exhibition Road, a dance piece that reveals shapshots of the lives of the different visitors to Exhibition Road (please see the header image).

For full details about this events and others, including booking information, please visit www.rbkc.gov.uk/intransit or email arts@rbkc.gov.uk.

Want to get involved?
We are also looking for volunteers to help out at the events.  If you are interested in getting involved please email arts@rbkc.gov.uk for further details.   

The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea recognises the value of the arts and the importance of supporting artists’ professional development.  Therefore, a Bursary Award Scheme for the Professional Development of artists and makers living or working in the borough has been developed.

A total of ten £1,000 bursaries are available in 2008/09.  We anticipate a large demand on this fund so unfortunately not all applications will be successful. We advise you to speak to an officer from the Arts Service prior to making an application.  Please email arts@rbkc.gov.uk or telephone 020 7361 3844 to make an appointment.

The application deadline for the scheme is 5pm on 28 July 2008.

Please visit the Arts Service webpages for full details about the scheme.

A reminder that the next deadline for applications to the Arts Grants Scheme is the 19 September 2008. The scheme is for arts activities or projects taking place within the boundaries of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.   Projects must also meet at least two of the current strategic objectives and comply with the funding criteria.

If you have a project in mind, detailed information about the scheme, including the strategic objectives, criteria and the application form can be found on our website.

We also advise that you speak with an Arts Service officer prior to making an application.  Please contact Alex Wright on 020 7361 3844 or at arts@rbkc.gov.uk to make an appointment for a one-to-one Arts Grants Surgery.

The final event for Between the Lines writer in residence project and the launch of the book Smoke!Othello!!, which has been written as a result of the project, is taking place on Tuesday 29 July from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at The Dissenters' Gallery, Kensal Green Cemetery W10 4RA.

Writer in residence, Vanessa Walters, has been working hard for the past year in the archives of the Central Library researching the history of African and Caribbean individuals and communities in Kensington and Chelsea. The book is not only a chronicle of her research but also contains her responses to the histories she has uncovered.  The book melds fact and ficition to create a whirlwind tour through the centuries uncovering the real lives of individuals who have been overlooked by conventional history; based on facts and enhanced by fiction this book reimagines those lost stories.

For details about the evening's programme and to reserve a space please contact the Arts Service at arts@rbkc.gov.uk or on 020 7361 3204.

Many thanks to those of you who attended our last Arts Service networking event on the 13th June.  Held at the Lighthouse in Ladbroke Grove, the session address the cultural vision and opportunities available to artists and arts organisations in the lead up to 2012 within the borough, across west London and London-wide. 

We were delighted to welcome Sarah Barnwell, Cultural Opportunity Manager from London 2012, Debra King and Tim Jones from the Western Wedge's West London Story, and Suzel Pitty, 2012 Coordinator for the Council.  Delegates also had the opportunity to pose questions to the panel.

The next networking event is scheduled for Friday 28 August.  Further details will be provided in the August newsletter.

The Across the Street, Around the World programme celebrates identity, culture and community in Kensington and Chelsea (including Black History Month activities) and takes place between September and December 2008.

Many thanks to those groups and individuals that let us know about their events for free inclusion in our Across the Street, Around the World brochure.  Full information about the season and how to obtain a copy of the brochure will be given in the August newsletter and on our website.

If you have any questions in the meantime regarding the Across the Street, Around the World season please contact 020 7361 3844 or arts@rbkc.gov.uk