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Read all about our current work - do get in touch for more info or help us spread the word.
Click on the links below to read more:
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Directors Blog
The changing of the seasons is a pretty hackneyed subject for a blog piece, but change is on my mind at the moment and so, with respect, change is the tenor of this springtime missive. Socrates, the wise old buff, wrote,
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The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new." A
s always, I have to agree with our judicious friend. Change takes time, it takes courage and it takes commitment. I do think that letting go of the old is the far more difficult aspect of the process, but when achieved, the building of the new is all the more creative and inspiring.
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So, why is change so much on my mind? The beginning of April and a new financial year is always for me a time to focus on change and to look forward to the year ahead. I think, as an organisation, the new financial year is far more important than the actual New Year and I would suggest a form of 'Organisational Hogmanay' should be introduced across the globe. Maybe not as commercial an idea as the real thing, but I'm sure we could all use our CPD budgets for a little celebration? What CPD budgets I hear you cry...
At Creativity Works, we have change aplenty happening in 2016/17. Primarily, we will be recruiting three new members of staff to join our team to fill vital roles. We are currently undergoing the recruitment process for a new Business Development Manager and announced in this newsletter are also the roles of a new Artists Training and Development Manager and maternity cover for our Communications and Administration co-ordinator post. It is a very exciting time to be joining the organisation as we continue our socially engaged arts work as the only National Portfolio Organisation in Bath and North East Somerset. We have projects in the pipeline, new trustees on board and the vigour to ever-enhance the quality of our work.
We are also looking at delivering more work locally, in and around Radstock and the Somer Valley. As the seasons are cyclical, so it seems are the arts and in a way we are returning to our roots, with an aspiration to do more work in our own locality. One notable change in Radstock is the opening of new Italian Restaurant, Castello. In the interests of bringing new visitors to the town, I may well take it on myself to give you a restaurant review in my next blog! That is true dedication to the cause, I hear you say.
Finally, some words from the controversial American Cultural Anthropologist, Margaret Mead:
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
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Olly
(Director, Creativity Works)
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Creativity Works Vacancies
Communications and Administration Coordinator
(Part-time, Maternity Cover)
Do you have initiative and a creative flair to produce inspiring communications? Enjoy organising the day-to-day running of an office?
An exciting opportunity has arisen to get your teeth into a vital role within our arts organisation on a part-time basis. You could be doing a variety of activities day-to-day from collating articles and putting together our monthly
e-newsletter, updating our website, designing leaflets and posters, to taking bookings over the phone or speaking to our IT company to source the best equipment for our office. You will be part of a creative and flexible team who enjoy making a difference to communities throughout BANES and the local area.
Key Areas of Responsibility will include:
- Overseeing and advising on all areas of marketing communications - both externally and internally, including delivery of the majority of marketing communications requirements.
- Ensuring the smooth running of the office from stationery orders to the general working order of the IT and phone systems.
- Manage the migration of company contact information onto a new database.
- Oversee Board/trustee communications and ensure compliance with legal requirements.
Salary:
£20 - 22k, pro rata, depending on experience
Hours:
19 hours per week, working pattern to be negotiated.
Timescale:
We are looking for someone to start in June, or earlier if possible, for up to 13 months contract.
Application deadline: 9am on the 25th April.
Interviews will be held in Radstock on the 3rd May.
Artists Development Manager
New Vacancy - (Part-Time)
Creativity Works are seeking an Artists Training and Development Manager to head up a key area of their work: the management and delivery of their co|Create programme including the support, training and development of artists in socially engaged arts practice. They are looking for an individual with organisational and creative leadership skills and experience of supporting the work of artists.
In particular key areas of responsibility will be:
- To plan and deliver a comprehensive programme of artist's training and support in socially engaged arts practice
- To produce and promote events, seminars and debates with artists, academics and other professionals
- To monitor, evaluate and disseminate the work of the co|Create programme
- To create a comprehensive set of resources and toolkits for artists and participants
- To enhance Creativity Works' profile and reputation as a leader in the field of socially engaged arts practice regionally, nationally, and internationally
For more details please read the Artists Training and Development Manager Job Description and Personal Specification, downloadable from www.creativityworks.org.uk.
Salary: £25k pro rata
Hours: 22.5 hours per week
Application deadline: 9am on the 3rd of May.
Interviews will be held in Radstock during the week of the 9th of May.
Business Development Manager
(Part-Time)
A new vacancy for a Business Development Manager has arisen to lead in areas of fundraising; new business development; partnership development, and to provide support in development and progression for Creativity Works projects and programmes.
We are looking for a positive and proactive individual who would be comfortable being an advocate for our organisation: moving us into new and exciting collaborations and successfully gaining high profile commissions.
In particular key areas of responsibility will be:
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To identify and grow new and existing revenue streams in order to improve financial performance
· To act as an ambassador for the organisation, identifying and establishing strong partnerships for delivery
· To oversee resource, evaluation and research development
Salary:
£29,371 pro rata
Hours: 22.5 hours per week
(with the potential to increase to 30 hours per week dependent on successful fundraising).
Application deadline: 4th April 9am.
Interviews will be held in Radstock during the week of the 11th April.
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Book Now for Upcoming Artists Training...
I am Joan
Dancer and choreographer Vic Gordon explores her own creative practice and methodology
'Creative Practice Xchange' is a new strand of our co|Create programme where Artists working in the field of socially engaged arts, in a variety of art forms, present workshops exploring their own creative practice and methodology.
The first in this series sees dancer and choreographer Vic Gordon from Mean Feet Dance (
www.meanfeetdance.co.uk) examine her process in making 'I am Joan', her critically acclaimed one woman show, a hopeful comedy about a woman in recovery from trauma finding empowerment by connecting with various inspiring Joans, such as Joan Collins, Joan Jett and Joan of Arc, all of whom embody elusive qualities of resilience and self-belief.
The workshop will consider themes and processes from 'I am Joan' such as mental ill health, recovery and working with our own personal stories.
Viv will use text and movement from the production to explore the auto-ethnographic approach used in making the show - where her individual experience is connected to universal themes of courage, resilience and self-belief.
She will explore how we can make work about our own lives safely - finding the balance between authenticity and vulnerability and self-care - recognising our support needs as an integral part of the creative process which allows often silent voices to be heard.
When Friday 6th May 10am-12.45pm
Where Victoria Hall, Church Street, Radstock, BA3 3QG
Price £20
*****
Creative Facilitation Workshop
"Inspirational", "dynamic", "action packed" and "thorough" - f
eedback from participants of Creativity Work's one day training on Creative Facilitation skills.
The course takes participants through a series of practical, creative exercises with discussion and reflection looking at: the role of a facilitator, icebreakers, introductory activities, energising activities, boundaries and sensitivities, group behaviour and journaling as a reflection tool. Activities include: movement, using natural objects, low tech animation, sound, craft activities and writing. Also included is a short presentation on socially engaged art as a framework for creative facilitation.
The workshop is a sound introduction or refresher on the skills needed to become a creative facilitator. It is suitable for creatives and artists who are interested in running workshops or creative groups. It is part of the co|Create series of socially engaged artists' continued professional development.
When: Monday 25 April
Where: Widcombe Hill, central Bath, 5 minutes' walk from Bath Spa station
Price: £50 for the whole day, includes handouts
*****
Social Media for Artists
How to take your business further in 2016
A hands-on social media workshop for artists. Guided by Ecomedia Collective founder Kyle Hannan, host of the 'Amplify Us' podcast about DIY media-making.
Attendees will learn:
* how to evaluate and improve what you're already doing online
* the basics of making your own media for your creative business
* how to identify and tell your unique story and how to use it to flavour and enhance how you promote yourself online
* how to use free online tools and resources to build your business, understand your 'audience' and target the right activities that make the most difference to your bottom line.
* get access to a webpage filled with 'how to' resources which is theirs to use at any time in the future.
Individual attention and follow-up support is integral to this training offer.
When: Morning of Wednesday 27th April, 10am-1pm
Where: Widcombe Hill, central Bath, 5 minutes' walk from Bath Spa station
How much: £25
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We currently have Spaces in the following Peer Support Groups...
Creative writing and poetry peer led support group for people with experience of writing who would like to meet others to share ideas and mutual support in the writing process. Download poster here. |
An opportunity to develop creative ideas, learn and share skills in a safe and friendly environment and contribute to a new art group. Download poster here. |
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For more information on our wellbeing groups or courses click here.
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Inspired Writing at Peer Support Group Writing Space
Focusing on crystals
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Justin from peer support group Writing Space, shares with us his account of a writing exercise they did together at the group last week:
At Writing Space last week our group were inspired by some crystals that one of our members brought in to show us. We passed the crystals around and had a good look and held them in our hands. We took it in turns to say a word that came to mind.
The list of words were: Heart, Purple, Wing, Cool, Shining, Layers, Stormy, Ice, Feathers, Warm, Dark sea, Amethyst, Bright, Kaleidoscope.
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With the words written down, we took time to write our own pieces. I incorporated all of the crystal inspired words and wrote this piece:
The Fallen Angel.
"Before we arrived at the Jade palace my heart was thumping hard like thunder, heavy & loud.
The air was warm & the sky bright with deep purple clouds on the gloomy horizon.
My broken wings were dragging behind me leaving a trail of feathers as we slowly paced nearer.
The moat surrounding the palace was connected to the dark sea beyond the stormy wastelands.
The amethyst drawbridge swung open to reveal the cool kaleidoscopic layers of shining ice amidst the heathen underworld of ruin & wonder."
Justin, Writing Space
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Bath Street Exhibition at Bath Abbey
Pop in and see a display of work from peer support group Writing Space
Peer support group Writing Space will be displaying some of their work at the upcoming "Streets of Bath" exhibition at Bath Abbey from April the 12th to the 16th.
F
rom 12th to 16th of April 2016, Bath Abbey will be staging an exhibition of locally produced works of art which explore the lives and work of those who come and go on the streets of our city. The aim of the exhibition is to open up the beautiful space of the Abbey to works which celebrate and provoke thought and conversation. There are those who keep our streets safe, those who keep them clean, those who entertain, the homeless who live on our streets, the commuter, the tourist and the trader - the streets of our city are busy with activity and aspiration, with pain and with joy. The exhibition will bring all these into the public gaze.
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Cultural and Creative Apprenticeship Event
Free event run by Creativity Works, Creative Skills Hub, Bath College & Bath Cultural Forum
Bath Cultural Forum, Bath College, Apprentices, Creativity Works and Creative Skills Hub have come together to host this event to start the conversation and explore how engaging in an apprenticeship programme can transform your organisation for the better.
The event will offer the opportunity to find out more about apprenticeships and give the sector the chance to discuss;
- What we can do to encourage employers to offer apprenticeships?
- How can we work with local colleges and universities to encourage more choice and quality delivery for the region?
- What support a small creative business needs to recruit an apprentice?
We will also be launching an exciting new partnership for a new model of apprenticeship delivery in the region.
Refreshments and networking opportunities will be available after.
Where and When?
The Shrubbery Restaurant
City of Bath College
James Street West
BA1 1UP Bath
Thursday 28th April 2016, 5.30 - 7pm.
Who is it for?
This free event run by Creativity Works, Creative Skills Hub, Bath College and Bath Cultural Forum is particularly for managing directors, heads of HR and development managers of small to medium size enterprises working in the arts and culture sectors.
It is set in the context of the government's commitment to create 3 million quality apprentices starts by 2020 and the West of England LEPs Apprenticeship Ambition. The event will look at how organisations can capture and nurture a new generation of talented individuals through apprenticeships, and how organisations can get involved in shaping the future of our industry.
Programme
Welcome
What can an apprenticeship bring to my business?
Challenging an employers perceptions of apprenticeships - discussion with employers & apprentices from across the region. Hosted by Creative Skills Hub / Creativity Works
What is the apprenticeship levy & will it affect the creative sector?
Hosted by Bath College
A new model of delivery for Creative & Cultural apprenticeships in the region.
An employers opportunity to shape the training & programme. Hosted by Creativity Works / Creative Skills Hub
Why did I choose to take the apprenticeship route?
Apprentices past & present share their reasons for choosing the apprenticeship route.
To book a place at this event click here.
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Food for Thought Coordinator Appointed
A new coordinator has been appointed for the Food for Thought project - Judith Green. Here are some words from the lady herself on the project and the plans for the future...
Food for Thought is a new programme set up by Bath Mind and coordinated by me - Judith Green. The project is run by Bath Mind, St.Mungos and Creativity Works and involves a programme of cookery classes, workshops / sessions and outside events where anyone who has been involved with mental health services can come and enjoy preparing, cooking and eating our own food. Absolutely no skill is required and it is truly about having a lovely time together and enjoying the process of preparing and cooking.
I have been involved in cooking for over 20 years, working around the world and running a small catering business here in Somerset as well as teaching at Norton Radstock College and facilitating projects in our local schools. After
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running a course on healthy eating for adults with enduring mental health issues at Radstock College a few years ago, I was really happy when Bath Mind offered me the chance to be involved in Food For Thought this March. Some of Bath Mind's wonderful volunteers had already catered for markets, in-house events, a pop up cafe and published a cookbook of their delicious food so my role is to expand the programme.
We are also running many events throughout the year and I would love to involve any volunteer who feels they would like to take part - whether it be chopping, stirring, shopping, tasting, tidying, talking.....the main aim of Food for Thought is to nourish a sense of wellbeing and self esteem through a shared love of food and community.
If you would like any further information on the project or would like to get involved in any way, please do get in touch!
Judith Green
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Profile: An Insight into Working with Creativity Works
A Focus on: Nathaniel Burgess, Fresh Art@ Worker for Creativity Works and AWP.
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Job title:
Fresh Art@ Worker
When did you start working for Creativity Works?
I have been working with Creativity Works for around three years. At first I registered as a volunteer and worked on several projects within B&NES to gather experience and then became a member of the team in May 2015.
What does a typical day look like for Nat at Creativity Works?
In a typical day I am based at Bath NHS House at the RUH working within the Therapies team, Hillview Lodge and The Creativity Works office. I spend a lot of my time discussing possible leads with mental health professionals regarding people on their case load that may benefit from attending creative groups within the community. The purpose of this is to enable mental health service users to attend creative groups within the community to help reduce social isolation, develop creative skills and add structure. This can reduce the chances of someone being admitted to an acute ward. I work closely with Philippa Forsey my line manager who is able to take the information I pass on, to program new and unitive creative groups within the community in the B&NES area.
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Self portrait by Nathaniel Burgess
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I also support people to attend creative groups within the community. This could be in the form of a text to remind them that the group is taking place, to meeting them at the bus stop and traveling with them and attending the group.
What do you enjoy most about working here?
What I enjoy most is the passion we all have for Creativity and Wellbeing.
And I really enjoy watching people develop and grow through creativity.
What do you find most challenging?
Sometimes I find it challenging working on wards and seeing people who suffer with poor mental health in the same way I did when I was unwell. There is a positive to this though because people I work with can see that there is a future and that things can get better from my personal journey and recovery. And this helps break down the barrier between staff and client.
What has been most surprising during your time so far at Creativity Works?
Seeing first-hand how creativity really can change lives for the better and aid people in their recovery.
What has been your biggest professional or personal achievement to date?
My biggest personal achievement has to be coming up with the idea of Fresh Art@ and persuing the idea with the support of Creativity Works until it developed into the project it is today.
My biggest professional achievement is becoming the Fresh Art@ worker for Creativity Works. At first I thought that achieving this post would not be possible but when the job was advertised I took a leap of faith in myself and applied. After making it through to the interview stage I felt accomplished but didn't think I would get the job in a million years. After the interview I felt that I had done the best I could but didn't think I scored high enough to secure the post. After about 10 minutes I had a call to say that I had been successful and this filled me with self-pride and I don't think anything other than becoming a Dad can top that feeling.
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Other News...
Some top news items from our partner organisations or those that have jumped out at us.
An opportunity for
carers, relatives and close friends of people with bipolar disorder or psychosis
to take part in research
, by testing out a new online support toolkit (Relative's Education And Coping Toolkit)
www.reacttoolkit.co.uk
.
The study is due to launch
March 2016.
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The Perinatal Positivity Project
The Perinatal Positivity Survey is for women with lived experience of Post Natal Depression, Anxiety, OCD and Post Partum Psychosis to share their story, knowledge and advice. We are looking for the best ways to safeguard mental wellbeing during and after pregnancy. Please share your experience and share the survey..
To access the survey click here.
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Mental health is a subject that affects us all. You might be feeling stressed out with your work situation or under pressure at school or college. You may even be coping with illness, bereavement, isolation or the break down of a significant relationship. We all experience pressure upon our mental wellbeing or know someone who is currently struggling.
So two important questions:
How do you cope? How do you look after your mental wellbeing?
Is there something you can offer to help others?
Being part of something bigger can really help - whether it is the care of friends or family, the support of carers or the wider support of the community through groups and organisations that help to connect people and allow them to express their feelings.
We invite you to gather for an evening of discussion and listening to each other to help us to understand how we can better understand our own mental wellbeing and that of other people we know.
Contributors:
Steve Spiers: Public Health Programme Lead (Mental Health & Emotional Well Being) South Gloucestershire Council
Dr Sarah Fox: Retired Medical Doctor - specialising in mental health
Revd Mike Burke: Missioner and Team Vicar, Keynsham Team Ministry.
This event is part of Mental Health Awareness Week 16-22 May.
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The Crush Programme is re-locating to Radstock youth hub. There are 8 places available on the course. This is an amazing opportunity for young people to evaluate their understanding of healthy relationships and recognising unhealthy behaviours. Staff may refer young people to the programme or young people can refer themselves. If you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact Amanda or Stephanie.
Download poster here.
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Could you be a Trustee for Creativity Works?
Trustees Required
We are always looking to widen our Board of Trustees for Creativity Works and would welcome any expressions of interest. We are particularly looking for those with skills in the following areas:
- Human Resources;
- Legal Services;
- Fundraising;
- Accounting;
- or the Visual Arts. |
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You will be helping to lead a hard working, creative and dedicated team of staff, steering the way in the effective growth and promotion of this expanding organisation.
Trustees meet at least 6 times a year and we encourage engagement in particular areas of work and ongoing projects.
Further detail about our work is available on our website www.creativityworks.org.uk.
For more information please contact our Chairman, Karl Bevis ([email protected]). If you would like to apply for a position as a Trustee, please send Karl your CV and written application. Consideration of applications will be ongoing.
Please feel free to spread the word - you can download the advert here.
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Thank you for reading our newsletter. If you would like to follow our updates in between newsletters remember that you can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest!
With Best Wishes,
The Creativity Works Team
For more information:
Tel: 01761 438852 Email: [email protected] Supported by Bath & North East Somerset Council and Arts Council England Click here to return to the top of the email |
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| Simply click through Give as You Live every time you shop online to raise money for Creativity Works |
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Registered Charity No. 1075812 Company No. 3768255 Creativity Works for Everyone is a company limited by guarantee registered in England
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