From Louise Wood...

I'm looking for some assistance with an art project I want to undertake for the Liverpool Biennial(Independents).

I'm an artist, making predominantly ceramic sculptures, inspired by the relationship between people and the buildings they occupy. As my art work is concerned with buildings and our memories associated with them, I intend to make a piece which responds to a cross section of the publics memories, about buildings now gone from the Liverpool landscape.

I'm looking for help from people who have strong ties with, or live in the city of Liverpool; for anyone who has a story involving a Liverpool building which has been demolished as part of the redevelopment. I'm looking for anyone who has fond recollections, or strong memories of a Liverpool building, no longer in existence; and would be willing to tell me their story. Or any individual who feels there is a building worthy of redevelopment which has been overlooked. Perhaps a building was special to them because they met their partner there, worked there, brought up their family there, or got married there. The buildings do not have to be of any great historical or architectural merit, although they might be, I'm more interested in peoples personal connections with buildings.

If you feel you could help me with the above, please contact me on:

mailto:artlou@tiscali.co.uk

Many Thanks,
Louise Wood

LAST CHANCE TO SEE THE MARIE-LOUISE VON MOTESICZKY EXHIBITION AT TATE LIVERPOOL BEFORE IT EMBARKS ON A EUROPEAN TOUR

Special Exhibition:
Marie-Louise von Motesiczky
Until 13 August 2006
Admission Free

Supported by the Austrian Cultural Forum London

Tate Liverpool is the first of four European venues to present an exhibition that celebrates the 100th anniversary of Marie-Louise von Motesiczky’s birth. Widely acclaimed as one of the most talented and original artists of her era, several major museums (including Tate) have collected fine examples of Motesiczky’s work. Despite this she still remains relatively unknown. This exhibition provides an opportunity to discover a highly talented woman artist of the 20th century, whose remarkable work illuminates the troubled history of her times.

The exhibition provides a survey of Motesiczky’s most powerful work from the 1920s – 1990s. The exhibition will present 60 paintings and a number of drawings, and will explore the transition from her hard-edged realist style of the twenties to the poetic realism of her later work. Motesiczky is particularly known for her portraits, including compelling self-portraits and a moving series devoted to her ageing mother recording her decline. Related to her portraits are her figurative ‘fantasy paintings’, dream-like compositions which formed a significant part of her work in 1950s and 1960s. These magical visions blur fantasy and reality in a complex personal allegory. Motesiczky painted intimate still-lives and poetic landscapes throughout her entire career.

Marie-Louise von Motesiczky was born in Vienna in 1906 into a wealthy and distinguished Jewish family – her grandmother was one of Sigmund Freud’s earliest patients. As a young woman, she studied at the Städel art school in Frankfurt with Max Beckmann, a life-long friend and mentor. When the Nazis marched into Vienna in 1938, Motesiczky fled with her mother, first to Holland, then Switzerland, finally arriving in England in 1939. Her brother Karl remained in Austria, where he sheltered Jewish friends. In 1943 he was sent to Auschwitz, where he died. In England, Motesiczky lived and worked in a highly gifted community of exiled artists.

The exhibition will tour from Tate Liverpool to Museum Giersch, Frankfurt (September 2006 – January 2007), Wien Museum, Vienna (March – June 2007) and finally Southampton City Art Gallery (September – December 2007).

He's a bit of a figure of fun these days but I remember watching a few of the late Bob Ross's oil painting instruction programs on satellite and Rennies used to stock all his brushes, palettes etc.

Now you can watch lots of his old videos on YouTube, there's some useful tips but he doesn't half come out with some cringe-making homilies.

Link to YouTube

Anthony Smith is the latest addition to the artists directory.

As you can see Anthony is a very accomplished professional artist specialising in wildlife paintings.

He is currently the working artist for Chester Zoo and exhibits regularly at the 'Society of Wildlife Artists' at the Mall Galleries, London and at the National Exhibition of Wildlife Art.

He has his own website at: www.anthonysmith.eu

I have just been updating Amy Bolam's page in the artists directory with some splendid new images.

Amy has also recently exhibited at the SAS Radisson Hotel and her AB Design business is going well.

Submissions Opportunity
Transvoyeur Performance Art Platform

The programme of Transvoyeur for the exhibition in the Independents Biennial 2006 includes a Performance Art Platform. There are four dates set for this:

Friday 22 September 2006
Friday 29 September 2006
Friday 06 October 2006
Friday 13 October 2006

A maximum of 4-5 performances artists per date will available within the schedule with a slot of 15-30 mins per performance.

This will be held within the exhibition venue of the Transvoyeur exhibition and associate spaces.

If you wish to submit to the Performance Art Platform, please email the following information:

(1) Curriculum Vitae (inc full contact details).
(2) Statement of art and biography (no more 250 words).
(3) Proposal for submission (no more than 250 words).
(4) Image (relative to the performance proposed, jpeg 72 dpi).
(5) Technical list (*).

(*) Please note, the emphasis is on a performance context and technical requirements responsible to each artist. Although, a technical list will still need to be submitted along with the above information for safety purposes.

If your submission to the Performance Art Platform is successful you will be part of the press and media generated from this event and have the opportunity to share in the collaborative programme of Transvoyeur during the Independents Biennial 2006.

Cut off Date for submissions: 10 August 2006

Please send your submissions and for further information email transvoyeuruk@hotmail.co.uk.

Still quite a new gallery, Good Taste in Stafford St (behind TJ Hughes) is holding their first exhibition starting on August 9th, featuring the work of local artist James Cosgrove.

From Ken Ashton: kenashton@fsmail.net

I'm looking for a male model for a 'body project' that I might be able to show during the biennial in Arena.
Ideally I'm looking for a male model 18-30yrs old. I'm looking for a reasonable body with good texture (hair).
Some funds available for payment by the hour.

Thanks

A football art prize - this is Liverpool, need I say more?

The Lowry and UMBRO are delighted to announce One Love: The Football Art Prize. Whether it's a crowd scene or a match in action or simply what sums up 'the beautiful game' to you, the aim is to create an exhibition that reflects the unique emotion, passion and the sheer joy that football can unleash in us.

Any two dimensional medium including photography and moving image is acceptable, and with prizes totalling £25000 on offer, artists are invited to submit up to three works for this prize.

Entry is £10 per work.

Deadline September 25th 2006
Exhibition at The Lowry December 2nd 2006 - March 25th 2007

For all enquiries please contact:
Parker Harris Partnership, PO Box 279
Esher, Surrey, KT10 8YZ

Tel: 01372 462190 Fax: 01372 460032

Email:onelove@parkerharris.co,uk
http://www.parkerharris.co.uk/comps/AWMH.html

Well I'm sure the Paradise development will be great when its finished and yes the roads do need improving but as Hanover St. closes for a month from tomorrow all this is making it almost impossible to get to the delightful Bluecoat Display Centre.
Its a great shame as they have lots of lovely ceramics, jewellery, glassware etc. etc. and the latest exhibition of figurative sculptures is particularly interesting.

This exhibition entitled 'Go Figure' highlights the work of 3 women artists from the region. Pauline Hughes and Judith Davies hand build strong, contemporary figurative ceramics and these will be complemented by the sensual ceramic sculptures of Mari-Ruth Oda.

Lots of curvaceous bodies or parts of bodies on show, very interesting. Please make an effort to fight your way through the building site to take a look.

Go Figure at Bluecoat Display Centre, entrance from College Lane, until August 26th 2006

I should point out that I am not connected to the Liverpool Culture Company or any other organisation. I noticed recently that the liverpool08 contact page has improved since I last looked.

There's more email addresses there now. I never had any success with the catch-all contact@...
Maybe the new more specific ones such artistic@liverpool08.com will be better. There's also the snail-mail address and the 'hotline' number as well as links to the FAQ pages.

http://www.liverpool08.com/Links/Contact.asp

We're up to number 11 already! Must make an effort to see some of these.

37SECONDS PROGRAMME 11
Saturday 29 July - Thursday 10 August
Everyday at 10, 12, 2.30, 4 & 7
Big Screen Liverpool, Clayton Square, L1 1QR

ANRI SALA (AL)
EXPERIMENTA ARTISTS (AU): MARCUS LYALL, DANIEL CROOKS, GRANT STEVENS, VAN SOWERWINE
HELLEN VAN MEENE (NL)

37Seconds presents its eleventh programme of contemporary artists’ film, video and photography selected exclusively for The Big Screen Liverpool. Showcasing a range of new and diverse talent from around the globe, the programme features critically acclaimed Albanian artist Anri Sala’s haunting depiction of a stranded roadside horse in Time after Time, a slideshow of stunning portraits by Dutch photographer Hellen Van Meene screened in collaboration with Open Eye Gallery and a selection of experimental and playful Australian video art works from FACT’s Experimenta: Under The Radar Exhibition.

Further details: www.37seconds.co.uk/news.htm

New Works by Hellen Van Meene are on display at Open Eye Gallery, 28-32 Wood Street, Liverpool until 2 September. Open Eye Gallery is one of the UK's leading contemporary photography galleries www.openeye.org.uk.

Experimenta Under The Radar, a collection of new media and video artworks by some of Australia’s leading contemporary artists is now on view at FACT, 88 Wood Street, until 28 August www.fact.co.uk.

Frakture is pleased to announce the dates and venue for Phil Minton's Feral Choir sessions. These will give you a unique & not to be missed opportunity to work with a vocalist of international stature who enjoys high acclaim globally

This is a workshop and performance, not only for singers but for anyone who takes a delight in the freedom to experiment, and an interest in the major artistic movements of the 20th century; the courage to take a vocal leap and enjoy expanding the borders of your own voice will equip you more than any formal training. Phil Minton will spend three days encouraging vocal exploration through exercises and improvisations, and on the final day, he will compose and rehearse with the participants. The Feral Choir Concert will then be presented.

Dates & Times Friday, 15th September 2006.7.30 –10.00 pm
Saturday, 16th September 2006.1:00. – 5.00 pm
Sunday, 17th September. 2006. 1.00 – 5.00 pm
Sunday Concert; 7.30pm £3.00 entrance

Fees £30.00 Three day workshop
£20.00 Three day workshop: Concession rate
£20.00 Three day workshop: Early Booking Concession rate (Deadline August 11th)

Venue: St Brides Church, Catherine Street, Liverpool L8 7NG

Web presence http://www.frakture.org/feral.htm

From Adam at MuseumMAN

The Brooklyn based artist Reynolds is coming from NYC and staging her procession in Liverpool-August and
needs performance artists (female) to join her in the ceremony.

Contact Adam: adamnankervis@yahoo.com
Protestation
(Puki Parade: Thursday, Aug 10, 6pm)
Curated by Adam Nankervis
Museum Man at Liverpool Cathedral Cemetery Entrance
Liverpool L1 7AZ, UK
Off Upper Duke St
www.museumman.org
www.reynoldsnart.com

Artist seeking Technical Support for Environmental and Performance Art Project

Artist, Agata Alcaniz, is preparing an Environment and Performance Art piece for the Independents Biennial and Transvoyeur exhibition September 2006.

She is seeking support from a technician in both theatre production and offsite video media who can drive.

If you are able to assist with this, please email her at agataalcaniz@hotmail.com
Thank you.

Highlight of Saturday night was the Cobra Killer performance at the BierKeller. Two women from Germany singing along to sort of techno-punk music, throwing themselves around and occasionally running into the audience. They started by pouring bottles of wine over themselves. A waste of wine but they drank plenty too.

Earlier we were busy in the Castlefield area. A Liverpool band, a.P.A.t.T. were doing a set on a canal boat, we just watched while they rehearsed on the canal bank before the boat arrived. It was too hot to face an hour long trip on the canal in an overcrowded barge.

Meanwhile Wrong Music were performing some crazy karaoke thing outside the museum which was hilarious and inside we enjoyed Pete Hindle's talk and demonstration of his Duelling Etch-A-Sketches which he adapted to make really bad techno music.

More good stuff. I remember seeing a work by Shilpa Gupta at the Asian Art Festival in Blackburn earlier this year (pictured here).

TOUCH, SEE, HEAR, SMELL
Liverpool Biennial 2006 at FACT

The fourth Liverpool Biennial, the UK’s largest contemporary and visual arts event, begins on the 16 September and runs until 26 November.

As part of the festival FACT (Foundation for Art and Creative Technology) will showcase new commissions that invite visitors to scratch and sniff Liverpool, bridge the gap between the city and Mumbai, explore the architecture and characters of the city and enjoy the work of the Godfather of Thai cinema.

Full story on my Biennial Blog

The web team at National Museums Liverpool have started a blog (The Naked Museum). Its great, I already get an excellent flow of news from their press team and RSS feeds but the blog has lots of extra bits that may not make it onto the main site and gives an insider view on the day to day happenings.

One example is this is the first image of the Insyde show created by Airside thats going to be shown at the Walker during the Biennial with music by Fred Deakin of Lemon Jelly. Its looking good.

There's a nice exhibition of conceptual jewellery at the Renew Rooms in Wood St. until August 10th 2006.
10 members of the Manchester Jewellers Network each made a piece which was inspired by some Manchester architecture. The works were displayed at Urbis during Architecture Week and received excellent reviews before moving to the RIBA showroom here in Liverpool.

Pictured here is Toby Cotterill's work inspired by the Castlefield railway viaducts. The pieces on the top actually move along like a little train.
The others are
Martin Rees: Gateway Transport Interchange
Tara Kirkpatrick: B of the Bang
Eddie Grundy: Manchester Town Hall
Colette Hazelwood: Manchester Guardian
Underground Tunnels
Samantha Mills: Daily Express Building
Lisa Thornton: City of Manchester Stadium
Rachel Hearne: The Lowry Centre
Melissa Hansom: Manchester Royal Exchange
Heather Skowood: Strangeways Prison

A very amusing start to the day at the Walker this morning we saw the Loophonium (or Harpic-phone (groan)), created by the late Liverpool-based musician, composer, writer and humorist Fritz Spiegl.

A talented professional flautist, Fritz designed the bizarre contraption for use in April Fools’ concerts staged with fellow members of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.

The Walker bought the instrument at an auction following Fritz’s death in 2003, aged 77. It has been conserved before being put on display.

His widow Ingrid was there this morning and explained that the work was great fun but difficult to keep in the house. She also said “Fritz would be tickled pink that the Loophonium is on display among some of the great artworks and masterpieces. It is tremendous to think that one of Fritz’s creations will continue to make visitors smile.”

A cross between a lavatory and a euphonium, the surreal musical instrument was devised by Fritz about 1960 by replacing the horn of a silver-plated euphonium with a toilet painted with flowers and a wooden seat in the form of a lyre.

Fritz fled the Nazis as a boy and was widely-known for his humorous books including the Lern Yerself Scouse series.

He composed the famous Z-Cars TV theme (based on the sea shanty Johnny Todd) and was a frequent broadcaster who also wrote regularly for newspapers and magazines.

The Loophonium goes on display to the public from Saturday July 29th 2006 complete with a loudspeaker for you to hear the sound of the instrument which is more like a fart than anything more musical.

All the latest lists of exhibitions and events at the NML venues here:

The Walker Art Gallery

The Lady Lever Art Gallery

The World Museum

The Maritime Museum

The National Conservation Centre

The Customs & Excise Museum

Loads of events, talks, workshops, tours for Adults and Children.

Contemporary Craft at the Kitchen Gallery

An inspired blend of contemporary and conceptual crafts including ceramics, textiles, jewellery, accessories and objects by established and emerging artists selected for quality and originality. Private View 6th August 1.30-4. Exhibition continues to 28th August.

The public will also have the opportunity to experience “Meet the Maker” sessions hosted at the Clore Suite at Norton Priory over three afternoons in August. Contact the Gallery for details.

The Kitchen Gallery
Norton Priory Museum & Gardens
Runcorn
Cheshire
WA7 1SX

www.kitchengallery.uk.com
info@kitchengallery.uk.com
Tel: 01928 577 487/0151 733 5986

Opening times are Fri-Sun 1.30-4.30 and by appointment.

The doors to Mrs Emily Tinne’s wardrobe at the Walker Art Gallery close on 30 July 2006, so take the opportunity to look through the stunning collection of dresses, coats and accessories purchased by the prolific Liverpool shopper.

Here is Mrs Tinne (played by Lucy Brite) talking about the glamorous outfits and stories of shopping expeditions.

The final performances are at 1200, 1300 and 1400 hours on 28 July 2006.

Passion For Fashion - A Liverpool Lady's Wardrobe at the Walker until July 30th 2006

FREE WORKSHOPS FOR YOUNG DEAF PEOPLE AGED 11 – 17

Bluecoat Arts Centre's Connect programme is running 7 free workshops in August with Deaf artist Denise Armstrong.

The workshops will include film, theatre, drawing as methods to explore how we can break down the barriers that young Deaf people face when going to cultural venues.

We want Bluecoat to be as accessible as possible when we reopen next autumn, and we want people to enjoy it.

If you are interested then please contact Annie on:

Email: annie@bluecoatartscentre.com
SMS: 0781 1173 828
Phone: 0151 7095297 Ex.25
Fax: 0151 707 0048

Heritage at the Heart of the City
National Museums Liverpool in 2007

In 2007 Liverpool will be 800 years old. Where better to celebrate this Year of Heritage than in Liverpool, a city that has more museums and galleries than any other regional city in Europe?

National Museums Liverpool has an exciting programme for 2007 which explores many aspects of Liverpool’s incredible history. Among the most significant of the events is the opening of the International Slavery Museum telling the story of the transatlantic slave trade, the reopening of the Sudley House featuring the only surviving Victorian merchant art collection in Britain still hanging in its original location and a major new exhibition, Magical History Tour, that charts the history of this unique city.

At the Walker Art Gallery Doves and Dreams tells the tragic story of two art nouveau artists working in Liverpool, in addition the gallery will host exhibitions by sons of Liverpool science fiction artist Josh Kirby and internationally renowned maker Peter Chang.

More details

'Fly to the Light’ by Tony Knox (Etal)
26 July - 06 August, 2006
Exhibition opening: Wednesday 26 July 2006, 19.00 onwards.
Egg Space Gallery, Newington, 16-18 Newington, Liverpool.

Written by Gaynor Evelyn Sweeney

Tony Knox, a Visual Artist based in the North West of England, brings together an exhibition on his own creative research and development of the infamous character ‘Moth Man’, who has earned Folk Law in the popular culture forums of art and wrestling.

The fundamentals of this character, ‘Moth Man’, present the male in contemporary society as the dysfunctional hero with false aspirations of ‘Flying to Light’. Knox was influenced by his earlier photographic work of wrestlers, who had fallen from grace and perform in working class recreational outlets, such as ‘Jake the Snake’ Roberts, who once crowned the national and international circuit of wrestling, but through alcoholism fell to the way side and features in the regional wrestling bouts. In a similar vein, Knox took the ethos of the iconic as imbued in the contemporary fallen hero from wrestling and created ‘Moth Man’. This is a performance character and as part of his research developing ‘Moth Man’ in early 2004 he learned to wrestle with Garage Pro Wrestling.

‘Moth Man’ has been explored and conceptualised in digital short film media, as well as performances with ‘Moth Man’ and Garage Pro Wrestling into a gallery context. This was first shown in the Liverpool Biennial 2004 and part of the Transvoyeur exhibitions programme in conjunction with Jump Ship Rat. Since this inauguration, ‘Moth Man’ has been to Egypt and through a live art performance intervention juxtaposed to the notions of history, the iconic and the Pyramids. More recently, we have had resurgence of ‘Moth Man’ and Garage Pro Wrestling in a live art event in the Mid Summers Madness Festival in St Helens, Merseyside, England, which was commissioned by St Helens Borough Council.

The character is one which has evolved from the onset and transition in 2004. The current research now brings forward another level of spatial dimensions explored by Knox. This is a collaboration with another artist Charlie Nuttall from Manchester. Nuttall, on the philosophies of ‘Moth Man’ by Knox, has taken the essence and in the process of creating an arch enemy the ‘Nuttcracker’. The final objective for the end art piece will be embodied in a computer arcade game and exhibited at the Transvoyeur exhibition during the Independents Liverpool Biennial 2006.

Part of the research and evolution of ‘Moth Man’ by Knox will be presented in the current exhibition at the Egg Space Gallery, Liverpool, England, combined with some of the independent and collaborative work by Nuttall. The exhibition has been extended to include other artists, who consider photography and performance in their art, some with an interventionist element comparable to those live art expositions by Knox as ‘Moth Man’.

The artists collective forming this exhibition are: Tony Knox, Lisa Barry, Emma Winder, Chris Leyland, Charlie Nuttall and Andy Morris. Additional support in the research to Knox’s art has been extended by Kevin Thomas and Laurence Milner. For furhter information go to
www.podgy.org.uk
or
www.eggspace.org

Transvoyeur artist Tony Knox in Fly to the Light Exhibition, Egg Space Gallery, Liverpool, England, July-August 2006.

The Gang is a loose gathering of artists from diverse fields such as performance, video ,physical computing, Dance, VJing, music, sound art, cabaret, writing, painting and knife fighting.
Ok, perhaps not the last one.
We gather every fortnight with aims to : help each other out, inspire each other, collaborate and get a bit of moral support!
Sometimes we talk business around the meeting table, but the next meeting will be a social / all comers welcome / hanging out / informal beer drinking / nonsense talking kind of affair.
So, this is an open invitation to anyone who feels they aren't part of a supportive art gang (and would like to be) to come along!

Time : 19-30
Day : Monday the 31st July
Place : 3345 Parr Street, Liverpool
Attitude code : relaxed sociable

Identification : bring a red object or item of clothing (red carnation, red hat, large ruby, etc.) if you want us to recognise you. Otherwise, just stride boldly up to the group of people talking arty.

Contact Steve Grant if you require more details.
www.thegang.org.uk

Join the UK’s leading organisation dedicated to the exhibition, commission and support of artists working in film, video and new media.

Media Arts Facilitators [Freelance]

Do you have a passion for film, video or new media?

Can you communicate film, video and new media to young people and teachers?

If the answer is yes, join the team at FACT and help us develop our new and exciting Formal Education Programme and Informal Youth Programme.

FACT’s Education and Youth Programmes deliver a wide range of activities targeting teachers, school groups, individual/independent young people, youth groups and organisations in and around Merseyside and the North West region.

FACT is now recruiting a team of Media Arts Facilitators [Freelance] to lead and create workshops, training courses, film appreciation, resources, commissions and residencies specialising in film, video and new media. You must have at least two years experience of working with young people and / or educators as well as experience of one of five key areas [Film and Video, Animation, Games, Sound and Web art].

Employment is on a freelance basis.

We welcome applications from any individual regardless of ethnic origin, gender, disability, religious belief, sexual orientation or age. All applications will be considered on merit.

For more information or to request an application pack please contact:
Sheindal Cohen, FACT, 88 Wood Street, Liverpool. L1 4DQ
Tel: 0151 707 4444
Email: recruitment@fact.co.uk
Closing date for applications: Thursday 10 August 2006
Interviews in Liverpool: Tuesday 22 August 2006
www.fact.co.uk

Volunteers required for healthy arts project in Huyton, Liverpool. Must be Liverpool based and aged 16 - 20 (or look around that age). To work with (and act in) a project with a group of young people about the dangers of sunbed use. Would be great for a student looking for some experience - great for your CV. Payment is not available but refreshments and travel costs will be provided.

Times - Wednesday evenings 7 - 9pm
Performance - 21st September 2006 (all day).

If you are available on those times and would like some experience, a challenge and good fun then please get in touch with Kate or Lisa on 0151 702 9293 or email kate@altru.co.uk by Tuesday July 25th.

Awful news. I'm usually the first to spot and fret about any possible health and safety hazard but when Dreamspace was here in Liverpool it never occurred to me that it may be unsafe. I suppose there are hidden dangers in everything even a beautiful, peaceful artwork. Very sad.
Some papers referred to it as a 'bouncy castle'! What!

Artwork victims 'fell to deaths'

Two women killed when a giant, inflatable sculpture blew into the air fell to their deaths from a great height, according to ambulance staff.

Another 13 people were hurt when the Dreamspace artwork was lifted into the air at Riverside Park, Chester-le-Street, Co Durham on Sunday.

Forensic teams examining the artwork's moorings have not ruled out foul play.

Claire Furmedge, 38, from Chester-le-Street, and 68-year-old Elizabeth Collings from Seaham, died.

Ms Furmedge was a mother-of-two and Ms Collings was a grandmother. Both were on the artwork with young relatives, none of whom were seriously hurt.

The Dreamspace sculpture, created by artist Maurice Agis, comprises several rooms, made of translucent PVC sheets, which are interconnected and inflated to allow visitors to walk about inside.

LINK to BBC story

LIGHTS, MOBILE, ACTION!
OSCAR & BAFTA WINNING DIRECTOR
LAUNCHES 4TH ANNUAL MOBILE PHONE FILM COMPETITION

Kevin Macdonald, the celebrated director of the critically acclaimed, award winning documentary Touching the Void is today launching the 4TH Nokia Shorts Film competition. Innovated by Raindance this joint venture between Nokia and Raindance Film Festival is groundbreaking.

The Nokia Shorts Film Competition challenges budding filmmakers to create an original film concept and tell the story in just 15 seconds. Launched in 2003, this is the first competition of its kind to encourage the development of short films designed specifically to be played on mobile devices. This year, once again, Nokia Shorts will include a separate category for films made and edited entirely on a mobile handset.

The winner of the competition will be announced at the British Independent Film Awards in November, and their short will be screened at the event in front of some of the industry’s biggest names. The winner of the handset only category will be announced at the Raindance Film Festival in September and will receive an all expenses paid trip to Cannes Film Festival.

Starting today filmmakers can submit their 15-second ‘micro-movies’. Visit www.nokiashorts.co.uk for full entry requirements. The deadline for all submissions is the 11th of September.

John Davies - The British Landscape
Open Eye Gallery, Liverpool
Saturday 29th July 2006, 13.00

Artist Talk and Book Signing

Acclaimed photographer John Davies will be at Open Eye Gallery on Saturday 29th July to talk about his latest exhibition, The British Landscape, and to sign copies of his book to accompany the show.

“John Davies’ remarkable landscapes document a turbulent period in British history – and finally they’re getting the recognition they deserve.”
Simon Bainbridge, British Journal of Photography

The best of John Davies' landscape photographs of Britain, made between 1979 and 2005, are presented in The British Landscape in the order in which they were made and on a spectacular scale. Beginning with his early photographs of mountains in Scotland and the Lake District, Davies’ dominant concern is soon established – the industrial and post-industrial landscapes of Britain’s towns and cities. Most of the photographs are taken from a position of elevation, and show the changes evident in Britain’s social history from the Industrial Revolution onwards.

Each photograph is accompanied by Davies’ notes on the social and historical background to the places and scenes featured, and the book is introduced with a reflection on the changing British landscape by Jonathan Glancey (Architecture and Design Editor, The Guardian).

Published by Chris Boot, this book accompanies a touring exhibition which was launched in June 2006 at the Centro Cultural de la Villa de Madrid (during PhotoEspaña), and will subsequently make its UK debut at the National Museum of Photography Film and Television in Bradford (13 October 2006 to 4 February 2007).

Apologies for the lack of updates the past couple of days but we are in Manchester for this years Futuresonic festival. Yes, of course, I checked that the hotel had wi-fi access before I booked but I assumed it was free and its been a struggle finding free access here. So, eventually we settled here in the cafe at Cornerhouse and trying to catch up.

Anyway, I'm in techie music heaven here. The festival got off to a great start with a talk by the Japanese artist-musician Toshio Iwai introduced by Eddie Berg the former Director of FACT. At the end of the talk Toshio gave a short demo of his new instrument the 'Tenori-on' (= sound on your palm) developed with the Yamaha corporation and hopefully on the market sometime in the future. You can see it in the picture above.

On Friday night at Academy2 Toshio and his collaborators gave a full performance using the Tenori-on and some of his other musical inventions, it was excellent.

Most of the action is taking place at the Museum of Science & Industry in Castlefield with smaller events in the Northern Quarter and various bars round the city. There's even art in a barge on the canal and in a big blue container. Another mobile work is the Speech Guitar played by Jon Cambuel, it looks a bit like a guitar but is played with a stylus on a graphics tablet rather than plucking strings.

On Friday afternoon we watched an interesting 'Hypercomposition' performance of by Vergil Sharkya using various traditional instruments together with new technology to create a 3-D sonic space of warped frequencies and grooves. Vergil is a visiting fellow at JMU Fine Arts which has post-graduate sonic arts courses.

On Friday night after the Academy2 we went to the basement of the Rossetti hotel to see some of the Concert over Broadband put on by realfresh.tv. A couple of good sets by The Black Paths and a new group called The Search Map.

No more time for blogging, lots to see. More to follow..

SoundNetwork @ Home

Liverpool Biennial 16th September - 26th November 2006

A programme of SoundNetwork events during Liverpool Biennial, including an exhibition of sound works and installation, collaborations, commissions and a series of concerts of live sound art, improvised and experimental music at venues all over the city centre.

Open Call for Submissions: 2 commissions, £1000 each

2 artist commissions for new sound work in collaboration with non artist groups in Liverpool. £1000 each.

Deadline for submissions. 6pm Thursday 10th August. The selection will be made and the artists informed by Monday 14th August.

An artist or group of artists must submit a proposal that involves and collaborates with a non-art group based in Liverpool or the North West.

The non-art group might be a school band, scientists, architects, doctors, treasure hunters with metal detectors, fishermen, palaeontologists, dog walkers…….

The nature of collaboration can take any form but should be clearly defined as part of the proposal.

The definition and use of sound is open, but SoundNetwork are particularly interested in proposals that present sound works that do not rely entirely on digital technology and speaker systems. Exploration of performance, presentation, physical transmission of sound and process based work is especially welcome.

Both commissioned works will be shown or performed as part of the SoundNetwork@Home exhibition or concert series over the Liverpool Biennial period.

Artists must be based in the North West region or work actively in this region.

The artists must undertake any project management, with assistance and supervision from SoundNetwork. This will be outlined in detail in an artists contract following successful application.

Please download an application form from http://soundnetwork.omweb.org

Catherine Shea
29 Unmade Artworks 1992-2005

Written by Jessica Bowstead MA

At the Sonic Arts Network and University of Manchester event ‘No Petting, No Running, No Bombing’, held in the grand Manchester Victoria Baths, I found an amusing and clever artwork by artist Catherine Shea.

On the wooden bench of one of the small costume changing booth’s, which line the abandoned First Class Males Swimming Pool, sat a pair of inconspicuous headphones attached to a CD Walkman encased in a small white wooden box. On the tiled wall a label stated the work’s title - 29 Unmade Artworks 1992-2005. Sitting on the bench with the headphones on, I was greeted with the clearly recorded voice of the Northern artist. Shea relayed a list of 29 varied and distinctive pieces of possible art works, that, for reasons unknown to the listener, the artist has never physically performed or created.

Through Shea’s precise spoken descriptions of each idea complete with titles, sizes, materials, outfits and locations, she wittingly invites you to take a wonderful trip into her imagination. During this encounter, I found myself contentedly (and paradoxically) involved in a process of ‘making’ – with Shea’s specifications I visualised and ‘made’ each of her ideas. After mentally making 29 new pieces of art in just half an hour I felt rather gratified! I heartily recommend listening to this work so that you too can immerse yourself in Shea’s multifarious world of art ideas and allow yourself, with some skilful prompting, the fun of ‘making’ something that is ‘unmade’.

Jessica Bowstead MA
Creative Director 5athegallery

This artwork is next being shown as part of the West Lancashire Open Exhibition at the Chapel Gallery, Ormskirk from 15 July – 31 August. Shea will also show this work with new artworks as part of the Transvoyeur exhibition during the Independents Biennial Liverpool.

The brouhaha international street festival 2006 website is now up and running. It was a bit late in my opinion but everything's there now and you can even email your photos into a competition.
Its the big opening ceremony on Friday

http://www.brouhaha.uk.com/

John Brady has sent out instructions for registering as an artist, curator, gallerist, venue etc. for the Liverpool Biennial 2006 Independents strand.
If you intend to be involved you need to read and follow the instructions. You should also register with the independents website to ensure you receive future newsletters from them.
I have already registered my digital art show and I post the full message here...

Dear Independents,

Thanks for all the comms. Some have minimal content, others jpgs, urls and various attachments, which can make it hard to see the wood for the trees.

ARTISTS (to also include independent curators, gallerists and other visual culture activists).
This first stage registration will allow us to clearly assess the progress of individual proposals as to whether they are fully funded or not, whether they have a venue or not, whether they have special requirements, and if so, a reasonable chance of securing them. Irrespective of how much information you have forwarded to us already, if you wish to be considered for the Independents listings, web-review and catalogue you MUST COMPLETE & RETURN the registration form linked below.
If there are details you cannot confirm, indicate a date on which you will confirm these details to us. For ARTISTS wishing to register, please complete the form which can be found here: http://www.independentsbiennial.org/bi_admin/bi_form_artist.htm

The deadline for this first stage registration is August 04 2006 but the sooner you get it to us the sooner we can assess your proposal's viability. The resources of time, space and money are limited and if your proposal requires enormous amounts of space, technical kit and loot that you aren't more than halfway down the road to securing we will de-prioritise the proposal and recommend you forget 2006 and start working on 2008. Viable projects will be invited to complete a second stage registration, to include images and editorial, no later than August 22, 2006.

VENUES
The Independents Biennial does not undertake to find venues for artists but will happily act as broker for venues willing to host artists' events. The term VENUES includes galleries, public and private buildings and exterior locations. VENUES wishing to register please complete the form which can be found here:
http://www.independentsbiennial.org/bi_admin/bi_form_venue.htm
Please do so asap as it will enable us to match-make artists and venues.

Finally we recommend you subscribe to www.independentsbiennial.org for updates and news.

John Brady CF

INDEPENDENTS BIENNIAL LIVERPOOL
COMPRISES ARTISTS, GALLERISTS AND VISUAL MEDIA ACTIVISTS TAKING PART AND MAKING A MARK, INDEPENDENTLY.
#####################################################
THE BLADE BUILDING 67 GREENLAND STREET LIVERPOOL L1 0BY ++44(0)151 798 9000 / ++44 (0)797 661 0581 www.independentsbiennial.org

Futures - launch of Merseyside's New Network

Creatives and design businesses in Merseyside should visit the new website. www.futuresnetwork.org.uk

Design Initiative, in association with V and Merseyside ACME presents Merseyside’s new network for designers working in the communications field: graphic design, webdesign, advertising, interactive media and related services such as illustration and commercial photography.

Join Futures now and sign up for the launch event taking place on Wednesday 26 July.

Designing relationships : Hunting or Farming?
Ralph Ardill : Founder and CEO, The Brand Experience Consultancy, previously of Imagination.

Is the model of hunter or farmer the most productive way to generate good client relationships?

Designers and their clients need to work together to get the best results, with respect for each others businesses and trust in each others knowledge of their respective industries.

Good relationships are key in achieving this, but how do we achieve good relationships in the first place? How can we win new clients and, more importantly, keep them? Or when and how should we say goodbye?

Followed by Ralphs Clinic Q&A: resolving your current client issues on the spot!

Date: Wednesday 26 July
Time: 5.30pm
Venue: Static, 23 Roscoe Lane, Liverpool. L1 9JD
Cost £10 members/ £20 non members.

Cost of annual membership £20 (includes a saving of up to £40 over series of four planned seminar events, online directory listing, informal networking hosted by Liverpool design agencies, exclusive futures ebulletin with jobs and news)

Booking is essential - www.futuresnetwork.org.uk

With the support of V and Merseyside ACME, the Design Initiative has set up Futures and has arranged a seminar series until December 2006. It is hoped that funds can be raised to continue into 2007 and beyond.

For further information contact julie@designinit.org.uk 0151 709 1566.

GRAFFITI ARTS TRAINING COURSE:

The ZAP GRAFFITI ARTS company and LEASOWE DEVELOPMENT TRUST are seeking young unemployed 16-19 year olds from the Wirral for their new POPS course.
(DURATION : 12 WEEKS @ 12 HOURS)

This project is funded by THE LEARNING SKILLS COUNCIL AND THE EUROPEAN UNION (EUROPEAN SOCIAL FUND)

This course will allow participants to learn the basic skills of graffiti as an artform and engage in an extensive course involving:

LEARNING: FILM & LITERATURE, TALKS, RESEARCH TRIPS AND LECTURES

WITH EXPERIENCE GAINED THROUGH:

PRACTICAL WORK: PLANNING.
ILLUSTRATION.
GRAPHIC DESIGN.
GRAFFITI ART.
BASIC WOOD WORK.
FRAME MAKING SKILLS.
COMPUTER AND MULTIMEDIA WORK.
(CDROM / WEBSITE CREATION)

COMMUNICATION SKILLS: WORKSHOPS: TEACHING OTHERS / SHARING SKILLS.
DEALING WITH THE PUBLIC & COMMERCE.
DOCUMENTATION AND EVALUATION.

Entry into the course does not adversely affect your benefits, most probably the contrary as E.M.A funding available for those that fit criteria.

Based at ZAP GRAFFITI ARTS studio art 35a Renshaw Street, Liverpool,
participants will engage in varying activities across the Wirral and Greater
Merseyside.

For full details and eligibility please contact:
LYNNE WATERHOUSE: LEASOWE DEVELOPMENT TRUST
0151- 638 9599 / 0775 6772 340
E-MAIL: lynnew@leasowedt.org.uk

or alternatively KIERAN GORMAN: ZAP GRAFFITI ARTS:
0151 702 9057
0771 6548 629
E-MAIL: info@zapgraffiti.com
WEBSITE: http://www.zapgraffiti.com

GRAFFITI ART CLASSES FOR INDIVIDUALS:

ZAP GRAFFITI ARTS are running graffiti art classes for individuals from age 8 upwards! Learn the basic skills of the art form with a professional tutor to create your own works in a fun and legal way at our City Centre studio at
Grand Central, 35a Renshaw Street, Liverpool.

Fridays 4-6
Saturdays 11-1, 1.30-3.30 and 4-6
Other times are available subject to availabilty

£20.00 for each session including all materials.
Subject to advance booking. Payments on the day.

PHONE AND FAX 0151 702 9057
MOBILE |(KIERAN) 0771 6548 629
E-MAIL: info@zapgraffiti.com
WEBSITE: www.zapgraffiti.com

S1 Artspace: Curator

fixed annual fee £22,000-25,000 pro rata dependent on experience
Part time - 3 days per week 2 year fixed term contract
Closing date 7 August 2006
Interviews 4 September 2006

S1 Artspace artist studios and project space are seeking an experienced Curator to
manage and develop the programme of exhibitions and play a role in the growth of
the organisation.

For job description and application details visit http://www.s1artspace.org
Enquiries by e-mail to Michelle Cotton info@s1artspace.org

S1 Artspace, Units 4a-6b Trafalgar Court, Milton Street, Sheffield S1 4JU UK