Library
Welcome to the Library section of the Somerset Arts website. Available here are the documents, strategies, guidance, research, data and information relevant to those working in arts and culture in Somerset. Please click on one of the sections on the right to browse our library and download files.
If you can't find what you are looking for, please contact us using our online form.
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Documents and Reports ->
| Title | Download |
|---|---|
| Social Impact of the Arts Evaluation Study |  |
| Somerset County Council with Sedgemoor District, Mendip District, South Somerset District Councils, Taunton Deane Borough Council and ARTlife (Cultural Development Agency for West Somerset) and Arts Council England, South West commissioned Annabel Jackson Associates to carry out a study into the social impact of the arts in Somerset. An evaluation toolkit was developed to provide detailed, accurate information on the arts in Somerset and five case studies were carried out to provide qualitative and quantitative data in the following art forms: film, visual arts, dance, theatre, digital media, music and community pantomime. The study covered a 12 month period from April 2008 to April 2009. The data provided from the research found arts projects, exhibitions and productions delivered on a range of Local Area Agreement priorities. This report brings together the five case studies and illustrative data from the piloting of the evaluation toolkit. | |
| Social Impact of the Arts Quick Guide | |
| Somerset County Council with Sedgemoor District, Mendip District, South Somerset District Councils, Taunton Deane Borough Council and ARTlife (Cultural Development Agency for West Somerset) and Arts Council England, South West commissioned Annabel Jackson Associates to carry out a study into the social impact of the arts in Somerset. An evaluation toolkit was developed to provide detailed, accurate information on the arts in Somerset and five case studies were carried out to provide qualitative and quantitative data in the following art forms: film, visual arts, dance, theatre, digital media, music and community pantomime. The study covered a 12 month period from April 2008 to April 2009. The data provided from the research found arts projects, exhibitions and productions delivered on a range of Local Area Agreement priorities. This document presents a quick guide to the evaluation toolkit. | |
| Social Impact of the Arts Evaluation Toolkit | |
| Somerset County Council with Sedgemoor District, Mendip District, South Somerset District Councils, Taunton Deane Borough Council and ARTlife (Cultural Development Agency for West Somerset) and Arts Council England, South West commissioned Annabel Jackson Associates to carry out a study into the social impact of the arts in Somerset. An evaluation toolkit was developed to provide detailed, accurate information on the arts in Somerset and five case studies were carried out to provide qualitative and quantitative data in the following art forms: film, visual arts, dance, theatre, digital media, music and community pantomime. The study covered a 12 month period from April 2008 to April 2009. The data provided from the research found arts projects, exhibitions and productions delivered on a range of Local Area Agreement priorities. This document presents the full version of the evaluation toolkit. | |
| Arts Development Project - Introduction |  |
| The strategic overview and assessment of future scenarios for the arts in Somerset was first commissioned by Somerset County Council (SCC) and Somerset Arts Promoters (SAP) in July 2009. There are two phases to this work. Phase One ran from July to October 2009 and concentrated on five key objectives: • consider a “reasonable” expectation of arts provision in Somerset • review existing resources and establish those which are dependent on local authority and ACE investment • summarise the key priorities of the major stakeholders in Somerset with regard to arts and cultural provision • consider the “best” fit between expectation, current delivery and priorities in Somerset and highlight areas where the fit could most usefully be changed • examine a number of “scenarios” for the future taking into account the current political situation and future trends in public sector financial planning These objectives formed the basis for one-to-one and group discussions with public stakeholders and the arts constituency during July, August and September 2009. The report – entitled Peter Boyden Report Part 1 presents a “snap-shot” overview of the position of the Arts funding in 2009/10. This report should be considered first in order to gain a full understanding of the project works background. Phase Two draws on the Phase One programme of review and scenario planning carried out between July and September 2009. This 2nd Report reflects the content of six facilitated workshops which took place in November and early December 2009. Three of them engaged with senior staff and Chairs of the independent arts organisations at the heart of SAP. One each then focused on relevant staff from local authorities, ACESW and SAP/Thrive. The level of turn-out at such short notice reflects the scale of interest and concern. Using the Phase One report as a reference point, the workshops followed the same structure - that being: • Context: establishing the financial realities with which the sector is faced • Guiding principles: setting out what a strategic vision might seek to achieve • Strategic vision: investigating the nature and purpose of an integrated strategy • Delivery mechanisms: clarifying what this might all mean in practice • Change programme: looking at a managed process of transition This Phase Two Report entitled Peter Boyden Report Part 2 reflects the views put forward in the workshops while retaining an objective and pragmatic response to the financial realties faced by public stakeholders. It doesn’t offer a single solution for which sign-up is sought. Rather it clarifies what the stakeholders are seeking to achieve in a fast-changing environment and presents practical options in response. Download further information above. | |
| Arts Development Project - Peter Boyden Report Part 1 | |
| Part One: The Present Where are we starting from? 1. Public Stakeholders What are the key factors affecting public investment in the arts in Somerset? 1.1 Strategic context 1.2 Past and present patterns of public investment 2. The Arts Constituency What happens at the moment? 2.1 Current arts activity in Somerset 2.2 Building blocks of a creative future. | |
| Arts Development Project - Peter Boyden Report Part 2 | |
| Part Two: The Future Where might we go? 3. Issues and Implications What does it all mean? 3.1 The need for change 3.2 Strategic drivers for public investment in arts and culture 3.3 Delivery mechanisms to maximise public benefit 4. Future Scenarios What might we do in the future? 4.1 The impact of different investment decisions 4.2 Guiding principles for the development of the arts in Somerset 4.3 Future options and their implications 5. A Programme of Managed Change How might we get there? | |
| Arts Development Project - Summary Feedback Report | |
| This report is based on comments submitted in response to the Peter Boyden Final Draft report V 2. This summary has been developed with comments from: The Reveal RFO Operational Management Group Malcolm Williams – Mendip District Council Nick Brace – Actiontrack Performance Co Tim Martin – Brewhouse Theatre and Visual Arts Centre Phil Shepherd – Somerset Film Ralph Lister and Jane Webster – Take Art Mark Moran – Strode Theatre Michael Fry-Foley – Illminster Arts Centre and Meeting House Steve Elliott – Tacchi – Morris Arts Centre / The Space Carol Cary – Somerset Art Works Charlie Dearden – Bridgwater Arts Centre Tracey Roberts – ARTlife and West Somerset Council Paula Hammond – Merlyn Theatre Lewis Lintern - The MATA Regal Theatre Company Ltd Alice Crane – SPAEDA Robert Miles - The Brewhouse Theatre & Arts Centre | |
| Arts Development Project - Actiontrack | |
| Response to Peter Boyden`s report from Actiontrack. | |
| Arts Development Project - ARTLife | |
| Response to Peter Boyden`s Report from ARTLife. | |
| Arts Development Project - Bridgwater Arts Centre | |
| Response to Peter Boyden`s Report from Bridgwater Arts Centre. | |
| Arts Development Project - Ilminster Arts and Meeting House | |
| Response to Peter Boyden`s report from Ilminster Arts and Meeting House. | |
| Arts Development Project - MATA Regal Theatre Company Ltd | |
| Response to Peter Boyden`s report from MATA Regal Theatre Company Ltd. | |
| Arts Development Project - Mendip District Council | |
| Response to Peter Boyden`s report from Mendip District Council. | |
| Arts Development Project - Merlin Theatre | |
| Response to Peter Boyden`s report from Merlin Theatre. | |
| Arts Development Project - Reveal Operational Management Group | |
| Response to Peter Boyden`s report from Reveal Operational Management Group. | |
| Arts Development Project - Somerset Art Works | |
| Response to Peter Boyden`s report from Somerset Art Works. | |
| Arts Development Project - Somerset Film | |
| Response to Peter Boyden`s report from Somerset Film. | |
| Arts Development Project - SPAEDA | |
| Response to Peter Boyden`s report from SPAEDA - Somerset Partnership Arts Education Development Agency. | |
| Arts Development Project - Strode Theatre | |
| Response to Peter Boyden`s report from Strode Theatre. | |
| Arts Development Project - Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre | |
| Response to Peter Boyden`s report from Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre. | |
| Arts Development Project - Take Art | |
| Response to Peter Boyden`s report from Take Art. | |
| Arts Development Project - The Brewhouse Theatre | |
| Response to Peter Boyden`s report from The Brewhouse Theatre. | |
| Arts Development Project - Tim Martin | |
| Response to Peter Boyden`s report from Tim Martin. | |
| Arts Development Project Feedback Report | |
| This report is a summary of the feedback given by the Arts Review Board on the consultations of the 2nd Peter Boyden report. For further information on individual submissions please contact Rob Jones on rjjones@somerset.gov.uk | |
Help and Guides ->
| Title | Download |
|---|---|
| Add an Event | |
| A step by step guide to show you how you can add an event to the website. | |
| Add an Artist or Arts Organisation | |
| A guide to show Artists and Arts Organisations how to add a directory entry to the website. | |
| Linking to Somerset Arts website from your Website | |
| Some instructions to allow you to add a button and link from your own website to your section and page on the Somerset Arts website. | |
| Somerset County Council Seed Funding | |
| Grants from the Cultural and Creative Economy Unit are available for individuals, community groups and organisations living or working within Somerset who increase public access to the arts and promote creative excellence. The grant scheme enables artists, community groups and organisations working in Somerset to access support for creative projects, events and initiatives. For 2010-11, the Cultural and Creative Economy Unit is continuing a seed funding initiative. We hope this method of distributing our grants ensures that in difficult economic times we are still able to support multiple arts events and projects in the county. Grant allocations can be any figure from a minimum of £200 to a maximum of £1,500. Whilst we appreciate funding amounts have been applied for because of an identified need, we will on occasion offer lower or higher grants dependent on our assessment of the project, and the level of applications we are receiving at the time. For further information and to apply please download the application. | |
News & Newsletters ->
| Title | Download |
|---|---|
| Thrive Somerset: Survey of Professional Creative Activity in Early Years Settings 2009 | |
| The rationale for this survey was to: • Create a picture of the DEMAND for professional creative activity in Somerset’s Early Years settings. • Identify key priorities and opportunities that can inform the Thrive Early Years Specialists’ delivery plan. • Review the findings in the light of the Early Years Creativity SUPPLY mapping exercise carried out in the summer of 2009 by the Thrive EY Specialist Lead Officers (available on request from admin@thrivesomerset.org). | |
| Quest Newsletter February 2009 | |
| Cultural Olympiad Newsletter No. 1 | |
| Quest Newsletter July 2009 | |
| Cultural Olympiad Newsletter No. 2 | |
| Quest Newsletter December 2009 | |
| Cultural Olympiad Newsletter No. 3 For this bulletin we've tried to provide you with the most up-to-date regional and national news to give you the context for what's happening here in Somerset. There is an array of projects underway in the South West and nationally and 2010 will be the year when will really see many of the better ideas swing into action. | |
| Cultural Champions | |
| Bridgwater Arts Centre volunteers Pat Morley and Ron Rudd joined Ben Bradshaw, MP for Exeter and Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, at Exeter Cathedral for a reception to celebrate and thank Cultural Champions. 'Cultural Champions' is a new initiative created by Arts and Business, to publicly acknowledge the 'unsung heroes' who contribute so much into the Arts. | |
| Celebratory Arts Newsletter 2010 | |
| Greetings to this, the first newsletter of the year, produced by Tim Hill, working in Somerset helping promote the ‘outdoor celebratory arts’. The newsletter is a space for news and views about these arts, it goes out to over 500 people and is, I hope, a useful resource for anyone working or interested in these arts of feasting, fire and joy. | |
| Flux Festival 2010 | |
| The third Flux Arts and Disability Festival takes place for the whole of May. Exciting arts performances, exhibitions and workshops in arts and community venues celebrate arts and disability, and disability arts, throughout Somerset. | |
Notice Board ->
| Title | Download |
|---|---|
| Forward Motion - Festival Of Film & Television | |
| Somerset Film presents Forward Motion, the annual festival of all things film and television, in Bridgwater from Thursday 3rd December until Saturday 5th December 2009. The festival has its usual blend of guest speakers and hands-on practical sessions plus a couple of extra special events in town centre venues. | |
| Acting Workshops At Bridgwater Arts Centre | |
| Two days of workshops for people aged 14+ with student or professional acting experience. | |
| SAW Opportunity For Artists | |
| SAW is looking to employ professional lead artists for a series of intergenerational projects. We are recruiting now for our first opportunity, an artist to lead our Victoria Park Community centre project, starting late Spring. We will be creating large permanent wall panels for the cafe at the centre in Bridgwater, working with under 25s and over 50s from the local area. The brief with details of the application procedure is attached (pdf and word formats) and can also be downloaded from our website http://www.somersetartworks.org.uk/news/saw-wins-intergenerational-project-funding Deadline for applications: Email application deadline 12 midday Sunday 28 February Postal application deadline 12 midday Weds 24 February | |
| Empty Space Gallery Minehead | |
| Empty Space Gallery Minehead - opportunity for artists FREE EXHIBITION SPACE FOR SOMERSET ARTISTS Empty Space Gallery Minehead: An Artlife project. An opportunity for artists to display their work in a new temporary gallery in Minehead during 2010. | |
| The Sea Show | |
| Craig Johnson has been on various tours with Kneehigh Theatre (Wolf, Fishboy, Quicksilver, Skulduggery, Journey to the Centre of the Earth etc.). He has also created and performed his own shows under the name of Squashbox Theatre, bringing quality performances to schools, festivals, arts centres and theatres, including a regular daytime slot at the Minack Theatre, and a village hall tour in Cornwall through Carn to Cove. This summer Craig will be presenting The Sea Show. The Sea Show celebrates our unique relationship with the ocean using a quirky mix of puppets, storytelling, natural history and comedy cabaret. If you would like to hire Craig, the show is fairly low-tech: all that is required is space of 3x3 metres and a standard power socket! The show is about 50 minutes long, very accessible and great for children of 4 - 11 years old, although can easily be performed to all ages, including adults. An afternoon or early evening slot would be ideal. Please email Craig at craigbeulah@hotmail.co.uk | |
| Converse - a one day symposium |  |
| Alias and the Reveal Partnership invite you to CONVERSE - a one day symposium at Ilminster Arts Centre, The Meeting House, Ilminster, Somerset. on Friday 30th April 2010 from 11am - 5pm Featuring artists Hannah Hull and Russell Martin Jo Leahy, SVA (Stroud Valleys Artspace) Peter Stiles, artist and seminar facilitator This event will encourage artists and others to come together to consider contemporary visual arts practice in the context of people and place. The emphasis will be on collaboration and on sharing experiences. The day will also address the need to understand, support and promote the existing arts infrastructure in Somerset. The aim is to create the ideal conditions in which a conversation can take place - come and enjoy the inclusive ambience of The Ilminster Arts Centre, with good quality local food and drink available to foster the best exchange. Cost: including lunch and refreshments: £10 (a limited number of bursaries are available) To book contact: The Meeting House, East Street, Ilminster, Somerset. TA19 0AN Box Office: 01460 54973 email: info@themeetinghouse.org.uk | |
| Music and Drama Festival | |
| Do you sing? Can you play an instrument? do you enjoy speech and drama? Fancy a challenge and some sound advice? Then join us in November! | |
| Evaluating Youth Arts | |
| Evaluating Youth Arts Projects 18th October 2010, 9.45 am- 4 pm, Theatre Royal Plymouth Artsplan, the training and publications department of Artswork and in-house training provider for ENYAN (English National Youth Arts Network), is pleased to be delivering the one day course ‘Evaluating Youth Arts Projects’ on 18th October 2010 at Theatre Royal Plymouth. Artsplan is the largest provider of specialist youth arts training courses and publications in the UK and all training and publications are written and supported by experienced youth arts specialists, currently involved in direct project work with young people. This one-day training course explores the benefits of meaningful evaluation of youth arts projects. Beginning by addressing preconceptions around evaluation (constructive exercise or chore?) the course will progress to examine methodologies, structured approaches and case studies using a series of collaborative exercises and tutor led presentations. Informative and practical, this course will help you develop your own individual approach to creative evaluation and the confidence you need to engage with evaluating youth arts projects. Rachel Preston, Artsplan Development Manager, commented: “Well planned, structured and meaningful evaluations are essential skills needed to effectively project manage. This course will provide you with creative examples and useful case studies in order to prepare you for thorough and inclusive evaluations”. All participants will receive a certificate of attendance upon successful completion of the course and a wealth of practical resources. Prices for each course, which include lunch and refreshments, range from £110 to £150, with limited £55 bursaries available. Please also remember that ENYAN members can request a 5% discount on all Artsplan publications and training! For more information on these courses or to book a place, please contact the Artsplan Team via artsplan@artswork.org.uk or call 02380 682 535. To subscribe to ENYAN visit www.enyan.co.uk. Special Offer: Bookings of two or more get 20% discount on course fees! | |
| The Bath Prize | |
| An invitation to paint in Bath this summer This year The Bath Prize, a novel painting competition first held in 2009, offers a total prize fund of £12,000. This includes a first prize of £5,000 (sterling) and a plein-air award of £2,000. There are many other runner up and category prizes. The top prize will go to the artist who best captures the spirit of Bath and the city is keen to welcome entries from painters visiting the City during June, July and August. Painters entering the competition are invited to submit as many works as they wish but the first entry must have been inspired by a specific location in the Georgian city. This location will be allocated by ballot when the entry is received. Sponsored by The Bath Gallery, supported by Future Bath Plus, the competition is open to both professional and amateur painters and has been designed to produce a multi-faceted portrait of a very special place. Artists will be encouraged to work on the streets, en plein air, but they can also sketch or photograph their subject and complete the work elsewhere. Bath is a world-famous destination that has inspired artists and craftsmen for more than two thousand years. This competition will stimulate new work celebrating the glory of Bath, will recognise the best and will display as much of it as possible in the City that inspired it. This summer we hope to meet many artists in Bath and if you and any members of your group decide to come we will do our best to help you make the most of what we are sure will be an enjoyable and worthwhile visit. Entries for the competition close on August 23rd. Details and entry form can be found at www.thebathprize.co.uk For more information on Bath www.cityofbath.co.uk/ visitbath.co.uk/ www.beautifulbath.co.uk/ Best wishes David Collett The Bath Prize www.thebathprize.co.uk 01225 312773 | |
| Call For Entries Coastal Art Competition | |
| SEA PICTURES GALLERY Coastal Regeneration Competition entry news for professional artists The Royal Society of Marine Artists (RSMA) is calling for entries from artists in coastal communities for a special prize to be awarded at its Annual Exhibition at London’s Mall Galleries in October. Sea Pictures Gallery is sponsoring a prize of £500 for a piece of art which best represents the working relationship with the sea to encourage the creation of figurative contemporary coastal art and to support awareness of the importance of the sea to the population of our island nation. Artworks for submission to the exhibition, which need to be accepted by the RSMA to qualify for the prize judging, have to be delivered to London’s Mall Galleries on the 12th September in person or by special arrangement following the instructions at www.mallgalleries.org.uk. The correct labels and terms and conditions are to be found at this site. ‘Sea Pictures’ is the UK’s only dedicated contemporary marine art gallery. It moved from Greenwich to Clare, in Suffolk last year. Owners Sarah and Alaric Pugh are members of Sea Vision UK, the legacy organisation from the UK’s Year of the Sea in 2005, and are keen supporters of the regeneration of Britain’s coastal communities and our maritime heritage. The autumn exhibition, beginning on 9th September, features the work of last year’s RSMA Young Artist of the Year, 25 year old Michael Sole. David Howell current President of the RSMA has commented: “we welcome developments like this. The ‘Sea Pictures Working Relationships Award’ enables us to raise awareness of the Society around the country at ports and coastal towns whose artists depict the lives of people who work with the sea, a very legitimate subject matter for art”. | |
Posters and Marketing ->
| Title | Download |
|---|---|
| Promotion Of Arts Events In Somerset | |
| You can distribute your posters, brochures and leaflets in Somerset libraries The Somerset Arts Office is able to distribute brochures, leaflets, posters and flyers for arts events through the Somerset Libraries network. The event needs to be held in Somerset, (or it`s closest County borders),or be of benefit to the local community. | |
| A4 Poster - Visit Somerset Arts | |
| A4 PDF Poster | |
| A4 Poster - We Are On Somerset Arts | |
| A4 PDF Poster | |
