For the third year, Gael Linn and An tUltach and have partnered with Liverpool Irish Festival to create a one-off, £1,000 creative commission to celebrate Irish language and folklore.

The resulting work will form part of Liverpool Irish Festival 2023 (19-29 Oct 2023). Their initial deadline for proposals is 9am Mon 27 Feb 2022 (which may be extended).

The focus will be the Festival theme (‘anniversary’), combined with Gael Linn’s specific interest in the promotion of the Irish language and the arts. They want to hear about what you want to produce with a commission of this size (£1,000). They seek proposals from artists from all backgrounds, ethnicities and nationalities, though the content must relate to Ireland, Irish language or Irish creativity. Connections made with Liverpool are also good, but not essential.

Ideas they are open to include, but are not limited to:

• illustrated children’s stories involving Irish folklore tales, Gaelic and English
• a piece of visual art that represents a famous Irish story or Gaelic/English speaker
• photo stories that represent Gaelic/English life, stories and/or characters (fictional or real)
• a piece of sculpture/installation that references Ireland or Gaelic phrases/references
• short films or animations that celebrate Irish life or Gaelic (with English translation; or vice versa)
• graphic artwork for use with prose, online and in print. It must reference something that would be of interest to Gael Linn and Liverpool Irish Festival
• a visual art original that you can serialise and sell, which sits within the artistic interest of the two funding partners
• live event within the Festival or online creative tutorials/events based on connected themes
• a blog/vlog involving visuals and prose, which gives insight in to the life (fictional or real) of an Irish artist/their muse.

Previous examples

In 2022 we commissioned Dogleap Productions to produce a short fil, -in English and Gaeilge, called Reroot. Dogleap used the original £1,000 to seed fund the project, which they then brought additional parters and investors to. You can see their article on the project, here.

In 2021 the fund enabled us to commission Nuala Monaghan to create 5 artworks supported by stories. We developed an exhibition, which was held at The Reader, some events and a storybook. We additionally presented those stories online in English and Gaeilge.

Any physical artifact must be available to be on loan to us for one year, but will remain the property of the creator at all times. A condition of the fund, is that -if selected (and not before)- you will provide an 800-1,000 word article (or equivalent as agreed by the selection process) about the work; some photos documenting the process and a completed artist’s monitoring form.

They do not want to be prescriptive. These are indications of what we think *might* be achievable. If you think you can use this to leverage funds using this as a match, and hope to extend the project, please tell us so. We’ll aim to help. If you want to create a smaller commission with a portion of the fund, this will be considered.

They seek creative ideas in line with the fund size. Your proposal must indicate the end output and what else is required to support it.

Resources you can rely on

• both funder websites and social media channels
• the Festival’s newspaper and supported print offerings
• depending on the nature of the commission, our networks to help show/screen/exhibit your work as part of the Festival and via Gael Linn
• a live programme you can be involved in, funding permitting
• some digital platforms we can access and share with you.

What do you need to do?

Please present a

• clear and concise outline of your creative idea
• statement on how it relates to our brief
• short budget (no more than 3% contingency, if using)
• list or statement on needs you have from us
• examples of your work (this *can* include a CV and/or photos, but must indicate the quality of your suggested work rather than be an extensive back catalogue of previous exhibits/projects, a CV alone is not acceptable).

Example proposal

I will:

• • run three 5pm/afterschool, online Gaelic classes for children aged (ideally) 8-10, on four Wednesdays leading up to the Festival. We will perform a final live version of a Gaeilge story at the Festival (time, date and venue to TBA). I have run sessions like this for 2.5 years. Link here to see an example session.
  • use purpose-made puppets to illustrate the story of Cú Chulainn, which we will tell across the four sessions. Please see attached photographs of other items I have made, as a reference for my work

  • Resources I need

  • Support with the promotion of these workshops
  • Promotion of the showcase event
  • A venue for the showcase event
  • Ticketing support
  • Zoom meeting set up, on an official account, for workshop sessions
  • A venue to perform the live version in.

How I fit the brief

This commission straddles Gael Linn’s, An tUltach’s and the Festival’s interests in arts and culture, and particularly the Irish language, shining a light on all three areas. My high-quality handmade puppets will engage the young children in learning Gaelic phrases and tell an important Irish story. I will document the sessions as a legacy.

Budget

£750 Total
£50×1= £50 Puppet materials
£30×3= £90 Session fees for 3 x 45 min (free to access) online lessons
£50×1= £50 1 x live session fee
£50×1= £50 Flight/train fare
£125×1= £125 Accommodation for 1 night
£35×2= £70 per diems/subsistence for round trip
£150×2= £300 puppet making days
£15×1= £15 small contingency for the above.

Your proposal

They will contact you if they need additional testimonials, documentation (e.g., DBS) or information. Please keep your proposal simple and idea led, rather than experience heavy. The selectors prefer no more than one page (c.500 words) -including your idea and background- at this stage.

Please submit your proposal(s) to Emma Smith, Director of Liverpool Irish Festival, via emma@liverpoolirishfestival.com no later than 9am Mon 27 Feb 2023. The panel aim to shortlist the following week, once they have raised any clarifying questions to assist selection.

The Festival will announce the selection(s) no later than w/c  Mon 13 Mar 2023, once we have confirmed the artist and considered the commission’s terms. They reserve the right to extend or re-run the proposal and announcement deadline, according to the range and quality of submissions received and deliberations made in this round.

NCD is a creative development lab for cinema of the future, in partnership with the School of Digital Arts (SODA) at Manchester Metropolitan University and HOME, Manchester. In its inaugural year NCD is intended to advance new voices, visionary forms and encounters in cinema. NCD is open to early and mid-career filmmakers and artists worldwide, regardless of nationality or citizenship status.

Applications close at 11pm (UK) Monday 16 January 2023.

The NCD Lab invites emerging and mid-career artists and filmmakers working at the cutting edge of new cinema to be part of their week-long creative development lab in Manchester (UK) from Monday 17 – Friday 21 April 2023.

Devised to offer support structures for cinema that emerges beyond the borders of current institutional infrastructure the Lab will be a catalyst for new digital cultures and technologies for innovative, live, virtual and immersive cinema production.

This funded programme will offer editorial support, technical facilitation and industry connection for three teams of new cinema projects in development or early production – bold cinematic works that go beyond the traditionally defined categories of ‘film’ and ‘art.’

What this opportunity includes:

– Fully-funded week-long creative development programme in Manchester, UK
– Access to https://www.schoolofdigitalarts.mmu.ac.uk/facilities/ – SODA digital production facilities, including; digital innovation lab, VR & user experience studios, green screen & motion capture studios, edit & audio suites
– Tailored workshops & advisory sessions
– Opportunity to present your project to a group of industry leaders and peers
– NCD public programme of talks & special screenings
– Budget for travel & accommodation costs for up to two film team members
– £1000 fee for each project

The creative development lab will also initiate an exchange between UK based filmmakers, international contemporaries and industry peers.

Apply:
For full details about the opportunity and how to apply please see their website: https://www.andfestival.org.uk/events/new-cinema-days-open-call/

Culture Liverpool are seeking proposals from not-for-profit arts and cultural organisations to run creative responses/ activities around getting people more active and help reduce social disconnection.

Activity should be creative, engaging, accessible, and exciting! Of a high quality and in a group environment. Think dancing, singing, physical theatre, heritage walks; or you tell us! They want people to become more creatively active and less sedentary.

Activity will need to run between February and September 2023. Further information and how to submit an expression of interest here.

Abandon Normal Devices (AND) are looking for individuals to join their Board in 2023

About AND: They’re a radical arts organisation situated in the North of England, working globally. They curate experiences, commission and incubate new art, cinema and sound, often through collaborations with emerging technology and science.

In recent years AND have increased and diversified the membership of the Board. As they look forward to their 15 year anniversary and 10th edition of the Festival, they are looking for new, dynamic and committed people to support further growth and development, build on their achievements and cement their growing international reputation.

Being a Board Member

Board Members play an integral role in providing robust governance and stewardship, in externally supporting future development through advocacy with regional, national and international stakeholders, potential funders and partners from the public and private sectors. Board Members benefit from working with a small, creative and enthusiastic team on the strategic development of the organisation.

Joining the AND Board as a Trustee

As well as recruiting into their new Associate Board Member roles, they are currently looking for individuals to join the AND Board with experience in the following areas:

• Environmental and Sustainability

• Finance and Operations 

• International / Senior Arts & Culture

• Legal and Human Resources

• Research and Innovation

• PR / Digital Communications

This isn’t an exhaustive list, and they’re interested in hearing from anyone who believes they have skills or experience to positively contribute to the organisation. They’re committed to opening up opportunities to people who are currently under-represented in the cultural sector, and we particularly welcome applications from candidates from ethnically diverse backgrounds, Disabled candidates and candidates under 30.

Interested to find out more? Head to their website for full details and how to apply: https://www.andfestival.org.uk/blog/join-the-and-board/

What is it like to be on the AND Board?

Click here to read an interview with our Trustees Sam Bompass and Katie Moffat about being on the AND Board.

Open Eye Gallery and Culture Liverpool are looking to commission a socially engaged writer to work in the Garston Village area of Liverpool City Region.  

This commission seeks to do the following:

• To foster a sense of community ownership and pride
• Offer skills to community members
• Produce high quality, free, creative workshops for the local community
• Provide long-term, deep engagement based on and with the people of Garston
• Produce quality creative outputs, which can be shared physically and digitally, based on  the visioning of the people of Garston and their relationship to Garston Village.

The selected writer will work with community members with the overall aim of understanding  their unique stories. In the spirit of socially engaged practice they will be led by members of the  local community, whilst maximising their own creativity and skills as writers / poets to co-create, with the community, stories of the area and its people.

They welcome applications from writers who have a relationship to the area.  

Budget

• Artist fee of £5,800 (based on an estimated 29 half day sessions including a planning day  and evaluation days @ £200)
• Materials / Kit for workshops and delivery – £1300 to be shared alongside the  photographer in residence where appropriate.
• Artist travel – £300
• There is an additional budget for participant access costs, marketing and exhibition  production, which will be discussed and finalised with the successful candidate.

Closing date: 9th January, 10AM

Please visit their website for more information and for a full job description.

Open Eye Gallery and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority announce a call for entries to Liverpool City Region Photo Awards 2023!

The competition is open to anyone living in the city region. Free online submission started 10 November 2022 and closes 2 January 2023. Winners’ works will be a part of the Liverpool City Region Photo Awards 2023 exhibition.

Liverpool City Region is a place for photographers – the varied landscapes and vibrant communities have led to images that have inspired visitors and locals alike. Historically, the city region has nurtured more than its fair share of internationally significant photographers, something that continues today – it’s the reason Open Eye Gallery is based in the region.

The photography world is now shining a spotlight on the city region as they host the Sony World Photography Award Winners 2022 . From the 11th November – 22 December Open Eye Gallery will be expecting record visitor numbers. Then in January they are proud to host a solo exhibition of the photographer that was the overall winner of the Sony World Photography Award during Lockdown in 2021, selected from entries from 72 countries – the city region’s own – Craig Easton.

Over the last few years, more than ever before, people have shared their lives through photography on social media. We all know the power of a photograph: to bring us nearer to things we miss (or might have missed), to communicate beyond language, and connect instantly. Now Open Eye Gallery and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority are supporting the awards to celebrate the culture, creativity and vibrancy across the city region — they want to make some noise about the talent living right here.

What winners receive

• Showing as part of Liverpool City Region Photo Awards 2023 exhibition across multiple venues
• £1,600 in cash prizes
• Stay and breakfast at INNSiDE x2
• Free memberships at dot-art Darkroom
• Darkroom materials from Harman Technology

dot-art also offer free half-day dark room taster sessions. A taster session is an introduction into the processes of creating prints from negatives and provides an opportunity to get to know the equipment and language: email gallery@dot-art.com to apply for a free place. The dot-art team will also be leading weekly Darkroom tours throughout the competition live dates for those interested in joining the Darkroom or a Taster Session. Email gallery@dot-art.com for available dates.

8 CATEGORIES + 3 SUB-CATEGORIES

How do I submit?

Everyone living in the Liverpool City region (including Knowsley) can submit 3-5 images in one chosen category. The images don’t have to be new: you can use your archives! There are 8 categories, and you can read the description of each category here.

To submit, create a profile here on Picter: you will be then guided through the submission process with all the technical requirements. In the description of the project be sure to mention whether your image was made on mobile device or on film: it will enter you in Mobile or Analogue subcategory with a chance of winning additional prizes. You can also enter the Youth subcategory if you are younger than 16.

Subcategories

Mobile

The best camera is the one you have to hand. People are recording their day-to-day online and even completing whole fashion shoots with their phone. There’s a real talent to working with the limitations of mobile phones / tablets and we want to share what is capable. Make sure to let us know in the project description that your image is made with a mobile / tablet device so that your work can be entered into this subcategory.

• The categories ‘Mobile’, ‘Youth (U16s)’ and ‘Analogue’ are an extension of your submission to one other category, there will be an award for the each category and an award for both Mobile and Youth (U16s) categories.

Youth (U16s)

We want to see work from tomorrow’s photographers today. Make sure to let us know in the project description if you are under 16 so that your work can be entered into this subcategory.

• The categories ‘Mobile’, ‘Youth (U16s)’ and ‘Analogue’ are an extension of your submission to one other category, there will be an award for the each category and an additional award for Mobile, Youth (U16s) and Analogue categories.

Analogue

Celebrating celluloid and those taking the time to make slower images. Make sure to let us know in the project description if your work is taken using more traditional means so that your work can be entered into this subcategory.

• The categories ‘Mobile’, ‘Youth (U16s)’ and ‘Analogue’ are an extension of your submission to one other category, there will be an award for each category and an additional award for Mobile, Youth (U16s) and Analogue categories.

People working freelance across the Liverpool City Region’s vast creative industry are being asked to take part in a national survey to obtain a clear understanding of the challenges they face in a bid to improve working conditions.

Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is one of nine Combined Authorities across the UK reaching out to creative communities. Creative UK which is behind the Redesigning Freelancing survey, wants to understand the obstacles freelancers face locally as well as nationally to build greater equality into our freelance workforce.

According to The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS); just under one third (32%) of the creative workforce is freelance, compared to 16% across the UK generally.

The Combined Authority and other leading creative organisations such as Sky, British Film Institute (BFI), The Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed (IPSE), Freelancer Club, Scottish Ballet, March for the Arts and many others are backing the survey, which aims to shape industry standards, drive change and futureproof all parts of the work environment for freelancers across the sector to create greater long-term value and sustainability into the freelance ecology.

To take the survey click here: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/5YL28NT?utm_campaign=Redesigning%20Freelancing%202022-23&utm_source=partner

The Redesigning freelancing survey is open until 9 January 2023.

Do this year’s heat waves worry you? Will you have to choose between heating and eating this winter? Is your job or business in danger because of spiralling energy bills? And are 100 new licences for drilling in the North Sea the right answer to that?

We live in an oil machine and we are running out of time.

The film THE OIL MACHINE shows how much we depend on oil and gas, and why that needs to change.

Now, After THE OIL MACHINE, let’s engage others in the discussion about how we transition away from an oil-based economy. If you’ve just watched the film, or are curious to find out more, here are some ways to get involved.

Sparking discussions after watching the film

Every screening of THE OIL MACHINE can kick off a discussion in your community on how the North Sea plays a role in determining our future.

FIND A SCREENING

No matter if you’re an oil worker or a climate activist, an investor or an educator, a scientist or a politician – they’d love to hear from you if you can be part of the discussion at one of our screenings.

SPEAK AT A SCREENING

They also make it very easy for you to host your own event.

HOST A SCREENING

What’s been happening since filming THE OIL MACHINE

The issues raised in the film have become even more urgent with recent upheavals in energy security, the cost of living, and our climate. At the same time, the new UK government is rushing to put out 100 new licences for North Sea oil and gas exploration. One year on from the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow, they’re now going back to the film’s contributors to ask them how recent global events have shaped the ongoing debate about oil.

WATCH CATCH-UP INTERVIEWS

What needs to come after the oil machine

We have to act now and make sweeping changes that move our societies away from dependence on fossil fuels. What will you do to help? What are your demands from those in power? They’re asking the film’s contributors to share their ideas to get you started.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Stay in touch

They’d like to keep you in the loop about

• events that happen in your proximity or online,
• the general availability of the film,
  
• opportunities to promote events and campaign content,
• useful information for event hosts,
• and what we’re up to next.

Entering your location enables them to keep things relevant to you, and helps us make sure they’re reaching audiences all across the country. See here to sign-up

Closing date – 04 December 2022
Department: Visitor Experience
Locations: Office / Factory International
Yearly salary: £25,000 – £28,000
Fixed-term contract until end Aug 23

They couldn’t run Manchester International Festival without the dedication, energy and enthusiasm of our amazing volunteers. Some 440 volunteers got involved in MIF21, their last festival, doing everything from helping out with preparations to greeting the public at their events. Their Volunteer Coordinator is critical to the smooth running of this programme.

Help them ensure that the volunteer programme is inclusive and accessible, and that volunteers have a fantastic experience for MIF23!

Their Volunteer Coordinator will lead on key aspects of volunteer recruitment, training and induction, and support for volunteers taking part in the 2023 Manchester International Festival. They will ensure that the volunteer programme is inclusive and accessible, and that volunteers have a fantastic experience at all points that they interact with them.

This is a key post within the MIF Volunteering Team and the post holder will deputise for the Volunteer Manager as required. This role will involve a significant amount of evening and weekend working – particularly during May, June, and July, to facilitate the delivery of the programme. It is likely that this role will involve working additional hours, particularly during the Festival, which can then be taken back on a flexible basis.

For further information and to apply please visit:
https://recruitment.factoryinternational.org/jobs/2221377-volunteer-coordinator