Cultural Partners

We're pleased to introduce one of our latest Cultural Partners, New Line Graffiti. The group offer graffiti workshops to children and young people, giving them an opportunity to explore the artform and discover the positive impact it can have upon their space.

New Line Graffiti have recently completed a project with West Jesmond Primary School, at the school's temporary site. Concerned that unpleasant graffiti was frequently appearing in the playground, the school decided to commission the artists to run workshops that would fill the playground with the children's artwork.

The theme of 'the jungle' was chosen, and after a week of workshops with New Line Graffiti, the children had brought their playground to life with words, animals and plants based upon the theme.

The teachers, children and artists were thrilled with the results. "We've had a great five days working with some of the nicest and most enthusiastic children you could meet," said the artists, "They worked really well over the five days and we covered years three to six. The kids created some really great work and they all learned a lot, and more importantly had a great time whilst doing it!"

New Line Graffiti are available for workshops with children and young people of all ages. To find out how they can work with your learning setting, email Robby at info@newlinegraffiti.com or see the website www.newlinegraffiti.com

Here's wishing you all a wonderful summer break.

Keep an eye on the site for changes and for news of autumn activities.

If you want to know more about NewcastleGateshead's first festival specially for all Children and Young People, register for more info at www.newcastlegateshead.com/cyp
It runs from September-November with something for everyone aged 0-18. Keep eyes here for all the news!

Best wishes for a wonderful summer - see you in September!

Caroline, Karolynne, Jeanne and Ednie

The CCA Network's Fourth Culture in Education Showcase took place on Monday 2nd July. We had stall holders from some fantastic artistic and cultural organisations including Seven Stories, The Sage Gateshead, Baltic, Gem Arts, Tyne and Wear Museums, NE Regional Museum hub with their very popular freebie bags, Eye of the Fly and Dance City.

Teachers had the opportunity to try proggy matting, felt making, chinese painting, weaving with recycled materials, view DVDs of organisations work and pick up loads of information directly from organisations. The 2007 CIE Directory of cultural partners was also launched and given to attending teachers on the day.

We also had Monster Productions in costume, Emma Boor with her puppet show, 'Cinderella Green the Recycling Queen' and African drumming with Arts Isiziba and an after-school club from St Joseph's in Highfield, who all helped to entertained us.

I'd like to give a HUGE thank-you to the Stall Holders who were all fantastic, and I hope that the teachers enjoyed the day.

Please feel free to leave any comments on the Showcase or information on Stall Holders and I'll get back to you.

Discover more about your ancestors and the area in which they lived. Buy bargain local history books and ask the experts.

Saturday 19th May 2007 at Caedmon Hall, Central Library. The event is FREE.
For more information contact the Local History Librarian for Gateshead, Anthea Lang on 0191 433 8403 or anthealang@gateshead.gov.uk

Just a quick reminder that the 2007 Culture in Education Showcase will be on Monday 2nd July from 3.00pm-6.00pm at the Indoor Athletics Hall at Gateshead International Stadium. This will be an opportunity for teachers to discover how artists, cultural and creative organisations can enhance creative work in schools and educational settings.
Invitations will be posted out within the next few weeks, but make a note of this date for the diaries.

For more information contact Fiona Kelly on 0191 433 6927

Here's the new schools programme from Seven Stories: The Centre for Children's Books, starting from September 2007.

Download file

For the fifth year running, Local History Month is underway. The month began on Monday 30th April and will end on Sunday 27 May. There are over 70 events which take place at various venues throughout Gateshead. They include walks, talks, film shows and family history events. For more information call Central Library on 0191 433 8420 or Gateshead Visitors Centre 0191 477 5380, details on the different events are in the link below.
Download file

Help make your school bloom. Enter the Gateshead Council Summer Garden Competition and your schools’ efforts could be recognised whilst helping improve Gateshead’s environment for all to enjoy.

There are 3 area competitions to enter covering the whole of Gateshead each with the category – Best Kept Garden/ Class project. This category is open to all Nursery, Primary, Secondary and Special schools in the area.

For further information contact Events Unit, Gateshead Council,
Sport & Leisure, Old Town Hall, West Street, Gateshead, NE8 1HE, or telephone 0191 433 6900.

Here's the updated list of Cultural Partners in the CCA Network for your records. There will be a new Culture in Education directory in the Summer available from Monday 2nd July at the CIE Showcase 2007. Invitations to the CCAs and teachers will be sent out soon.

Download file

This summer Seven Stories has an action packed holiday programme to engage and delight visitors, and there are still two weeks of Knickerbocker Glory book-based fun to go! Log onto our website for full listings.

And the fun doesn’t stop there. Just look what’s on this Autumn…

Seven Stories from Seven Stories

Join us for some very special author events linked to Seven Stories from Seven Stories, a new series starting on ITV on Sunday 3rd September. Top writers, illustrators and actors from the region have come together to create new stories based on the seven basic plots of story: Quest, Tragedy, Voyage and Return, Overcoming the Monster, Rebirth, Comedy and Rags to Riches. Authors including David Almond, GP Taylor and Melvin Burgess will be visiting Seven Stories throughout the autumn and into 2007. Check out our website for more details.

New Beginnings with Adam Bushnell – Sunday 3 September

The Summer holidays draw to an end and new beginnings are upon us. Listen, join in and create stories old and new at Seven Stories. Tales that will guarantee to start the new school year with smiles on many a face. Sessions at 1pm, 1.45pm & 2.30pm. Suitable for a family audience. 5+

Roald Dahl Day – Wednesday 13 September

To celebrate what would have been the 90th birthday of Roald Dahl, Seven Stories is offering a special programme of activities for schools and groups and visitors throughout the week. Roald Dahl Day is being celebrated nationally. For more details log onto www.roalddahlday.info.

Roald Dahl Day weekend celebrations Sept 10 & 11 and Sept 17 & 18

Come dressed as your favourite Dahl character. Prizes will be available each day for the best costume. Why not come in yellow, Roald Dahl’s favourite colour? We have classic party games with a wacky Dahl twist, including pin the ears on the BFG! There are hands-on drop in activities relating to Dahl’s colourful characters and you could meet Willy Wonka or Mrs Twit!

Roald Dahl Day School and Group Programme Monday – Friday September 11, 12, 13, 14 & 15

Our school and group programme aims to celebrate the life and work of Roald Dahl through a variety of creative and fun activities. These include character building, party fun and a character collecting trail. Key stage 1 and 2. Please book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Call Alison Neill on 0845 271 0777 for more details.

Voyages Storytelling, in association with Universal Building Society – Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 September

Universal Building Society commences the second phase of its three year sponsorship of Seven Stories. The project aims to take children on a voyage of literary discovery to enlighten them about the arts, literature and creativity. Come along to a colourful, seafaring-themed weekend of events at Seven Stories. Children will be taken on a magical journey to search for hidden treasure and hear enchanting tales of voyages and adventure told by inspirational storytellers Pascale Konyn and Sudha Mooney. Please see the website for further details.

Nick Arnold & Tony de Saulles, Horrible Science Roadshow - Friday 22 September

Come for an entertaining evening event for adults and find out how Nick and Tony create the Horrible Science Roadshow together. Includes a Q & A session, a taster of the show and book-signing. Ideal for teachers, librarians, authors, illustrators and adults with an interest in children’s books. 6-7.30pm. Pre booking is advisable. £3.50, £2.50 annual pass holders. In association with Scholastic Children’s Books.

Nick Arnold & Tony de Saulles, Horrible Science Roadshow - Saturday 23 September

This crazy show and book signing, based on the Stunning Science of Everything Book from the multi-award winning Horrible Science series, explores a range of demonstrations, readings from the books and quizzes. Aimed at a family audience of children aged 6-13 and their parents. 11 am -12 noon. Pre booking is advisable. In association with Scholastic Children’s Books.

Stephen Potts - Wednesday 27 September, 12.30 – 2.30 pm.

Stephen Potts is a versatile and gifted writer whose first children’s book, Hunting Gumnor, was nominated for the Carnegie Medal. His latest page-turner, Abigail’s Gift, is a gripping historical adventure, partly set in modern times and spanning back two centuries. Abigail Jones has a rare gift – an imagination that transports her from the grey world of schoolwork into wild adventures and in particular, the story of Morag, a free-spirited girl from the Scottish Island of Mull in the 19th century keen to escape the poverty she lives in. ‘Exciting, poetic and mysterious’ Carousel.

Join Stephen Potts for a discussion about his writing, followed by book-signing. Open to school groups. Includes a gallery tour before the event. Suitable for KS2 ages 9-11. To book please call Alison Neill on 0845 271 0777. In association with Egmont Books.

Michelle Paver – 30 September

Join a family event with Michelle Paver, author of Wolf Brother and Spirit Walker, part of the acclaimed Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series. Come and celebrate the release of Michelle’s latest book Soul-Eater, and hear her talk about how she created the world of Torak, her love of wolves, her experiences researching pre-historic clans, her encounter with a bear and much more. Followed by book signing. Suitable for families and children 9+ at 11.00 am. Pre booking is advisable. In association with Orion Books.

Hidden Magic with Pascale Konyn - Sunday 1 October

Sunday Storytelling. At the red gold turning of the leaves, at the time when the dark nights grow longer, the air becomes crisp and it seems as if the earth and its creatures are preparing to sleep, what hidden happenings might there be beneath our feet, under our noses or maybe even in front of our eyes? Discover for yourself when you come and share some tales in the turning season. Sessions at 1pm, 1.45pm & 2.30pm. Suitable for a family audience.

Jackie Kay – Wednesday 4 October – Children’s Book Roadshow event

Join prize-winning poet and author Jackie Kay for a National Children’s Book Week event. Recently awarded an MBE for her services to literature, Jackie draws on personal experiences in her work. From 11am – 12noon in the Artist’s Attic, plus signing. Open to schools, groups and anyone interested in literature, age 7+. Pre booking is advisable.

Jackie Morris – Thursday 5 October

To celebrate National Poetry Day, award-winning illustrator Jackie Morris will be visiting Seven Stories. Jackie has illustrated over 30 children’s picture books including Can You See a Little Bear? The Seal Children and Lord of the Forest. To tie-in with the publication of Classic Poems, an illustrated anthology on 30 September, Jackie will be running a morning workshop for adults and a session for schools in the afternoon. Supported By Barefoot Books.

The workshop is for adults and young people with an interest in illustrating for children and runs from 11-12 noon followed by book-signing. Pre booking is advisable. To book please call 0845 271 0777.

The schools’ session is suitable for KS2/3, years 6-8, and runs from 12.30 - 2.30 pm. This includes a gallery tour before the event and book-signing with Jackie Morris. To book please call Alison Neill on 0845 271 0777.

Andy Stanton – Sunday 15 October

Join Andy Stanton, a regular member of the improv workshop The Crunchy Frog Collective, as his humour takes flight in his first book You’re a Bad Man, Mr Gum. In this tale of a fierce old man, Andy Stanton accumulates silliness and jokes in a laughter-inducing romp, with wild scratchy illustrations, daft asides to the reader, barmy tangents, one liners and a great song (The Sunday Times). Not to be missed. 3pm, ages 7+. Pre-booking advisable. In association with Egmont Books.

Last chance to catch Harry Potter manuscripts!

Don’t forget that September will be your last chance to see original work by JK Rowling for Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Favourites with visitors have been her hand-written draft manuscript for Platform Nine and Three Quarters and her outline for Chapter 7 The Sorting Hat

The Incredible Journeys exhibition transports visitors into the magical worlds of story. It presents key books, manuscripts and artwork from the past 70 years including Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, The Borrowers, The Gruffalo, Fred, Avocado Baby, Danny the Champion of the World and The Little Wooden Horse.

Where pre booking is advisable, please call 0845 271 0777. Normal admission charges apply, unless stated. Please book early to avoid disappointment.

For updated information on events, please log onto our website: www.sevenstories.org.uk. Thank you.

Busy Ape Arts is a community arts organisation working with people of all ages and abilities on a variety of creative arts projects. They are based in the North East of England Busy Ape Arts exists to promote, encourage and facilitate positive thoughts, words and actions through art in all its forms; to create art; and to promote art in people's everyday lives.

They are also a Partner to the Cultural Ambassadors network in Gateshead schools.

www.busyapearts.co.uk

You can no log on, find out what the ideal virtual school looks and sounds like on the Virtual Vision website and post a comment (scrolling to the Explore menu (right hand side) and clicking onto 'Thoughts and Ideas'):

Click onto:
www.virtual-vision.org

Virtual Vision - Thursday 22nd and Friday 23rd of June 2006

We invite you to review our flagship project, where Gateshead teachers worked one-to-one with our Cultural Partners to create a virtual creative school, creative curriculum and creative management model.

Our Cultural Partner, New Writing North, send regular news bulletins.
The latest is attached below.

A date for your diary: bookings are now being taken for the 2006 INSET:

Creativity & Achievement: Inspirational Resources for Schools
Discovery Museum
Tuesday 21st March

Combine excellence in teaching with enjoyment in learning and find out more about improving your school’s access to cultural resources. ‘Creativity and Achievement’ is an INSET opportunity for all teachers, student teachers and support staff to find out more about all 11 of Tyne & Wear Museums’ venues.

Early Years, Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2, Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4, A/AS Level, INSET

Art, Citizenship, Design Technology, Geography, History, ICT, Literacy, Numeracy, Science

You will have the chance to:

• Investigate curriculum links from Foundation Stage to KS4 and beyond.

• Try out activities, handle objects and explore the ‘Boxes of Delight’ loans service

• Get tips on how to use objects in your teaching

• Find out about booking visits

• Discover more about our ICT and web-based museum resources

• Participate in 4 themed workshops

Book now to avoid disappointment!
Please contact the Learning Team at Discovery Museum for further details.
0191 232 6789.
http://www.twmuseums.org.uk/schools/resources/details.php?id=465&events=true

There are still some places left on BALTIC's CPD session this Thursday:

Thursday 19th January
Twilight Session for Primary and Secondary Art Teachers, Cultural Ambassadors and colleagues.
4.30pm-6pm. Refreshments will be served.
This session will involve looking ahead at the forthcoming exhibitions at BALTIC; there will be a hands-on practical session working with artist Ian Gonczarow, exploring identity and self which are some of the themes in the exhibitions.

To book a place, call BALTIC reception on 0191 478 1810 and ask for the education staff.
www.balticmill.com

Northern Writers Awards 2006

deadline - 12pm, Friday 30th Jan 2006

The Northern Writers’ Awards exist to support writers, both new and established, who live and work in the North East of England. There are now four different types of awards, from support for talented new writers to specific support for established writers working on new projects.

This year, awards will be given up to the value of £25,000. An independent panel of professional writers, which changes each year to ensure a variety of tastes, judges the awards. Judges for the 2006 awards are novelist Paul Magrs and poet and current North East Literary Fellow, Colette Bryce. Clair Malcolm, director of New Writing North, will chair the judging panel.

For further information, please contact New Writing North, 2 School Lane, Whickham, Newcastle upon Tyne
NE16 4SL.
T: 0191 488 8580
E: holly@newwritingnorth.com.

Creativity Works is the group name for the Children's Warehouse, Artstore and SCRAP project in Newcastle upon Tyne. It is a charitable business that promotes the creative use of waste materials for arts and craft activities for children and young people. It currently needs people with expertise and understanding of the arts community to join the board.

For further information:
T: Lynn McCarthy on 0191 242 1612
E: lmccarthy@childrens-warehouse.org.uk.

The opening date for Seven Stories, the Centre for Children's Books is Friday 19th August 2005.
Changing exhibitions, storytelling, music, art, dance, galleries, original artwork, and plenty of hands-on activities inspired by children's authors and illustrators.
Adults £5, children and concessions £4, family tickets £15.
Telephone: 0845 271 0777
www.sevenstories.org.uk

The RSPB celebrates a new generation of children interested in birds, wildlife and their local environment with the publication of the January watch results. Well done to all Gateshead Schools who took part. We hope to have a wildlife/environmental CPD session for Cultural Ambassadors this year, so watch this space and your fortnightly e-bulletins.
http://www.rspb.org.uk/schoolswatch/index.asp

For download below, lastest listing.
Ambassadors in schools network: Cultural Partners July 2005

Download file