arts in the city

Arts in the City

ContentsRetracing Traceurs! Westminster City Council has pioneered use of Parkour as a way of engaging young people in physical activity since 2006.

East meets WestminsterCreative music workshops with composer/musician Jiang Li.

Artspot 1 The House of Hammerson plcState of the art space Free space for emerging artists

Artspot 2Lisson Gardens AmphitheatreA brand new outdoor mini amphitheatre will be available this summer!

Fest in WestNews and updates on upcoming festivals in Westminster including The Mayor’s Thames Festival and the London 2012 Roadshow

NewsflashOffice move / UNTOLD / Dance Challenge / FreqOUT / Exhibition Road Music Day

Welcome to Westminster City Council Arts Service’s quarterly e-newsletter about the wealth of projects we support across the city. Every year we commission and support a series of arts and cultural programmes and one off events and since April 2007 they have reached over 80,000 people who live, work and study in Westminster. This is your opportunity to find out more about these projects, and some of the other exciting cultural goings on across Westminster. David Ruse, Director of Libraries, Westminster City Council

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Credit: Andy Day, University of the Arts

Where: Chelsea Futurespace

Hepworth CourtGrosvenor WatersideGatliff Road (Off Ebury Bridge Road)LondonSW1W 8QPEmail: gallery@arts.ac.ukTel: 020 7514 6448

When:4th June – 22nd September 2008Open: Monday-Sunday, 11am-6pmPrivate View:4th June, 2008

Links:University of the ArtsFuture City

Free documentary screenings with Layla Curtis present: at ICA Sat 21st June at 2.30pm and Thurs 26th June at 2.30pm

Westminster City Council has pioneered use of the discipline of Parkour as a way of engaging young people in physical activity since 2006. 2007 saw Westminster City Council Arts Service undertake an innovative public art project managed by Futurecity, which commissioned high profile artist Layla Curtis to create an art work that explored the area of Mayfair in some way.

Parkour is an urban activity of French origin, the aim of which is to move from point A to point B not only as fast as possible but also in the least energy-consuming and most direct way.

Developed in the Parisian suburbs by Sebastien Foucan and David Belle, Parkour has become a highly evolved contemporary art form. Parkour practitioners known as Traceurs, believe that Parkour also influences our thought processes by enhancing critical thinking skills that allow us to overcome everyday physical and mental obstacles.

Parkour Generations Ltd facilitated introductory training sessions at Westminster leisure centres for the young participants from youth groups and the Vital Regeneration media course participants run by the Queen’s Park New Media Centre in Westminster. During these sessions, Layla used thermal imaging technology to record the routes traced by the new students as they moved through various locations in Westminster.

The young participants were very positive about their involvement and felt that they had gained self esteem and confidence in addition to practical digital media technology skills.

Layla later used the same technology to capture the movements of the professional Traceurs as they interacted with the architecture of Westminster.

Film maker Julie Angel recorded both stages of the process on film for a documentary about project which will be available online and screened at the Institute of Contemporary Arts . The main exhibition of the thermal images opens at Chelsea Futurespace Gallery at Grosvenor Waterside on 4th June 2008.

Visit the artist’s website: www.laylacurtis.com

View Julie Angel’s earlier film ‘Jump Westminster’: www.julieangel.com

Chelsea Future Space website: www.chelsea.arts.ac.uk/chelsea-future-space.htm

Re-tracing Traceurs!

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Credit: Eric Richmond

East meets Westminster!

Creative music workshops with composer and musician Jiang Li

Creative music workshops, organised by Chinatown Arts Space (CAS) aim to give participants from all walks of life the opportunity to look at the making of both traditional and contemporary Chinese music and to promote the history of Chinese music to the wider community. Renowned composer, musician and audio engineer, Jiang Li facilitated ten free Creative Music workshops from 4th – 19th April 2008 at various locations throughout Westminster.

Interview:

In what way do you feel western culture has affected your musical style?

In China, the effects of western culture can be seen not just in music, but in many aspects of the arts. For example, Chinese opera now has a much more diverse audience. There are a lot more bands now who mix traditional and current styles. China continues to grow at speed in all aspects so western influences are expected, the change in culture is definitely a good thing but it is most important that tradition is not lost, and great emphasis is put upon the importance of remembering your history and culture.

What shape did the workshop sessions take?

Each one-hour workshop had quite a full programme; however, the sessions were flexible and largely directed by the enthusiasm of the group.

How do you feel your music contributes to your community?

The music is a hugely positive influence on the community but at the moment, it’s quite a difficult task as there is an extremely small population of Chinese composers within the UK (approximately 20-30). Only in recent years has music become a recognised profession within Chinese culture. It is still a slow process but the aim is to continue to bring this kind of musical education to the masses.

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East meets Westminster! (continued)

As a composer of traditional and contemporary music, how do the workshops aim to bridge the gap for the participants, especially those not very familiar with traditional Chinese music?

The workshops bridge the gap by showing participants the value in both styles of music, where things have originated from and through the aid of technology, where things are going. In addition, workshops of this nature will continue to help to promote Chinese culture and music to the wider community.

What were the main objectives for each session?

The main objectives for the workshop were for each participant to explore the creativity of music based on Chinese culture and history and to gain hands on experience through interactive teaching.

The hour-long workshops served young people aged 12+, family groups, adults and older people.

For further information about Chinatown Arts Space future events, please contact info@chinatownartsspace.com or 07834 849628

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Artspot 1

Image: Courtesy of Hammerson plc

Artspot: hidden gems in Westminster’s goldmine of creative spaces

In this newsletter we visit two different creative spaces in Westminster to help you discover the wealth of art across the city.

The House of Hammerson plc - State of the art space Free space for emerging artists

In January 2008, Hammerson employees Denise Kelly, Head of Facilities, and Art Curator, Vanessa Brady, launched an exciting project which offered new and emerging artists the opportunity to display their artwork within the Hammerson reception area free of charge.

Art Curator Vanessa Brady’s role is to source various types of art work for display, seeking out interesting and vibrant pieces to house in their vast reception area for the duration of three months.

Vanessa enthused on the positive response received from visitors and building tenants alike.

“..We continue to receive comments from members of Hammerson staff and tenants, from those who are hard-core critics to those with little or no experience of the different styles, and although the feedback may not always be praise to the artist, the questions raised show that everyone takes notice and appreciates what is being supplied to them…”

The package offered by Hammerson gives the artists exhibition space for three months within the Grosvenor Street building, which boasts approximately 500 visitors per week. The exhibitors’ work will be transported from London to Hammerson where they are framed, labelled, priced and hung at no cost. Lastly, Hammerson Plc also throws a launch party for each exhibition to present the pieces on display to building tenants, Hammerson staff, the artists and their guests.

Denise Kelly commented:

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Artspot 1 (continued)

Image: Courtesy of Hammerson plc

“… The tenants of 10GS (Grosvenor Street) will benefit from a vibrant, ever changing exhibition programme and the latest contemporary artwork. They will also continue to support talented young artists in their professional development. This project will allow our reception area to contribute to change and avoid stagnation…”

The current featured artists on display within the space are Paul White, exhibiting a collection called Urban Extractions, and Sandra Shashou exhibiting Precious Time.

Featured artists:Paul WhiteClick here to visit Paul White’s websiteSandra ShashouClick here to visit Sandra Shashou’s website

For further information about exhibiting at Hammerson, please contact Vanessa Brady – art10gs@hotmail.co.uk

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Artspot 2

The new Lisson Gardens amphitheatre

Do you enjoy open air events or need a public stage on which to perform?If the answer is yes then read on to find out about a fantastic new venue opportunity!

A brand new multi-purpose outdoor mini amphitheatre will be available this summer on Lisson Street NW8 in the Church Street area.

The local residents association, in partnership with the Neighbourhood Management Team and Groundworks, has been awarded £120,000 to refurbish their community garden, Lisson Gardens. As well as developing the children’s play area and replanting the garden, the grounds are being revamped to offer an impressive amphitheatre style space to stage outdoor events. The refurbishment is expected to be completed by June 2008.

Situated in a residential area just off the busy Church Street Market, the amphitheatre is being heavily promoted to local schools, playgroups and other neighbouring organisations to encourage safe use of the new facility. DreamArts, a local youth charity promoting arts and drama, is already planning to stage its end of term performance in the garden.

This exciting project will encourage local residents of all ages back into the community garden, making a very real difference to the area.

The space will be able to seat between 60 and 70 people, with standing space for many more. The plan is to host a full programme of events throughout the summer involving music, drama, arts and craft, healthy living and family fun days.

If you would like to perform or host an event at Lisson Gardens please contact Julie Mallet or Peter Myres at the Church Street Neighbourhood Management Team on 020 7641 6633 or at churchstreetnm@westminster.gov.uk

Lisson Gardens amphitheatre as it looks today prior to refurbishment

Image: courtesy of Church Street Neighbourhood Management

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Fest-in-West

Cultural Olympiad breakfast briefing

News and updates on upcoming festivals in Westminster

The Mayor’s Thames Festival – Thames Lens 2008 Call for budding film makers!

As part of their Thames Lens Project, the Thames Festival(www.thamesfestival.org) is offering six youth and community groups from across Westminster the opportunity to produce their own short films. Participating groups will work with ‘Chocolate Films’ to make a River Thames themed film to be screened at the British Film Institute in September.

Based upon their chosen theme, each of the six groups will be challenged with producing a short film approximately four minutes long. To aid production, the groups will be facilitated by a film maker as well as having access to resources supplied by the BFI.

Participants will develop a relationship with Thames Festival, gain practical film making skills and the opportunity to progress their film-making career. In addition, participating film makers will have their films screened at the BFI and on the Thames Festival website.

If you or a group you work with are interested in taking part please contact Michelle Butler on 020 7928 8998 or at m.butler@coin-street.org Thames Festival hope to make this an annual project.

London 2012 Roadshow arrives in Westminster 2nd April Thank you for attending

Thank you to all who came to the Get Set London Roadshow in Westminster on Wednesday 2nd April held at Paddington Recreation Ground.

More than 800 residents took part in Westminster’s programme of activities, with sports demonstrations and sessions for schools and young people as well as artistic performances, story-telling session dance, film and music performances at the bandstand.

Cultural Olympiad breakfast briefing 20th February Thank you for attending

Thank you very much to those who attended the Cultural Olympiad breakfast briefing at Sketch last month. We hope you found it useful. A list of delegates and presentations at the event are available on our website: click here

If you want to register an idea for an event to be part of the proposed Westminster Festival of World Cultures please get in touch at arts@westminster.gov.uk We will have more details of how partners can be involved later in the year. Keep an eye on the council’s website

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Newsflash!

The latest headlines from Westminster City Council’s Arts Service

For enquiries, please contact us

Westminster City Council Arts Service office move

Westminster City Council’s Arts Service, along with the Libraries Management Team and Libraries Admin/Finance Team, have moved to a new office at:

Management Suite, Westminster Reference Library,35 St. Martins Street,London WC2H 7HP

Telephone numbers remain the same

Please click this link for a map to the library.

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Newsflash!

UNTOLDAn exploration of identity in old age

Fascinating personalities are unearthed in this group exhibition of work by older people in care and four contemporary artists.

Following the recent success of the Arts and Minds project, Westminster Arts commissioned video artist Helen Marshall, photographer Deborah Padfield, artist Susan Aldworth and composer Fraser Trainer to interpret their experiences of working with this extraordinary group of people.

A Private View on Monday 14th April from 6-8pm featured a performance of specially composed music by Fraser Trainer and a chance to collect a copy of the Arts and Minds publication. For further information, please contact Beth Cinamon on beth@westminsterarts.org.uk

SW1 Gallery,12 Cardinal Walk, Roof Garden Level,Cardinal Place, London SW1E 5JECall: 020 7963 4024Visit: http://www.sw1gallery.co.uk Email: info@sw1gallery.co.uk

This project is supported by: Arts Council England, Futurebuilders England, Westminster City Council, LandSecurities and SW1 Gallery

Photograph: Deborah PadfieldImage supplied by Westminster Arts

Free entry9th – 24th April 2008Tuesdays - Saturdays 10am - 4pm

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For more information, please visit the Dance Challenge Website

Newsflash!

The Dance Challenge starts now!

Dance Challenge Westminster: Tuesday 8th July 2008

Venue:Cadogan Hall, 5 Sloane Terrace, London, SW1X 9DQ

Want to find out more about Dance Challenge?

Dance Challenge Training Days:

Date: Saturday 26th April 2008 Time: 9.30am - 4.00pm Venue: Paddington Arts, 32 Woodfield Road, London W9 2BE Cost: Free, booking essential.Please note cancellation within 48 hours will incur an administration cost of £25.

Westminster Dance Challenge 2008 is a city wide competition open to Westminster schools, community and youth groups, as well as professional dance organisations, taking place on 8th July at one of London’s most notable music venues, Cadogan Hall. Dance Challenge is a great opportunity to get involved in the world of dance, work with professional dancers and choreographers, and perform in venues usually reserved for famous stars.

Dance Challenge together with London Youth Dance have put together a series of training sessions where young people, teachers, social workers and youth group leaders can hone their skills in choreography, music editing and set design.

The dance challenge training day is detailed above. Each group can send up to three people and we have a limited vacancy for ten groups to attend the training day.

To reserve your place, please send your details to Tomorr Kokona atdance@dancechallenge.co.uk.

For more information, please contact Valentina Wong, Arts Information Officer at vwong@westminster.gov.uk or Tomorr Kokona at dance@dancechallenge.co.uk

Last year’s overall London Dance Challenge winners were Westminster’s own Hallfield Junior School.

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FreqOUT! Creative learning through wireless technology

Explore the journey of creatively learning through wireless technology through the FreqOUT! film screening and photo exhibition at Westminster City Hall starting next Monday.

Westminster City Council will host an exhibition that highlights the creative talents of some of its most disadvantaged young people living in the City this week. The FreqOUT! project is showcasing the valuable work it has achieved with young people across the last year, including community sound installations, arts, technology and film projects that encourage a new generation of creatives to develop their media skills for the future.

Projects showcased in the exhibition include ‘Signs of the City’ an international photographic project between London, Berlin, Sofia and Barcelona led by award winning artist Melissa Bliss, ‘Hidden Homeless’ a 10 minute film created by young people form the Cardinal Hume Drop in Centre for homeless young people and ‘Perceptual Landscapes’ an innovative sound project led by internationally renowned artist, Christian Nold.

In 2008, 71 young people participated in 605 hours of delivery with 13 bespoke AQA accreditations and 8 OCN accreditations achieved enabling the young people to work towards breaking the negative perceptions and barriers to progression they often face.

Vital Regeneration manages FreqOUT! on behalf of an innovative consortium made up of Westminster City Council, CityWest Homes; independent artists and private companies; Capgemini, Vertex, BT and Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA).

Exhibition DatesMonday 21st April 2008 – Friday 9th May 2008

Westminster City HallFoyer64 Victoria Street London SW1E 6QP

Newsflash!

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Newsflash!

Exhibition Road Music Day 21st June 2008

Join in the music on Saturday 21st June, when the whole of Exhibition Road will come alive with sound. Museums, galleries and other organisations in this unique cultural quarter will come together to present a day and night filled with over 70 free music performances.

Expect a huge range of sounds and styles, from classical to fusion, devotional to electronic and world music to modern rock. There will be something for everyone, with opportunities to get involved. A perfect way to celebrate the longest day of the year!

For more information please click here

Photograph: Sandrine Chevassu

We’d love to hear your feedback on the third issue of Arts in the City. If you have any comments or suggestions about the newsletter, or would like to recommend something to be included in the next issue, please email Valentina Wong, Arts Information Officer, vwong@westminster.gov.uk