Arts Newsletter May 2008

Welcome to the first edition of the new look Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Arts Service e-newsletter.  We hope that this new style will be more helpful in keeping you up-to-date with all the Arts Service news.

This edition features a summary of our highly successful networking event that took place in April, information about the new Spring and Summer West London Festivals Calendar,  plus a selection of funding opportunities and news items.

Finally, a reminder that the next deadline for our Arts Grants Scheme is this Friday, 16 May, so get those applications in! 

Many thanks to those of you who came along to our last networking event and helping to make it such a successful afternoon.  Held at the Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising in Notting Hill, the event was a Project Market for Across the Street, Around the World - our arts season celebrating culture, heritage and community in the borough.  The session gave delegates the opportunity to share project ideas for potential inclusion in the season’s programme and to also meet potential project partners through facilitated networking led by Ali King of Turtle Key Arts.

Amanda Smethurst, Arts Service Manager provided an Arts Service update, plus presentations were given by Isis Amlak of Kensington and Chelsea Race Equality Partnership and Reem Kelani, an artist involved in last year’s programme.

The event was scheduled ahead of our next deadline for the Arts Grants Scheme, giving delegates the opportunity to apply for project funding.

A reminder that the next deadline for applications to the Arts Grants Scheme is this Friday, the 16 May. The scheme is for arts activities or projects taking place within the boundaries of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.   Projects must also meet at least two of the current strategic objectives and comply with the funding criteria.

If you have a project in mind, detailed information about the scheme, including the strategic objectives, criteria and the application form can be found on our website.  It is advisable to speak to an Arts Service Officer prior to making an application.  Please contact Alex Wright on 020 7361 3844.

As a member of the Western Wedge, the Arts Service has been working in partnership with other boroughs across West London to produce the third edition of the West London Festivals Calendar.  This spring and summer calendar lists festivals taking place from April to September.  The majority of events are free (any charges are specified).  The calendar is our biggest and best yet; featuring seventy-one arts and cultural festivals across eight west London boroughs.  Go and see what west London has to offer! 

Coming soon... In Transit 2008

In Transit is a unique artist led outdoor programme of performances, installations, trails, talks and interactive events transforming streets and parks across Kensington and Chelsea.

Running from the 19 June to 21 August, this year's programme is made up of over 25 new commissions, by an exciting selection of contemporary artists working across a range of art forms, dance to graphic novels, literature to photography, each of which provides a twist on our perceptions of urban space.

Join us to explore the borough through your different senses; create a soundscape on the Sonic Walk and Garden, express your views on Love/Hate public art walk and on street debates, explore the unseen sensory history of Notting Hill on Adonia, revitalise your playful side and uphold the ideals of your area in Kensington Vs Chelsea street game and much much more!

All events are free but booking is essential except where specified and many events have limited places.  Details will be available soon from www.rbkc.gov.uk/intransit