Arts Newsletter November 2008

Even though the nights are drawing in and the days are getting colder, there are still plenty of exciting offerings from the Arts Service and others across the borough to take you right up to the end of the year.

The Across the Street, Around the World arts season kicked off in September with a rousing Bollywood Brass Band Parade (one of the Parade performers, the Bollywood Brass Band, is pictured above performing at a similar event).  Many other inspiring events followed throughout the rest of September and October and we still have many more to come including a gospel Christmas sing-a-long, which is guaranteed to chase away those winter chills!

Read on to find out more about this and our other exciting events, as well as our regular newsflash, funding opportunities and what's on columns... 

Produced by the Arts Service as part of the Council's Between the Lines project, Michael X opened at The Tabernacle, Ladbroke Grove on the 6 November, with performance still to take place on the 13, 17, 24 and 27 November.

Vanessa Walters' new play probes at the heart of politics in 1960s Britain and the 'true story' of Michael X.  Meet the pimp turned politician and hear his story told in his own words.

Written by: Vanessa Walters
Directed by: Dawn Walton
Design by: Simon Kenny
Cast: Clint Dyer

Tickets £5.  Call the Box Office on 0871 271 5151 or visit www.carnivalvillage.org.uk  (50p online booking fee).

Across the Street, Around the World our arts season celebrating and exploring cultural heritage and community in Kensington and Chelsea is now well underway.  It has been a great success so far, from the Bollywood Brass Band Parade in September to Steel Pan Workshops last month.

Don't fear if you haven't yet had a chance to take part, as there are plenty more exciting events still to come including a salsa workshop on the 26 November and a gospel Christmas sing-a-long on the 12 December.  Better still...all the events are free!

For details please visit www.rbkc.gov.uk/acrossthestreet or contact the Arts Service on 020 7361 2062.

The Arts Service's networking event takes place this Friday afternoon and will focus on the subject of Developing Outdoor Arts.

Friday 14 November, 2pm to 5pm
National Army Museum, Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea

Outdoor arts is a growing and evolving sector, which is steadily increasing in significance.  This session is a great chance to explore the opportunities and challenges of the sector with leading practitioners.  It will also provide food for thought for those thinking about organising an outdoor event for the first time.

Presentations will be from Kate Harvey of Artichoke,  Chenine Bhathena from Arts Council England and Adrian Hodgson, Special Events Officer for The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

If you would like to reserve a place please contact the Arts Service on 020 7361 2062.

As a date for your diaries, the next deadline for applications for the Arts Grants Scheme is Friday 16 January 2009.  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, details about the scheme including the application form and guidance document can be found on our website.  It is advisable to speak with the Arts Service prior to making an application.

Please contact Alex Wright on 020 7361 3844.