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Arts Council England and London 2012 announced last week that Imagineer, one of the tenants at the University's Institute for Creative Enterprise, have been selected as the West Midlands winner of a £500,000 commission for Artists taking the lead.

Godiva Awakes was selected by an independent panel of artists and producers from the five projects shortlisted in August from a total of 133 regional entries. This is a genuinely artist led project which is great in scale and ambition and reflects the values of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympics. Godiva Awakes is one of 12 commissions that will be realised across the UK over the next three years, each inspired by their location and celebrating the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. There is one commission for each of the nine English regions and the nations of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.  

Kathi Leahy, Director of Imagineer Productions said: 'We are honoured and excited to be chosen to represent the West Midlands region at the Olympic and Paralympic Games and to be able to give thousands of people the opportunity to be part of the greatest celebration of humanity.'

'Artists Taking the Lead' is one of the most ambitious and wide-ranging art events in the UK, developed by Arts Council England in partnership with London 2012 and the arts councils of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
 
The panel felt that ‘Godiva Awakes’ had a strong idea at the heart of it, which would represent the skills and creativity of the West Midlands region and reflect the values of the Cultural Olympiad.  The panel were excited by the participatory opportunities that would be offered to artists and young people throughout the region and the partnerships, particularly with Coventry City Council and local businesses that were already in place. Finally the panel welcomed the opportunity to link activity in the West Midlands to London 2012 through the journey that Godiva will take from Coventry to London, providing a large scale spectacular event for audiences in the West Midlands and beyond.

For more information visit the artist taking the lead website.

Emerge is holding the monthly networking meeting for creatives at the Institute for Creative Enterprise (ICE). This month's theme is Bring along your Business card where you will be invited to showcase yourself, your business branding and your creative activities. The evening will also include information about projects in Coventry and your chance to input ideas for the next six months of Emerge Networking.

Come along to share your creative ideas, meet potential collaborators or just meet people from other art forms.

The Institute for Creative Enterprise (ICE) can be found at the Coventry Technology Park, Parkside, Coventry, CV1 2QR.  To book a place at this event please contact Katie Law on 024676 158381 or klaw@cad.coventry.ac.uk

Dates for your diary: Emerge Networking is held on the third Thursday of each month, so make a note of the following dates: November 19, December 17 and January 21.

Emerge is the joint venture between ICE, Coventry University and Coventry City Council to support creative businesses and practitioners.

The Ladies Salon will be discussing their recent residency at Can Serrat (Barcelona). Can Serrat was founded in 1988 by a group of twelve Norwegian artists - their primary purpose was to create an exciting working and living space for themselves and others. The Ladies will be talking about the conversations they had with artists from around the world (including; Venezuela, USA, Hong Kong, New Zealand and Sweden) during their residency. They will be discussing the impact of existing support networks for artists in the UK and further afield.

The inaugural meeting of the Ladies’ Salon was held on Monday 20th November 2006 in Coventry. It is inspired in part by the French literary salons of the 17th and 18th centuries, a place for conversation and the exchange of innovative ideas. While structures, opportunities and mentoring are often available for new and emerging artists, it is rare to find any kind of appropriate support for mid career artists. The Ladies’ Salon provides such support. As individual artists who often spend long periods of time working in isolation The Ladies’ Salon provides a challenging and imaginative space. The Ladies’ Salon meets regularly to discuss their own work and also to consider developments and trends within the wider arts world.

The Ladies’ Salon is Julie Boden (poet), Vanessa Oakes (playwright) and Jo Roberts (visual artist):

• Julie Boden B. Ed Hons (Poet in Residence Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Through the Eye of a Crow Pontefract Press, Bluebeard Wives’ Heaventree Press, Journeys of the Heart SAMPAD;
• Vanessa Oakes MA BA Hons (The Kindness of Strangers Warwick Words, Lost in Paradise CV6 The Belgrade, A Body Moving Through The Estate,  Live Like Us The Belgrade);
• Jo Roberts MA BA B. Ed (GOALS Manchester Art Gallery, Finding a Way Through Pump Rooms Leamington Spa, The Waterwoman of Greenwich Peninsula Stream).

The Seminar will be held in The Screening Room at The Institute for Creative Enterprise, Coventry Technology Park, Parkside, Coventry, CV1 2QR.

For more information about The Ladies' Salon please see their blog

To book a place at the seminar event, please contact Jenna Hubbard on 024 7615 8304 or jhubbard@cad.coventry.ac.uk

This event is free and open to all. Refreshments will be provided.

After the successful F2 Future Forum event, held on Thursday 10 September, we are pleased to be able to confirm programme key dates and announce that the application process for the 6 month programme is now open.

Complete the online application form here.

F2 Digital Creative Development Programme is a 6 month project for established creative professionals who want to investigate the opportunities offered by digital media, form new collaborative partnerships and develop new ideas. The programme aims to equip participants with a new set of tools and approaches to creative practice to address the profound changes affecting the arts and creative industries as a result of digitisation and the emergence of new tools for production, marketing and distribution. 

Application key dates

Deadline for submission: Friday 2nd October 2009

Notification of application outcome: By Friday 16^th October

Acceptance of offer and confirmation of course place: By Friday 30th October

Programme Structure and key dates

Phase 1: Generation

A one-day introductory workshop:  Wednesday 11 November

A four-day idea generation lab: Tuesday 1 – Friday 4 December

Phase 2: Development

A three-day proposal + prototype development lab: Tuesday 19– Thursday 21 January  2010

Phase 3: Presentation

Half day rehearsal for presentation day: pm Monday 8 February 2010 (TBC)

Half day final presentation day: Tuesday 9 February 2010 (TBC)

For further information including FAQs, further details about selection criteria and about how to apply can be found on the F2 Page

Emerge is holding the monthly networking meeting for creatives at the Institute for Creative Enterprise (ICE). This month's title is Arts in the recession and the evening will include guest speakers and information about the Void Spaces Initative. There will also be an opportunity to showcase your creative skills and find out about projects in Coventry.

Come along to share your creative ideas, meet potential collaborators or just meet people from other artforms.

The Institute for Creative Enterprise (ICE) can be found at the Coventry Technology Park, Parkside, Coventry, CV1 2QR.  To book a place at this event please contact Katie Law on 024676 158381 or klaw@cad.coventry.ac.uk 

Dates for your diary: Emerge Networking is held on the third Thursday of each month, so make a note of the following dates: October 15, November 19 and December 17.

Emerge is the joint venture between ICE, Coventry University and Coventry City Council to support creative businesses and practitioners.

• Programme Overview

F2 Digital Creative Development Programme is a 6 month project for established creative professionals who want to investigate the opportunities offered by digital media, form new collaborative partnerships and develop new ideas. The programme aims to equip participants with a new set of tools and approaches to creative practice to address the profound changes affecting the arts and creative industries as a result of digitisation and the emergence of new tools for production, marketing and distribution. 

The F2 programme is an exciting addition to ICE’s Business Support Services and builds on the successes of two previous programmes delivered by the ICE and Centre for Media Arts and Performance at Coventry University;   Fracture: Dance and Moving Image (F-DMI) in 2006/2007 and Fracture Connect in November 2008.  F2 will be delivered in partnership with Unexpected Media, whose clients include the BBC & Channel 4 and who work internationally in supporting innovation and creative research in the digital media sector.   

The programme will offer 25 creative practitioners from a diverse range of disciplines an intensive personal and project development scheme at the end of which they will be provided with opportunities to present new project ideas and prototypes to a panel of funding agencies, curators and commissioners

Programme Structure and dates

Phase 1: Generation

• A one-day introductory workshop 
• A four-day idea generation lab

Phase 2: Development

• A three-day workshop to develop detailed proposals, pitches and prototypes.

Phase 3: Presentation

• A one-day presentation day to pitch proposals to funding agencies, curators and commissioners

Online mentoring and support will take place throughout the 6 month programme

How to apply

Potential participants who want to find out more about the programme are invited to an introductory event:

F2 Future Forum

new media, new skills, new collaborations, new ideas

Thursday 10^th September 11.00am – 5.00pm

To launch the new programme ICE will be hosting this one day recruitment event to provide potential participants with an opportunity to find out more about the F2 goals, explore the programme’s themes with the delivery team and network with peers and potential collaborators

The application process will require completing an on-line application form which will be made available after the F2 Future Forum.

FAQs

What is F2 Creative Digital Development Programme?

F2 is a series of creative workshops in which interdisciplinary teams are formed from a broad range of creative practitioners who will develop ideas for innovative content, applications and services.  At of the end of the programme participants will have an opportunity to present prototypes and proposals developed through the programme to various West Midlands commissioning agencies and funders and will be offered further 6 months support in finding routes to market.

Who can apply to take part in the Innovation Labs?

We welcome applications from a broad range of creative practitioners including artists, composers, designers, performers, film makers, games developers, independent producers, writers and representatives from digital media agencies.

The F2 programme is open to individuals (sole traders) and companies based in the West Midlands region.Why are the Labs limited to participants in a specific region?

The F2 programme is supported by Advantage West Midlands regional development agency.  This funding must be of benefit to companies and individuals in this region.

What are the benefits for taking part in F2?

• As one of 25 creative practitioners from a diverse range of disciplines, you will take part in an intensive, immersive personal and project development scheme
• It provides you with an overview of the new challenges and opportunities presented by the switch from analogue to digital
• It will enable you to make informed choices about the use of digital tools for production, exhibition and distribution of your work
• You will explore the potential for new relationships with audiences and users facilitated by digital networks
• You will engage in an entrepreneurial approach to your practice, investigating the reality of new sources of funding and new business models
• As a creative practitioner in the West Midlands, it gives you access to new ideas through seminars, online publication and dissemination

What skills should participants have?

There is no typical skills profile; the programme will be made up of people with a range of technical, production and creative skills.

When and where will the programme take place?

The labs and events will be held at ICE, and will take place between November 2009 and March 2010.

How can I learn more about the programme  and how to apply?

The F2 Future Forum is being held on Thurs 10^th September to provide more information about the F2 goals, the Lab process and how to apply to the programme.

The event will also be an opportunity to explore the programme’s themes and discuss potential approaches, to network with peers and potential collaborators. 

Who can come to the introductory event and how do I book a place?

Places at this event are open to any creative practitioner who is thinking about applying to come on the programme. There will up to 40 places available, allocated on a first come, first serve basis.

To book a place on the F2 Future Forum send an email to Rebecca Owen; rebecca@smithowen.demon.co.uk. You should include your name and, if applicable, the name of your company and your address.

If the event is over-booked, places will be limited to one per company.

If I am unable to attend the F2 Future Lab, will I still be able to apply for the Lab? Yes.

How to apply?

Participants will be required to complete an on-line application form. This will be made available after the F2 Future Forum at ICE’s website.

What are the selection criteria?

• Resident in the West Midlands
• Preferably with a post-education professional track record of at least 5 years as a practicing artist, member of professional company or owner of a creative business. 
• Have a demonstrable interest, curiosity and commitment in applying new learning and a willingness to change the way they think about their own practice.
• Motivated and open to forming new collaborations with new creative partners started during the F2 programme and willingness to persist in developing these partnerships afterwards.  Established Collaborators will be encouraged to develop new partnerships for the period of the programme.
• Receptive and willing to participate in the generation of innovative ideas and be prepared to then take into these into development (some may receive development funding and go into production)
• Available and can commit to attend the whole programme.

Who is selecting projects for the Labs?

The selection panel will include representatives from ICE and Unexpected Media.

What is the deadline for applications?

Applications should be submitted on-line by 2^nd October 2009

For more information, please contact Rebecca Owen; rebecca@smithowen.demon.co.uk. 

Do you need advice on what to do next? Are you interested in setting up a creative business? Do you need some help identifying opportunities within the creative sector?

The Institute for Creative Enterprise has a new mentoring scheme to help graduates make decisions about their creative future. Each mentee will receive personalised advice from a range of mentors, including established artists and recent graduates within the creative sector.

There is also the opportunity to network and make a variety of contacts across the arts community and the chance to undertake work placements with established companies.

If you would like an application form or further information, please contact Jenna Hubbard on 02476 158304 or jhubbard@cad.coventry.ac.uk

The graduate mentoring programme is a result of a successful bid to the Economic Challenge Investment Fund (ECIF)

Emerge is holding the first monthly networking meeting for creatives at the Institute for Creative Enterprise (ICE). We would love to hear what you think about the arts in Coventry, and have your say on the themes for the upcoming Emerge Networking meetings. The theme for the first meeting will be showcasing your creative projects and making those essential links between artists and businesses.

Come along to share your creative ideas, meet potential collaborators or just meet people from other artforms.

The Institute for Creative Enterprise (ICE) can be found at the Coventry Technology Park, Parkside, Coventry, CV1 2QR. Please contact Jenna Hubbard for more details: jhubbard@cad.coventry.ac.uk or 024 7615 8304 or www.coventry.ac.uk/ice

Emerge is the joint venture between ICE, Coventry University and Coventry City Council to support creative businesses and practitioners.

The Institute for Creative Enterprise (ICE), the Health Design Technology Institute (HDTI) and the Centre for Media Art and Performance (CeMAP) are working with Dance Art Foundation  to deliver a dance-in-health professional development programme focused on Dance and Older People. We are looking for dance artists who wish to develop their skills and confidence to work in community settings, with those with dementia and older people with reduced, limited or no mobility due to health conditions.

Participants will receive an introductory training in dance-in-health practice, specialised training in dance and dementia and inclusive practice with leading practitioners, and a closely mentored opportunity to gain practical experience by delivering sessions in community settings.

Dance Connections aims to support the development of dance-in-health in the region by training artists and creating new partnerships. Local health organisations will be invited to a sharing and dissemination event at the end of the project, which is intended to generate future employment opportunities for participating artists.

The programme is free and will run from August to September 2009.

Ideal applicants will:

• Be aiming for, pursuing or currently engaged in a career in dance in the community, particularly dance-in-health
• Be able to demonstrate a strong interest in professional dance practice and its role in wider public life
• Be an independent dance artist living and/or working in the West Midlands area

To apply, please send your CV and an artistic statement addressing the following:

1. Your background or previous experience that is relevant to this training (this may include training; education; voluntary or professional experience)
2. The ways you are aiming for, pursuing or engaged in a career in dance in the community, particularly dance-in-health.
3. Your particular interest in the training and what you hope to get out of it.
4. Your understanding of why you are a suitable candidate for this training initiative.

The application deadline is 3rd July 2009. For more information regarding the Dance Connections programme or to submit an application, please contact Jenna Hubbard on 02476 158304 or jhubbard@cad.coventry.ac.uk

Five members of staff recently celebrated having their ideas selected as the winning suggestions from ‘Ideas at Work’ day.

Ideas at Work was a competition open to all staff in November 2008, as part of National Enterprise Week. The competition invited staff to put forward suggestions for creating a more entrepreneurial workplace. Almost 30 ideas were received, and from those Madeleine Atkins selected 5 ideas to be implemented.

The winners were given a small cash prize and the opportunity to be actively involved in developing and implementing their idea, with support from the Institute of Applied Entrepreneurship and staff across the University to make the ideas a reality. Work on developing the ideas is currently taking place. IAE would like to thank all staff that took part in the competition and the many staff supporting the development of the ideas. News on how each idea is progressing will be provided in E-dition.

The winners and their ideas:

• Janice Montague - BES - Calorie Counter List. Janice’s suggestion was to create posters/maps showing staff and students the equivalent calories expended by using the stairs rather than the lift in campus buildings, also helping to reduce the University’s energy consumption.
   
• Lisa Drummond - IAE - Coventry University Student/Graduate Suppliers. Lisa’s idea was to encourage student and graduate businesses to become part of the University’s list of approved suppliers. Create a partnership between IAE and Purchasing staff to fully support students/graduates and ensure areas for potential business and the purchasing/tender processes are understood and communicated clearly. 
   
• Julie Horbury & Kellie Keith - ICE - Campus Electronic Information Points. Julie and Kellie (who has since left the University) thought it would be helpful to install electronic (visual and voice-activated) information points across campus. This idea will be rolled out through the public realm element of the Masterplan.
   
• Mark Evans - AD – Entrepreneurial Memory Stick/Enterprise Sandpit. Mark’s idea was to bring together small groups of academic staff from different faculties to generate opportunity recognition and idea development. Memory sticks are randomly distributed around staff, each one with a set of provocations for entrepreneurial development. Staff add their comments, ideas, designs, thoughts and then send the memory stick on to someone else. The aim is that eventually the stick holds a fully developed idea – so it could have folders on it that encourage specific aspects of the idea to be developed.
   
• Christine Broughan - CSHE - Department/School & Faculty of Year Competition. This idea recognises and shares, the exceptional work/projects being done in departments/schools/faculties.  Currently individuals are rewarded through DPR and the National Teaching Fellowship award, but this scheme will recognise departments as a whole.