This week we've had some big news in college, as you know. We continue to share great practise and opportunities so you can see all the different ways you can make it in the creative industries. Whether that be a star in your own right or part of a team making great work in the area you study. We are aware not all the topics we share will be universally popular but we hope you will be curious enough to explore and discover new things. Maybe seeing how a film maker's work could inspire a piece of music, or the themes of an artist's paintings might inspire a piece of media. Being open to possibilities is a huge part of creativity, as well as being able to take onboard different approaches and incorporate them into your own practise. Lots of opportunities to enter competitions or take part in courses are shared, are you making the most of it? Remember UCAS and employers want to know what else you do as well as your college work, so get in the habit of getting involved and being interested. It can be hard to get to museums or to meet creatives. However, it's easy to read articles and watch YouTube clips in the meantime, you are in a great position to be able to access the world from your phone, use it purposefully. This week we have films, careers, Documentaries and Political art that is also beautiful to look at. I have explored previous themes in more detail to hilight areas that might interest you.
As always, we hope you enjoy it!
BBC DOC: FIRST LADIES OF HIP HOP
As Black History Month continues the BBC have launched this really great documentary about Female Hip Hop artists. The first episode aired on Saturday with all episodes available on I player now.
It talks about how there initial influence has been largely forgotten or ignored in favour for their male counterparts. As so often happens in the arts, many pioneered new styles only for them to be copied and then that person got the credit.
I thoroughly enjoyed the first episode and will be watching again this weekend to find out the next points. It's great to see how the influences change and I assume in later episode the newer artists will reference the artists featured in Episode 1 as people who opened the doors for them.
FILM: THE CREATOR
The Creator is out now and it looks amazing, though the reviews are mixed. The reason I'm sharing it here is because of the visuals and Edward's vision and insistance on trying to make the future look believeable.
In the videos I have shared here Edwards and the Cast talk about how they worked collaboratively to get their ideas as realistically as possible. Edwards spoke to fellow film makers to get advice, anticipating problems before they happened. By doing this he was able to make this blockbuster looking film at fraction of the cost of a Marvel/ DCEU film.
In the videos there is loads of advice about the creative process and how to ensure you get the best results in the most efficient way.
ARTIST: JOHN GERRARD
Last week I showcased The Sphere in LA. I spoke about how U2 had used artists to get their visuals. One of the the simplest but boldest images was from artist John Gerrard. The work is a continuation of his Flag series. In the original work, Black Smoke billows from a pole to look like smoke, you can see all the elements of how it works, and it reflects the pollution caused by Fossil Fuels. What is intersting about the work is that it is all CGI. It looks real but is totally fake, so it exists only as a video.
For U2 the meaning is the same, it starts as a steam flag at the start of the day, only to turn black and then burning, in reference to our own fossil fuel use and what will happen if nothing is done.
It looks incredible in the performance and the message is clear and could be viewed in a range of different ways too.
DESIGNING A FLAG FOR ANTARTICA!
Read the article below to find out about the design of this flag. Antartica can not be owned by any country and so has a neutral flag. This flag is designed to be an arrow that points down to True South with the white to represent the land with a mountain in the middle.
The designer Evan Townsend was able to capture the spirit of antartica, making sure the neutrality was clear and the significance of the area. An amazing achievement in such a simple design.
20 BEST PODCASTS FOR TEENS
In this article from Good Housekeeping US it showcases what they think are the best podcasts for you lot. There is a very diverse range and all interests are covered so certainly worth and explore. I know a number of you listen to Podcasts whilst working, rather than music so it'd be great to hear ones from you too and also if you already listen to any of the ones on the list.
Follow this link and subscribe via you podcast app!
To follow up this, this link is a website sharing the best creative podcasts if you want to be more subject specific.
INSTAGRAM: @HAPPENINGINMCR
Gill has shared this great Instagram account and blog that shares anything creative going on in Manchester. From courses to jobs I would say it's a must follow for all things creative and the added employment opportunities in the City is fantastic to see and a great tool for you guys looking at what your future holds.
CRAFT FAIRS FOR CHRISTMAS PRESSIES
2 craft fairs for you one in a couple of weeks and one in a month. Both will showcase some of the best talent in Manchester. Why not visit and see what people are making. There will be loads of beautiful prints, fabrics and gifts like Soap and Chili Sauce.
The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair: 19th- 22nd October at Victoria Baths, MANCHESTER. Worth going for the location alone. £8 entry though, so be aware.
Manchester Made Craft Fair: Saturday 19th November: Sale Waterside. Free Entry