As we make it to the first half term, I have put together a quick selection of links that will allow you to access a huge range of creative opportunities. It's half term, it's important you use your time to do interesting things that will inspire you next term and beyond. As we approach UCAS applications, University and job interviews it is important that you are doing things above and beyond your class work. You will be expected to be interested in the arts as a whole. You don't have to like everything you see and do but it is good to experience it and have an opinion. Universities and careers are looking for what makes you stand out from the crowd. What makes you interesting? Why should they pick you over another person with the same qualifications? If you give yourself the chance to share your cultured lifestyle this will be a great step. So don't waste the week, use it to learn new things, visit new places and discover exciting opportunities.
DANCE & THEATRE: FREE YOUR MIND
This week the biggest Cultural space since Tate Modern opened in MANCHESTER!!! The Aviva Studios is a multi functional art space that will house a huge range of different creative endeavours.
The space opens with a project led by Radcliffe's own, Oscar Winning Director, Danny Boyle. (He used to work at the Bolton Octogen, did you know) it's a collaborative work with a team of experts who he has worked with previously, when opening the London Olympics. Those guys are shared below.
The show is a reimagining of The Matrix films. The performance is Hip Hop inspired with Street dance at is heart. The costumes are made by felloe Northern lad, Gareth Pugh and all the choreography and music by the excellent duo, known as Boy Blue.
October is Black History Month but we often share Black Excellence too, watching the videos of the making of, it is clear Boy Blue are the creative heart of the team and Boyle, Devlin and Pugh have been inspired by their creativity and contemporary approach. It is great to here them talk about community and ensure Manchester takes ownership of the space. Traits that have been a hallmark of all their projects. They care about the people they work with and use the communities they are working in to inspire the next generation of creatives. Really inspiring stuff.
As you can see the Youtube videos share the process of making, we have watched some in Fine Art this week. They are great to see all the different careers in the arts and the importance of trying things and working with a team to create something bigger than you.
BBC: JOAN ARMATRADING: ME, MYSELF AND I
Joan Armatrading is a genius songwriter and performer. She rarely speaks about her craft but she has for this BBC doc that aired last Saturday.
I really loved the show and it is great to see so many contemporary creatives talking about her influence on them. From the punk and revolution days in the 70s to a major figure in the mainstream. She has blazed a trail for other black female artists. She is outspoken about women's rights, best saying in the show....
"When Prince doesn't talk, he's a genius when I don't talk I'm a control freak."
And if you like it their are a couple of concerts to watch too. I hope this is a new discovery for some of you.
Here are some of her songs too....
CREATIVE TOURISM: WHAT'S ON IN MANCHESTER AND THE NORTH
FIND EVERYTHING THAT IS HAPPENING IN THE NORTH NEXT WEEK HERE!
I often share this around breaks. It is an absolutely incredible source of knowledge. There is, basically, every creative thing from exhibitions to craft sales, film to Poetry Readings in the North West and the North in general for you to discover by following that link. Go and have a look and see what you can do. Don't waste the week, do something exciting.
UAL: COMPETITIONS AND LIVE BRIEFS PAGE
Here is a page for you to find Competitions to enter. Many with cash prizes or highly prestigious awards. Have a card made for the Tate or get a product sold in the Royal Academy. Be sure to check if the competitions are for your age groups but it's a great think to keep checking in on.
BLOG: STRETCH AND CHALLENGE
This is our blog that everything you can need to help you be creative over the break. From an ideas generator to links to jobs, universities and loads of interesting Youtube content. If you can't think of something to do, I'm sure you all have a list of things to help improve your work, or if it is all complete and you want to develop it further look at this and follow the instructions.