Arts Council for Woking
summer newsletter 2008
Arts Council for Woking Newsletter Summer 2008
ACW Showcase 12th July 2008
ACW member groups will be, hoping to attract new members and audiences for their work. With stalls at the showcase on 12th July. So far already Knaphill and St John's Operatic Group, Woking Society of Arts, Woking Photographic Society, Genesis Chorale, Woking Amateur Operatic Society, Woking Community Play Association and Woking Writers' Circle will be there but there are still a couple more places. Let's try to make Woking aware of all the exciting things going on in the town.
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Surrey's Lightbox gallery and museum wins £100,000 arts prize
The Lightbox has won the UK's most prestigious arts award, The Art Fund Prize 2008. The £100,000 prize was awarded to The Lightbox gallery and museum during an awards ceremony at the headquarters of The Royal institute of British
Architects in London on Thursday 22 May. The prize is awarded to the museum or gallery whose project has demonstrated the most
originality, imagination and excellence in the last year.
"We are over the moon," said Marilyn Scott, Director of The Lightbox. "To have won such a prestigious award as The Art Fund Prize so soon after opening is beyond our wildest dreams. We would like to thank everyone who has worked so hard for The Lightbox over the last 15 years, from volunteers and staff to the architects, and the project team, our trustees, our sponsors and supporters."
Members of the public had been invited to explain on The Art Fund Prize website why they think The Lightbox should win. Their comments have praised the inspirational nature of the project, the friendliness of staff and volunteers, the design of the building and the quality of the exhibitions and workshops. Many felt that since opening The Lightbox has already helped transform the cultural landscape of the Woking area, as well as people's impressions of the town.
The Art Fund Prize judges were impressed by a visit to The Lightbox in February. Chair of the panel, the broadcaster Sue MacGregor said that she particularly enjoyed `Woking's Story,' the museum of the town's history. She highlighted displays on the Shah Jehan Mosque, the first to be built in the UK, and Brookwood Cemetery, used as a London overflow in the 19th century. This award is a testament to the vision of a group of Woking residents who were determined to create a cultural centre for the arts and heritage in their town," added Marilyn Scott. "Part of our mission has been to change the perceptions that Woking has nothing to offer and that it has no history. We believe that with the creation of The Lightbox both of these myths have been dispelled."
A shortlist of four finalists was announced in April, after a judging panel whittled down competition from a long list of ten. The other short listed contestants were the Wellcome Collection in London, the Shetland Museum and Archives in Lerwick, Scotland and The British Empire and Commonwealth Museum in Bristol, for the slavery exhibition `Breaking the Chains.'
The Lightbox has already won a Civic Trust award this year, was runner up in the South East RICS Awards 2008 and has been short listed for the South East RIBA awards (announced 29 May).
For more information please visit http://www.thelightbox.org.uk
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Woking Choral Society Summer Concert
Saturday 28 June 2008 7.30 pm H G Wells centre
Conductor: Nicholas Steinitz
A FANCY OF FOLKSONGS
Woking Choral Society presents a programme of folk songs and harp music. The songs range in date from Victorian times to the present and include arrangements by contemporary composers such as Bob Chilcott (Principal conductor of the BBC Singers) and Cecilia McDowall, who is celebrated for the freshness, brightness and fidelity of her choral works.
Woking Choral Society's concert will be held at 7.30 pm on Saturday 28 June 2008 at the H G Wells Centre Woking. Tickets: £12, students £6, parties of 10 or more £11 from H.G.Wells box office, Waterstones Bookshop Wolsey Place,
Surrey Music Store all in Woking; Brittens Music, West Byfleet; Passport to Leisure Scheme applies
For more information phone 01483 767852 or 01483 488175 or see www.wokingchoral.org.uk
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WOKING PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY'S WINNING PRINTS
In May Woking Photographic Society were County Champions when they won the Surrey Photographic Association's Interclub Print Competition for 2007-8. This annual competition was battled out between top Surrey Clubs including Kingston, Richmond & Twickenham and Tandridge
Members who had successfully been awarded certificates of merit in print competitions during the year were able to battle it out to find whose the ultimate winning picture was on the 11th June. There were two competitions. The Open Competition was for those members who are either new to photography or who are not an "Advanced" photographer and the Advanced Competition which is for more experienced photographers.
The Judge, Rosemary Wilman ARPS BPE4*, commented that the quality was exceptionally high and that she would have a difficult task in selecting the winners for both competitions with about 25 entries in each.
Finally she awarded the Hall Stammers Cup for best picture in the Open Competition to Keith Evans for "Guns on Parade". Gabrielle Walker took second place with "Motherly Love" and Lynne Rawling third place with "Come 'Ere Darlin'".
The President's Trophy for Best Print in the Advanced Class was awarded to Carol Hicks ARPS for "Claudia", a picture which had subtle colours and which captured the beauty of the child perfectly. Tim Rudman FRPS EFIAP took second place with "Dawn mist" and Susan Bullock took third place with an untitled picture of a chair & clothes.
Other Woking winning prints were submitted by Margaret Ball ARPS, Bronwen Brighton ARPS, George Felton FRPS EFIAP, Matthew Felton ARPS, and Brian Skinner.
The range of subjects and the quality of prints shows that you can improve your photography by belonging to a photographic club.
The Society finishes its summer programme with four events, "Members Choice" on the 3rd June, where voting takes place for those prints and slides eligible for the Bob Fergusson & Evelyn Gibbons Trophies; The finals of the Society's Print Competitions on the 10th June; The Annual General Meeting on the 17th and the Slide Competition Finals on the 24th.
Meetings resume on Tuesday 2nd September 2008 for the 2008/2009 season at the Society's meeting place, Owen House, Heathside Crescent, Woking at 8.00pm for 8.15pm. For more information about Woking Photographic Society full details of the programme and activities can be found on www.wokingps.org.uk
Jonathan Steffen in performance
Poet, author and singer-songwriter Jonathan Steffen will be joined by Roland Gallery of the Segovia Trio and the Modern Guitar Trio for an evening of Jonathan's songs at Kingston's Ram Jam Club on Saturday 26 July. Jonathan and Roland's set will include material from their recent album The Road in Our Feet in arrangements for two instruments as well as new material which is planned for their next album.
The Ram Jam Club at the Grey Horse, 46 Richmond Road, Kingston, KT2 5EE
Tickets: £10:00. Doors open 7:00 p.m.
Please telephone 0208 549 8709 (answerphone) to book a table,
or email ramjamclub@grey-horse.co.uk
Websites:
www.ramjamclubkingston.co.uk www.falconeditions.com
The Road in Our Feet is available from all High Street and online music retailers.
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Woking Town Twinning Association visit to Tower Bridge and the Bank of England - Wednesday 9 July
WTTA is planning a visit to London, to see Tower Bridge and the Bank of England, on 9 July 2008. A special tour has been arranged for WTTA at these venues.
As associate members, any Woking Arts Council members will be more than welcome to join us - the more the merrier!
Here is some information on what these fascinating venues have to offer.
Tower Bridge
Completed in 1894, Tower Bridge was instantly hailed as a London icon and one of the great engineering marvels of its age. Come inside to explore its history, uncover its secrets and to enjoy stunning views from its high-level Walkways, situated 42 metres above the River Thames.
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The Walkways offer fantastic views of many of London's most famous sights, including St Paul's Cathedral, sky-scraping Canary Wharf, maritime Greenwich and The London Eye. Special viewing windows make photography easy.
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Films, displays and hands-on exhibits chart the fascinating history of Tower Bridge and how it has operated over the years.
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Victorian Engine Rooms house the original steam engines, awesome machines whose immense power once raised the bascules of the bridge. A "virtual bridge lift" shows how the bascules still rise today to let ships pass beneath the Walkways.
The Bank of England
The Bank of England Museum tells the story of the Bank of England from its foundation in 1694 to its role today as the United Kingdom's central bank.
The historical displays include material drawn from the Bank's own collections of books, documents, silver, prints, paintings, banknotes, coins and photographs. There is a display of gold, including Roman and modern gold bars, alongside pikes and muskets once used to defend the Bank. Computer technology and audio visual displays explain the Bank's present day role.
Learn about the Bank from its earliest days to its current role - setting rates to keep inflation low, issuing banknotes and working with others to keep the financial system stable.
Examine the intricacies of banknote design and discover how banknotes are made.
See Sir John Soane's 1793 Bank Stock Office, a modern reconstruction on the original site of the first major work for the Bank by the renowned Georgian architect.
Take our audio tour for a fascinating insight into the Bank of yesterday and today.
Lift a genuine gold bar, one of several on display.
Use our interactive and audio-visual displays
and try your hand at dealing on a foreign exchange desk.
The price for this visit is £17. If you are interested, please contact Chris Sansom at the address below.
Mr C Sansom
Oak Cottage
86 Potters Lane
Send
Woking
GU23 7AL
Tel: 01483 726974
E-mail home : Chris.Sansom@gateway.net
Woking Town Twinning Association and the Arts - Your comments sought
Two staff members from Woking Borough Council are doing a project on Town Twinning as part of a Diploma in Management Studies course. As a part of this project, they are looking at the relationship between WTTA and clubs and societies in Woking.
We would welcome any comments from members of Woking Arts Council on town twinning, and will be contacting a cross section of clubs directly. However, we want to gather ideas from as many sources as we can.
Have you ever taken part in any activities involving our twin towns?
Do you think links in our three twin towns (Amstelveen in the Netherlands, Le Plessis-Robinson in France and Rastatt in Germany) would be of interest to you?
Would you like to exchange hospitality with visitors from our twin towns?
Are there any projects you are engaged in which you think could be enhanced by town twinning?
If you have any ideas on these questions or would like to hear more about town twinning, please contact Marion Baddeley at the address below.
If telephoning please ask for Marion Baddeley on 01483 743001 (direct line), or E-mail marion.baddeley@woking.gov.uk.
Mrs M Baddeley
Honorary Secretary
Woking Town Twinning Association
Civic Offices
Gloucester Square
WOKING GU21 6YL
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Woking Society of Arts
Outdoor Exhibition and Sale of original paintings by local artists.
Saturdays 14 and 21 June
Saturdays 13 and 20 September
9am - 4pm. Mercia Walk, Woking Town Centre
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WOKING WRITERS CIRCLE LAUNCHES `PODIUM' ANTHOLOGY
Woking Writers Circle has produced an anthology called Podium, a 52-page eclectic mix of members' poetry and prose, including musings on birth and death, football, shopping and job opportunities in Woking, a couple of whodunnits, and much, much more. Work by 15 members is represented. It was launched earlier this year with a public performance of extracts at the Lightbox, and copies are available at Woking library, the Lightbox, and at Corbett's bookshop in West Byfleet. The price is �2.50, of which 50p raised from each copy will be donated to Woking Hospice. Podium was part-funded by the Arts Council for Woking, and the circle would like to take this opportunity to thank the council for its help! The circle also has its own website, where more work from our writers is on display. Find it at www.wokingwriterscircle.org.uk
PHOTOPOETIC
Poet and photographer John Holland and his wife Katrina an abstract painter and photographer are looking for people interested in creating an exhibition of photographs and creative writing that capture emotions in the urban environment.
John writes: "The idea is to have a weekly group meet up somewhere in the Woking
area. It would consist of a 10 workshops and each week we would cover an array of subjects such as photographic art,
photo poetic art, expressive mood photography, poetry combined
with music etc to create an environment where people feel they can express themselves through poetry, art, photography, abstract paintings etc. The plan is to go out into the community and see what talents are hidden amongst people from all ages and backgrounds.
Each week would have a purpose, for example how our work can make a difference to our world, and we want to have a guest speaker at
one of our sessions.
I strongly believe that there are people in our immediate community that could use this vehicle for self expression to create something amazing The end goal would be to exhibit this somewhere.. How about the Lightbox.."
If you would like to discuss this further John can be contacted on
VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES
ARCH (Art Research Creativity Health)
ARCH requires volunteer Events Organisers to help in all aspects of organising concerts in local hospitals and hospices. Time flexible, half a day to 1 day per week. Expenses paid and training given.
EPWORTH CHOIR
A team of fit and healthy people are needed to put together and dismantle staging before and immediately after concerts, which are often held in The New Victoria Theatre in Woking, Guildford Cathedral or at other venues.
THE LIGHTBOX
Front of House volunteers are needed to help us meet and greet our visitors, answer enquiries, give out information and act as stewards in the galleries. Full training will be given and we can pay parking expenses and offer other benefits. Join our happy team.
SURREY ARTS
Wardrobe Support Worker: Help with the day to day running of the wardrobe, including answering the phone and operating basic administrative systems. General tidying and maintenance, some lifting of costumes onto rails, some of which will be accessed by climbing onto a ladder. There may be the opportunity to get involved with marketing and promotional work. There is a chance to get involved if you have costume making or repair skills.
VYNE COFFEE BAR
Pianist required when available to play during everyday lunches, several staff are singers and we are not adverse to the occasional impromptu fun session.
WOKING DANCE FESTIVAL
Administrator needed to assist in the office, front of house support and data capturing. There is potential for this role to extend to assisting with workshops and to greeting dance company members to see them and to their accommodation and the theatre. Flexible hours between 8am and 6pm with occasional weekends.
Festival Driver needed to drive artists between the airport and hotels in Woking. Drivers may also be needed to transport community groups and equipment to performances. You will need to be over 25 and have passed your driving test before 1997. Flexible hours between June & July 2008.
Festival Ushers needed to assist audience members to find their way around the venue and to their seats, sell programmes, and liaise with duty managers. You will also need to watch the performance to help in case of emergency. Flexible hours between June & July 2008.
For further information about any of these posts contact the Volunteering Manager, Woking Association of Voluntary Service. 01483 751456
Woking Community Play Association has commissioned Playwright and historian Rib Davis to write a play about the Ockenden Venture.
Rib is currently working at the Lightbox and already has a wealth of local knowledge, having worked on oral history projects for the "Living Woking" section there. He has already written a number of Community Plays, most recently at Claremont Fancourt School near Esher a spectacular outdoor extravaganza and before that "Pioneers" a Community play for Sheerwater at Bishop David Brown School.
The Ockenden play will be performed in November 2009 and will tell the story of how Woking people inspired by Joyce Pearce started helping refugees, a venture that brought about change at home and abroad.
WCPA are looking people to get involved in a range of activities to pave the way for the production. WCPA is applying with Surrey History Centre for joint funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund to archive the Ockenden papers which will form some of the material on which the Play will be based, and volunteers will be needed to help with this work.
It will be rewarding as you will be able to see the results of your work brought to life on the stage as well as restoring chaos to order and making the archives accessible.
Woking Community Play Association would also like to hear from anyone who has any memories of Ockenden for the oral history project which is also part of the collaboration with the Surrey history Centre.
If you would like to be involved in any way or for more information about the Ockenden Play contact Anna Molesworth on 01483 832089 or a.molesworth@ntlworld.com
Calling all Artists and Makers
In November The Lightbox are holding an Arts and Crafts Fair. It will coincide with `The Illuminated Boat Cavalcade' organized by the Surrey and Hampshire Canal Society as well as a range of events during the day. ACW member might be interested in taking part.
We would like to invite you to exhibit at this year's Christmas Art and Crafts Fair at The Lightbox in Woking.
Date: Saturday 29th November 2008
Time: Open 10-5
Price: £60 for a table which is 150cm x 75cm
Program of Events:
Mulled Wine and Mince Pies
Live music all day
Illuminated Boat Cavalcade in conjunction with the Surrey & Hampshire Canal Society
Fantastic exhibitions
And much more....
It is held within our beautiful modern art gallery next to Basingstoke Canal in the center of Woking. This will be our second craft fair and we hope to build on last years visitor numbers of 1,300. The event will be publicized in our Events Calendar, website and local press.
If you would like to take part please get in touch and I can give you a booking form.
Louise Emberson
Special Events Officer
The Lightbox
Chobham Road, Woking, GU21 4AA
Dir. 01483 737809
Fax. 01483 764369
A&B (Arts and Business) aspires to be the world's most successful & widespread creative
network. We help business people support the arts & the arts inspire
business people, because good business & great art together create a
richer society.
The next Arts Development Forum meeting will be on 7th July at Farnham Maltings in Farnham, Surrey from 10.00am to 1.00pm.
The main part of the meeting will be a presentation of a draft of how Arts & Business intends to work with the cultural sector in the future based on our discussions with the Arts Council and what they would like to see and also reflecting how we see the needs of the sector developing. The presentation will be followed by a request for feedback and suggestions as to how the arts community might help us deliver what we are proposing. We are keen to get as broad an input into the meeting as possible and would be grateful if you would let us know as soon as you can whether you can make it or not so that we can identify any potential gaps.
There will also be another speaker at the meeting details of which to be announced soon.
Please would you let me know if you can be there. We would value your input.
Many thanks
Michael Blake
Arts and Operations Manager
Looking for Business Sponsorship? Not sure where to start?
The Arts & Business Introduction to Sponsorship Seminar is designed not only to raise understanding of arts sponsorship, but also to give practical guidance on how to secure it. The day is aimed at those with no sponsorship experience as well as those who wish to refresh themselves of the fundamental principles and practices of this important part of the arts-funding mix. This course costs �80 + VAT and includes a light lunch, refreshments, a comprehensive pack of information with all presentation materials and the Arts & Business Sponsorship Manual. There is a discount available to members of the Arts Development Forum.
The next Sponsorship Seminar will be held on 3rd July in Guildford.
If you would like to know more about the course, please let me know.
Michael Blake
Arts and Operations Manager
T 01273 738 333
F 01273 738 666
E michael.blake@AandB.org.uk
W www.AandB.org.uk
Surrey artist receives OBE for services to the arts
Surrey based and internationally renowned ceramicist, Magdalene Odundo Professor of Ceramics at University College of the Creative Arts in Farnham, and a board member of The Lightbox.has been named an O.B.E in the Queen's birthday honours list.. Odundo's works are made from coiled clay with layers of slip and the surface heavily burnished before and after firing. She has a sense of form that derives from African, classical Greco-Egyptian and pre-Columbian art.
The award, for services to arts, recognises Odundo's dedication to helping younger artists through her teaching as well as her commitment to projects such as The Lightbox. "I am very enthusiastic about what I do and sharing my knowledge with others," said Odundo. "In particular I am passionate about teaching young people and learning from their creativity. They really keep me going."
On Thursday 26 June Magdalene Oduno will open the Surrey Open Art Exhibition 2008 at The Lightbox in Woking. The exhibition, which runs from 27 June until 10 August, is a showcase of the best entries to the Surrey Open Art Competition. It was established to encourage and promote artistic talent in the county. At the opening event Odundo will present the £500 Hutley Art Prize to the artist deemed by a panel of judges to have produced the best artwork.
Send news of your event for inclusion in the next newsletter to Anna Molesworth
16 Eastbrook Close Woking GU21 5DQ
closing date for Autumn Newsletter 1st September 2008
CONTACT DETAILS
ACW Chair Julian Keeley 01483 768797
Grants: WBC Arts Officer Hannah Smith
Subscriptions: ACW Treasurer Keith White
Newsletter: Anna Molesworth (Please note new email address) a.molesworth@ntlworld.com
NEWSLETTER DEADLINES
Autumn Newsletter 1st September 2008 Winter Newsletter 1st December 2008 Spring Newsletter 1st March 2009 Summer Newsletter 1st June 2009