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The latest from Take A Part

Staying relevant and adaptable
BY LILY URBANSKA

This week Take A Part's Impact and Evaluation Manager Lily shares here perspective on her role with Take A Part and the impact covid has had on her ways of working.

I began working with Take A Part at the beginning of 2019 as an assistant producer for Reverberations. Although pregnant and due to spend a portion of my time with the project on maternity leave I could not have felt more welcomed, valued and supported to navigate the massive changes that lay in my path and that came with starting a new role, with the assurance that I would be welcomed back in at a time that was right for me. 

This proved absolutely spot on and, wobbly and with the self-doubt that new motherhood can bring, I was gently brought back into the Take A Part fold with kindness, care and encouragement. The amazing people who make up Take A Part helped me believe in myself, find my voice and gave me so much hope that workplaces can be progressive in terms of support for mothers returning to work. That there are organisations out there who are taking it upon themselves to be the change we all want to see. 

I had only been back in my role a month or two before the pandemic took over all of our lives. It was (and still is) a scary time with so many uncertainties for so many people and navigating this with (at the time) a 6 month old baby was really tough to be honest. 

Knowing that so many others were in the same boat and that Take A Part’s wonderful communities, artists and staff team would all have something to gain from TAP continuing with the work we do helped me to keep putting one foot in front of the other and made turning up for work (at my DIY workspace in the attic!) feel possible and meaningful.

I have been continuously inspired by the level of adaptability that Take A Part continues to work at and the flexible approach to work that is promoted amongst the team that allows for personal circumstances, unique working patterns and diverse creative flare and celebrates each team member’s individuality whilst also supporting the shared vision and ethos that has been driving TAP forward for over a decade. 

As 2020 started to look scarier and more uncertain, for the organisation, for the communities we work alongside and for us as individuals we dug deep and somehow found a new reserve of optimism, momentum and sheer grit to make sure we tried our hardest to keep going and stay relevant; honouring those we work alongside whilst also respecting the gravity of the situation we have all found ourselves in as a nation. 

Part of this meant adapting our roles, and I added Impact and Evaluation to my responsibilities. Whilst perhaps not the most glamorous or exciting side of the job it has been inspiring to document just how much hard work has been done this year (a lot!) by the amazing people on the ground within communities, within partner organisations and within our own team. This year has proved to us that art is essential, necessary and valuable. It has helped to support people to stay connected, feel valued and nurture sparks of creativity and inspiration during this collectively challenging time. It hasn’t been an easy journey, but we feel immensely lucky to be able to continue to share our work, adapt creatively to change and help nurture joy in dark times. 

We will be proudly sharing our impact report soon, so you will be able to read in more detail some of the wonderful, bonkers and joyful things that Take A Part has been a part of during this strange year. In the meantime - stay hopeful and stay safe!

Our News
THE LATEST FROM US

The Myths Of Teats Hill Zine
As we've continued to work with artists Crab and Bee we've developed a zine to capture the spirit of the content of their work at Teats Hill so far.  The Myths of Teats Hill has now been printed and contains lots of poetry, stories and original artwork by residents of Coxside too.  You can see the full version of the zine online here.

Presenting at With Flying Colours CPD Day
Our Creative Education Director Gem, and CEO Kim recently presented about our awesome partnership work with High View School as part of a series of CPD workshops for practitioners and teachers for the 'With Flying Colours'  project.  We were so proud to share our learning around collaborative working in schools with everyone and inspired by the wonderful conversations around best practice and top tips for schools and artists when working together.  

As part of the session we worked in groups of artists and teachers to create an open source 'cheat sheet' containing top tips for working in schools.  You can check out this great resource here.

Support for the sector
OPPORTUNITIES, SUPPORT AND NEWS THIS WEEK

Larry Achiampong: In conversation
Presented by the John Hansard Gallery, join speakers as they discussing artist Larry Achiampong’s new film Reliquary 2.  Reliquary 2 was especially commissioned for John Hansard Gallery’s new digital programme. The film is a meditation on a period of separation between Larry Achiampong and his children, where the artist observes his own familial narrative within the pandemic and the trauma of forced isolation during unprecedented times. Speaking directly to his children, Reliquary 2 is an archive of contemplative prose and a historical record during what has been a surreal and challenging period for many.  To read more about this event or to book a space click here.


Lecturer/Associate Professor in Fine Art: University of Plymouth
University of Plymouth are seeking a Programme Leader of BA Fine Art.  The role involves being responsible for leading a growing Fine Art course with a vision for multi-disciplinary study across the University’s breadth of disciplines.  They are looking for a practitioner/researcher to develop local, national and international networks, alongside co-ordinating the operational management of the programme and its intersection with the MA and PhD programmes.  You can read about the role in more detail, including information on how to apply, by following this link.

Clare Thatcher: Materiality & Behaviour, pigments in oil painting
Continuing their series of lunch time talks by local artists, Bricks presents this session by Clare Thatcher.  Clare will deliver a demonstration and talk, sharing how she makes her oil paints with a variety of pigments.  Follow this link for more info and booking.

ReBels Free Masterclass: 'Say It Loud' Ethical Makers & Creatives in the Southwest: Barbican Theatre
Barbican Theatre present this masterclass which will include a panel discussion with a series of ethical makers and creatives in the South West that have something to say and choose to use action as well as words. You’ll have a chance to hear about their recent projects, have a discussion about political and ethical makings, and ask questions. This masterclass is ideal for all those who want to make a difference and do it differently.  Part of the ReBels programme at the theatre this masterclass will be online and is free to attend.  Find out more here.


Writing Seed Commission: Above Bounds
Above Bounds Theatre Collective are seeking a Devon-based Writer to work with their team to develop a theatrical adaption of the classic tale The Snow Queen for a family audience.  The process will involve delivering 5x workshops with young people (most probably online) in Plymouth to develop content before then taking those ideas to grow a first draft to be worked on further with Helen, company Producer.  You can read about the opportunity in more detail, including how to apply, here.

Live Performance in Virtual Environments: Institute of Creative Technologies
Sophy Smith of the Institute of Creative Technologies, De Montfort University presents this event for creative organisations and individual creative practitioners who are interested in using virtual environments for live performance, but who have little experience in the area of immersive technologies. The event will draw on practical expertise from pracitioners and technologists who have experience in developing/performing work for/in virtual environments including motion-capture, virtual reality and volumetric filming. Each of the speakers has a practical experience and understanding of making work for/in digital spaces and have knowledge and expertise that will be invaluable to those just starting to think about developing practice with emerging technologies. You can read more or book yourself a place by clicking here.

With Flying Colours Creative Producer: Theatre Royal Plymouth/PCEP
Plymouth Cultural Education Partnership’s (PCEP) city-wide, school-based project With Flying Colours is seeking a Creative Producer to lead the project into its second and third year.  The With Flying Colours Creative Producer (WFC Creative Producer) will be responsible for driving forward the strategy and providing artistic leadership for this co-created programme of playwriting and playmaking culminating in school and community-based festivals in 3 areas in the city. They are looking for a creative self-starter happy to talk to people at all levels: children, families, teachers, head teachers, community leaders, strategic partners and the PCEP.  You also need to have a working knowledge of schools and a sensitivity to the pressure they’re under, a commitment to communities, knowledge of socially engaged practice and experience of theatre and the arts. You can find out more about the role by following this link.

Beyond Statements: Living It Out: Art Fund and AAMC Foundation

Presenting the third installment in the “Beyond Statements” series, Art Fund and AAMC Foundation reconvene an international panel to reflect on the past six months and check-in on where public commitments to changing policy, practice, and perspectives have seen success. Looking to the future, this conversation will also highlight valuable resources that have emerged to support this work and consider ways to ensure efforts towards ending institutional racism continue to be foregrounded and advanced.  This program was developed in continuity with the two preceding programs in the series with Sepake Angiama, Artistic Director, Iniva; Monica O. Montgomery, Cultural Consultant + Independent Curator, Strategic Director, Museum Hue; Sandra Shakespeare, Museum and Heritage Consultant; and Sara Wajid, Head of Museum Engagement, Museum of London and Founding member, Museum Detox; and is presented by the Art Fund and AAMC Foundation.  Click here to find out more and book a place.

Project Manager: Daisi
Daisi seeks an experienced self-starter to take a key role within their team. You will work with the Director and Daisi team to promote and market a broad range of high-quality work across a range of projects with particular responsibility for stimulating interest in, negotiating, and managing projects for schools.  For more detail and information on how to apply click here.


Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Consultant: South East Museum Development Programme (SEMDP)
SEMDP are looking for an experienced consultant to help develop their Equality, Diversity and Inclusion programme for 2021-23.  The role will involve assisting the team in updating the Equality Action Plans, recruiting Equality and Diversity representatives for the Advisory Panel, and updating web resources, researching and developing the Equality and Diversity programme proposals and helping weave this through all strands of delivery (training, grants, projects, advice)  You can read more about this role in more detail, including how to apply, by clicking here.

Virtual Studio:
WITH KATY RICHARDSON

Last week we met with Plymouth-based artist Katy Richardson. We spoke about ideas of collaboration, and about working with the writings of others.

The idea of haunting features regularly in Katy’s work, and she is interested in the links between ghosts, the multiverse theory, and mental health, particularly with relation to women who have been considered to have mental illness. Katy is starting a new period of practice-based research using experimental collaborative techniques between female practitioners across art, dance, photography, sound and somatic practice, which will inform an essay film based on the writings of Antonia White. We spoke about audiences and participants that Katy may work with, and what these frames of engagement may be.

                     
                             Group Portrait- A Chapter of Ghost Box

"I am currently exploring ideas of collaboration with the previous, whether that be former versions of this being – in her role as worker, linguist, survivor, patient, daughter, and so on – or with the writings and remnants of others. The idea of haunting features regularly in my work...using the Zoom space to echo White’s experience of confinement, the collaborations I want to work towards aim to acknowledge the technology that now allows shared time even while physically isolated. I'm particularly interested in working with women who have experience of mental illness, and/or difficult relationships with other women"

                   

                                453 Green Lanes - A Chapter of Ghost Box

You can find out more about Katy's work here.

Connecting with communities

We've been checking out who's connect with communities and audiences right now, and seeing what great work and projects are taking place.  This week's highlights include;  

Plymouth City Council have teamed up with Crowdfunder to launch 'Plymouth Climate Challenge Live' to find amazing projects who are contributing to the city’s efforts to respond to climate change.  On 3 December 2020, 3 finalists of the Climate Challenge competition will compete in a virtual live event where one winner will take away a total of £7,750 to help make Plymouth greener.  In addition there are match fund opportunities to add more to project pots.  A great opportunity for Plymouth based projects to flourish.  Read more about it here. 

Still/Moving have collaborated with The Box to develop some great teaching resources for schools connected to their current piece Speedwell.  The 'New' Language of Light draws a line from the original ‘Neon Art’ and uses in the worlds of advertising as an artform in its own right, towards an exploration of significant artists who have worked with this form. It examines the friction between advertising and art, considers site-specificity as a key element of the form and uses Speedwell as an example and point for discussion.  You can check it out here.

Literature Works have announced their shortlist for Plymouth Laureate; Caitlin Brawn, Jon Nash and Laura Horton have been selected and now it’s over to people to vote. For three weeks, there will be an open public vote to give you the opportunity to select the laureate. The candidate who receives the most votes by 5 pm on 20th November 2020 will be selected as the Plymouth Laureate of Words. The winner will be announced on December 4th, you can read more here.

Article in focus

This week's article is a great interview with the very talented Dr Hannah Wood, founder of gaming micro-studio StoryJuice, sharing her perspective on feminist content in games.

"When I did a search for feminist games in the App and Google Play stores last year, I turned up wedding planner and women wrestling apps, and Reigns: Her Majesty -- a relevant game that did really well. It's not that there isn't feminist content; there is, and there are games I love, but it's a minority and in the indie space."

The interview explores the issues around gaming as largely male industry, StoryJuice's great recent work and Hannah's views on narratives, and placing female perspectives into gaming.  Great to see a local talent being highlighted, check out the interview in full here.

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Copyright © 2020 Take A Part, All rights reserved. Images in this e-news are courtesy of Ellie Shipman, Coxside residents and Crab and Bee, Take A Part, Katy Richardson, Martin Hampton, Dr Hannah Wood






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Take A Part · Barbican Theatre · Castle Street · Plymouth, Devon PL1 2NJ · United Kingdom

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