Creative Times - Events

Mooch artist of the Year exhibition

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 18:00:00 +0000

Congratulations go to Adam Hayley (24) from Stockport who has won the Mooch artist of the year competition with his working class stereotype portraits. Adam now has his own exhibition previewing on the 27th November at the mooch art gallery in Manchester.

Adam was selected by a panel of judges including Wayne Hemingway and Peter Saville as the artist most likely to go on to have a successful career. All the judges appreciated the talent that Adam has, each portrait showing a variety of emotions and telling a different story.

The event starts at 6pm and is a celebration of Adams achievements. Victoria Ashworth and Richard Joel Bannister are also displaying their work as runners up in the competition.

Reflective Journals: Enabling a creative dialogue

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 09:30:00 +0000

Friday 21st November 2008 from 9.30am – 3.30pm

Holden Gallery, Manchester School of Art, All Saints, Manchester

This seminar has been developed in partnership with the Manchester School of Art and will use as its focus the current Holden Gallery exhibition.

The aims of the day are to improve practice in art, craft and design; promote and enrich the cross-curricular nature of learning; explore how young people can be developed into reflective practitioners through the use of sketchbooks and journals.

Intended audience: A4 members, teachers of art and design and other subject disciplines in high schools and primary subject coordinators/TA’s

• Outline of the day

• Setting the context

• A range of journal practice (school of art lecturer and student)

• Shared experiences (participants)

• Gallery visit (Reflective Stories, Holden Gallery) – enquiry based

• Creative dialogue and issues around assessment

• Capturing the reflection

A presentation by a member of the JOE group ( journal or equivalent) from the Manchester School of Art, will contribute to the seminar by presenting the principles and practice that underpin the use and assessment of journals at Manchester School of Art. An undergraduate student will also share the development of her own journal practice. Participants are welcome to bring journal examples, but this is not compulsory. The presentations will inform discussion and debate throughout the day.

Cost: This is a free event

To book a place on this seminar email

One of a Kind

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 18:00:00 +0000

LATE NIGHT EVENT
On Thursday 27 November we will be opening our doors until 8pm for an
Exclusive Late Night Shopping Evening

Enjoy hassle-free shopping with a difference, with an irresistable selection of unique handmade gifts all under one roof, plus

* 10% discount on all purchases made on the night

* free massages courtesy of Inner Sanctuary Spa

* complimentary drinks and nibbles in every studio

* warming soup & seasonal puds in the cafe

* Live music from These Eyes are Cameras

* hampers and christmas cakes for sale in Cafe Aromat

Come along!

People First: HR in the Creative Sector

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 08:30:00 +0000

CIDS and pro·manchester would like to invite you to People First: HR in the Creative Sector

We know it is all about people, but are we thinking strategically about our human resources? What more could we be doing to build a winning team? How can the professionals help?

CEOs and senior managers from creative and digital businesses put their heads together with experts to explore the value of human resources as a fundamental of business strategy.

Chris Pike from MMU Business School will present the findings of a series of in-depth interviews with creative businesses about their approach, and is there more this sector could be doing?

This is a joint event with pro·manchester who represent the financial and professional service community in and around Greater Manchester. Their aim is to grow the sector and promote Manchester’s skills and expertise locally, nationally and globally, generating opportunities for Manchester professionals to develop their businesses.

Date: 2nd December 2008, 8.30-10.00am
Venue: Conference Room 1, MMU Business School, Aytoun Building, Aytoun Street, M1 3GH
Speaker: Chris Pike, MMU Business School

This event is free of charge but we would ask that you register your attendance in advance. To register click here

Event sponsored by MMU Business School

Book launch - The Stuff of Images: Laura White

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 18:00:00 +0000

FREE ADMISSION-BOOKING REQUIRED.

The Sculptural Language of images investigated through the work of Laura White and text by Lisa Le Feuvre, Andrew Renton and Laura U. Marks. Ideas are explored around the physical relationship to images, where image and object are dissolved into one another in creating a haptic experience. The documentation of White’s practice and the stuff of images, is embedded within the book and its production. The book includes essays by Laura U. Marks, Andrew Renton and a conversation with Lisa Le Feuvre.

Published by Castlefield Gallery, distributed by Cornerhouse.

Available from 22 January 2009.

ISBN: 978-0-9559557-1-6

PureScreen DVD*03 Launch

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 18:30:00 +0000

Artists: Tal Amiran, Alan Bogana & Dave Green, Steven Eastwood, Esther Johnson, Nick Jordan, Rebecca Lennon, Elena Näsänen, Philip Newcombe, Seppo Renvall, Mika J. Ripatti, Erica Scourti, Juha van Ingen.

Description: FREE ADMISSION. BOOKING REQUIRED. To book please call Castlefield Gallery on 0161 832 8034 or email events@castlefieldgallery.co.uk.

Castlefield Gallery is pleased to announce the publication of PureScreen DVD *03, a programme of recent artist film and video work. Curated by Sophia Crilly, the DVD features the highlights and a cross-section of the diversity of works from the 2007/08 season of screening programmes. The DVD will be available from December 2008.

PureScreen is Castlefield Gallery’s regular screening event for artist film and video. Since its inception, in March 2003, the programme has provided a platform for outstanding recent work and supported new and established practitioners and curators. It operates an annual, international open call for submissions for new works, and also produces PureScreen: Film & Video Artists Information Pack, compiling international resources with the intention of assisting artists and curators whose practice involves the production and exhibition of moving image work.

PureScreen is supported by Arts Council England, and from each new season of screenings a DVD compilation is produced, which tours internationally, in order to support and promote the practice of the artists PureScreen has worked with.

To enquire about screening PureScreen DVD *03, to join the mailing list, or to request further information on any aspect of PureScreen please email: purescreen@castlefieldgallery.co.uk or visit: www.castlefieldgallery.co.uk/purescreen.asp, for programme details and to download PureScreen: Film & Video Artists Information Pack. PureScreen is supported by Arts Council England.

The Media Festival

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 12:16:00 +0000

The Media Festival will explore how content will be funded, created and distributed in future and introduce you to the people who are making this happen.

The Media Festival is the destination where today’s media industries will meet to exchange ideas, draw inspiration and build partnerships for the future. It is a celebration of great and innovative digital work and the latest thinking. It will explore what it means to be creative in a digital age, and interrogate both established and new digital business models.

The Media Festival features world class speakers from every corner of the converged media industry television, film, advertising, gaming, online and the emerging spaces in between. It will provoke high level discussion and provide excellent networking opportunities. It will be a chance for people to swap experiences with each other beyond the industry sectors they work in and share in appreciating great work and fascinating stories, through the conference programme as well as screenings, masterclasses and parties.

The Media Festival has been developed to address the critical commercial, creative content and digital technology issues collectively faced by the digital content industries. It will explore the challenges facing all of us as we adapt and evolve in a rapidly changing world. Find out more…

Who?

The festival is for everyone working in the digital media space. These include executives working in TV production / Film production / Commercial Production / Music companies / Broadcasters / ISPs Telcos / Advertising agencies / Games companies / Web developers / Mobile content providers / Post production companies / Interactive service providers / Content aggregators / Distributors

The two-day, twin-track agenda will allow festival attendees to tailor their experience according to their interests and make the most of the diversity on offer during plenary networking sessions.

When?

The Media Festival will take place from 26th-28th November in various venues across Greater Manchester.

How?

Email us at: conferences@emap.com
Call us on: 0845 056 8339 (UK) / +44 (0) 20 7554 5800 (Intl)
Click here to register online

Business North West

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:03:00 +0000

Business North West - The region’s premier business-to-business exhibition and conference

Date
19th-20th November 2008
Location
Manchester Central (Formerly G-Mex)
Admission
Free
Doors Open For Breakfast
8:15am
Exhibition Floor Opens
9:00am
Doors Close
Day 1: 7:00pm - Day 2: 4:00pm

In the current economic climate it is more important than ever to understand business trends and be networking in person, especially face-to-face. This established and unique business event is designed specifically for time poor business owners, directors and entrepreneurs to do just this. By attending you will be in an exciting business environment where you will be able to learn cutting edge business techniques, listen to inspiring keynote speakers, network with likeminded individuals to help sustain and develop business as well as sourcing products and services from a diverse exhibition.

Now in its third successful year, with increased support from the region’s most influential business organisations, it really is not to be missed!

Two full days of networking, education, innovation and face-to-face business
Invaluable networking opportunities

Over 175 cross sector businesses situated under one roof

Specific exhibition offers and unmissable deals

Discovering new issues that may effect how you run your business

Learning how to stay ahead of the competition

Exhilarating speed pitching and Angel investing

The largest business networking drinks in the region

Complimentary networking breakfasts with keynote speakers

http://www.businessnorthwest.co.uk/index.php

Laura White: If I Had a Monkey I Wouldn’t Need a TV

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 18:00:00 +0000

Castlefield Gallery is pleased to present If I Had a Monkey I Wouldn’t Need a TV, a solo show of new work by London based artist Laura White. Working with video and found objects her work addresses the convergence of the manmade and the natural world using both static and moving images sampled from the Internet, billboard posters and TV documentaries. They are consequently shattered or distorted by direct confrontation with objects and other matter in the space, encouraging the viewer to reflect and explore the artifice within the imagery.

Through distorting and concealing imagery, her sculptures are suggestive of the way in which humankind manipulates the environment for its own needs, whether that is through the containment of the natural world to provide us with entertainment, or the mis-representation of both humans and animals for economic gain.

White is interested in the idea of a haptic experience in relation to imagery, where one has a physical relationship to an image and encounters them through a sculptural language. By representing images in this way the viewer confronts the image both physically and spatially, inviting them to dissolve their subjectivity in close and bodily contact with the image.

Within a language of sculpture White explores the sculptural qualities of images, such as using image as matter, sculpting it to create complex and colourful forms that both displace and destroy the meaning of the image. For example, physically manipulating images by projecting video onto assemblages of objects in a darkened space, so that the images literally wrap themselves around objects, or cutting images from magazines and using them as sculpting matter, like one would use clay or plaster to tear, crumple and glue into shape and form. This sculptural manipulation of images, explores a direct engagement with the audience, one that is both visceral and erotic, and plays with the relationship between representation and abstraction, as recognisable images are broken down into abstract form. The boundaries between image and object become blurred to challenge the viewers’ relationship to both, making it possible for images to exist as solid matter in the here and now, and objects to disperse into a mediated world of imagery.

White is interested the way we read human intervention and its control over nature. How nature through the frameworks we set up can seduce us and provide us with unthreatening pleasure and entertainment, like visiting an aquarium, a zoo or watching wildlife documentaries on TV. The process of visual engagement she creates by sourcing primarily photographic imagery of the natural world (still and moving), is then shattered by the viewers acknowledgement of the positioning, exaggeration and awkward arrangements and manipulation of these images, or the presence of objects in the space, which slowly reveal a less entertaining perspective, one that reflects and explores the manipulation of nature and its threatening instability, whether that be through human contamination, misrepresentation, dislocation, or nature’s ability without any human intervention to destroy.

Christmas at the Mill 2008

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 18:00:00 +0000

Christmas at the Mill 2008: A contemporary Christmas gift market featuring ceramics, jewellery, furniture, painting, photography & textiles

Time: 6-9pm, Thursday 27th November 2008
Location: Islington Mill, James Street, Salford, M3 5HW

Islington Mill ushers in yuletide with its seasonal fair, Christmas At The Mill. On this special night, you can meet the artists who work at the mill, find out more about their crafts and – most importantly – buy their wares. Much of the work on display will include unique and limited edition pieces, only available on the night.

Crafts and art on show over two floors of the Mill will include ceramics, jewellery, furniture, painting, fine art photography and textiles. With such an array on offer, hand-made by the cream of North West talent, there‘s something to appeal to everyone’s taste.

Festive food and mulled wine will be available too, alongside seasonal sounds from members of the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra to add to the festive cheer.

In recent times, Islington Mill has been noted for it’s diverse array of alternative music and arts events, however it has for many years been an emerging centre for both creative industries and the artistic community of Salford and Manchester. With four and half floors of studio spaces, housing over 40 creative enterprises, it’s community encompasses everything from sculpture to screenwriting, screen-printing to ceramics and many other disciplines too.

* The Mill will also be launching it’s own Shop at 142 Chapel St on the very same day. Running from from the 27th November right through to Christmas, the store will be home to work from all the artists and makers featured at the selling event as well as a complementary selection of work from around the country. More info on the opening event coming soon. *

If you would like to be kept informed of all this and future events at Islington Mill please subscribe to the mailing list by emailing your details to artsclub@islingtonmill.com or by visiting the website www.islingtonmill.com

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Event: Christmas at Islington Mill

Artists: Liz Scrine, Lizard, Tragen Design, Jo Langton & Malin Andersson, Crackpots, Andrew Brooks, Beverley Gee, Sarah Waite, Islington Mill Art Academy, Dontbitchstitch, Ann Marie Creaghan, Nerissa Cargill Thompson, Simon Leach, Clare Hartley, Georgina Browett.

Venue: Islington Mill, James Street, Salford. M3 5HW

Open: 6-9pm, 27th November 2007

Further information: www.islingtonmill.com

For individual information on the individual artists involved & for images of their work please contact Mark Carlin on 07813 276808 or email artsclub@islingtonmill.com

Trafford Artists Network - Art Auction

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 19:00:00 +0000

The Trafford Artists' Network Art Exhibition features a range of work including fine art paintings, photography, jewellery and sculpture. The show culminates on 4th December with a special auction led by uactioneer Maria Ruban. On sale will be original artwork of all types and to suit all pockets.

So come along, bring your friends, family and business contacts for what is sure to be an enjoyable and profitable evening. Mince pies will be served and the bar will be open for this special event. A perfect warm-up for the Christmas season.

Free. Places must be booked in advance 0161 912 5616.

The National Creative Industries Conference - 'Creative Cities'

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 09:00:00 +0000

The Fourth National Creative Industries Conference is taking place at the award-winning Foundation for Arts and Creative Technology (FACT) in Liverpool on Thursday 11th December.

Responding to a rapidly changing economy, the conference agenda will explore the concept of a ‘Creative City’ and what this means in practice today. Looking ahead to 2009 and beyond, delegates will consider the actions required to support diversity and growth, examining the role and impact of Government and the respective roles of property, education, funding and the public sector.

Chaired by Jo Burns, Director of BOP Consulting, the day will bring together leading policymakers, practioners and opinion formers including:

Barbara Follett MP, Minister for Culture, Creative Industries and Tourism

Paul Collard, National Director, Creative Partnerships

Tom Bloxham, Founder of Urban Splash

Bernd Fesel, Consultant, The European Capital of Culture Ruhr 2010

Felicity Goody, Chair, Central Salford URC

Book Your Ticket at www.nationalcreativeindustriesconference.co.uk or call 0207378 0422

UK Album Launch of Bakhoor by Lorelei Loveridge

Sat, 29 Nov 2008 19:00:00 +0000

Saturday, November 29—7 PM Nexus Art Café, Northern Quarter, Manchester Corner of Dale and Oldham Streets, M1 1JW Free and all ages welcome.

Lorelei Loveridge lived for 11 years in Saudi Arabia, pre and post 9/11, and loved it. She experienced religious zealots, compound invasions, a terrorist chase, earthquake, tsunami, war in Lebanon, crazy drivers, nutty expats and more, and survived to tell the tales in story and song.

Her physical, personal, and musical journey is documented in Bakhoor, a 4-year, 15-song album project recorded in India, Canada and Saudi Arabia. It features some of the finest players from across the globe including Brian Hughes (producer of Loreena McKennitt), Harry Manx and Lester Quitzau.

A contemporary acoustic songwriter who draws comparisons with Tracy Chapman and Joni Mitchell, Loveridge pairs a passionate political sense with an understanding of the complex personal stories that go beyond politics. Loveridge and Canadian producer Rob Hewes have woven the sounds of tabla, oud, darbuka, Tibetan overtone chants, violin, bazouki, Latin/African/slide blues guitar into a richly-textured, multicultural tour-de-force. While "Home is Where the Heart Is"—a song about the pain of a mother and her Palestinian daughter—is the first single off of the album, U.S. songwriter and guitar legend Dick Wagner says this of Loveridge and Bakhoor: "Her vocals are hauntingly emotive, her songs are beautifully structured folk/pop creations and her musicians are world-class interpreters of her musical vision…The brilliant 'Oh, India' sets the tone and atmosphere for this musical journey…a journey you won't forget. I personally love Lorelei's music and recommend it to all seekers of sophisticated yet accessible music."

Orderly Bazaar Records & Publishing celebrates the UK release of the album with a 'majlis' or Saturday night sit-in at the arty, cozy, tea and cake serving Nexus Art Café. Lorelei Loveridge will be joined by her very special band plus special guests Zoe Mulford of the U.S. (award-winning American singer-songwriter), Rosie Smith of Cornwall, U.K. (multi-instrumental performing/recording artist), and lisa b of Canada (queer spoken-word poet), while Dave Puller of Manchester, U.K. (poet/writer/performer and satirist) hosts the evening. Adding to the ambience will be Arabesque music between sets and a slide show of Lorelei's travel photography.

This may possibly be the last major UK performance of 2008 and 2009, as Loveridge has signed to management in India/UAE and Canada and looks forward to taking Bakhoor back to some of the places that inspired it.

Focal Point Lecture - John Lee, Arca

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 18:00:00 +0000

Following on from the success of the Focal Point: Lectures earlier this year, CIDS are delighted to be bringing you the next installment in the series.

This Focal Point: Lecture offers you the rare opportunity to hear how John Lee founded Arca, an architectural practice based in Manchester, which has a reputation for design innovation, and has been involved in projects such as the Mancunian Way Footbridge, Tate Liverpool and Castlefield Gallery.

After graduating from the Bartlett School in London, where he also completed a postgraduate Masters degree with the Space Syntax Laboratory, John worked for eight years with renowned architects Grimshaw, latterly as an Associate and Project Leader for the Terminal 3 Development at Manchester Airport. Taking these qualifications and experience John decided to set up Arca, and it will be the trials and tribulations of turning Arca from an idea into the successful business that it is today that John will be sharing with us.

Venue - eOffice, 1 Portland Street, Manchester, M1 3BE - view map

6.00pm - Arrival and networking

6.45pm - John Lee

7.30pm - Q&A from audience

8.00pm - Networking and refreshments

9.00pm - Close and exit

The speaker, the knowledge, the food and the drinks. All yours for £10, so what are you waiting for?

A Vision of India

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 17:30:00 +0000

1 December, 17.30 - 21.00hrs

Compass Room at The Lowry, Salford Quays

Building a new media city for the world's leading creative and digital businesses will not only bring a wealth of talent to the North West, it will help establish new links between businesses in the UK and India.

Designed to specifically raise awareness of the opportunities for media and design companies in India this FREE event is open to media related businesses interested in exploring the potential of doing business with India.

Key speakers will include:

Paul Newman, Communications Director for Peel Media

Sashi Reddi, CEO of FXLabs & Chairman of AppLabs Technologies

Parminder Vir OBE, Award-winning producer

David Mousley, CEO of Red Vision

Imran Hakim, Inventor & Director of iTeddy

To secure your free place at this high-profile event, please click the link to complete the registration form www.indiaevents.co.uk

Join us to find out how your business can share in this new vision of India.

For more information on the event call
01925 715175

AWOL Open Studios

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 16:00:00 +0000

AWOL Open Studios

Come down and see the freshest new work of 25+ Artists who will be exhibiting their work on Friday 5th December. Disciplines include fine art, photography, fashion, sculpture etc.

This is a chance to socialise, meet artists and possibly purchase the work of the next big thing in the art world.

Doors are open from 4pm until 9pm. Drinks will be sold.

Trading Online

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:00:00 +0000

Many creative businesses now have their own website and are exploring the potential of e-commerce. What should you be aware of when conducting business online?

This seminar will offer a guide to protecting IP on your website and the legal implications of trading online.
Description The internet offers a tremendous marketing opportunity and creative people who want to sell and promote their work should be grabbing it. Naturally there are risks but many of these can be avoided altogether so long as you know what you are doing.

In this free seminar, leading solicitors Pannone LLP http://pannone.com/ will provide a basic guide to protecting IP on your website and the legal implications of trading online.

It should inspire you to start planning your ebusiness model or help those who are already trading online. There will be plenty of opportunities to ask questions.

6:00pm Registration
6:30pm Presentation Commences
7:15pm Q&A
8:00pm Networking
8:30pm Close

Location map:http://www.own-it.org/north/contactus/

The Loop | Series V | Episode I

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 18:00:00 +0000

“If it’s good it’s wonderful, if it’s bad it’s experience.” Learning the true value of work placements

The panel…

Jo Bennett, Creative Director, Tigerprint

Tamsin Seed, Studio Designer, Tigerprint

The chair…

Warren Bramley, Creative Director, four23/Manchester/London

The detail…

For many people, work experience (whether formal or informal) can be a foundation stone for a career in the creative sector. For established businesses, it can act as a vital resource through which to access new talent and skills.

The aim of this event will be to discuss the value and importance of work placements and to look specifically at the benefits that can be accrued for all parties involved, be it your company, the recipient, educational institutions or the wider sector. We also intend to provide more insight into how your company can get involved, and where you should go in order to do this, as well as provide some general tips and advice on how to derive the maximum value from the experience.

The event…

Tuesday 25 November, 2008

CUBE, Portland Street, Manchester

6pm - Arrival & Reception Drinks
6.45pm - Jo Bennett and Tamsin Seed
8pm - Buffet and Networking
9pm - Close and exit

Registration...

The speakers, the knowledge, the food and the drinks. All yours for £20, so what are you waiting for?

To register click here

Creative Director since 2000, Jo Bennett has overseen Tigerprint becoming the largest single account for Hallmark’s international business with a turnover of just over £60 million, and 170 staff based in Bradford, West Yorkshire. The Tigerprint business designs and manufactures a multitude of products from children’s toys to stationery and Christmas decorations for its sole customer Marks and Spencer. The business has a unique position within the M&S supply base, being the only ‘full service vendor’ partner to be responsible for design/development of the whole category through to its full retail implementation.

With Design considered such a highly valuable commodity within the business Tigerprint has sought to establish strong community and academic links with design courses, D&AD, Starpack and has provided over 10 years of support for the New Designers Awards. Tigerprint’s involvement with New Designers has meant that they currently employ 15 members of staff as a direct result, with some at senior design or management level. Tamsin Seed was one such person. After graduating from MMU in Embroidery Tamsin won a paid placement at Tigerprint through the New Designers award, and is currently employed as a Studio Designer.

CIDS is a not-for-profit limited company. Any surplus income is invested back into our services to support the creative industries.

Philippa Hadley Choy - Breathe Open Studio

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 10:00:00 +0000

Philippa Hadley Choy is a British sculptor whose art practice explores the medium of sculpure. Working exclusively in plaster, Hadley Choy creates 2D etched drawings and 3D works which cunningly play with the pure idea of sculpture.

During her Breathe residency Hadley Choy has been on a series springing from an exploration of Italian Baroque master Bernini whose immense sculptural output is notable for its attention to detail. Choy views his incredible rendering of draping fabric as the pure sculpture of the works and Bernini's primary concern. She explores this in drawings of Bernini drapery etched into coloured slabs of plaster which omit the human figure, noting only the pure sculptural form.

Alongside drawings, Hadley Choy has been casting feet - a body part she connects to her cultural heritage - and using the offcuts to create new 3D works. For her open studio exhibition she will present her extensive new collection as a corporal forest through which visitors can navigate a celebration of pure sculpture.

Sin Yi Law - First Step Exhibition

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 13:00:00 +0100

For Sin Yi Law food of all cultures is art in itself. For her First Step exhibition Sin Yi presents a series of delicate crayon drawings which attempt to draw up the pleasure in the excitement and preparation of food. Food stuffs are elegantly presented against a pure white background to emphasise their beauty and form. Each mark is made in attempt to conjure the food's taste, smell and memory as Sin Yi presents a loving portrait of the dishes she draws.

Social Media Cafe Manchester

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 18:00:00 +0000

Social Media Cafe Manchester launch

Whether we like it or not Social Media is changing the way we communicate, collaborate and find information about the wider world. Multi-billion dollar industries have been created around our insatiable desire to belong and keep in touch. This new landscape is still being defined with every week bringing forth some new application or social network. This new way of social interaction is still in its infancy, offering new opportunities for sharing, collaboration and maintaining friendships and what Facebook, MySpace and Twitter offer now is nothing to what will be offered in the future.

So with this in mind and after a wild flurry of emails, tweets, pokes and pings, Social Media Cafe Manchester is born. Brought about through a chance encounter on a blog between Littlestar's Julian Tait and Martin Bryant of 14Sandwiches and Manchester Buses blog fame and through a fortuitous meeting with geekgirl, MEN's Sarah Hartley, blogger Rich Shaw and producer Maria Ruban. The Cafe is for anyone involved or interested in social media as a means of reaching new audiences, collaboration and sharing skills and experience. It is a chance to come and put faces to otherwise virtual online personas and see where social media is going. The first event is open house with a number of introductory speakers. VENUE: The Northern, TIb Street, Manchester 6-9pm Tuesday 11th November. WiFi is available. Sign up for free membership on the Social Media Cafe Manchester Google Group http://tinyurl.com/6rwdhu and contribute to the debate.

For more information contact Julian on julian@littlestar.tv • Twitter www.twitter.com/julianlstar • Tel 0845 094 5184

Creative Futures

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:00:00 +0000

Join us at Manchester Town Hall 18 - 19 November 2008 for a unique networking event for new creative talent with leading industry companies and high profile NOISEfestival.com curators such as Badly Drawn Boy, Stella Vine, Noki and Wayne Hemingway.

Over 30 creative and media organisations are set to attend, including MTV, BBC Radio, Zaha Hadid Architects, Warp Films, Big Active, Graham & Brown Wallpapers, Magnetic North, Ten Alps, Computer Arts, Super Super, Amelia’s Magazine…and many more to be confirmed at www.NOISEfestival.com/CreativeFutures

This special two day event hosted by the online arts showcase NOISEfestival.com will feature:

Portfolio reviews – ‘One to One’ sessions with NOISE curators – No nonsense career advice – Dream Job placements – Debates – Open acoustic stage – The Best of NOISE 2008 showcase – Live blogging – Media exposure

The event will be presented as an ‘Indoor Festival’ inside the historic Great Hall and Reception Room, and will feature customised tents from NOISE artists, four individual portfolio review areas and a seminar/workshop space. Mr Scruff will also be providing refreshments from his festival tea tent.

The event is part of the NOISE Dream Jobs scheme, which was launched by Chancellor Alistair Darling in June 2008. The scheme brokers work placements for the best NOISE artists in creative companies at the top of their field. Previous Dream Job placements include MTV Brazil (Trailer Animation), MacKinnon & Saunders (model makers for Hollywood Director Tim Burton) and Hemingway Design (Architecture & Product Design). NOISE Dream Jobs for 2009 will be announced during the Creative Futures event.

The VIP Opening Event and Press Launch at Manchester Town Hall on Tuesday 18th November 2008 from 18.00-20.00 features NOISE curators and their selected talent, including Badly Drawn Boy and his top choices from the Music category and Noki’s NHS (Noki’s House of Sustainability) catwalk mash-up of the best NOISE Fashion.

NOTES FOR EDITORS

The ‘Creative Futures Manchester’ event is FREE to attend. For the best chance of a ‘One to One’ meeting with a top professional, talent needs to pre-register before Sunday 16th November 2008. Latecomers can still register at the event.

To attend you need to:

1) Be 25 and under
2) Sign up as an artist at www.NOISEfestival.com
3) Bring 4-6 examples of your work Creative Futures

Manchester is funded by Manchester City Council and supported by Council Leader Richard Leese.

NOISEfestival.com is an Arts Council and NWDA-funded biennial online arts showcase, which has so far reached 6,000 young artists. NOISE Executive Producer Denise Proctor set up the Manchester-based national charity in 2005 and is available for interviews.

“There are many creative economy schemes that focus on traditional routes from education into employment, and fail to help young people break into the area of the creative industry that’s relevant to them. The NOISE ‘Creative Futures’ networking event is open to young creatives regardless of education and background – and our work placement partnerships with leading innovative organisations ensure that the best young artists get the right practical experience on their CV.”
Denise Proctor, Executive Producer, NOISEfestival.com

The first NOISE Festival in 2006 received 5,000 submissions. The 2008 Festival received over 9,000 submissions in categories including Music, Fashion, Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, Moving Image, New Media, Product Design, Architecture, Photography and Word.

“Every case is different, but in the end young artists need to invent themselves and be with people of their own age and try and establish a new generation. That’s why I like NOISEfestival.com, as it’s a little push to encourage people to establish their own voice.”
Norman Rosenthal, former Head of Exhibitions at the Royal Academy of Art

“I think in every design commercial area, whether it’s graphic, architecture, fashion, every year there’s a new wave of designers coming though colleges and art schools. I think it’s really important for these guys to come through and enter competitions like this for their work to be seen by others, by their peers, by potential employers. For me just being involved in that, if we can give them a little bit of advice and encouragement it can only be a good thing.”
James Sommerville, ATTIK Design

“I think that a fast track to fame is what people think is acceptable these days, and it’s amazing that it’s worked for people. NOISE is the other side of the coin – these people are genuinely into creating music, or anything in all the other fields of the arts, and I think that’s why NOISE is interesting to someone like me, because it’s actually promoting real talent and people that wouldn’t go on the X Factor, people that would rather do it their way.”
Badly Drawn Boy

For more information, high resolution images or broadcast video material please contact Gavin Bower on 0161 237 9009 or pressoffice@noisefestival.com

Professional Leadership Development

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 10:00:00 +0000

The Relational Dynamics Coaching Course
With Deborah Barnard & Rivca Rubin
Starting January 28th

From the creative industries for the creative industries and beyond a unique take on leadership ...

An opportunity to understand your own leadership preferences, coaching style and approach to relational dynamics

A course suitable for those wishing to explore one-to-one coaching, enhance leadership, mentoring and facilitation skills in the workplace or day-to-day interactions

The Spring '09 dates for this highly popular accredited course have been announced.

You can find all information on our website:

www.relationaldynamics1st.co.uk or email info@relationaldynamics1st.co.uk

Early booking is advised.

...the art of interaction with self and others

"I chose the Relational Dynamics Coaching Course for the combination of highly experienced tutors and the accreditation to add to my bank of professional skills. The course has helped me develop my coaching and leadership style through practice based learning, working one-to-one with other participants in particular. The skill of ‘active listening’ and techniques of structuring coaching sessions to aid effective goal setting feel to me like a ‘magic key’ to help unlock our own and other’s potential. Relational Dynamics Coaching is hugely enjoyable, immensely satisfying and can be life-changing in work and personal life."

"This has been the most invigorating course I have attended, the atmosphere is safe and relaxed, the pace appropriate, and the content stimulating. The learning is transferable in multiple settings. After attending just the first three days, a colleague commented on my input to a key meeting, noticing that I 'seemed very confident.' I had been using some of the techniques we were learning."

Communicating With Clarity

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 10:00:00 +0000

Communicating With Clarity
Nov 26th, 27th, 28th | The Zion Centre, Manchester

This is a 3 day course which will develop your communication skills with individuals and in leadership & management. You will learn to communicate effectively with ease, to coach self and others and to manage and resolve conflict.

If you manage, coach, advise, create, plan, you will learn how to : -

Set outcomes for yourself and with others so they can be realised

Understand what drives our actions and trains of thought

Communicate in ways people enjoy

Use language accurately and elegantly so that people are more likely to understand what is that you’d like to be understood

Learn how to invite people to want to do what you ask them to do.

Rates available for charity organisations and low income individuals.

This course is led by Creative Consultant Rivca Rubin M.Sc. With over 10 years experience as a professional coach, Rivca has a highly regarded international reputation with hundreds of individuals and organisations benefiting from her personal & professional development.

To book your place on this course or find out more
clarity@rivcarubin.com - www.rivcarubin.com - +44(0)161 374 2353

"I would like to thank you for an inspiring three days. I found your course incredibly useful and it has helped me in lots of ways - I guess the main thing has been that I have been able to step back from situations and be more objective and less emotional about encounters as a whole."

Kate Hobson, Programmer, Creative Partnerships East Lancashire

"The Communicating with Clarity course is a fantastic, stimulating and highly enjoyable way to develop your skills in dealing with people and situations in all fields of life. It felt like several little light bulbs in dark corners of my brain were being switched on. The course will help you to better understand others, deal with conflict, be more assertive (without playing mind games or causing fights) and find your place in life and work. Highly recommended."

Si Waite, Artist/Musician

OneMedia Unconference

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 09:00:00 +0000

The pioneering 'OneMedia' unconference sponsored by Nesta, Pact and Skillset is now open for bookings.

Current Delegates include: Paul Bennun- Somethin Else, Matt Locke - C4, Jon Kingsbury - Nesta, Frank Boyd- Unexpected Media, Chris Thorpe - Myspace,Jaggeree, Paula Le Dieu, Niki Strange - Cogapp, John Parnell - Head London, Jane Lucy- Keo Films, Vanessa Arden-Wood - Illumina, Wil Stephens - Cube, Russell Stopford- Met Film Post and Creative, Edi Smockum - NFTS, Henry Playfoot - White Loop, Will Lebens - Airlock ltd,

OneMedia is a 2 day unconference for freelancers and companies where you set the agenda to find the cross business opportunities that matter to you, to increase your revenue and develop your business model.

• What does a successful multi-platform business model look like?
• What are the pitfalls that other industries have already discovered?
• How can you increase your turnover?
• How does business work in other industries?

If you have ever asked yourself any of these questions, then the OneMedia Unconference is for you. To secure your attendance please go to www.one-media.org and click the red button.

What do you get from attending:

• Building cross industry partnerships and collaborations.
• Learn about new business models that you can apply to your business.
• Answers to the creative business questions that matter to you.
• Opportunities to network.

All attendees will receive a report containing the pan-industry thinking from the unconference.

OneMedia is interactive. You set the agenda, and create the conversations and search for the solutions that matter to you, your company and your industry in order to grow. For the ‘bigger picture’ people, OneMedia can inform strategy and policy and create positive change.

OneMedia is for:

Established companies and organisations that are looking to widen their markets by exploiting the new opportunities and finding ways of building collaborations with other companies and other industries. Participants will be from TV, Film, Games, Radio, Animation, Mobile, Software and Music industries.

Full cost ticket for two days: £250, Sponsored place (for SMEs, Educators,Not for profit).
TV Freelancer rate £80 for two days. (Supported by Skillset's TV freelancer fund)

Sometimes you need a different approach to get a different result!

OneMedia is different. This is not a single industry conference but a multi-industry forum that will include some of the most established and innovative companies.

Event partners: Media-sauce, Unexpected Media and 01zero-one.

If you have any questions please contact Mel on 07970 205 226.

Liverpool Sound City Live @ SXSW

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 14:00:00 +0000

Well it is that time of year again when we begin to get everyone geared up and ready to take best advantage of business opportunities in music and film from an international perspective. As part of the gearing up in this direction we would like you to come and join us for an informative event which will provide you with the most up-to-date information regarding doing
business in the USA.

As part of this session you will hear about the plans for the NW Region
music showcase Liverpool Sound City @ SXSW and the UKTI / AIM Trade
Mission taking in all 3 events Canadian Music Week, New York and SXSW in
March 2009.

For the Mission information and application forms please contact karen.holden@uktinorthwest.co.uk and please note the deadline for mission applications is Monday 1st December 2008 to AIM.

Throughout the event there will be the opportunity to network, ask questions, gain information and receive invaluable advice and support.

Guest Speakers Include :-

Valerie Strand - Creative Industries Commercial Officer from The British
Consulate General, Toronto - discussing "Canadian Music Week"
David Pichilingi - Project Manager for "Liverpool Sound City" @ SXSW

Karen Holden - International Trade Adviser UKTI North West for "grant
support and other UKTI services"
Phil Patterson - UKTI International Business Specialist, Music Industry "
UKTI/ AIM Music Mission to USA"

Date: Tuesday 25 November
Venue: Churchgate House. 56 Oxford Street. Manchester M60 7HJ
Time: 2pm

Please confirm your attendance by emailing karen.holden@uktinorthwest.co.uk
places are limited so RSVP by 6 November to secure your place at this event.

Girls on Film at Ladyfest

Sun, 09 Nov 2008 13:30:00 +0000

Girls on Film are excited to be part of Ladyfest Manchester!

The Girls will be bringing you a selection of the best short films they’ve shown since they first burst onto the scene in 2005.

Celebrate female filmmakers and feast your eyes on comedy, drama, animation and experimental delights from the UK and beyond.

Sunday, 9 November
1:30 – 4:30pm
Zion Arts Centre, 335 Stretford Road, Hulme, Manchester, M15 5ZA – view map: http://www.zionarts.com/about/contact-us/how-to-get-here/

This screening is part of an all-female weekend extravaganza of workshops, art, and film including Girls Rock: The Movie and music from The Slits, Manda Rin, Zombina and The Skeletones, Vile Vile Creatures and many more!

Weekend tickets (7 - 9 November) - £25
Friday night ticket - £7
Saturday ticket - £12
Sunday ticket - £12 (This includes The Slits and the Girls on Film screening and much more – WOW!)

Advance tickets are advised. Visit:http://www.wegottickets.com

How can you miss it?

For the full programme details go to: http://www.ladyfestmanchester.com

To find out more about Girls on Film go to: http://www.girlsonfilmnetwork.org

In Conversation with Emory Douglas

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 18:30:00 +0000

Don’t miss Emory Douglas being interviewed by Danny John Jules (actor, writer, activist... and Cat from Red Dwarf), about his life, artwork and what it was like to be the revolutionary Minister of Culture for the Black Panther Party. The evening will proceed with an illustrated presentation by Douglas. Tickets available at the Urbis shop. 0161 605 8220

Prosper: Are You Recession Proof?

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 18:00:00 +0000

With all this talk of the credit crunch and the global economy in melt-down, do you wonder if your business is robust enough to cope in these uncertain times? Especially, if you're based in Cumbria.

It could be time to think about how your business would hold up to a fall in customers or a rise in costs. How do businesses that are ‘recession proof’ come out stronger and ready to take up new opportunities? What’s the secret to making money in a recession? Would you be able to take up that challenge?

Design Initiative offers an opportunity to ask the questions that matter with a panel that understand the sector and an audience who recognise the fears. Let’s talk shop and come up with a response and find out what it might take to recession proof creative businesses in Cumbria. So if you are interested in hearing more then join us over a drink.

When & where?
Tuesday 18th Nov 2008, 6:00pm –8.00pm
Hawkshead Brewery, Staveley Mill Yard,
Staveley,
Cumbria,
LA8 9LR

Speakers (more TBC)
Dr Rachel Smart – Creative Business Consultant

The Topics
This will depend on the speakers
If there is an area you would like to see discussed please email us at alex@designinit.org.uk

How much?
£5 in advance to attend the event, by booking at www.prospernw.org.uk

RSVP your place to alex@designinit.org.uk

Blood, Sweat and Tears

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 20:00:00 +0000

It's what we put into every job; we know you do too!

After a year of bloody hard work we thought we would take some time out for a breather, and to have a few drinks with some of the people that make it happen.

If you're one of those people and fancy a few drinks, chin wag or maybe even throwing a few shapes with us then register a place for you and your guests by visiting:

www.blood-sweat-and-tears.co.uk

Music by Dave Haslam, Clint Boon and special guests.

Kindly sponsored by: GF Smith, Progress, New Leaf, Scanachrome

Speed Networking

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:00:00 +0000

Speed networking – it’s fun, it’s free and we even feed you!

Thursday 20th November, 3pm-5pm, Hotel Campanile, 55 Ordsall Lane
Salford, M5 4RS.

The format is simple:

Choose your starting point and when the whistle blows you each have 90 seconds to talk about your business. Make notes as you move around and before you know it you’ll be leaving with a host of new business contacts.

Spaces are strictly limited to 20 only.
With all the sessions so far having been fully booked and with a guarantee that you get to speak to everyone in the room, it’s fast becoming the best 90 minutes of networking in town.

Book your space immediately to avoid disappointment! Call 0161 278 2519 or email jonmonk@chapelstreet.org

PANDA Spotlight On… Meet the Neighbours

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 18:30:00 +0000

Regional support and rural touring opportunities for people in the performing arts in the North West.

Performing Arts Network and Development Agency (PANDA) are pleased to announce a special event run in association with our partners Unity Theatre and Hope Street Limited in Liverpool and the Cheshire’s Rural Touring Network (CRTN).

The event is free and open to anyone working (or hoping to work) in the performing arts in the North West. Join us at 6.30pm on Wednesday 12th November 2008 at Unity Theatre to meet the organisations that can support you and find out more about rural touring opportunities in the region.

• Liz O’Neill will be on hand to introduce PANDA (www.panda-arts.org.uk) and outline the information, advice and development services that the organisation can provide.

• Graeme Phillips from Unity Theatre (www.unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk) will welcome you to the venue and say a little about the events and opportunities available at the theatre.

• Peter Ward will explain how you can get involved with the various schemes and training opportunities at Hope Street Limited (www.hope-street.org).

• Claire Smith of Cheshire’s Rural Touring Network (www.cheshire.gov.uk/arts) will discuss the rural touring opportunities in the region and launch the fifth year of the PANDA-CRTN Rural Touring Mentoring Scheme, which offers mentorship to a company who would be keen to develop their work for rural touring.

The PANDA-CRTN Rural Touring Mentoring Scheme is a successful scheme and a valuable entry-point for any company wishing to establish themselves on the rural touring network. Full details of the scheme including how to apply will be covered at the event, and are also available on the PANDA website at www.panda-arts.org.uk/rtms09

Come along to find out about the great opportunities available and network with other people working in theatre, dance, street art, live art and writing for performance. The event will take place in the comfortable surroundings of the Unity Lounge bar and will be followed by The Lavender Club, a comedy, poetry and music night, running as part of the Homotopia festival.

Book your place

To RSVP for this free event contact Rachel Morton on 0161 274 0626 or email rachel@panda-arts.org.uk.

For full details visit: www.panda-arts.org.uk/neighbours

bTWEEN09

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 09:30:00 +0100

b.TWEEN is the future of conferences: an industry gathering with networking, honest peer exchange and business at its core

Full details will be revealed over the coming months at bTWEEN.co.uk

bTWEEN09 will take the event to it’s fifth year and on offer will be a huge raft of opportunities for indie creatives. Including real commercial briefs from big brands with commercial commissions worth thousands of pounds

Details of the inspirational three day action packed programme designed to break down barriers between speaker and delegate through galleries, presentations, conversations, one to ones, keynotes, pitches with feedback and workshops will also be unveiled very soon

Pinky's Turn On! Exhibition - launch event

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 18:00:00 +0000

Open viewing on Wednesday 29th October - with PINKY SKULL COOKIES for the launch night!

Our first exhibition in our delightful space at CUP CAFE GALLERY throughout the following eight weeks.

Check out Pinky and his work at:
http://www.pinkyvision.com

Pinky takes us on a Psychedelic Trip with two sugars in his new show TURN ON. An Art Happening for the people from this colourful British Artist.

Graffiti writer, pop artist and art zine kid since the late 80’s it’s been a busy year for Pinky so far with the success of his summer solo show Love Is The Drug at the renowned INK_D GALLERY in Brighton and his hit Shoreditch Installation THE CRUNCH, also blowing up at this years Dreweatts Urban Art Auction and rocking it at Banksy’s recent Cans Festival in London.

Well known for his distinctive use of colour and iconography Pinky's Paintings, Prints and Papercuts have been in demand since he burst out of the Graffiti scene of the late 90's.

His work rejects the idea of graffiti as an aggressive pursuit and celebrates it’s free spirited, psychedelic side. Through his use of original iconography, distinctive colour and confident graphic style he has created an aesthetic that resonates with a growing number of fellow artists, collectors and curators.

A move to London in the late nineties saw him painting and exhibiting with among others D*face, Mysterious Al, PMH and Dave the Chimp at the first Finders Keepers free street art event and having his first solo show at the now infamous Best Gallery Clerkenwell alongside other contemporaries such as Nick Walker, Adam Neate, Mike Giant and Dalek.

In the last five years he has had solo shows in Berlin, East London Brighton and Seattle USA.

Drawing inspiration from Peter Blake, Peter Max, Picasso, the Beatles, Sixties Psychedelia and the Style Wars of the 80's Pinky has sold paintings all over the globe and his skills have been in demand from a number of high profile clients such as Justin Timberlake, Marharishi, Dior, French Connection, Orange and the BBC. Pinky's artwork featured in the recent Dreweatt's auction in Selfridges and Shoreditch, this is his first solo show in Manchester.

TURN ON to Pinky’s dazzling use of paint, colour and iconography.

TURN ON to shimmering freestyle papercuts, surreal prints and bugged out, large scale watercolours.

TURN ON to an artist who grew up in the North and was influenced by Manchester’s musical vibrations rolling over the Pennines.

TURN ON to waves, raves, electric apples, skulls, owls and radiating suns.

TURN UP the brightness and TURN ON to Pinkyvision.

Selling Online - Staying Legal

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 17:30:00 +0000

Selling Online - Stay Legal - what you should know when selling goods and services online.

FREE practical workshops for Small Businesses

(Workshop ref:SOWCL5)

Just like any high street shop, an online store is covered by legislation. Do you know what laws apply to selling online?

This event is a Q&A session with a chance to submit questions in advance via email and text.

Please note:
This series of free business events is being provided by Manchester City Council. Preference will be given to businesses having a registered address with a Manchester postcode.

How to register
Places are limited to 20 per workshop (up to a maximum of 2 per company) and are booked on a first come first served basis.

To book your place contact Lyn Hadfield or Val Swinbourne on 0161 234 1995, or e-mail your details to businessinfo@manchester.gov.uk, or fax your details to 0161 237 5974.

The full list of workshops in this series include:

What makes a good website - 12th November 2008

Choosing the right payment system for your business and your clients - 19th November 2008

Attracting customers to your site – Part 1: Marketing and Social Networks - 26th November 2008

Attracting customers to your site – Part 2 Search Engine Optimisation & Pay for Click advertising - 3rd December 2008

Stay Legal - what you should know when selling goods and services online - 10th December 2008

Selling Online - Attracting customers to your site - Part 2

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 17:30:00 +0000

Selling Online - Attracting customers to your site – Part 2 Search Engine Optimisation & Pay for Click advertising

FREE practical workshops for Small Businesses

(Workshop ref:SOWCL4)

This workshop focuses on getting the best from search engines (search engine optimisation or SEO) & Pay Per Click advertising. You will find out what they are and how they can compliment each other. With companies increasing using both methods to target and reach customers getting the right mix has never been more important.

You will Learnt:
• What is SEO
• How to optimise your site
• What Pay for Click options are out there e.g. Google Adsense
• Which is best for you
• Getting the right mix

Places are limited to 25 per workshop (up to a maximum of 2 per company) and are booked on a first come first served basis

Please note:
This series of free business events is being provided by Manchester City Council. Preference will be given to businesses having a registered address with a Manchester postcode.

How to register
Places are limited to 20 per workshop (up to a maximum of 2 per company) and are booked on a first come first served basis.

To book your place contact Lyn Hadfield or Val Swinbourne on 0161 234 1995, or e-mail your details to businessinfo@manchester.gov.uk, or fax your details to 0161 237 5974.

The full list of workshops in this series include:

What makes a good website - 12th November 2008

Choosing the right payment system for your business and your clients - 19th November 2008

Attracting customers to your site – Part 1: Marketing and Social Networks - 26th November 2008

Attracting customers to your site – Part 2 Search Engine Optimisation & Pay for Click advertising - 3rd December 2008

Stay Legal - what you should know when selling goods and services online - 10th December 2008

Selling Online - Attracting customers to your site

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 17:30:00 +0000

Selling Online - Attracting customers to your site – Part 1: Marketing and Social Networks

FREE practical workshops for Small Businesses

(Workshop ref:SOWCL3)

Once you have a website you need to attract customers. The key to success is the development of a marketing plan which includes a mix of off & online routes.

This includes a wide range of online options including social networks, search engine optimisation, Pay for Click advertising and marketing offline. Where to start?

Our two part workshop will guide you through the different online options and how to access, implement, measure and evaluate them.

You will learn:
• How to identify & incorporate the most effective options into your marketing plan
• Targeting niche markets
• Ways to use social networks e.g. blogs, YouTube, MySpace, facebook
• Getting the most out of using social networks

Places are limited to 25 per workshop (up to a maximum of 2 per company) and are booked on a first come first served basis
Please note:

This series of free business events is being provided by Manchester City Council. Preference will be given to businesses having a registered address with a Manchester postcode.

How to register
Places are limited to 20 per workshop (up to a maximum of 2 per company) and are booked on a first come first served basis.

To book your place contact Lyn Hadfield or Val Swinbourne on 0161 234 1995, or e-mail your details to businessinfo@manchester.gov.uk, or fax your details to 0161 237 5974.

The full list of workshops in this series include:
* What makes a good website - 12th November 2008
* Choosing the right payment system for your business and your clients - 19th November 2008
* Attracting customers to your site – Part 1: Marketing and Social Networks - 26th November 2008
* Attracting customers to your site – Part 2 Search Engine Optimisation & Pay for Click advertising - 3rd December 2008
* Stay Legal - what you should know when selling goods and services online - 10th December 2008

Sellng Online

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:30:00 +0000

Selling Online - Choosing the right payment system for your business and your clients.

FREE practical workshops for Small Businesses

(Workshop ref:SOWCL2)

Choosing the right payment system can determine your online success, but with so many options how do you decide?
This workshop will show you the different ways to accept payments and how to choose the right one for your business & customers.
You will learn:
• How to compare & contrast between the different options
• The payment services that are available, e.g. PayPal, Worldpay
• What’s involved in setting up a custom-built payments system
• How to make the payments process easy for customers
• The best model for your business

Places are limited to 26 per workshop (up to a maximum of 2 per company) and are booked on a first come first served basis
Please note:

This series of free business events is being provided by Manchester City Council. Preference will be given to businesses having a registered address with a Manchester postcode.

How to register
Places are limited to 25 per workshop (up to a maximum of 2 per company) and are booked on a first come first served basis.

To book your place contact Lyn Hadfield or Val Swinbourne on 0161 234 1995, or e-mail your details to businessinfo@manchester.gov.uk, or fax your details to 0161 237 5974.

The full list of workshops in this series include:

What makes a good website - 12th November 2008

Choosing the right payment system for your business and your clients - 19th November 2008

Attracting customers to your site – Part 1: Marketing and Social Networks - 26th November 2008

Attracting customers to your site – Part 2 Search Engine Optimisation & Pay for Click advertising - 3rd December 2008

Stay Legal - what you should know when selling goods and services online - 10th December 2008

Selling Online - What makes a good website

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 17:30:00 +0000

FREE practical workshops for Small Businesses

(Workshop ref:SOWCL1)

Most customers decide within the first 5 seconds if they are going to buy from your website. Therefore understanding what makes a good website is essential to converting visitors into customers.

This workshop will show you the difference between online & offline shops and the different building blocks for a good website. You should leave the session with the knowledge & tools to development & define a website specification for your business.

You will learn:
• The difference between online & offline shops
• What makes a good website: design, layout & content
• How to develop a website specification in plain English
• Ways to keep your online customers satisfied
• How to build customer loyalty
• How to make your brand work on the web

Places are limited to 26 per workshop (up to a maximum of 2 per company) and are booked on a first come first served basis
Please note:

This series of free business events is being provided by Manchester City Council. Preference will be given to businesses having a registered address with a Manchester postcode.

How to register
Places are limited to 20 per workshop (up to a maximum of 2 per company) and are booked on a first come first served basis.

To book your place contact Lyn Hadfield or Val Swinbourne on 0161 234 1995, or e-mail your details to businessinfo@manchester.gov.uk, or fax your details to 0161 237 5974.

The full list of workshops in this series include:

* What makes a good website - 12th November 2008
* Choosing the right payment system for your business and your clients - 19th November 2008
* Attracting customers to your site – Part 1: Marketing and Social Networks - 26th November 2008
* Attracting customers to your site – Part 2 Search Engine Optimisation & Pay for Click advertising - 3rd December 2008
* Stay Legal - what you should know when selling goods and services online - 10th December 2008

Grouphub - An evening with Bruno Maag

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 18:00:00 +0000

Sorry love, you’re not my type.

A very special evening with international type guru, Bruno Maag. As always, places are free but are limited. We’re already receiving early registrations for this event so make sure you email our events team to register your place at events@grouphub.org Please note the new venue - more on this soon. Check out the new Continental here http://www.newcontinental.net and read on for more on Bruce Maag...

Born in Zurich, 1962, Bruno Maag graduated from Basel School of Design, Switzerland, with a degree in Typographic Design and Visual Communications. From Basel he moved to England to work for Monotype. After a year and a half in England, Bruno transferred to Monotype Chicago where he was responsible for their custom typeface department. During this time he re-cut all of the typefaces then in use by The New Yorker magazine for use on Macintosh.??After returning to England in 1991 Bruno started Dalton Maag with Liz Dalton. His studio designed typefaces for clients like British Telecom, BMW, Hewlett Packard, and many others. Amongst some of his own designs is InterFace, a contemporary Sans.

“No one who is good just dabbles in the typographic arts. As Erik Spiekermann once said, ‘You don’t do type. You live it.’ The problem is that just ‘living type’ is not enough. Compromises and trade-offs are almost always necessary to have a rewarding career and life in type.”

“If you love letters and want to draw type, you will love all aspects of the process. Never again will you crave color or graphic design layouts. Instead you will marvel at the beauty of letter shapes. You will adore serifs and terminals, curves and straights. Type will be yours for life.”

“If you want to get rich, don’t go into type design—become a lawyer, banker or accountant. Design type because you love it.”

Hyphen Three

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:45:00 +0000

Hyphen-Three
Innovation-Cash

Venture finance, licensing, patents - how to cash in on intellectual property is one of the biggest challenges facing today's creative businesses. Hyphen-Three will focus on the alchemy involved in turning ideas into innovation and creativity into cash.

Speakers
Edward French / Enterprise Ventures
John Burns / Halliwells
Louise Lynch / Libra TV (Chair)
Further speakers tbc

19 November 2008 / Sandbox at the Media Factory
University of Central Lancashire, Preston.
From 5.45pm
For full details and to register visit
www.creativelancashire.org/hyphen

PR and marketing for the future

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 18:00:00 +0000

CSBG presents a series of events designed to move your business forward by working on it rather than in it. All of the events will be held at the THINKlab in the Maxwell Building, University of Salford, M5 4WT. As always all events are free to attend and food and drink will be provided, there will also be free parking available. Each event will be followed by an hour of networking.

Part 3: 25/11/08

PR and marketing for the future

Understanding PR and how you can embrace marketing through new technologies including:

Building your business reputation, raising awareness and strengthening your brand.

Web based marketing.

Speakers are Fiona Barker from Barker PR and Simon Wharton from PushON.

The THINKlab,
University of Salford,
Maxwell Building
M5 4WT

6.00pm – 8.00pm (registration from 5.30pm.)

Finding and winning customers

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 18:00:00 +0000

CSBG presents a series of events designed to move your business forward by working on it rather than in it. All of the events will be held at the THINKlab in the Maxwell Building, University of Salford, M5 4WT. As always all events are free to attend and food and drink will be provided, there will also be free parking available. Each event will be followed by an hour of networking.

Part 2: 30/10/08

Finding and winning customers

Understanding how you reach your target audience and how to sell effectively including:

Researching and profiling your customers.

Proven techniques to help you win new sales.

Speakers are Paul Clement from Elite Edge Marketing Consultants and Peter Gaunt from Winning Pitch.

The THINKlab,
University of Salford,
Maxwell Building
M5 4WT

6.00pm – 8.00pm (registration from 5.30pm.)

Creative Focus workshop October

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 09:30:00 +0100

A one-day workshop for new and emerging creative businesses:

“I found my dream may be possible today” Creative Focus Participant

Is your business in its infancy? Or maybe you’re looking to take what you’ve got but change direction? We realise how easy it can be to lose sight of your goals. Could it be that a little time away from the rigours of running your business and some expert direction is what you’re looking for? We’re sure you’d like to chat to people in a similar situation too. Creative Focus can help.

Led by International Business Adviser, David Parrish, Creative Focus throws out the jargon and guides you through complex strategies in a relaxed, no-nonsense manner.

David shares with you his knowledge gained from working with hundreds of creative entrepreneurs as well as managing his own organisations. In his words: “I've learnt a lot from my direct experience of the creative sector. I've made mistakes along the way - and had some real successes. I went to business school and discovered some really clever ideas we can use to help your creative enterprise become even more successful.”

By the end of the workshop you will have had the opportunity to:

• Learn from presentations and the other participants in a friendly and supportive environment.
• Reflect on your own creativity, aims and values, and how these apply to your business.
• Assess you own business strengths and weaknesses and evaluate them in relation to competitors.
• Use techniques to analyse external forces, which could affect your business.
• Devise your own Business Formula by focusing on particular aspects of their creativity matched to selected market segments.
• Draw up actions plans for your business to achieve key objectives.

You’ll receive a complimentary copy of David’s book T-shirts and Suits too!

Here’s a snapshot of feedback from past participants:

"Well-paced delivery, obviously very well prepared thus very well executed. Good stuff! Would highly recommend it."

“For the first time I can now walk away with a clear goal and direction with my career”

“ I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop, the networking, the invaluable information and the relaxed and un-intimidating atmosphere”

"Talking to other creative people, sharing ideas, and learning from each other is really useful"

“Informative and well organised. Helped put theory into practice”

Creative Focus is a free event (£50 returnable cheque deposit required)

To check your eligibility for Creative Focus and to book a place please contact Phil Northall on or call 0800 169 1143.

Social networking: How can your business benefit?

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 18:00:00 +0100

Following the first series of networking events for the creative industries in Stockport, we are delighted to announce a new series for the coming year.

This event will be an exploration of the impacts and importance of online social networking . Of relevance to all creative practitioners, these rapidly expanding platforms create new environments increasingly used by business. Featuring speakers Chi-Chi Ekweozor, founder and director of Real Fresh TV and Digital Media Consultant, Maria Stukoff we anticipate a lively, informative, entertaining and provocative evening.

Set against the backdrop of Stockport Art Gallery’s exhibition on the multi-award winning TV programme, Life On Mars the evening will also provide an opportunity to meet other creative professionals from the Stockport area.

This event is organised by the Creative Industries Development Service (CIDS) in association with Stockport Economic Alliance and with the support of Stockport Council.

The Stockport Creative Industries Network events are aimed at creative professionals living or working in the Stockport area.

To register your interest in attending this event please [click here](http://www.cidsevents.co.uk/register.asp?eventid=107)

phpnw08

Sat, 22 Nov 2008 09:30:00 +0000

phpnw08 is a 1 day conference, to be held on Saturday 22nd November 2008, for developers, designers, managers or anyone else with an interest in the PHP programming language.

The conference will have a range of well known as well as more local speakers and aims to highlight current best practice and emerging topics within the sphere of PHP and web development.

The 1st annual PHPNW conference will be held on Saturday 22nd November at Manchester Central and will bring together the North-of-England PHP community for a one-day event of exceptional presentations, challenging workshops, sensational debates and networking events.

History of PHPNW

PHPNW began early 2008 after a small steering group had the mutual desire to:

improve PHP and related skills in the North-of-England
encourage personal development for Web Developers
allow opportunities for innovation and creation
create a support network for the developers run by the development community
allow opportunities to share experiences and best practices

Manchester Digital Social Event

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 18:00:00 +0100

On 8th July we held our first ever social event at Dukes 92 and over 80 people attended in what turned out to be a highly enjoyable evening for all. The event attracted a mix of people representing companies and individuals/freelancers who reported having met various contacts that could become customers, suppliers, employees/employers and many also caught up with old friends.
On 8th October 2008 we're hosting our second event which will this time be at Bar Ça in Castlefield, starting at 6pm until....... We've hired the whole ground floor of the bar for the event, including the massive outdoor terrace area.
Included in the ticket cost is a buffet serving hot and cold snacks.
Whether you're a member or not, everyone is welcome to come along and relax/socialise/network in an informal setting. Members of the Manchester Digital Council will also be in attendence if you want to come along to find out how Manchester Digital can help you.
Advance tickets cost just £10 + VAT for Manchester Digital members, £15 + VAT for non-members.
Entry on the door will be £15 for members and £20 for non-members, though we cannot guarantee that food will be available for anyone that does pay on the door on the night.
To book your ticket goto: http://mdsocial081008.eventbrite.com/

Next Gen 08 - Next generation “superfast” broadband access – Why? When? Where? How?

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 09:00:00 +0000

This important one day conference in Manchester Town Hall brings together the key players in the vital debate about how Britain should move to faster more reliable broadband and avoid getting left behind – a debate where Manchester is playing a leading role and which is crucial for the digital sector. The conference will be addressed by minister Huw Irranca-Davies, Francesco Caio – who will launch his recent review for the government, and is supported by BT Open Reach, Manchester City Council, Cisco, H2O, Manchester Digital and many others.

Further information and booking details at: www.manchesterdigital.com/Events/NextGen08

North West Women in Film

Sat, 11 Oct 2008 13:45:00 +0100

Birds Eye View in partnership with Girls on Film

Presents
“NORTH WEST WOMEN IN FILM”

Saturday 11th October - Cornerhouse –1.45pm £5.00/£3.50

"If this is what being a bird is, I'm proud to be one" – Joanna Lumley, BEV Patron

“One of the highlights of my year” – Juliet Stevenson, BEV Patron

Join us for a one-off afternoon screening of the best women filmmakers from the UK, with a special North West focus. Feast your eyes on innovative films, and be inspired by an in depth discussion with successful women filmmakers from the Northwest. Plus live music
from local talent Kathryn Edwards and a chance to connect and network with industry talent.

Birds Eye View celebrates international women filmmakers: a positive response to the fact that only 7% directors and 12% writers are women. BEV produces the UK’s leading women’s film festival in London each March, year-round touring events, training initiatives and the First Weekenders Club to promote cinema releases written/directed by women.

[www.birds-eye-view.co.uk](http://www.birds-eye-view.co.uk)

Girls on Film is a network of female artists from the UK
and beyond.

[www.girlsonfilmnetwork.org](http://www.girlsonfilmnetwork.org)

The Panel

An inspiring panel of top notch women making films in the North West, featuring producer-directorwriter Lynne Harwood ('the Angel and the Whore' - a Western, 2006); producer Julie Lau ( new feature 'Salvage' and award-winning short 'Run Piglet Run'); and writer Leigh Campbell (feature 'Kicks' and Cannes-winner 'Little Stella Big Stella'). These three leading local talents will be in conversation with BEV festival director Rachel Millward, sharing their experiences and offering top tips to the next generation.

The Screening

From Birds Eye View an innovative showcase of the best talent from the UK, from quirky dance film to hard-hitting drama. Includes winner of the UK Film Council Kodak Best Short Film Award, The Other Man, thought provoking documentary Ordinary Magic, and mesmerizing animations.

Selected by Girls on Film we have an array of talent from the Northwest including the Blaxploitation from Paulette James, ‘Shantelle Town’ with dazzling afro’s and dance off fun.The Wigan born filmmaker Anna Smith brings us ‘Which came first?’ the chicken or the egg…and a snowboarding snapshot into the life of an all girl snowboarding group by Josie Clyde (Transfer) plus more.

And for afters

Mingle with the directors and filmmakers in the bar, ask some questions and listen to some folky acoustic numbers from the Manchester born Kathryn Edwards.
[www.myspace.com/kathrynedwards](http://www.myspace.com/kathrynedwards)

[www.cornerhouse.org](http://www.cornerhouse.org)

It's only Rock 'n' Roll, but we like it.

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 19:00:00 +0100

In-depth conversations about Manchester’s iconic music scene will never progress too far before the name Elliott Rashman crops up. As former manager of the Happy Mondays and Simply Red, In the City promoter and close friend and ally of the late Tony Wilson, Elliott’s continued work (including the recent Tony Wilson experience) means that Manchester remains a stronghold for talent and opportunity.

Elliott’s musical pedigree can be traced back as far as 1985, helping a young Mick Hucknall assemble a group of local session musicians that would become Simply Red, attracting both media and fan attention all over the world.

2007 saw the reformation of the Happy Mondays with Elliott acting as co-manager. His role proved to be instrumental in the Monday’s album deal, jointly funding the band’s studio time before securing a deal with Sanctuary Records.

More recently, Elliott’s played a pivotal role in the inception and success of ‘Reification: the Tony Wilson Experience,’ a 24-hour live intelligent discussion aimed at encouraging fresh ideas from today’s youth with a panel that included Steve Coogan, Peter Hook and Factory Records designer Peter Saville.

Following on from his appearance at this year’s Summer School’s project, Elliott will be delivering a guest lecture on 14th October at 7:00pm on the state of today’s music industry and a look at his career up-to-date.

Please note, due to limited places for this event, seats will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis. To register, please email enquiries@s-s-r.com stating ‘Creative Times/ Its only Rock 'n' Roll’ in the subject field. You will then be contacted to confirm your attendance. For further details visit www.s-s-r.com.