From time to time, we are contacted with details of new opportunities, competitions or "call for papers" that we thought might be of interest to some of our readers. We didn't have a specific place to put these so we thought we would create this new section and see how it goes. Let us know if it is useful. Please read our Disclaimer.

Arts & Media Opportunities

• REMINDER CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: EMERGING PRODUCER TRAINING PROGRAMME 2008 deadline for applications is Wednesday 30 April 2008 more
• B3 FeatureLab is an innovative 12-month feature film development initiative created by B3 Media in partnership with the Binger Film Lab, Film4 and Skillset. more
• Radio Operations - Bursary Scheme Are you looking for a new challenge and the opportunity to work in one of the most well known organisations Worldwide? Well, BBC Radio Resources may have just the opportunity for you. read more
• Inspire Fellowship Programme, a positive action programme in London’s museums and galleries sector
• Youth Music - New programmes: Youth Music will be funding music-making activities through three new Open Programmes: First Steps; Make It Sound; Vocalise!
• Film London EAST Screen Skills Bursary Support: The new bursary scheme, 'Screen Skills', is a joint venture between Film London and Skillset. It is aimed at freelancers and employees in the UKs audio visual industries.
• Film London's Film-makers' Festival Fund (FFF) aims to support the development of individual film-makers' and moving image artists' careers, by providing travel grants for attendance at a small number of overseas festivals where short films have been selected and are in competition.
• Link Up Mentoring Training Link Up mentoring advice guidance
  - become a mentor and/or advisor to emerging artists
  - paid opportunities following training
  - free training with access and childcare costs covered
  - sign up now for March 2007 training round.

Calls For Papers/ Submissions

• bfm International Film Festival (IFF) - OPENS ITS CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS more
• PARDNER HAND CALL FOR SUBMISSION read more

Research

• JDYA: A newly formed youth group would like to get in contact with students of
  Jamaican descent within Nottingham and the wider UK. more

Grants & Funding

• Futurebuilders England
• The Adventure Capital Fund: For organisations

Courses

• FREE: Driving Instructor Course for Refugee women
• FREE: Training at Finsbury College, London N4
• The Centre for Caribbean Studies is offering a relatively new post graduate course - the 'MA Caribbean Literature and Creole Poetics'. It is a unique course in the very vibrant field of Caribbean studies.
  

Miscellaneous

• New: What are you doing to get a piece of the Olympic pie? more
• Computers are being given away to people over 50 under a new scheme. more
• Community Leadership Development in London
• The Hat Workshop, London - Hat making classes & hire a hat.
• Big Lottery Fund (Big) Research Programme Delayed.

Volunteering

• Imani Development Ltd Volunteer Fundraisers and Treasurer more

bfm International Film Festival (IFF) - OPENS ITS CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Bringing the unseen to light bfm (Black Filmmaker) is pleased to open its call 
for submission for selection to the 10th bfm International Film Festival, which 
will be help at venues across London in November 2008.

We are looking for submissions of feature, documentary, short experimental and 
animation films representing the experiences of people of African origin from 
across the globe.

We are also taking submissions for the BET (Black Entertainment Television) 
Sponsored Short Film Awards.

To download the submission form visit our website at www.bfmmedia.com. 
The deadline For submissions is 6pm, Monday 16 June 2008.

BFM International Film Festival was established to create a UK based  platform 
for Black World Cinema and the Festival is the largest event of its kind in the
UK. Over the years the festival has attracted black Hollywood (Billy Dee Williams,
Eriq La Salle) as well as UK talents such as Eammon Walker, Idris Elba  (Daddy's 
Little Girls) and Marianne Jean Baptiste. 2008 marks bfm's 10th Anniversary year.

Nadia Denton bfm festival director confirmed; The 10th anniversary festival will 
take a new direction which will be more interactive as an event as well as extend
it's links and synergy with Black Hollywood, independents and African cinema. 

The festival will have something for anyone who enjoys cinema.

Event: bfm International Film Festival IFF 2008

Dates: 7th - 17th November 2008

Venues: ICA, BFI Southbank, British Museum and venues in Newham.

For any questions: please contact Nadia Denton at nadia@bfmmedia.com

English Touring Opera is looking for local people to participate in its new jazz opera by Julian Joseph - 'Bridgetower' - about the famous eighteenth century black violinist George Bridgetower, set against the background of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act. People have the chance to participate in the community choir that will be onstage throughout much of the production and sing some exciting new jazz numbers by Julian Joseph. We are currently looking for people of all voice ranges to appear in 'Bridgetower' at the Exeter Corn Exchange on Friday 9th November. Please contact Naomi Collins on 020 7833 2555 for more information. www.englishtouringopera.org.uk

back to top

Opportunities to join HLF/NHMF decision makers

Over the next 12 years HLF will distribute £1.9billion of lottery investment to help conserve, sustain and share the heritage, now and for future generations.  Would you like to be part of this process? 

The HLF/NHMF will have vacancies for a Chair and four Trustees to join the Board; and vacancies for Chair and Members to join the East of England, East Midlands, South East England and West Midland regional Committees; all appointments will begin during 2008.

If you are enthusiastic and passionate about the UK ’s heritage and think you can apply your skills and experiences during this exciting and challenging time please visit www.hlf.org.uk (vacancies) or email decisionmakers.recruitment@hlf.org.uk to find out more…..

back to top

PARDNER HAND CALL FOR SUBMISSION

Have you heard of the ‘pardner hand’, which was used by Caribbean (West Indian) migrants to save money? Do you have experience of, or are witness to how it was used and misused? Do you know people who have benefited or lost financially from using the ‘pardner hand’? Are you a Caribbean writer, by birth or descent? Are you interested in capturing stories that captures the impact of the pardner on the lives of Caribbean people, whether at home, or anywhere else Caribbean communities formed?

Pardner Hand is an anthology of short stories, prose and memoirs by Caribbean writers who can answer yes to the above questions. It is an international project created to reflect this very important, but largely hidden, aspect of Caribbean people’s history. Potential contributors are asked to submit short stories, not less than 2,500 words and no more than 6,000 words long. The stories can be set in any time in the post world war II period and must concern central character(s) who are about to receive, have just received, or have just spent their pardner money. Apart from the length of the submissions, the only other requirement is that the most prominent central character(s) are Caribbean.

For example, one of the editors is contributing a tale of a married couple in England, from different Caribbean islands, one of whom wishes to use the pardner money they have just received to return to the Caribbean – the last thing the other wishes to do. When the issue is pressed, the reasons behind the reluctance of the one wishing to stay in England rock the very foundations of their short, but hitherto very close relationship.

There are many potential themes arising from the pardner hand – here are a few examples: how friends and family supported each other financially, the social role of the pardner hand banker, how money bred temptation, jealousy and arguments over how it should be spent. You may have some other themes.

If you are interested in being considered for inclusion, please email submissions to Cyril Husbands at this address: c.husbands@talk21.com, as an RTF (rich text format) attachment, by 30 September 2007. Please observe the following requirements: lines should be double-spaced; the font should be Verdana 12-point size and every page should include the title of the piece and the name of the author. Each page should be numbered and all text should be left justified. Failure to observe any of these requirements may delay or prevent inclusion. Any questions should also be emailed to this address.

Michael McMillan is a renowned playwright, academic, author and live artist. His work has been broadcast by the BBC and Channel 4 and staged widely in Britain, the USA and elsewhere. Currently visiting professor of creative writing at the London College of Communication (University of the Arts) and formerly a fellow of the Royal Literary Fund, Michael is one of those rare individuals who combine creative excellence, academic achievement and engaging, accessible art. Among the best examples of this is the hugely successful West Indian Front Room exhibition he conceived and curated, which has proved to be a resounding international hit.

back to top

Futurebuilders England

Futurebuilders England has published its fourth investment plan, detailing the priorities for support up to 31 March 2008. There is to be a streamlined application process, and some new priorities for funding. A further million will be available during the financial year to continue the programme of loan/grant investment in voluntary, community or social enterprises so that they can be more fully involved in the delivery of public services within England.

Before we highlight some key aspects of the 2007-08 investment plan we should reiterate some basic facts about Futurebuilders.

To be eligible to apply to Futurebuilders you need to be a charity, voluntary organisation, social enterprise, or cooperative or community interest company constituted for public or community benefit. Support can be given to existing public service delivery organisations that wish to do more, existing service deliverers who want to change their approach, or organisations planning to take on public service delivery for the first time. Your work must be in one or more of five service delivery areas: Community Cohesion; Crime; Education and Learning; Health and Social Care; and Support for Children and Young People. At least 51% of your proposed income from service delivery must come from a public agency, and work must mainly benefit people living in England. You must need at least 000 from Futurebuilders.

Points to bear in mind for 2007-08.

2007-08 will be the last year of funding under the current management plan. Subject to government review, a further programme will run from 2008-11, and a tendering process is underway for new managers of the scheme. Much of what lies in the 2007-08 Investment Plan is a continuation of previous priorities, but there has been some fine-tuning.

Futurebuilders anticipates making 99 investments in 2007-08, worth million. This will comprise a split of around 57 loans or capital grants and 42 development grants. Overall, Futurebuilders is required to have an 81%/19% split between capital investments and revenue investments (in cash terms). As a rule, the smallest overall investment is 000, and the commonest level of development grant is 000.

Though there will continue to be investment in all the five public service delivery areas covered by the fund, priority in 2007-08 will be given to supporting activities in the Crime area, as this is currently below target. Crime-related work can cover services that reduce crime and the fear of crime; improve levels of public confidence in the Criminal Justice System; protect the public; reduce re-offending; and reduce the harm caused by drugs.

In addition, Futurebuilders maintains its commitment to supporting the Black and minority ethnic led sector, and rural issues.

At least 20% of investments will be in organisations with an annual turnover of less than ,000.

The application process.

Applications are invited on a continual basis. The aim is to longlist eligible applicants within 20 days of receipt of the application. Around 50% of applicants have been longlisted in the past. At this point you would become engaged in a discussion process (often lengthy) to help develop your application in a way that could lead to investment. This can take several months.

Full details, and a copy of the 2007/08 Investment Plan, are available at http://www.%20futurebuilders-england.org.uk/

You can also call 0191 261 5200 or e-mail info@futurebuilders-england.org.uk

Telephone lines are open between 10.00am and 4.00pm (except Thursday, where the timing is 10.00am to 12 noon).

Closing date: Applications dealt with as received.

back to top

Community Leadership Development in London

London Voluntary Service Council (LVSC) has launched a new Skills Development for Organisational Empowerment: Mentoring and Training Programme targeted at Black and Minority Ethnic volunteers, trustees and paid staff. Funded by the London Development Agency Opportunities Fund, the programme will support the development of community leadership skills. The Mentoring and Training Programme will consist of 26 hours of one to one mentoring support and worth of training for each participant on the programme.

An initial assessment will be carried out with each participant to identify their skills and training needs in the context of the organisational development issues they wish to work on. A plan of one to one support over a thirteen-week period, and a training programme, will be agreed at this meeting. Examples of organisational development/leadership skills include: group facilitation, strategic and business planning and management, fundraising, financial management, governance skills etc. Participants will be able to access training from a range of providers.

Priority will be given to organisations with an income below ,000.

Volunteers, trustees and paid staff of existing organisations, and individuals in the process of setting up organisations, are all eligible to apply. Individuals participating in the programme must be of BAME origin.

Applicants will be expected to:

• Demonstrate how the programme will contribute to their own development and that of their organisation.
• Make a commitment to taking part in 26 hours of one to one work on identifying and progressing organisational development issues.
• Complete the training within six months of starting the programme.

For further information phone Joan Neary on 020 7700 8110 or email: joan@lvsc.org.uk as soon as possible.

Closing date: Make your application as soon as possible

back to top

Big Lottery Fund (Big)

Research Programme Delayed.

Build up to Big’s new research programme started out over a year ago with a call for partners to enable the programme’s ‘swift delivery’ by spring of this year. The appointment of Momenta to help with programme management, and Third Sector First to help voluntary sector applicants, is now in place. But obviously things are not going as smoothly as first hoped, because the opening date of the programme has now been delayed until the end of 2007.

In brief, the aim of the Research Programme will be to influence local and national policy and practice by funding the third sector to produce and disseminate evidence-based knowledge on medical and social issued deemed important by the charitable and voluntary sector. Only organisations from the voluntary and community sector will be able to apply, but they will be strongly encouraged to link up with universities and other research establishments.

As this has now been delayed by another seven or so months it is probably not worth going into full detail about the programme at this stage, but for further information about the Research Programme go to www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/prog_research_programme.htm?regioncode=-uk&status=theProg&regioncode=-uk&status=theProg

back to top

Radio Operations - Bursary Scheme

Are you looking for a new challenge and the opportunity to work in one of the most well known organisations Worldwide? Well, BBC Radio Resources may have just the opportunity for you.

We’re currently offering bursaries in radio operations which will give you a comprehensive introduction to the technical side of radio – everything from working in a studio to operating equipment on location. From using mixing desks to recording and replaying material from a range of sources. And along the way you’ll sample some of the broadest radio output in the world, including stations such as 1Xtra and Asian Network. Opportunities are available in Manchester and London for a 6 month period, giving you the opportunity to sample a wide range of duties within the radio operations remit.

For more information on the vacancy and tips on how to apply please go to: http://www.bbc.co.uk/jobs/radio-ops-bursary-trainees.

back to top

THE HAT WORKSHOP (TELEGRAPH HILL)

We are a group of women based at Telegraph Hill Centre in New Cross, working with an experienced Milliner we are developing our millinery skills with the aim of the project becoming a social enterprise (not for profit business) where earned income is ploughed back into the project. We are currently working on a collection of hats which we ourselves will be wearing to Ascot. From early June we will have a small collection summer of hats and headdresses available to hire, or to buy for Ascot or for any other occasion this summer.

If you would like to find out more, or are interested in joining future classes, we can be contacted at: Telegraph Hill Centre, Tel: 0207 630 0214, or on the Telegraph Hill website: www.thehill.org.uk.
Posted until June 18th 2006

back to top

PATH National Ltd Management Development Programme (MDP) PATH National is an award winning national skills development agency whose focus is on enhancing workforce diversity through training interventions aimed at black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) individuals. Our work is supported by the London Development Agency (LDA), the Mayor's agency for Sustainable Economic Development - to deliver accredited Level 3, 4 and 5 Management Development qualifications as follows: Certificate in First Line Management Diploma in Management Studies (DMS) Advanced Diploma in Management Studies (ADMS) Are you from a BAME background working within the public sector in a supervisory role or progressing towards a management position? Are you interested in developing your management skills and potential by acquiring an accredited qualification? Are you an employer wanting to cost effectively up skill your current workforce? Courses run for one academic year and there is intake throughout the year. For more information and an application pack please contact: Anusha Wijeyakumar at PATH National on 020 7001 2000. red under Section 37 & 38 of The Race Relations Act 1976 (amendment 2000).

back to top

FREE TRAINING at Finsbury College, London N4

In association with with the London Skills Council (LSC) and the European Social Fund (ESF). We would like to offer Free flexible computer and assessor training to voluntary sector workers and members. Find out more...

Limited availability.

back to top

Make a new start and become a DRIVING INSTRUCTOR & be financially independent

FREE Driving Instructor Course for Refugee women.

account3 Women’s Consultancy Services Ltd in partnership with WITS Driving School is offering free training worth over £3,000 to successful applicants.

Applicants must:

• Have a full British/ EU/EEA driving license held for at least 4 years
• Be over 21 years old
• Have good standard of English as required for teaching (level 2 minimum, we can assess this if people are not sure).

The course covers 3 parts as set by Driving Standard Agency (DSA):
Part 1: a computer based theory test
Part 2: a practical test of your driving ability
Part 3: a practical test of your ability to instruct
This course will be intensive and require a lot of time and commitment, ability to concentrate, read and comprehend English.

Once qualified, instructors will be offered work within a supportive women only environment and could potentially earn £20,000 - £30,000 per annum. We will also provide Crèche facilities for 2-5 year olds whilst training.

For further information and initial assessment please contact:
Toni Meredew or Angie Jackman, account3, 1-9 Birkbeck Street, London E2 6JY
Tel: 0207 739 7720 | Email: tonim@account3.org.uk | WWW: account3.org.uk

back to top

Inspire Fellowship Programme

Arts Council England, London announces the Inspire Fellowship Programme, a positive action programme in London’s museums and galleries sector.

The Inspire Fellowship Programme is a new initiative devised by Arts Council England, London in partnership with the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and five national museums and galleries to address the under-representation of Black African, Caribbean, Chinese, South Asian and South-East Asian curators in the museums and galleries sector.

Inspire will allow five Fellows to take up placements in host organisations where they will receive high-quality training and a bursary of £30,000 - £42,000 (depending on experience) over a two-year period. The host organisations for the first cohort of Fellows are the British Museum, the National Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery, Tate and the V&A. It is anticipated that further cohorts of Inspire Fellows will be appointed in the future.

Niru Ratnam, Inspire Programme Manager, said, ‘This is a ground-breaking opportunity to train with establishments who have great history and presence within the museums sector.’

The Programme is part of a strategic initiative delivered under section 37 of the Race Relations Act (1976). Go to www.artscouncil.org.uk/inspire for more information or contact niru.ratnam@artscouncil.org.uk

back to top

Youth Music - New programmes

Continuing the success of the previous programmes, Youth Music will be funding music-making activities through three new Open Programmes: First Steps; Make It Sound; Vocalise!

• First Steps - First Steps will fund music-making activities for children aged 0-5. Awards will be between £5,000 and £15,000 for schemes lasting between 6 and 12 months.
• Make It Sound - Make It Sound will fund music-making activities for young people aged 5-18. Awards will be between £10,000 and £30, 000, for projects lasting between 6 and *24 months.
• Vocalise! - Vocalise! will fund singing and vocal activities for young people aged 5-18, with the focus being on those aged 8-14. Awards will be between £5,000 and £20,000, for projects lasting between 6 and 18 months.

How to apply: Click here for funding
Website: www.youthmusic.org.uk - click on link "looking for funding".
Open Programmes applications take an average of three months to process.
Youth Music, One America Street London, SE1 0NE Tel: 020 7902 1060 Fax: 020 7902 1061 Email: info@youthmusic.org.uk

No end date indicated

back to top

Young designer Awards

Fashion Designers’ and Craftmakers Network (FDCN) is partnering with one of Britain’s leading charities Barnardo’s to launch a Young designer Awards. This project is founded by Joanna Marcella, a knitwear designer based in East London, and brings together young people from different geographical and ethnic backgrounds to help breakdown prejudice and allow them to express their own creativity and imagination.

The awards are open to young people between 9-25 years, who can design and produce a flamboyant, cutting edge garment which will be showcased.

Young people who have drive, ambition are talented and very committed, who want to take part in the awards email: youngdesignerawards@hotmail.com or call Tel: 07940 647 102

Joanna Marcella

back to top

Grants: The Adventure Capital Fund

"The Adventure Capital Fund aims to provide organisations with a unique combination of finance and support, and work with you on a transformational journey as you become more self sufficient through using enterprise without losing your core mission. We´ll help you to get the best from your organisation by using finance and enterprise activity to deliver the rewards you and your community deserve.

We can provide finance that you cannot raise elsewhere. We always provide mentoring and support services to help with organisational change and development.

We are looking for applications from organisations who feel that they are ready to use our investment as part of a finance package that will enable them to grow and become truly sustainable. We would not normally cover the total cost but supply funding as part of a mixture of finance (which can be raised from other sources, eg: grants, funding from Banks or Community Development Finance Institutions). We will assess each investment individually, but intend mentoring, business advice and support to play an equal part with funding in our investment.

We welcome applications from any organisation that meets our core criteria, but we are particularly interested in hearing from:

• Organisations that are or could become Community Anchors*
• Organisations led by members of Black and or Minority Ethnic communities (BME).
• Rural organisations.
• Organisations that are pioneering new ways of working.
• Organisations that can demonstrate excellence in what they do and inspire best practise in others, for example, some of our investors act as mentors.

*Community Anchor – the Home Office defines Community Anchor organisations as having four key features:

• They are controlled by local residents and/or representatives of local groups.
• They address the needs of their area in a multi–purpose, holistic way.
• They are committed to the involvement of all sections of their community, including marginalised groups.
• They facilitate the development of the communities in their area."

http://www.adventurecapitalfund.org.uk/

Celia Watson
Development Manager, London Region, Heritage Lottery Fund, 7 Holbein Place, London SW1W 8NR
Direct Line: 020 7591 6183 | London Fax: 020 7591 6273 | Email: celiaw@hlf.org.uk

Film London EAST
Screen Skills Bursary Support

The new bursary scheme, 'Screen Skills', is a joint venture between Film London and Skillset. It is aimed at freelancers and employees in the UKs audio visual industries.

Please note: the scheme will be managed by Skillset and applications must be made directly to them. Guidelines and application forms are now available on the Skillset website .

Find out more about Screen Skills Bursary Support .

Potential funding support for individual training may be found via the Skillset Film website .

back to top

Film London Film-makers' Festival Fund (FFF)

Film London's Film-makers' Festival Fund (FFF) aims to support the development of individual film-makers' and moving image artists' careers, by providing travel grants for attendance at a small number of overseas festivals where short films have been selected and are in competition.

In a limited number of festivals where short films are in competition, contributions are also available towards the costs of striking a first film print/ or production of digital masters where required by the festival for screenings.

For further information and to download guidelines, a list of qualifying festivals and an application form visit the Film-makers' Festival Fund page .
Find out more about the fund on our *NEW* Case Studies page .

Other support for travel to film festivals worldwide:
The British Council provides festival support for British film-makers whose films are on the British Council's short films festivals submission scheme. They assist with freighting, funding towards the cost of a first print and provision of travel grants to attend festivals. Follow this link for further details of the scheme and the list of festivals supported through it: www.britishcouncil.org/arts-film-festival-submissions.htm .

back to top

Link Up Mentoring Training

Link Up mentoring advice guidance
- become a mentor and/or advisor to emerging artists
- paid opportunities following training
- free training with access and childcare costs covered
- sign up now for March 2007 training round.

Link Up Mentoring Training

"I have been teamed up with a mentor who is an excellent match. I would encourage everyone to be involved with this project as a mentor or mentee!" Steven Whinnery, Performer

Link Up is the ongoing development programme for deaf and disabled Londoners involved in the arts. As part of this project we are seeking to match experienced deaf and disabled creative industry professionals with emerging artists.

Applications are open to deaf and disabled individuals from across the arts in London; e.g actors, visual artists, musicians, craftspeople and dancers.

Participants are offered free training to become mentors and / or advisors, and paid opportunities within the Link Up programme following successful placements.

Contact name: Theresa Rahman
Organisation: Shape
Phone: 020 7619 6165
Fax: 020 7619 6162
Other contacts: Minicom 020 7619 6161
linkup@shapearts.org.uk
http://www.shapearts.org.uk

back to top

The Centre for Caribbean Studies, located within the Department of
English & Comparative Literature at Goldsmiths, University of London,
aims to promote interdisciplinary work within Caribbean Studies and to
develop the study of Caribbean literature.

The Centre for Caribbean Studies is offering a relatively new post
graduate course - the 'MA Caribbean Literature and Creole Poetics'. It
is a unique course in the very vibrant field of Caribbean studies. What
sets it apart, certainly in the UK, is that it offers an integrated
literary, critical and linguistic approach to the study of writing
emerging from the Caribbean space and its diaspora. Integral to the
course is the unique opportunity for students to learn a Creole (in
recent years this has been Haitian Creole) and to use the insights
gained from this experience to secure a 'lived' perspective on issues
of language, voicing and representation. The course is now in its third
year and its students have secured significant success, with several
having moved on to PhD study in the field.

Should prospective applicants wish to learn more, our website is
http://www.goldsmiths.ac.uk/caribbean/
Dr Joan Anim- Addo shall, of course, be delighted to discuss the course
with interested students.

As a young course we are always looking for ways to raise our profile
and let potential students know of the option we represent.

Dr Joan Anim-Addo
Senior Lecturer
Caribbean Studies Centre <http://www.goldsmiths.ac.uk/caribbean>
Black Body in Europe <http://www.goldsmiths.ac.uk/blackbodyineurope>
English & Comparative Literatures
Goldsmiths, University of London
New Cross, SE14 6NW

back to top

back to top

All material contained within this website is property of the respective owners and cannot be used in any form without prior consent. If you use material from this web site you accept that you will be liable to all costs arising from its use.