Artists of all genres invited to attend ‘Art After Hours’ event and get dedicated new web presence

Singers, bands, artists and creative individuals of all genres are invited to be part of a brand new online arts service which is being designed to highlight the talent on offer in Tamworth.

The web-based feature is being set up by Tamworth Borough Council’s Arts and Events team as part of a new Tamworth Arts Network which aims to raise the profile of and increase opportunities for artists and creative groups which want to work in the town.

Anyone interested is invited to attend an initial ‘Art After Hours’ networking event taking place at the Tamworth Castle Grounds Activity Centre on Wednesday, January 25, from 6pm to 8pm.
People are invited to attend for fizz and nibbles and to share their ideas about arts provision in Tamworth, including what features they would like to see included as part of the new web feature and how it can benefit them.

Linking from the main www.tamworthartsandevents.co.uk website, the online facility will be a comprehensive database, detailing artists and creative groups in Tamworth, together with various tools for things like creating events and searching for funding.

As well as giving artists a prominent web presence, Tamworth Arts Network aims to develop links between local artists and creative industries and identify new opportunities for partnership working. Members will also be able to access advice on funding opportunities, marketing and venue hire.

The new Tamworth Arts Network will expand on the existing ArtSwitch network which has been bringing town artists and groups together for several years.

ArtSwitch members Mal Dewhirst - Staffordshire’s first Poet Laureate - and Simon Quinn of the successful Fired Up Theatre company, will be speaking at the Art After Dark event to share their experiences of being part of the network.
The pair met at ArtSwitch and have both enjoyed many benefits from the networking group, including working with Tamworth Borough Council on town-wide projects and initiatives.

The creation of a Creative Network is one of the many strands of the new Arts in Unusual Spaces project – an Arts Council-funded initiative which aims to boost the arts in Tamworth through new audiences and new opportunities to perform.

Cllr Joy Goodall, Tamworth Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Environment & Culture, said: “As part of the funding from Arts Council England, we want to create a strong network of artists and creative groups to ensure our cultural and arts scene is as lively as possible. This means bringing all those like-minded people together to share ideas, experiences and opportunities for working together.

“It also gives creative people the chance to become part of a brand new web service which will detail the town’s talent in one place for the first time. This is a fantastic opportunity for people to promote themselves on a prominent internet platform. Anyone interested will be able to give their opinions about the new web facility and how it can best work for them at the Art After Hours meeting. I would urge artists of any genre to pop along to find out more.”

For more information, email tarartsdevelopent@tamworth.gov.uk, visit www.tamworthartsandevents.co.uk or call 01827 709314.