1) ACE have confidence in FAE

After the comprehensive spending review started by Gordon Brown and finished off in the Autumn of 2007, FolkArts England have been waiting patiently for an Arts Council decision on future funding.  We can now confidently tell you that our work seems to be in the right direction and thank Arts Council England for their confidence in us.  Funding has been guaranteed for the period 2008 to 2011 with consideration given to an annual inflation increase.  This gives us the opportunity to continue our work and further develop information services, Conferences, training, News bulletins and lobbying on your behalf.  We will continue in this same vein and will soon employ a new member of staff to assist us with our membership drive and be here to help you and answer your questions, support your work and promote folk for the next three years at least (see the job advert below).  We look forward to working with you.

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2) Arts Administrator required in FAE office

With a background in project management

Closing date 4 February 2008

Salary £22,000 - £28,000

Full-time, Matlock, Derbyshire.

You will have:

• at least 3 years experience in arts administration and project management
• good IT skills
• strong communication skills
• be self motivated and a good team player with a dynamic and creative approach
• a knowledge of the folk music scene is desirable but not essential

Your role will include:

• taking a lead in FolkArts England project work including an Annual Conference and Training Programmes
• servicing the FolkArts England Membership including a recruitment drive
• involvement in all of Mrs Casey Music and FolkArts England’s projects

Mrs Casey Music are Arts Consultants and Event Organisers who run Towersey Village Festival, a CD mail order and distribution service and promote one-off concerts and events.

We also run FolkArts England, a national development agency and membership organisation for folk, roots and traditional music incorporating The Association of Festival Organisers.

For an information pack visit www.mrscasey.co.uk or contact:

info_at_mrscasey_dot_co.uk ~ Tel 01629 827012

Mrs Casey Music, PO Box 296, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 3XU

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6) PA for sale

Due to Chris Thornton-Smith’s new role as Head of Audio at Transmitta Limited in Chesterfield, BPAS are selling a large amount of their top class PA and lighting gear.  Some of the smaller items are listed on eBay but contact BPAS for a full list and more details.  pete_at_thebpasgroup_dot_co.uk  www.thebpasgroup.co.uk

Westhoughton Folk Club also has a PA in good condition for sale.  Contact Pat Batty on 01257 230508 or wfc_at_folkclub_dot_org.uk

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9) New Roots 2008 Competition

Are you under 25?  Do you sing or play traditionally based music?  If so, this is for you.  Whether your style is traditional or contemporary folk, roots or world music, whether you perform traditional material or write your own, New Roots would like to hear from you.   There are two categories, under 18 and 18-24.

Prizes include performance opportunities at folk festivals such as Towersey Village Festival, clubs and other events, a day's studio time and a dance band support slot at Manchester Ceilidh. At folk clubs these include support slots, featured spots on singers' nights and full bookings, with the aim being to match the opportunities to performers.

The competition will be judged by Eliza Carthy, Pete Coe, Andy Stafford and Lynne Heraud. 

To enter:  send a cassette, CD or minidisc with up to 15 minutes of your music to Alison Macfarlane, 40 Warwick Road, St Albans, Herts AL1 4DL.  Closing date 31 January 2008

Performers short-listed by the judges will be invited to take part in the final, taking place on 13 April 2008, at Trestle Arts Base, Russet Drive, St Albans.  For further information see www.new-roots.org.uk, email Alison_dot_Macfarlane_at_lineone.net or ring 01727 852111.

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11) Funding Opportunities

Awards for Young Musicians (AYM) is a national charity which assists young people aged 5-18 with exceptional musical ability who don’t have the financial means needed to develop their training.  They support young people making music in any genre and their annual UK award programmes distributes £50,000 to assist with lessons, instrument purchase, travel, course and accessories.  Visitwww.a-y-m.org.uk for more information.

The Joanies Trust was set up in 2003 in memory of Joan Simpson and Joan Hughes. The Trust welcome applications from organisations working with young people aged 11 to 25. Most grants awarded are around £1000.  Grants are available for running costs, both project and core costs, and capital costs.  For more information and a full set of funding criteria visit www.joaniestrust.org.uk

The Steel Charitable Trust is a grant-making trust supporting general charitable purposes. Grants are made to registered charities in the UK within the following funding priority areas Health & Medical Research, Social Services, Environment and Culture.    For more information and a full set of funding criteria visit www.steelcharitabletrust.org.uk or contact administrator_at_steelcharitabletrust.org.uk

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Saturday 8 March:  Young Storyteller of the Year

Library Theatre, Paradise Place, Birmingham, West Midlands, B3 3HQ

Traditional Arts Team are searching for the best young storytellers in the land to come forward into the public arena. If you are interested, or know any young people aged15-25 who tell stories, then please email Fiona_at_tradartsteam_dot_co.uk or phone her on 01490 430551 or 07941 918159

More info: www.storytelling.uk.net/ysoy/