Volunteers needed for Giant Accordion project at TATE Britain

We are looking for accordion players or anyone who can read music and perhaps play the piano, to assist with a project by Triennial artist Ruth Ewan. 

As part of 'Squeezebox Jukebox', the world's largest accordion will be shipped over from Italy and installed in the galleries at Tate Britain, click here for a sneak preview!

A selection of protest and political songs are currently being transcribed for playing on the giant accordion throughout the exhibition. This is where we need your help, the accordion is to be played daily and requires two people to play it; a rota is currently being drawn up to schedule in players and we need volunteers to fill it. A 'shift' on the rota would typically mean playing one or two songs at a set time (tbc) and would take a commitment of around 10-15 minutes. The exhibition runs from 2nd February to 26th April 2009. Volunteers travel expenses will be covered.

For accordion players and able music lovers alike this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience playing an unusual instrument on a gargantuan scale! 

If you think you might be able to help out, please contact Verity Flecknell, verity_at_efdss_dot_org / Sam Lee, sam_at_efdss_dot_org or call EFDSS 020 7485 2206

=================================================================

2. GLEANINGS from VAE

Abbey launches free guide to PR for charities

Financial services company Abbey has launched a free guide to public relations (PR) designed to help charities together with voluntary and community groups get the most out of promoting their work to potential volunteers and funders.

The guide has been developed by Abbey's Charitable Trust and PR professionals and offers an introduction to media relations, from interacting with corporate PR teams to hosting journalists at events. 

The free guide covers:

• How to work with corporate partners 

• What journalists want from media releases and press material 

• Planning media activity 

• Best time of day to contact people working in the media 

• How to evaluate your PR activity and 

• General top tips 

You can download the free guide from www.abbeynational.com/csgs/Satellite?c=DocumentoGS&cid=1210622150663&pagename=AboutAbbey%2FDocumentoGS%2FDocumentoGSPreview

source: UK Fundraising

________________________________________________________

The Heritage Lottery Fund Young Roots Programme

The Heritage Lottery Fund is encouraging applications to its Young Roots programme, which provides grants of £3,000 to £5,000 to projects giving young people opportunities to explore their heritage. Projects should be led by young people and delivered through partnerships between youth and heritage organisations.

More: www.hlf.org.uk/English/HowToApply/OurGrantGivingProgrammes/YoungRoots/

________________________________________________________

ECF Artistic Projects Grant

deadline - 31 July 2009

The European Cultural Fund (ECF), which aims to bring people closer together through cultural cooperation and creative activities, has announced that it is seeking applications to its Artistic Project Grants programme. Artistic Project Grants are available to both cultural organisations and individual artists but need to include partners from other eligible European countries.

The programme supports outstanding artistic projects which show vision in illuminating the issues of diversity in Europe. Artistic uniqueness and European relevance of projects is vital. The usual grant given by the Foundation is between €30,000 and €60,000.

The next application deadline is 31 July 2009. For further information, visit www.eurocult.org/we-support-cultural-cooperation/grants

====================================================================