Hull UK City of Culture 2017 is a 365 day programme of cultural events and creativity inspired by the city. Hull secured the title of UK City of Culture 2017 in November 2013. It is only the second city to hold the title and the first in England. Divided into four seasons, starting with Made in Hull, this nationally significant event draws on the distinctive spirit of the city and the artists, writers, directors, musicians, revolutionaries and thinkers that have made such a significant contribution to the development of art and ideas.
Continue reading Hull City of Culture 2017 programme
MPs have called for a ban on unpaid internships, maintaining that they penalise working-class young people who cannot spend long periods of time working for free in a bid to get into their chosen career. Instead, more employers should also consider contextual recruitment, according to a report by members of the all-party parliamentary group (APPG) on social mobility. Under this system, firms are required to consider a candidate’s achievements in the context of their underprivileged background.
Central School of Ballet recently unveiled its plans to move to bespoke new premises on London’s South Bank, a flourishing arts community. The new building is planned for completion in the academic year 2018/2019. The aim is to become a hub for a dynamic dance community, combining excellence in dance training – for those aiming for a professional career – with general dance classes and London outreach projects. As a world-leading professional dance training organisation and part of the renowned Conservatoire for Dance and Drama, this is an exciting time for Central School of Ballet.
Trans Creative, a trans-led theatre company backed by Arts Council England, recently launched at Contact Manchester’s annual LGBT arts festival. It aims to become an arts hub for the transgender community in the North of England, also providing creative and employment opportunities.
The New Musical Development Collective, a new organisation to nurture emerging musical theatre artists, is being launched, partnering with Theatre Royal Stratford East. The organisation will focus on the development of British musicals and musical theatre artists, through supporting four new musical projects and eight artists over the course of a year. The group will therefore be in residence at Theatre Royal Stratford East for one year from March.
Established in 2014, Sadler’s Wells’ Elixir Festival is a unique celebration of lifelong creativity, which returns this year from 23–27 June. The festival will celebrate older dancers with this inspirational festival, which features five days of performances, workshops and events throughout the theatre. It was set up to recognise the contribution that older artists make, dissolve assumptions about what older people can and want to do, shine a spotlight on the diversity of dance practice and question what is next for the art form.
It may not sound so, but it is possible to encourage non-dancing teenage boys to be enthusiastic about the art form. Despite their many inhibitions and reservations, maybe even fear, there is sure to be a route to the dance studio for those young people.
As the flagship arts event for the East of England, Norfolk & Norwich Festival showcases some of the world’s most renowned international artists alongside regional talent, drawing audiences from across the UK. The full 2017 programme was recently announced, including five world premieres and large-scale free outdoor events.
Northern Ballet recently announced a triple bill of works by late choreographer Kenneth MacMillan for this autumn, with further performances in spring next year. The programme will consist of MacMillan’s Las Hermanas, Gloria and Concerto, and will be performed in both Bradford and Leeds. This programme will mark the first time Northern Ballet has danced ballets by MacMillan, and additionally marks 25 years since the choreographer’s death, backstage at the Royal Opera House. 
Melbourne Ballet Company marked its ten year anniversary this month with a contemporary ballet performance presented in Sydney. Choreographed by company director Simon Hoy with Tim Podesta and Lucas Jervies, the three choreographers took inspiration from German philosopher Heidegger and his views on existentialism, as well as their own behaviours and emotions. Sydney also saw Mara Galeazzi (former Principal with The Royal Ballet) and Joseph Phillips (formerly with American Ballet Theatre) perform. Melbourne Ballet Company’s 10th anniversary year will also see the company tour Australia and New Zealand.