A performance by musicians from the BBC Philharmonic in the potato aisle of Asda in Harpurhey, Manchester has launched the Pop Up Project; a three year collaboration between the orchestra and North City Arts. The project aims to facilitate collaborations between musicians from the BBC Philharmonic and the local community, creating cultural events in unusual situations.
w: http://www.northcityarts.com
The Digital Research Unit (DRU) has been launched at The Media Centre in Huddersfield. It will undertake research and development in digital and interactive media, linking artists, researchers, academics and commercial enterprises.
w: http://www.druh.co.uk
The Theatre in Wales Handbook, which lists all the professional companies and theatre venues in Wales, as well as information on playwrights, directors and designers, is now available from Aberystwyth Arts Centre t: 01970 622889
The Arts Council of Wales is organising a one-day marketing symposium at Chapter Arts Centre in Cardiff on November 7, providing Welsh arts marketing professionals an opportunity to discuss new developments and share best practice. t: 029 2037 6545 e: lisa.williams@artswales.org.uk
The Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester is to be one of the first museums in the country to provide a rapid response service to heart attack sufferers, using equipment which can greatly increase the chances of survival. The Museum, in partnership with Greater Manchester Ambulance Service (GMAS) has set up a training scheme for its staff in the operation of automatic external defibrillators. Once fully trained they will join the Community First Responder Scheme and assist GMAS by responding to chest pain complaints within a small radius of the museum.
A one-day National Storytelling Conference and evening performance will take place in Morpeth, Northumberland on November 30. The event is aimed at arts officers, teachers, health workers and anyone interested in using narrative and storytelling in their working environments. Contact Jen Douglas t: 01670 535191 e: jen.douglas@castlemorpeth.gov.uk
The website for NESTA (the National Endowment for Science, Technology & the Arts) has been re-launched, and now includes funding scheme details, information on NESTA events and examples of work produced as a result of its funding. The site also offers a short interactive piece by digital animator Alex Mayhew and an interactive movie from WARP films. w: http://www.nesta.org.uk
A second report on Opening the Doors, the three year project aimed at encouraging young people outside formal education to visit museums and galleries, has been published. Information about the project is also available on a website which includes details of a range of work taking place with young people both within and independently of the project. t: 01462 642018 w: http://www.youngpeopleandmuseums.org.uk
A collaboration between the BBC, Yamaha, Jazz Services, the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music and the Arts Council of England has resulted in the development and production of ?Cool Keys?, a classroom resource introducing jazz and improvisation to pupils at Key Stages 3 & 4. The pack includes an audio CD and supporting booklet, as well as a 60 minute video hosted by Jools Holland, with interviews, examples and explanations of jazz styles and techniques and masterclass?style footage with Julian Joseph. t: 020 7467 8210 e: mjames@abrsm.ac.uk
The 2002-03 edition of the Incorporated Society of Musicians Register of Performers & Composers is now available. The main directory lists performers and composers alphabetically while a classified index groups entries by specialism and Regional Arts Board. This edition also provides details of recommended rates and sample contracts. t: 020 7629 4413 e: membership@ism.org
A debate about corporate art collections and their implications for artists and the work they produce will take place as part of The Discerning Eye exhibition at the Mall Galleries on November 13. t: 01372 462190
On November 10 the refurbished and renamed Modern Art Oxford (formerly the Museum of Modern Art Oxford) opens to the public. Admission to all exhibitions will be free. w: http://www.modernartoxford.org.uk.