The latest issue of The Platform, a web-based newsletter published by AEA Consulting, includes four reviews of recent conferences. These include a review of the biennial US National Arts Marketing Conference which took place in New York in April this year. w: http://www.aeaconsulting.com/site/assets/pdf/ theplatformvol3no2.pdf
The results of a research project into permanent Public Art and its audiences, commissioned by Arts Council England, West Midlands is now available at http://www.audientia.info. Established in May 2002, the project aimed to explore the relationships between people and Public Art in Birmingham.
A Good Practice Guide to Open Captioning has been published by Stagetext. It aims to help venues and touring companies deliver the best possible captioned performance and attract larger audiences of deaf, deafened and hard of hearing people, whether the service is provided in association with Stagetext or not. t: 020 8903 5566; e: anna@stagetext.co.uk; w: http://www.stagetext.co.uk
Applications are invited for the 27th annual Arts & Business Awards, which celebrate excellence in UK-based partnerships between business and the arts. The closing date for entries is August 15. w: http://www.aandb.org.uk
A new coaching scheme for people working in arts marketing and management has been organised by the Arts Marketing Association. Participants in Step Up will work with a coach over eight months from October 2003 to learn new skills and develop confidence. The scheme is open to all, but priority will be given to Black and Asian arts professionals. e: kate@a-m-a.co.uk
The National Literacy Trust would like to hear from organisations involved in successful community, family and extra-curricular literacy initiatives, particularly where such initiatives have had a positive impact on those most at risk of social exclusion. Contributions will be used to develop a web-based resource of good practice and inspiration. e: viv.bird@literacytrust.org.uk
Awards to meet the cost of music tuition and instruments for children between the ages of 5 and 18 are available from Awards for Young Musicians. Over £55,000 was given this year and application forms for 2004 will be available from September 1. w: http://www.a-y-m.org.uk; e: awards@a-y-m.org.uk
Colchester Borough Council has received one of only six Three Star ratings across the country for its Leisure Services, in an independent inspection of 373 culture and leisure services carried out by the Audit Commission. Colchester?s local Cultural Strategy provides a long-term strategy for improvement, highlighting priorities for the next 10 years and support for communities in their cultural activity.
A report has been published documenting the disPlay4 project, a project through which four disabled writers engaged in a programme of professional development which culminated in the production of their work. e: writernet@btinternet.com