‘Critical Conditions’, a new research report by the Directory of Social Change (DSC), provides an analysis of the extent to which funders’ terms and conditions are transparent and negotiable. The report reveals a number of differences between government departments, trusts and foundations and companies, and DSC is campaigning for all funders to make their funding terms and conditions publicly available along with other application materials. (See also article on p12).
w: {hhtp://tiny.cc/IRLDv}
The effects of changes in behaviour towards cultural institutions, developments in technology and the global exchange of different attitudes and beliefs are all explored in a new collection of essays, ‘Expressive Lives’, published by think-tank Demos. Seven contributors, including Opera House Director Tony Hall and former Culture Minister David Lammy, consider how culture and creativity sit at the heart of debate about the future of our communities and international relations.
w: {www.demos.co.uk/publications/expressive-lives}
Applications are being invited from consortia of rural cinema operators, including arts centres, village halls, film societies and mobile cinemas, to participate in a pilot scheme to operate digital projection equipment in non-traditional film venues. The aim of the scheme, which is backed by £1.2m of UK Film Council Lottery funding, is to give more film fans in remote communities the chance to enjoy the communal experience of cinema. The pilot will run in North Yorkshire, Shropshire, Wiltshire and the Test Valley authority. The application deadline is 10 August.
w: {www.ukfilmcouncil.org.uk/rural}
Murray Edwards (pictured), Chief Executive of Wakefield Theatre Royal took the concept of work commitment to new heights at the weekend by getting married on the stage of his theatre.
The 2012 Tourism Action Plan is “underdeveloped and overall vision is lacking”, according to the latest report on the Olympic legacy from the Economic Development, Culture, Sport and Tourism Committee. ‘Towards a Lasting Legacy – A 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games Update’ notes limited progress towards the goal of positioning London as a leading international tourism brand. Concerns have been raised that potential visitors will need assurances that the Games will not disrupt London’s tourist attractions and infrastructure.
A new guide to contemporary craft in national and regional public collections is now online on the Crafts Council website. Collections at 38 institutions are represented, including the Nottingham Castle Museum and Art Gallery, the Shipley Art Gallery in Gateshead, The Manchester Art Gallery, the Embroiders Guild in Surrey, the Aberystwyth Ceramic Collection and Archive, the V&A, London, and the British Museum. The guide also provides maps and information on how to get to the institutions.
w: {www.craftscouncil.org.uk/collection-and-exhibitions/public-craft}/
A survey to assess the long-term viability and financial resilience of cultural organisations has been issued by the ERA21 policy group, a group comprising representative bodies, employers’ associations and trade unions across the arts sector. The findings will be used to assess current financial support and funding for the arts sector, to enable the group to present a stronger case to the Government on its behalf. The survey closes on 20 July.
w: http://tiny.cc/v1cyx

A new web-based resource for London’s art in the public realm has been launched by Open House, London’s architecture education organisation. The aim of the resource is to be the first point of reference for information about London’s public art, and to support its development in the lead up to 2012 and beyond. It forms a part of Open House’s ‘Art in the Open’ initiative, which supports the renewed interest in the capital’s public spaces, including Trafalgar Square (pictured).
w: {www.artintheopen.org.uk}
Grants of up to £30,000 are now available to support the musical development of children aged 0–5, young people living in the most challenging circumstances, and those whose musical talent and potential would benefit from further support. The cash is available from a new Open Programme from Youth Music.
w: http://tiny.cc/nqfu4
Sales of Theatre Tokens, the UK theatre industry’s national gift voucher scheme, have increased by 14% in the first four months of 2009 compared with the same period the previous year. The scheme, which is celebrating its twenty-fifth anniversary, is administered by the Society of London Theatre, to encourage UK theatre-going. Profits generated are reinvested in promoting UK theatre.
w: {www.theatretokens.com}
A free online resource, ‘Young Arts Leaders’, is aiming to support the youth arts sector in developing the leadership skills, aspiration and potential of young people within the arts and cultural industries. Created by Enyan, the English National Youth Arts Network, it provides case studies of projects across the country, news of policy developments, funding opportunities, and signposting to contacts and support.
w: {www.enyan.co.uk}
That the arts have the potential to lead the digital revolution was one of the key ideas shared at Pilot Theatre’s two-day conference, Shift Happens 2.0, at York Theatre Royal. The fundamental challenges of engaging wider arts audiences by using 21st century interactive media channels to extend venue-based experiences are starting to be resolved. The ideas, experimentations and solutions shared by arts organisations can be found at the Shift Happens website.
w: {www.shift-happens.co.uk}
An online International Directory of Sculpture Parks and Gardens has been published by Birkbeck, University of London, to serve as a central information source for artists, planners, public art administrators and educators, as well as garden enthusiasts and tourists. The site provides links to further information and features a virtual tour of a number of parks and gardens.
w: {www.bbk.ac.uk/sculptureparks}/