This October we’re catching up on a very eventful past couple of months. We’ll talk about the We’re Sew Done exhibition, how it’s done and what next?
Come along for some friendly stitching: We’ll have all the equipment and supplies for knitting, crochet and embroidery. We’ll also have our resident textile pros on hand to help guide you and offer feedback.
All equipment and materials provided
Beginners warmly welcomed
Come and check out our new host venue and help us to plan projects for 2021.
Got some ideas? Well bring them along!
**Important bits**
£3.50 (£2 for kids) – includes food, equipment, tuition & mint tunes 🙂
All food will be vegan, and you can buy hot and cold drinks.
Objectives We need a new website that helps us to showcase this unique festival by:
🎬 Increasing awareness of the festival,
🎬 Generating more online ticket sales; and
🎬 Boosting engagement with our blog posts and social media accounts.
This annual film festival showcases the best of modern and classic black and white film in the spectacular historic setting of Blackpool Winter Gardens.
The programmes are always varied, covering a range of genres from musicals, comedy, horror, documentary, silent classics, artists’ moving image and contemporary film. We also host a range of live cinema events, workshops, archive film talks, live music and performance.
The main screenings take place in the art deco Opera House and Grand Foyer of Blackpool’s famous Grade II* listed Winter Gardens.
Every two years we host a film competition with entries from across the globe.
Each year we choose a theme for our Sunday program. Past recent themes have included Vote 100: women in film and Protest: Take a stand.
We host special events for specific groups such as screenings for schools and relaxed (dementia-friendly) screenings.
We always host a number of vintage themed events. We have a loyal following of people who adore living history and dress up in vintage clothing for the occasion.
The festival is a partnership project between the Winter Gardens Trust and Aunty Social CIC. 2022 will be its 6th year. Festival events were not held in 2020 or 2021 due to lockdown. We are a not-for-profit film festival. We have a large team of dedicated volunteers and we often hold events that raise awareness and funds for important local and local causes. We also host pop-up cinema screenings and events in a number of community venues throughout the year.
Join an expert model maker from Aardman Animations for a fun, hands-on clay modelling workshop.
About this event
Join an expert model maker from Aardman Animations for a fun, hands-on clay modelling workshop.
At this session, you’ll discover how to make your very own model of inventor and Wallace’s best friend, Gromit which you can take home and keep.
Budding animators also get a rare chance to ask questions about the tricks of the trade from the Aardman studio, and learn about the animation process involved in the making of their award winning films.
We have a limited number of free places available for people on low incomes living in FY postcode areas. If you would like to request one of these tickets, please complete this short form. You will be asked to upload a photo/scan of evidence of your low income such as a mean-tested benefit or free school meals.
Q: Can I take the model home that I create during a workshop?
A: Yes, please do!
Q: Is there an age restriction for this activity?
A: This event is suitable for ages 7 years+.
Q: Where is the Old Electric?
A:The Old Electric is on Springfield Road in Blackpool. The postcode is FY1 1QW. Their telephone number is 01253 834175. For more information, please visit the website.
Q: Do parents need to stay for the duration of the workshop?
A:
– All children must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the workshop.
– Accompanying adults are not required to purchase a ticket, unless they wish to make a model too.
– Please ensure that any siblings that are too young to participate in the workshop are supervised at all times.
Covid 19 safety
Please sign in/us the QR code to check in when entering the Old Electric.
There are hand sanitiser points around the building, please make use of them.
If you are over 11years old, please wear a mask.
Social distancing of 1m+ applies.
You will receive your own set of materials/resources – you do not have to share.
Please make sure that you are not experiencing symptoms related to Covid-19 such as high temperature, lack of smell and taste and a new persistent dry cough. If you show any symptoms you should not attend the event.
Similarly, if you have been in contact with people exhibiting Covid-19 symptoms you should not attend the event. Please stay home and keep yourselves and others safe.
Overview: We’re making small textile/craft works of art that will be strategically placed in public spaces to highlight the harassment and threats of violence that women face everyday.
Why? This means a lot to us. These are our experiences and we want to do something that helps people to understand the impact of everyday street harassment.
Embroidery & crochet, Kelly Gorrie
Our aim for this project is to draw attention and make an impact. Drawing attention is not something that us Knittaz ever need help with, so focusing on the ‘impact’ aspect, we think a collection of pieces will be far more dramatic than one piece, and more likely to inspire questions and conversation.
The Blackpool Reclaim These Streets event is currently planned for August/September 2021 so we’re aiming for then. This gives us a good bit of time to crack on and build a stash ready to be ‘displayed’ alongside the event. After this, pieces will be photographed at pinpointed locations on the Blackpool RTS map detailing locations of acts of street harassment around Blackpool. At the moment there’s 50+ locations so the more we can get the better!
The pieces will then be displayed in an exhibition at Blackpool Central Library over September 2021.
About your piece
We think it’s really important that the pieces are yours. We don’t want to tell you what you should say.
They can be as big or small as you like, use as many or as little colours as you like, use whatever techniques you like, there can be words or not, or maybe an image.
We’d like the pieces to be cohesive, but only in a way that is recognisably us…. So bright colours where possible please.
Cross stitch (work in progress) Stephanie Cottle.
Skills & Techniques If you have an idea but you don’t know how to execute it, or if it’s a technique you don’t have knowledge of (or the equipment), let us know. We have lots of fabrics, yarns, tools etc. that we can lend out, and between us we have the skills to share, or collaborate with each other.
Aunty is giving away 80 free copies of “I will not be erased” Our stories about growing up as people of colour, by Gal-dem to celebrate World Book Night on Friday 23 April 2021.
We wanted to be a free book distributor because we love reading and storytelling. A lot of people that have taken part in our projects don’t regularly read for pleasure. Not everyone has access to books, especially people on very low incomes, and especially those who have been shielding over lockdown.
Copies of “I will not be erased” will be available to people in the Blackpool and Fylde Coast area. We’re also going to donate a copy to Blackpool Libraries, so people who miss out on the giveaway can access it through their free lending service.
We hope that World Book Night will inspire more people to read for pleasure, and give people who enjoy reading an opportunity to discover something new.
Our first book ‘I Will Not Be Erased’ is out TOMORROW!! We’ve loved creating this & hope it'll help others reflect on the lessons from their younger years and also be a guide for today's teens, so we can’t wait to share it with you 💖https://t.co/tM7UQdIlgWpic.twitter.com/iFcaOfuNa8
In the first instance, we’re offering the books to people who we know who do not usually have access to them.
The introduction to the book says “There is something in each of these essays that will speak to anyone who has ever wondered what they might say to their younger self…But it is our hope that these essays will especially speak to those of us from marginalised backgrounds…”.
As we have first hand experience of not seeing ourselves represented in books, comics, TV or film, we understand how important it is to get these books out to people who may be feeling the same way. We’re making the most of our diverse networks to make sure that these touching books go to people who will really love them.
” If you are a person of colour, growing up in a place where who you are doesn’t fit the bill of ‘how/what you ought to be’ READ THIS.” Review from The Artisan Geek
You can still sign up for a book after World Book Night. We’ll only close the registration form when we run out of copies.
Remember to check back here for the link!
About
the book
“I Will Not Be Erased” Our stories about growing up as people of colour By gal-dem
Fourteen joyous, funny and life-affirming essays from gal-dem, the award-winning magazine created by young women and non-binary people of colour.
gal-dem, the award-winning online and print magazine, is created by women and non-binary people of colour. In this thought-provoking and moving collection of fourteen essays, gal-dem’s writers use raw material from their teenage years – diaries, poems and chat histories – to give advice to their younger selves and those growing up today. gal-dem have been praised by the Guardian for being “the agents of change we need”, and these essays tackle important subjects including race, gender, mental health and activism, making this essential reading for any young person. “A radical, beautiful, world-changing collection of writing that we all need to read.”Scarlett Curtis, Feminists Don’t Wear Pink
Want to make your own films and see them on the big screen?
We’re looking for 15 budding filmmakers aged 12-15 yrs living in Blackpool to take part in Blackpool’s first BFI film club.
Registration for the April – June group has closed but if you’re interested in future sessions, please email us.
A filmmaking group for 12-15 year olds.
6 April 2021 – 19 June 2021
10 sessions and a showcase event
You’ll learn how films are made and with help from our industry professionals you’ll try your hand at lots of different skills including scriptwriting, model-making, filming on location, cinematography and video editing.
Your final film will be shown at a big showcase event and you’ll be able to invite all your friends and family.
Sessions also include workshops from Aardman Animations as well as a cinema trip. Plus, you’ll receive cinema vouchers when you screen your film at the final showcase event.
This is a great opportunity to try out creative filming techniques using a variety of kit. With plenty of expert guidance, you’ll pick up some handy skills that will make your films stand out, whether you’re completely new to filmmaking or pretty experienced.
The sessions will run from Tuesday 8 April (Easter Holidays) to Saturday 19 June 2021 and will are supported by qualified youth workers from the Magic Club Blackpool.
Session Dates
Tues 6 April, ONLINE
Thurs 8 April, ONLINE
Weds 21 April, ONLINE
Weds 5 May, ONLINE
Weds 12 May, ONLINE
Sat 22 May
Sat 29 May
Tues 1 June
Thurs 3 June
Sat 12 June
Sat 19 June
If we can’t carry out face-to-face sessions due to covid, they will be held online. We will provide the necessary resources.
Face to face sessions (22 May onwards) will run from 10am – 1pm, you’re also welcome to stay for lunch which runs from 1-2pm.
The deadline for applications is midnight on Monday 5 April 2021.
What will I get out of it?
By taking part in the BFI Film Club, you’ll:
Explore all aspects of hands-on filmmaking helping you to develop your practical knowledge and skills working alongside industry professionals who are respected practitioners in their field.
Work with other young people to make new films that will be screened at a big showcase event.
Meet industry experts such as directors, writers, costume makers.
Watch a range of films and gain a real insight into the exciting world of cinema. Finding out what skills and experience you need to be part of the future film industry.
Become part of the BFI Film Club Alumni and access exclusive opportunities, advice and professional development after the course has finished.
Who can join?
To join the club you must:
Be aged 12–15 years old on the first day of the course
Be based in Blackpool
Have an interest in filmmaking
Be able to commit to the duration of the course (11 sessions between Tuesday 6 April to Saturday 19 June 2021).
Where is it?
The first five sessions will take part online. We will send you any materials needed for you to take part in the activities. The following sessions will be delivered face-to-face at The Old Electric on Springfield Road, Blackpool. There will also be visits to the cinema and to special filming locations – you will receive details on sign up.
Is it expensive?
This activity is free for young people living in Blackpool. There is also additional help for those that need it:
We provide a sandwich lunch at our face-to-face sessions
We have a small fund available for transport costs, e.g. bus fares
Aunty Social is seeking staff to support their upcoming BFI-supported Young Filmmakers Club.
This spring, we’re launching a new club that will support 15 budding filmmakers aged 12-15 yrs. They’ll learn how films are made and try out lots of different skills including scriptwriting, model-making, filming on location, cinematography and video editing. Their final film will be shown at a big showcase event for friends and family.
We’re recruiting the following roles:
Film Club Assistant
Expected time commitment: 10 half day (5 hour) sessions and a showcase event between 30 March 2021 and 19 June 2021.
Pay £9.50 per hour Total 50 hours PAYE
Location The Old Electric, Springfield Road, Blackpool The Magic Club If coronavirus restrictions do not allow physical sessions, we will host the sessions online (via Zoom)
The roles are to start week commencing 22 March 2021, please note that the start/end dates may alter slightly depending on Coronavirus safety restrictions. Please see the Role Descriptions for detailed information.
If you are interested, please submit a CV and either:
a short covering letter explaining why you would like the role and how you meet the requirements; OR
A link to a short video explaining why you would like the role and how you meet the requirements
Are you an Artist, creative or arts organisation on the Fylde Coast?
If so, this is your chance to take part in new research to inform Blackpool Council’s Heritage Action Zone.
The research aims to understand what creative skills and resources are available in the area and ensure that artists don’t miss out on opportunities to be commissioned as part of the project.
We’re leading the research on behalf of the council along with our partners Abingdon Studios and are encouraging as many people as possible to take part.
Everyone who takes part in the survey will have the option to opt in to a draw to win one of three £100 cash prizes.
The survey takes around 15-20 minutes to complete and is open for responses until Sunday February 28.
Following the survey, we will will carry out detailed interviews with some local artists & creatives to take a closer look at their needs and finally provide a report to the council.
The Blackpool Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) is a £1m project funded jointly by Blackpool Council, Historic England and the Department of Culture Media and Sport focused specifically on using built and cultural heritage to revitalise the high street.
The first strand of the project is all about improving streetscapes through improving the condition of historic buildings. This part of the HAZ builds on the success of the ongoing Quality Corridors project, which has focused on new pavements and road surfaces as well as a £1.5m shopfront replacement scheme on Deansgate, Topping Street and Edward Street. As part of this we’ll be restoring some if the Victorian shopfronts to the church street elevation of the Winter Gardens, putting back the Art Deco frontage of 28 Topping Street and restoring part of the Former Black’s building on Edward Street. In partnership with the Quality Corridors project, we’ll also be creating a creative cooperative hub at No. 28 Topping Street to provide local artists and creatives with a place to sell their work and run workshops and events. The work at the former Blacks building on Edward Street will also form the first phase of creating live/work units for creatives.
The second strand of the project is a bid for £120k to create a programme of cultural events to bring new offers to the high street and new reasons to visit it. Blackpool’s bid contains proposals for street markets (crafts/farmers/flea/specialist) using empty shops for film screening and performances well as heritage events and walks.
Join an expert model maker from Aardman Animations for a fun, hands-on clay modelling workshop.
About this Event
At this online session, you’ll discover how to make your very own model of Shaun the Sheep – The unusually bright and clever sheep who lives at Mossy Bottom farm.
Budding animators will also get a rare chance to ask questions about the tricks of the trade straight from the Aardman studio and learn about the animation process involved in the making of their award winning films.
This online model making workshop will take place on Zoom. One of Aardman’s expert model makers will guide you through the workshop as you create your very own Shaun the Sheep character out of modelling clay.
Types of ticket
You can choose from the following:
Workshop (stream) only: You only need 1 of these per household/screen – £10
If you live in a FY postcode area, you can orderclay kits that contain everything you need for the workshop. These will be hand delivered (contactless) and are only available to households in FY postcode areas:
Online Workshop with clay kit for 1 person – £12.50
Online Workshop with clay kit for 2 people – £15
Online Workshop with clay kit for 3 people – £17.50
Online Workshop with clay kit for 4 people – £20
If you are ordering a kit, you will need to place your order by Friday 12 February so that we can prepare and deliver your kit in time for the workshop. You can book the workshop only ticket up until 1 hour before the event.
We have a limited number of free spaces for those with low incomes. For more information on these, please see the FAQ section below.
FAQs
Q: Is there an age restriction for this activity?
A: This event is most suitable for ages 7 years+.
Q: Can anyone order a kit?
A: The clay kits are only available to households in FY postcode areas. We’re Blackpool based and our volunteer delivery drivers will not be able to deliver further afield.
Q: I don’t live in an FY postcode, where can I order the materials?
A: You will need to purchase materials for your household in advance of the workshop. Please buy these as soon as possible, bearing in mind delivery times for online orders. The materials you will need per person are:
White clay: 130g
Black clay: 70g
Toothpicks x 5
Worksheet (we will send this to you upon registration)
Baby wipes or a flannel / towel (to clean hands with when switching from black to white clay)
For the clay, we recommend using Newplast, but other types of modelling clay will be fine too (e.g. Fimo, Play-Doh, Plasticine). You can buy Newplast from Cowling & Wilcox, Hobbycraft or Fred Aldous. Our local supplier ArtDiscount currently has a 30% off discount offer on Fimo at the moment too.
There are also recipes online where you can make your own clay out of household ingredients, if you are feeling particularly creative!
Q: What do I get in the kit?
A: You will receive everything that you need to take part in the workshop, this includes specialist modelling clay.
About the online workshop
Q: Will anyone be able to see me during the workshop?
A: No, we will run the workshop using the Zoom webinar format. This will automatically switch off your camera and microphone. While you will be able to see the model maker giving the demonstration, the model maker won’t be able to see you. You also won’t be able to see any of the other participants.
Q: Can I Ask Questions?
A: You will be able to ask questions via the Chat tool. Please feel free to ask questions / make comments throughout the workshop. Likewise, if you need anything to be repeated please do let us know!
Bursaries
Model Making Workshop with Aardman Animations: Shaun the SheepWe have a limited number of free places available for people on low incomes living in FY postcode areas. If you would like to request one of these ticket, please complete this short form. You will be asked to upload a photo/scan of evidence of your low income such as mean-tested benefit or free school meals.
