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We are all Artability
What is Artability?
Artability is a open collective community project art based newsletter by and for people with different abilities featuring events, activities and festivals, including puzzles articles and information around Plymouth and its local communities. If you are viewing the newsletter online, some of the images are clickable links to webpage’s. We meet on a Monday fortnightly from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at i-Grow Care and Support, Cargo Workspace, 25 Phoenix Street Millbay, Plymouth PL1 3DN. If you would like a featured article in the next newsletter, be a part of the publication or have artwork to submit please contact our Artability coordinator Mark on 01752 268777
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Contents Page 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 7. 9. 11. 12. 14. 15. 19. 20. 21. 27. 28. 29. 30.
Front cover We are all Artability Contents An actor’s point of view by Claire Knight Funky Llama – Differently Abled – Driving Change By Becky Hilton (Part 1) Arts and crafts at i-grow care and support Animate Theatre Funky Llama Funky Llama Festival National Trust, Saltram House - How accessible is it - By David Aiken Funky Llama – Differently Abled – Driving Change By Becky Hilton (Part 2) Prospects Event The Meet Up event Wedding Invitations by Claire Knight Poetry and Painting by Valerie Events Puzzles Page Thank you to everyone
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An actor's point of view - Robert Pearce By Claire knight
How long do you practice for a pantomime? We rehearse for ten days. Usually six days in the rehearsal Room a day off and then three days getting all technical stuff right stage What is the best bit about being an actor? I like being able to entertain people and hear them laugh and enjoy themselves. I also like that I get to see many different towns and cities Is it hard to learn lines? Sometimes it can be hard and other times it can be easy. It depends how complicated the script is. It is definitely not a lot of fun What is bad about being an actor? Sometimes you are not paid very much at other times you have to work far away from home How many shows/pantomimes do you do in a year? This year I am doing one at Easter in the summer and Christmas too. That will be about 150 performances altogether When is your busiest time? My busiest time is at Christmas when it is the main pantomime season What part do you play the most in a pantomime? The Dame
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Funky Llama – Differently Abled – Driving Change A few weeks ago, on 17th March, a collection of the country’s most innovative inclusive arts groups gathered at TR2 Plymouth for the Funky Llama, Different Abled – Driving Change Conference. The conference was hosted by the Funky Llama steering group 'Driving Force' and designed as “an opportunity for service providers, practitioners, artists and anyone interested in inclusive arts to come together to share best quality practice.” Among the speakers were Shallal Dance Theatre from Penzance, Plymouth Music Zone and Diverse City performance group based in Dorset but all the speakers, practitioners and artists at the conference spoke to the same purpose; what do inclusive arts groups need to do to allow 'differently abled' people to make the most of these experiences? As a service provider, a performer and a disabled person myself, I was keen to see what I could learn, any bad habits that I might have adopted and what opportunities were out there. I wasn't disappointed. The first part of the afternoon was to be filled with our choice of workshop. A practical taster from either Anjali Dance Company, Plymouth Music Zone or The Theatre Royal Plymouth. I was instantly brought bang up to date in the PMZ workshop. Plymouth Music Zone or PMZ runs music workshops for differently abled people ranging from musical communication right up to DJ training courses.
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Today’s workshop was a crash-course in both of these. Splitting into 2, I headed towards what looked like a record deck, a laptop and a man called Steve. What followed was a bit of modern technical jargon which Steve explained as a virtual DJ application combined with a turntable accessory which essentially acts as a keyboard. Amazingly this allows even someone with even the smallest and slightest movement to become a master at spinning and mixing. Steve explained that what would have taken hours of 'beatmatching' or 'scratching' can now be done via a single button and an app. This is exciting for differently abled artists in terms of speed and accessibility. Look no further than Funky Llama regulars DJ Dolphin and Luke Lundin. After having a go myself (and failing miserably - technology was never my strength), I joined the other group where I spent some time playing with some musical apps for Ipads and tablets. As tools of communication or for making your own music, these apps were great. Whether recording your own voice, a symphony of strings or a dubstep mash-up, they were easy to use, colourful and fun. In fact, I went straight home and put 'Keezy' on my own tablet. It's easy to see why PMZ are a big hit in Plymouth. They know what they're talking about and are a fun, approachable group of people. Continued on page 15....
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When I first came to i-grow I just loved it and it’s a good place to do my work, and I like doing art and technology to create my projects” – Sam.
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"I think i-grow care and support is helpful and I like it because they listen to me" - Lucy
i-grow care and support is located in the regeneration area of Millbay providing a wide range of services for people with mixed abilities from day centre activities, housing support, one to one support and more to enable people to use their strengths to improve their lives. One of the most popular activities are the arts and crafts, we encourage people to see their potential through painting, needlework, card making, scrap booking, modeling, drawing, and printing etc. Call 01752 268777 for more information. www.igrowcareandsupport.co.uk 8
Animate Theatre is for people with and without disabilities. We aim to create an accessible and inclusive company where people learn from professional practitioners the skills needed in theatre, as well as skills to take away for everyday life. Animate wants to teach skills in all aspects of technical theatre including costume, set design and prop making so in time 'Animate theatre' can have a wide range of skill based people within the company. Animate is a non profit making organisation that aims to break down barriers and create new theatre opportunities to those who ordinarily may not be able to gain access to this. We aim to teach a variety of skills to enable those to be more confident working independently as well as in a group. Animate wants to create a fun, relaxed space, welcoming those from all walks of life.
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We are looking to expand Animate and begin working with children with and without disabilities enabling them to gain confidence and skills for life as well as creative skills.
If you want to attend our workshops for dance and drama or want to know more please email animatetheatre@gmail.com
Or visit our website at http://www.animatetheatre.co.uk To learn more about our wonderful projects and us.
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Funky Llama Is an innovative events and creative support for adults with different abilities. Funky Llama is about raising aspirations, creating opportunities, challenging perceptions and developing a regional and national network of creative activity. Funky Llama celebrates the creative talents of adults with different abilities. It involves large scale, performing arts and social events as well as increasing the amount of arts opportunities on offer throughout the region. Funky Llama Events Each year we host an autumn Club Night for over 18, with live music, DJs, films and cabaret. Summer sees our outdoor Festival for all ages, featuring live bands, DJs, dance, poetry, performance, workshops and much more. Our next event is the Funky Llama Festival on The Hoe, which is on sale now. We will be hosting another Funky Llama Club Night in the autumn! If you are reading online, please click the ticket icon for more information and to purchase tickets
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The year we are on The Hoe! Saturday 13 June Start off your summer with the extraordinary Funky Llama Festival. This year’s inclusive urban festival on Plymouth Hoe promises to be bigger and funkier than ever before with a fantastic line up of DJs, dance artists, bands and theatre performances from all across the UK. Acts include
Samba Roc Anjali Dance Wheelfever Projects David Young Dean Reed’s Dead Zuri Aura Kyle Coleman Travelling Time Wasters
The Rockeries Beat Express Straight Jacket Legends Haunt The Woods Spike DJ Dophin DJ Factory East And many more
The Funky Llama Festival is a fully accessible event with a range of delicious festival food stalls and a fully licensed bar available throughout the day. The all-day Festival will be full of activities for families including fun workshops in theatre, singing, dance, music and crafts.
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Funky Llama challenges stereotypes and celebrates the creative talents of adults with different abilities. It involves large-scale performing arts and social events as well as increasing the amount of arts opportunities available throughout the region. From 2pm – 11pm Tickets £10, under 18s £5 Enablers go free when accompanying by a paid ticket holder Under 5s go free Groups 6+: One ticket free for every six tickets purchased (not including enabler comps) For tickets, please contact the Box Office on 01752 267222 https://www.facebook.com/FunkyLlamaTRP Contacts For more information about Funky Llama, please contact: http://www.theatreroyal.com Lesley-Ann Eaton-Keen, Community Projects Producer lesleyann.eatonkeen@theatreroyal.com 01752 230330 Sara Baldwin, Community Projects Officer sara.baldwin@theatreroyal.com 01752 230378 For more events about Funky Llama, please see the Events page
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National Trust – Saltram House How accessible is it? My view By David Aiken
As I am a member of the national trust, I decided to visit Saltram House. Fortunately, I travelled there by car. I can see there could be problems getting their by public transport as it is not on the main bus route. The main entrance and access to the car park is level and well signposted. I myself have a learning disability and I found the staff welcoming, cheerful, friendly and helpful. It was easy to find my way to the house, exhibits, and was easy to get into the house. There were plenty of rooms to see which were well signposted. There were staff in each room and they spoke to me about objects in the rooms, for example about the chandeliers and furniture. There was so much to see. I liked the clocks paintings and kitchen area . Although it was busy on the day staff still had time for me and made me feel welcome. I noticed a lift in the house for the use of less able visitors. I decided to walk in the grounds, which were easy and level with plenty of plants in the garden, and other things to see. There were nice views. There was a lovely teashop. I found it to be easy access to the chapel. The shop was well stocked with nice friendly staff. The toilets were easy to find. I had a great time and I would recommend to others
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Funky Llama – Differently Abled – Driving Change Continued During my lunch, I was fortunate enough to spend some time with some members of 'Driving Force', the Funky Llama steering group and hosts of the conference. The steering group enables members to work in leadership roles and take an active part in programming and developing events such as the conference itself. First time member Katie, told me that the conference was 'really important' because 'people can try new things like DJing'. She also said that the steering group has helped her to 'move on and do new things and not to be at home all the time'. This thought of Katie's was echoed in the afternoon section of the conference. Hearing from Stay Up Late campaign, Anjali Dance Company and Blue Camel and Carousel. Particularly, the idea of creating and seizing opportunities for differently abled people within the arts. Many of the groups felt that they should have the same opportunities that are available to anyone. Anjali Dance from Oxfordshire explained how the majority of their dancers and teachers are differently abled in some way. Their speakers, Daisy and Ruth presented an inspiring case for 'Ability not Disability', and how success for inclusive arts groups comes from building confidence and self-belief. As they discussed the best practice they need to implement to make their group a success, it was sad to see how much of this practice is common sense or the same practice for a standard group. For example; access, clear information, encouragement and an organised support network. These ideas were repeated by Blue Carousel and Creative Minds from Brighton. Creative Minds is a group 'that values learning disabled artists as creative art makers'. Blue Camel and Carousel run a differently abled club night in the same area. It was clear from hearing the speakers talk of their success that the best
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practice for inclusive arts groups is simple, so the big question is; why is this practice not being implemented far and wide? This was one of the many questions asked in the Open Space Discussions that took place later in the afternoon. There were several groups to choose from, looking at various issues including; How do you ensure your work is developed to a good quality as an inclusive group?, What support is needed for learning disabled artists to participate in training programmes? and How best can Funky Llama and the Theatre Royal Plymouth help to promote differently abled artists? I decided to join the group with Paul Richards from Stay Up Late and Nicole, Ruth and Daisy from Anjali Dance who were discussing; If we could change one thing to enable people with learning difficulties to live the lives they want (thinking big), what would it be? I thought this question covered all the issues discussed at the conference so far and would probably be the most interesting. Stay Up Late is a campaign 'promoting full and active social lives for people with learning difficulties' and was founded by inclusive punk band Heavy Load. The main aim of the campaign is to enable differently abled people to attend events of their own choosing, such as concerts, performances and club nights, and to stay out as late as they choose. What this particular Open Space discussion brought to light was that the answer to our question (If we could change one thing to enable people with learning difficulties to live the lives they want (thinking big), what would it be?), lies in two big things rather than one; education and politics. The members of the discussion group who were made up of differently abled artists, support staff, practitioners and family members, all agreed that without educated and experience support staff the needs of differently
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abled people cannot be fully considered or understood. The group felt that this change relied on a change in politics. The discussion highlighted that disabled people do not feel well represented in politics or listened to by their MP's and without this representation, other changes in education, benefits and support would not be made. When all the Open Space groups came back together to discuss our findings, this was most definitely a common feeling. The afternoon finished off with a short presentation from Plymouth's own Wheel Fever and a performance from Funky Llama favourite Kyle Coleman, a pitch perfect singer who genuinely communicates through singing alone. Just another inspiring example of how differently abled people can truly flourish through the arts if they are given the right opportunities and support. As the conference came to a close, it was amazing to see what a buzz it had created. This was the first conference of it's kind in Plymouth and people had travelled from all over the country to share their hopes and experiences of inclusive arts. https://www.facebook.com/FunkyLlamaTRP The The workshops, presentations and discussions had brought up many troubling issues as well as inspiring stories but the aim of the conference had certainly been met. Funky Llama had created an opportunity for people to come together, share best quality and practice, create contacts and to start driving change. If your reading online all the images below will take you through to their web sites
DDiverse City – www.diversefutures.org.uk info@diversefutres.org.uk Wheel Fever – Wheelfeverprojects@live.co.uk www.wheelfeverprojects.co.uk
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Stay Up Late – www.stayuplate.org info@stayuplate.org
Anjali Dance Company – www.anjali.co.uk
Blue Carousel and Creative Minds – www.carousel.org.uk info@creativemindsproject.org.uk
Kyle Coleman – kylecoleman.co.uk
PMZ – www.plymouthmusiczone.org.uk
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Prospects together in Plymouth We are a small group of Christians from a variety of churches working together to enable adults and people with learning disabilities to discover freedom in worship in a context of fun, friendship and fellowship. We are affiliated to Prospects, a nationwide organisation that provides advice, training and resource materials to equip Churches for effective ministry and outreach among people dearly loved by God but often marginalised by society. We regularly meet at St Michaels Church in Albert Road, Stoke. Our regular activities include Bible stories through pictures, drama Creative Activities Prayer time Worshipping God through songs with some signing Time to chat A buffet followed by tea and coffee We also extend a warm welcome to families, friends and carers. It would be great to see you! For more details please contact Keith and Pauline 788743 http://www.prospects.org.uk
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Plymouth Meet-up Group is a social group for adults with disabilities. The group meets the first Tuesday of every month to take part in social activities chosen by the group. We are always open to new ideas and suggestions.
Social events that have taken place included a murder mystery trail, pasta night, pub night and meals out. If you would like to meet new friends, have great fun and become part of a group organized and attended by people with disabilities then please come along. We meet at i-grow care and support in Millbay. We are always planning outings and events. For more information, please contact David on 01752 268 777 There is a life time member ship for £12.00 then £2.00 subs or non members £3.00 for each event. Support is not provided.
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I enjoyed making these cards for my wedding invitations and I would like to share my design with you. Resources Needed 1. Pritt stick 2. Pearlescent card in 2 to 3 colours of your choice 3. Scissors 4. Ribbon 5. Small foam squares
6. Cut-out Templates included 7. Computer for typing and a printer 8. Pencil 9. Sheets of A4 card 10.Hole Punch
Step by step Instructions 1. Fold the A4 white card as shown
2. Trace around the heart template onto the colour card of your choice and cut out
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3. Glue the heart onto the centre of the card and cut down the centre of the heart
4. Hole punch the heart as shown
5. Cut the ribbon to 10 inches in length
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6. Thread the ribbon though the holes and tie with a bow
7. Trace around the two dolphin templates onto the colour of your choice and cut out
8. Place a few foam squares onto the back of the dolphins to give a 3 D effect
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9. Peel off backing paper and stick on to card as shown
10.If you wish to add words type and print
11.Cut out and stick on to backing card and colour of your choice
12.Cut around the edge and leave a border and put foam squares on to back
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13.Peel backing and stick on to card where you wish
14.This card is now complete
I hope you enjoy making the invite cards
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TEMPLATE
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Poetry and Painting by Valerie The Cottage I have my cottage by the sea; it’s what my dreams about for me Sky and sea and land and air, It’s all I’ve asked for to be fair, To paint and write would be my aim, To sit in silence once again, To lean against the great oak tree And read with friends some poetry, The Aga would be baking bread...tea, coffee or some squash instead, Soup is stewing in the pot...or wholemeal sarnies to be got, Fruit in bowl placed properly... to make a salad for our tea? Or fresh scones with cream on top, I don’t want much, this is my lot, This is my mind you see...next year’s a reality
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FUNKY LLAMA WARM UP GIG Varsity from 7pm to 10pm Monday 1 June FREE
Prospects together in Plymouth SUMMER BBQ Saturday 12 TH JULY 4 PM TO 6 PM At St Michael’s, Albert Road, Stoke, Plymouth. TEL - 01752 788743
Plymouth History festival 2015
Plymouth City Museum and Gallery
Various locations https://plymhistoryfest.wordpress.com
Various events all year round www.plymouth.gov.uk/museums
Special Olympics Plymouth & District Various events and sporting opportunities for people with disabilities http://www.sopd.org.uk 01752 408 271
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Turn the fish around by only moving only three matchsticks
Word search D S A J A D E D E A
P A R T Y O P R R X
P I P E A A N WI C D N I R T L WU S I F A MA D U E WF T
H P D E Y N O S C Z I X S A U C MD C R
D E P E E A WR L G T L N A E I E T L H O WT D O WA A F T
F E L T T I P S P S
ART CRAFT PALLET PAINT PENS DRAMA PENCILS FELT TIPS THEATRE MUSIC
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I would like to say a huge big thank you to everyone who has made this newsletter a great success: Claire Knight Rebecca Hilton David Aiken Sarah Hetherington Becky Graham Chris Burns Becky Reeves Valerie Funky Llama I-grow care and support Mark Gilbert We are looking for more people to help put together our next edition, to cover events or features. If you want to be involved, get in touch. I would also like to credit all-free-download.com for various graphics used and bannerfans.com 30