A Wider Embrace: ICT & the Arts – a series of free regional training events from Voluntary Arts England.

Workshop One: Is your art or craft group missing out?

More and more art and craft groups are using the web and computers to help their group and promote themselves – is your group missing out? This FREE introductory workshop will guide you through the opportunities available to your group. Over the three hour workshop you will cover:

* simple websites
* the range of computers/hardware/software available
* the costs involved and how you could secure funding
* back up/virus protection / firewalls
* securing on-going technical support
* how using IT can help your group with minutes, newsletters, databases and bookkeeping.

Workshop Two: Developing IT within your art and craft group

Masterclass exploring topics e.g. Web 2.0 and specialist software packages guiding you through the opportunities available to develop your IT capabilities. This FREE three hour workshop will cover:

* how to develop your website e.g. ticket sales, blogs, uploading photographs, music and videos, pod casting, RSS and Web 2.0.
* demonstrations of different specialist software packages available e.g. Photoshop and composer.
* free software available
* sharing hardware resources within the sector
* costings and funding opportunities,
* how you can access further help and support.

Participants on both workshops will receive a comprehensive pack of handy hints, tips and articles on using IT within your group.

Who can attend?

The events are primarily aimed at voluntary arts groups but are relevant to anyone involved in voluntary arts provision (national umbrella bodies, voluntary arts organisations, local authority arts officers, Arts Council staff, policy makers, consultants etc).

When and Where?

Tues 12 Feb 2008
Workshop One: 9.30am – 12.30pm.
Workshop Two: 1.30pm – 4.30pm.
Shelter Training Unit, City Forum, 250 City Road
London EC1V 2PU

Mon 25 Feb 2008
Workshop One 9.30am – 12.30pm.
Workshop Two 1.30pm – 4.30pm.
Kings College,
Cambridge CB2 1ST

Tues 26 Feb 2008
Workshop One 9.30am – 12.30pm.
Workshop Two 1.30pm – 4.30pm.
VODA, The Shiremoor Centre, Earsdon Road, Shiremoor,
Newcastle NE27 0HJ

Fri 29 Feb 2008
Workshop One 9.30am – 12.30pm.
Workshop Two 1.30pm – 4.30pm.
St Catherine’s Church, Doncaster Road,
Wakefield. WF1 5HL

Mon 3 Mar 2008
6.00pm -9.00pm (Workshop One only).
Raich Carter Sports Centre, Commercial Road, Hendon,
Sunderland SR2 8PD

Tue 4 Mar 2008
6.00pm -9.00pm (Workshop Two only). Raich Carter Sports Centre, Commercial
Road, Hendon,
Sunderland SR2 8PD

Thur 6 March 2008
Workshop One 9.30am – 12.30pm.
Workshop Two 1.30pm – 4.30pm.
Phoenix Arts and Media Centre, Bradninch Place, Gandy Street,
Exeter EX4 3LS

How Much?

FREE, including light refreshments

How to book

Download the flyer and booking form:
http://www.vaengland.org.uk/uploaded/map6472.pdf