Push4 Director Pablo Janczur launches Designs for Life

Rhondda Cynon Taff Cultural Services Arts Development Team today launched Designs for Life, a Creative and Cultural Industries (CCI) programme that they will be delivered Rhondda Cynon Taff throughout 2010/11.

Designs for Life is a series of events aimed at further raising awareness of the sector to the over 16 age group in the borough. Events will include:

· Seminars for those wanting to enter or progress within the creative industries

· Bespoke advice surgeries

· Networking opportunities for creative industry SME (small and medium sized) businesses in the area

Caroline O’Neill, RCT Arts Development Manager said: “Designs for Life will highlight the career opportunities available in the creative and cultural industries, with a programme that covers everything from fashion through to music and media, enabling local talent to achieve their dreams of working within this sector.”

Mayor, Cllr. Simon Lloyd with Caroline O’Neill of RCT, Darren Smith of Funeral for a Friend, and members of breakdance crew Elemental Force

This latest project follows work over the past few years with the same team, through its SONIG Youth Music Industry and Youth Arts Programme, and delivering opportunities through the RCT 14-19 Pathways Learning Programme to raise awareness of the creative and cultural industries sector in the Valleys, delivering projects such as Make It Music Media and workshop opportunities at the successful Soundtrack International Film and Music Festival.

Launching Designs for Life, Push4 Director Pablo Janczur said: “This will build on the really good relationship we already enjoy with RCT and their Arts Development Team. I would have loved it as a youngster starting out in music if structured support like this had existed, and we’re excited to be working with RCT to deliver it.”

The programme is open to all those of 16 and over, and the first event will be Breaking Into The Music Industry at the Muni Arts Centre on July 17 in conjunction with the Welsh Music Foundation. More information about this event will be posted here soon.

Speaking at the launch, Cllr. Simon Lloyd, Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taff said: “Designs for Life will be extremely important for lighting career paths for our young people. It will provide opportunities for many talented people in the Valleys.”

A sample of that talent was on show at the launch, with the Elemental Force breakdance crew showcasing their skills.

Slammo from Elemental Force performs at the launch.

Designs for Life is the 2010/11 creative and cultural industries programme run by the Rhondda Cynon Taff Cultural Services Arts Development Team.

The Designs for Life Programme is made up of a series of events to raise awareness of the Creative and Cultural Industries sector as a career pathway to those aged 16+ within Rhondda Cynon Taff. Focusing on the routes into the Music, Film, TV, Fashion and Photography industries, the programme of events will include:

• Seminars for those wanting to enter or progress within the creative industries

• Bespoke advice surgeries for individuals

• Networking opportunities for creative industry SME businesses in the area

In a nutshell, the Designs for Life programme is about encouraging people to explore pathways into the creative industries; be it through performing and visual arts, music, film, fashion or their associated industries.

Programme of Events

Friday 18th of June 2010:
Designs for Life Programme Launch:
Porth Plaza, Porth, RCT
10:30 – 12:00

The programme launch of Designs for Life, featuring a performance by the Elemental Force break dancing crew, the presentation of the Soundtrack Sound and Image Award and a chance to network with local creative industry organisations.

To register a place, email: Designsforlife@push4.com

Saturday the 17th of July 2010
Welsh Music Foundation Seminar: Making it in the Music Industry
The Muni Arts Centre, Pontypridd
Morning: 10:30 – 12:00
Afternoon: 13:00 – 15:30

Presented by the Welsh Music Foundation, this daylong event will see a panel of guest speakers from the various different parts of the music industry on hand to speak about and answer questions on the various options and routes available to enter into a career in the music industry.

In the afternoon there will also be advice for bands, musicians and budding music journalists, through a special interactive workshop with Fakerocker, who will be giving advice on promoting your band to the media, as well as interview and promotional techniques. This session will also cater to those interested in music journalism, giving practical advice on interviewing musicians and approaching media outlets.

When registering a place at this event, please state whether you would to attend the morning or afternoon sessions, or both.

To register a place, email: Designsforlife@push4.com

Tuesday the 5th of October 2010
Creative Industries Careers Fair:
The Muni Arts Centre, Pontypridd
Times: TBA

Come along to network and browse the stands of creative industries organisations from South Wales and chat through your options for a career in the creative industries in Wales.

More information on this event will be posted here soon, so keep checking back.

Tuesday the 2nd of November 2010
Welsh Language TV, Film and Media Broadcasting Careers Seminar
The Muni Arts Centre, Pontypridd
Times: TBA

This special seminar will see guests from the Welsh language TV, Film and Broadcasting industries discuss the options available for people who wish to start a career in the Welsh language media sector.

More information on this event will be posted here soon, so keep checking back.

Wednesday the 17th and Thursday the 18th of November 2010
Soundtrack Film & Music Festival: Sound and Image Workshops
The Urdd, Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay

Held as part of the Soundtrack International Film and Music Festival, Media Education Wales will present a special hand’s on workshop exploring how image and sound work together in films. Participants will plan and make a soundtrack and also a short film, synching the two together using digital video cameras, Garageband music software and Final Cut Express video editing software.

Registration for this event will open in September, so please check back for information on booking a place.

Thursday the 10th of February 2011
Fashion, Design and Photography Seminar
The University of Glamorgan, Treforest
Times: TBA

This daylong event will encompass 3 sessions based on fashion, design and photography, aimed at people looking to break in to those industries. Guest speakers will be on hand to explain the potential pathways to a career in these fields, whilst presenting examples of their work.

More information on this event will be posted here soon, so keep checking back.