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get off your facebook and head to this…

 Attention creative industry types those trendy folks at Babycakes are collaborating with CDH Creatives on a one day seminar focused on utilising social media in a more systematic and strategic way. Now that sounds good doesn’t it? The seminar’s speakers include Babycakes Wholesale & Export Manager, Dave Smith and Artist & Label Manager, Dean Taylor. The added bonus is the event takes place at the delightful Picture House at Band on the Wall – a sure fire winner! They’ll also be the chance to work the room and network face-to-face without the aid of Twitter or other social media aids – believe me it’s the future! For more information or…

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all work and no play

 Manchester’s cultural sector is coming out to play. The Digital Playpen has been established to create a space online for people interested in discussing what happens when culture and digital communications collide. This informal group currently includes participants from All About Audiences, Visit Manchester, Creative Tourist, Creative Times, PushOn, Manchester Art Gallery, Manchester Museum and Whitworth Art Gallery. The group will also be having an informal offline monthly meet-up to share knowledge and discuss opportunities for collaboration over a brew. Interested in getting involved then visit the The Digital Playpen for the latest information and news. http://www.flickr.com/photos/t0msk/ / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

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reopened gallery is in vogue

 Today saw the reopening of the Manchester Gallery of Costume following a £1 million redevelopment (that’s one mother of a makeover). This has involved essential repairs as well as the addition of new public facilities including a new changing exhibition gallery. And did you know that the Gallery of Costume holds one of the most important costume collections in Britain (containing over 20,000 items!), second only to London’s V&A? Including work by designers such as Versace,Vivienne Westwood, Chanel and Dior. If you fancy paying a visit you can find the gallery in Platt Fields Park, Rusholme (an excuse to visit the Curry Mile too while you’re down there getting a…

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a rainy city tale

 Today I was delivering a presentation focusing on my other venture into the blogosphere rainycitytales, to a range of arts and culture organisations from across Lancashire. The aim was to present my tweeting and blogging as a case study for the positive impacts of social media, and even how if you start small big things can happen. Putting the presentation together I took a look at the analytics for the rainycitytales blog and was surprised to find that 43% of referrals came from Twitter. I had expected it to be a significant percentage but perhaps not this high… I guess it proves that conversations really do count. Therefore for the…

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hulme is where the art is

 Discover that there is more to Hulme than a bridge by joining Venture Arts for a community arts festival on Saturday 20th of March. The event will celebrate the creative talents of Hulme’s community and include a day jam packed with a wide range of activities. These include art and craft stalls, performance poetry and guided tours of the Hulme Community Garden Centre. Join in at the Work for Change Building and Hulme Community Garden Centre from 1pm until 8pm. c/o http://www.flickr.com/photos/austinosuide/ / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

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your daily grind

 Bored of soulless Starbucks? If so step into Manchester’s Northern Quarter next time you are looking for a caffeine and culture hit to kick start your day. Grindsmith is a new cafe meets gallery space located on Hilton Street. Serving up great coffee alongside regular changing exhibitions. From the 15th of March to the 11th of April pop in and enjoy ‘Out-staring the Emptiness‘ a new series of paintings by Philip Elbourne over a hot cup of Joe. That’s got to be more refined than a grande, non-fat, sugar free Cinnamon latte, no whip, to go! http://www.flickr.com/photos/free-photos/ / CC BY 2.0

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yeah-hey this museum is on fire

 I had the pleasure of attending the People’s History Museum launch last night. The atmosphere was fantastic and the place was buzzing. People were clearly happy about the reopening of this Manchester gem. Wondering about the flames…? They’re not a permanent fixture but an opening delight from the creative minds of Walk The Plank.

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spinningfields goes quackers

 Manchester is bracing its self for its very first duck race, which will be hosted down in Spinningfields. The date of the big race is the 2nd of April (Good Friday) at 2pm – making it the perfect Easter treat before you stuff yourself silly with chocolate, as I intend on doing!!! The race is being held on behalf of local children’s charity Brainwave, that helps children with brain injuries, genetic conditions or Developmental Delay. Individual ducks can be bought for a quid on the day. Or why not get your company to buy a giant duck, which can be branded up for it’s swim down the River Irwell. Simply…

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