Audiences Central Blog

Tonight Audiences Central is nominated for the Cultural Branding strand of the Arts and Busines Awards for the Big Picture Arts Project.

As can be expected competition will be tough and some of our inspiring members have also been nominated for a prize. At least if we aren't successful we will be rooting for our members!

However I hope this magnificent project, unique partnerships and engaging branding that inspired 112,986 pictures to be uploaded, posted or handed in to make the world record breaking mosaic is rewarded.

Why?

Because non arts attenders who engage with arts need to be rewarded.

Because businesses who show exemplary partnership support to arts projects that have amazing results should be commended

And finally? Because at Audiences Central we have a hardworking, flexible, inspiring, skillful, experienced and dedicated staff team. Its full of individuals who go beyond the call of duty in their commitment to supporting audience development across the West Midlands. They never ask for thanks, don't seek praise and glory is not in the organisations dictionary.

This is the first time that we have put ourselves and the strength of our business partnerships into the spotlight for recognition so for once the light of a job well done would shine on the organisation, its partners and staff - deservedly.

Sorry I've caught the bug and have started my own personal blog - http://jamieperry.wordpress.com/

Okay… so what do thimbles, a wash board, teenage oaps, cotteridge and pints of Guiness have in common?

Well they all featured highly on an amazing night out at The Crossroads Blues Club last night.

Celebrating one year of opening the tiny venue was packed with a niche audience of real blues lovers to see this special gig involving the one and only, down right masterful Perry Foster and the quirky irky Robert Johnson in a cardigan gal Abie Budgen complete with washboard, nasal trumpet, beatboxing and general tomphoooooolery to go with her eliquent country blues.

Tickets were a bargain at £5 and the night was filled full of head nodding, foot tapping, laughing, crying, screaming, pleading Blues of the highest order.

I’d strongly reccommend getting down there and sampling the unique atmosphere but don’t tell too many people - this is something that should be savoured by the adoring few on a regular basis.

I was unforgivably away this weekend for the massive arts fest celebrations (a face worth than death awaiting me if I missed the mother-in-laws Birthday :)

I've been told by many already that it went down a stormer with multiple glowing tributes to the Kerrang element of the performances.

It goes without saying one of the most important elements of the festival is the bustling ticket office ... and having spoken to Birmingham City Council staff this morning .... bustling it was... new and old audiences coming together to enjoy and prebook arts and cultural events across the region - brilliant!

p.s. Audiences Central were at hand to undertake some market research as feedback for the festival

Well done all!

It's that time of year when Birmingham City Centre explodes with cultural diversity and activity as part of the annual celebration of artsfest.
The programming this year looks as stunning as ever. Full listings can be found by visiting www.artscentral.co.uk or www.artsfest.org.uk

One of the highlights for me is the world record breaking attempt of the Dholfest in Victoria Square at 12noon - 2pm on Saturday. Join over 500 drummers as the attemt an amazing world record.

Other highlights include an inspiring installation by Stans Cafe that must be visited top be believed (AE Harris Factory, 110 Northwood Street, B3 1SZ

As usual you can access a whole load of other free taster events and experiences and book discounted tickets to a multitude of arts and cultural events across the region

Get Moving at the UK's biggest free arts festival!