THE Royal West of England Academy in Bristol is inviting entries for its 158 Autumn Exhibition from both professional and amateur artists. It is the gallery’s biggest exhibition of the year, featuring a mix of sculpture, photography, architecture, painting and printmaking. Simon Quadrat, RWA president explained: ‘Everyone has the same opportunity to be chosen, but we exhibit only the very best of the work sent in.’ Work is to be submitted by September 15. The 158 Autumn Exhibition runs from 24 October to 12 December at the Royal West of England Academy, Bristol. For more details call 0117 973 5129 or visit www.rwa.org.uk
HERE’S another chance to get creative juices going – this time by encouraging your cherubs to create a super hero and win a visit from Dragonblood author Michael Dahl (no relationship to the late great Roald). The competition is being run by Raintree, the publisher formerly known as Heinemann Library, to mark its newly expanded graphic non-fiction offering. The competition is open to young people up to the age of 16 and entires must be submitted by October 22. The winner will be announced on November 8 and Michael Dahl, who is coming over especially for the competition from the US, will visit the winner at their school or library on November 16. For further details see www.raintreepublishers.co.uk
TALKING of graphic titles, my work has just been interrupted by an impromptu chat with Ink Pellet’s money man, Mark Glover, about graphic fiction which has now burst out of its embryonic stage and is jostling to be taken seriously as a genre in its own right. The discussion came from my delight at seeing The Shakespeare Comic Book online. These are light, bright editions with both original text (edited) alongside modern text, all beautifully executed by Simon Greaves. We’re waiting for the new version of Romeo and Juliet any day now so look out for a review in the next edition. If you cannot wait until then, you can buy or look at www.shakespearecomics.com
PEGASUS Theatre in Oxford opens for business this month with a new name for the auditorium, which will now be called the Pullman Stage to reflect the support of the great Philip Pullman. As the first patron of the theatre, the author has led the way in supporting the work that it does with young people from all backgrounds. Mr Pullman says: ‘In the wonderful new Pegasus, we have a body of people dedicated to helping young people make the best drama they possibly can.’ The theatre offers new space for public use and hire including a foyer, café, meeting rooms, dance studio, rehearsal spaces and workshop located around the Pullman Stage. For details of the theatre’s extensive programme of youth activities, visit www.pegasustheatre.org.uk
TATE Modern has a new man at the helm. Director Nick Serota is off to pastures new and will be replaced by Chris Dercon, currently director of the Haus der Kunst in Munich. The 52-year-old won acclaim for his programme of exhibitions at the gallery which included an installation by Paul McCartney. Mr Dercon said of his new baby: ‘Thanks to its exceptional staff, Tate Modern is constantly evolving, almost like an art movement in itself. I am thrilled that I will be part of it.’ Any chance of an interview with Ink Pellet, sir?
NOW we know that theatre is not just for students of English and Drama, and the new offering from the brilliant Trestle theatre company proves the point. The company has been working with Blindeye on Burn My Heart, an adaptation of the internationally acclaimed and award-winning novel by Beverley Naidoo. Burn My Heart explores the Mau Mau uprising in Kenya during the 1950s and the ensuing bloody State of Emergency. Against this backdrop, two boys’ lives are changed forever, as their friendship and loyalty are blown apart. Directed by Oliver Jones, this play is a powerful mix of character and situation. Previews start in St Albans on September 21 and the tour continues until November 13. Check out the education programme too. For details visit www.trestle.org.uk
AS I put the magazine ‘to bed’, there is still no sign of Van Gogh’s Poppy Flowers, stolen from Cairo’s Mahmud Khalil Modern Art Museum. It’s worth £32m and it is the second time the Museum has been victim to thieves. Oops.
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