13/02/2010 by admin.

There are serious concerns about Government’s decision to repeal exemptions set out in the Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988, which mean charitable groups and other not-for-profit organisations are not required to obtain a music licence from PPL (Phonographic Performance LTD) and  the Performing Rights Society (PRS) if they wish to play recorded music

The Government’s own figures suggest this change will cost voluntary and community organisations up to £20 million more a year. This is an incredible amount of money, which can only be met by funds earmarked for charitable purposes.

This is also likely to affect a broad array of community organisations: village halls, churches, care homes, charity shops, youth clubs, carnival groups and carnival associations, scouts and guides associations and bingo halls.

This is another stelth tax that has crept up, it is really important that as many people sign the petition asking the government to recondsider this as the implications are very serious for community groups right across the board.

The bigest effect these new regulations will have is on the running of the Ryde Arts Festival and its’ parade, Ryde Regatta, and the 3 Ryde Carnivals as well as the many church fetes that are held in the Ryde area. The costs of the licences could put a halt to these wonderful free public entertainments, which could have a knock on effect on the economics of our town.

You can sign the petition online here:
http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/dontstopthemusic/

You can also join the FaceBook group here
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=wall&gid=274770375866

You can read more information about the new regulations here:
http://www.ppluk.com/en/News–Events/Archived-News/PPL-and-PRS-for-Music-announce-joint-licensing-scheme/

http://www.ppluk.com/en/Music-Users/Information-for-Charities/

Posted in Raising Awareness | Print | 1 Comment »

12/02/2010 by admin.

CALLING MUSICIANS, DANCERS, CHOIRS, SINGERS, BRASS PLAYERS AND OTHER CREATIVE PEOPLE AND ORGANISATIONS TO TAKE PART IN AN EXCITING NEW PORTSMOUTH PARADE!
I am getting in touch to find out if you, your group/school would like to get involved in an exciting new project celebrating Latin American Carnivale at Gunwharf Quays in 2010!

We are planning to put together a weekend of events on 17-18 April 2010 drawing on the varied and creative individuals and organisations in Portsmouth and the South East region. We want you to join us for a spectacular Latin American inspired parade on 18th April.

As part of the parade, we are proposing that there will be a coordinated, participatory Afoxe inspired procession, celebrating and “blessing” the streets and the sea. This will be directed by Red Zebra . Their team of musicians and dancers will be available to work with you or your group to create a one off musical and performance piece to be played simultaneously through the streets! It will combine dance, song, percussion, brass and costume.

It is an ambitious and thrilling new creative project and we would love for you to take part. Entry is completely FREE (thanks to Gunwharf Quays) and we will support you and your group throughout the process.

HOW TO TAKE PART

To take part your group should be prepared for an artist to come in to your rehearsals approximately 3 times between now and the event to work with you on your piece. You and your group will then be invited to the Group Rehearsal (see below). The finale performance will take place in Gunwharf Quays on 18 April 2010.

We have a launch day for you to drop in and find out more!

Launch Day – Friday 5 March 2010 4-7pm in Gunwharf Quays. (Venue TBC.)
Workshops available to be booked between March 15 – March 31 (subject to Arts Council England funding)
Workshops also available April 14, 15, 16 (time and place tbc)
Rehearsals April 16 & 17 (time and place tbc)
Performance April 18 (time and place tbc)
Please call us to reserve a free workshop, at a time to suit you.

CONTACT

We hope you would love to come and take part in this exciting, one off community project. Please do get in touch at any time with any questions to Suzi Dent on takepartarts@yahoo.co.uk or call Suzi on 07958972827

Posted in General | Print | 1 Comment »