It is very exciting  and makes us all very proud to to celebrate the newly released Igniting Ambition Festival Brochure 2010 http://bit.ly/biWhDI , as it features a whole host of our BME and Stakeholder members across the East Midlands region. This is shows  how Mainstream Partnerhip has kept its focus in terms of striving for excellence (as set out in the DCMS McMasters Report ) in its work with our membership BME & Stakeholder members alike. Clearly this also demonstrates how our  own particular intervention is key  in creating  positve partnerships, that make achievements that will leave a lasting legacy.   A crucial  factor for this phenomenal  success is that we ensure our  members both BME and Stakeholders receive information from us  in a timely way.  This is  then followed up by us  with further information, contact, advice and support, advocacy, brokerage, networking or introductory meetings. We have  learnt it is vital to make make good relationships, that instill trust and confidence, as well as being strategic and progressive in our delivery.  Equally our role on regional arts heritage  steering groups has been key in terms of  leading on culturally diversity in the arts .  Alongside our growing advisory, consultancy, arts managment roles  also.   The Ignition Ambition Brochure and our BME members inclusion, represents also the hard work that we have done behind the scenes to bring about change over time. Therefore it  is an important  moment for the organization, and overall in the history of the arts cultural sector in our region – especially at a time of considerable flux  and transition.

Supported by ACE, Mainstream Partnership Staff and Board have enthusiastically, (despite major challenges) developed and built an organization and its work  over three years with our BME and Stakeholders members . We have now  reached a peak, a culmination of all our combined efforts of  advocacy, celebrating, and promoting our BME Members.  By supporting and raising the profile of  our BME members achievements to our Stakeholders members and the arts sector generally. We have been able to to make a big impact in assisting the  BME arts sector  to be more intergrated within the mainstream arts sector .  Mainstream Partnership’s profile and its programme delivery, reflects a growing  confidence in the organization from across the region’s arts cultural  sector. We as an organization are on the cusp of further growth and looking to expand our ambition in the coming period.

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The Mainstream Partnership Team wish  all our members  all the  very best for the forthcoming year and what an exciting year this will be. With lots of changes that present  challenges e.g.  Arts Council re-organization, Grants for the Arts  break  (Jan 15th deadline for applications) -  but we know from past experience it will not deter our members committed to furthering their artistic plans.  The Cultural Olympiad with several of our members being programmed so far – ( we are so proud of them ) developments within Sustained Theatre East Midlands STEM, the continuing popularity and success of the Creative Conversations ’dragons den’ &  artist showcase networking events (will tour the region) means continued growth So look out for the next one near you and book in !     Finally Carol Leeming  Dare to Diva Productions will attend her last ACE  General Council meeting  Nottingham  this February before stepping down.  As is an advocate for  BME arts, Artists, Young People and Literature primarily - for three years, she will  now look forward to further growth of the Mainstream Partnership organization and her own innovative arts projects.

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Hello cyber crew it’s been a long time since Mainstream last interacted on the blog and quite frankly we’ve missed it! we have been waiting for the perfect opportunity to rejuvenate our digital juices and spread the word to you guys! and what a perfect chance it was to discuss the launch of one of Leicester’s most special arts events in recent years!.
In association with 2009’s ‘Bass Festival’, ‘2FunkyArts’ and well…us! The Peepul Centre, on Belgrave road have all collaborated together in conceiving ‘Urban Legacy’ a historic display of Leicester’s finest talents spanning the last four decades. On Wednesday June 3rd, the mainstream crew attended the events VIP launch night, which I have to say was an excellent experience, not only for me as an eager/enthusiastic student soaking up all of the rich cultural information thrusted at me, but for everybody their… it was just a fun, care free atmosphere!.
Complimentary food and drink was flowing, hot old school tunes were provided by the ever so talented DJ Nilesh, which was all topped off by a roof blowing performance from ‘Bizzi’ (whos new single is on fire go check him out!) and sincere, appreciative speeches from the events creators, big props to Vijay Mistry & Rickin from 2funky!!!!!
It was defiantly a night I will not forget, but do not worry public!! the party is not over (just beginning) you can catch the inspiring exhibition throughout June @ The Peepul Centre, I can also confirm you will not have missed out on the VIP night either as the Mainstream Partnership team were snapping away throughout, they will be uploaded to our facebook very shortly!.
So until the next time, ’nuff love & respect and keep supporting!

x
Cortez & The Mainstream Team.

p.s yes we are on it!! Check this out www.twitter.com/mainstreamleics

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‘The Colour of Funny ’ Seminar focused on the development of BME emerging and mid career artists, writers and stand ups etc. to work in mainstream Comedy. Panel members included Comics;- Shazia Mirza; Annette Fagon; with Mainstream Partnership members Random Ramblings Duo and Joanne Fagon alongside Jack Cheshire TV Executive Producer with BBC London.  It attracted a diverse audience of  25 people, wiith lively panel contributions (as to be expected from the comics) and a range of questions from the audience. Afterwards there was purposeful networking taking place between attendees. Jack Cheshire also invited proposals from those present, for programme ideas to be submitted across  a range of comedy broadcast opportunities  at the BBC.

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The Creative Stories Event  – marked  an important milestone in the life of an increasingly key organisation championing culturally diverse arts and BME artists in the East Midlands . The launch of our new promotional brochure documenting the achievements of our BME and stakeholder members and the way Mainstream Partnership made a difference, was very well received. This event also introduced topics for Creative Conversations between key Programmers CEO’s & Curators  and lead BME Arts Practitoners in the region stimulated by the McMaster Report on Excellence in the Arts.  Very constructive and lively discussions took place in all the groups. Key points from the conversations are to be disseminated.

The Manager

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