ARTISTS & ARTS PROFESSIONALS NEWSLETTER – NOVEMBER 2025
📢 Festivity, The Festival of Festivals, Returns This Month!
⭐⭐⭐ After the success of Festivity Bolsover, Staveley, Ilkeston, Tapton Lock and Melbourne this year, we’re looking forward to keeping the party going in November ⭐⭐⭐
After a brilliant tour around the county over the summer, Arts Derbyshire’s Festivity is returning for the winter season, bringing its vibrancy and fun indoors to escape the British weather. Coming to Sharpe’s Pottery Heritage and Arts Trust Museum in Swadlincote on 22 November, we’ll be bringing a day of exciting free activities for all the family, with everything from powerful spoken word to engaging workshops.
We’re pleased to be welcoming back our friends from Adverse Camber, who will be curating a great storytelling line-up for the day. Derby Poetry Festival is also returning with a brand-new line-up for spoken word, and the amazing Paul Johnstone will be the featured artist for the day. We’re also bringing back local theatre company Hubbub Theatre, who will be providing inclusive, playful creative workshops for all.
❓Will you be joining us? We hope so!
And if you still can’t make it to any of our Festivity dates, you can still experience some of the fantastic art that the region has to offer from the comfort of your own home with the Festivity Digital Exhibition. Check it out right now on YouTube here!
Join us Online for the Arts Derbyshire AGM
The Arts Derbyshire AGM 2024-25 takes place online this month on 12 November. Join us as we reflect on the successes and challenges of the previous year. This is also a good opportunity to learn more about our work if you’re interested in becoming a part of our Board as we look for a new Treasurer. Book your place at the link below.
📅 12 November
⏰ 4 – 5pm
👛 Free
📌 Online
As a charity, we ask that anyone who feels they can support us, please do! You can do so via Paypal or Give As You Live. All donations will be gratefully received.
HELLO & WELCOME!
Welcome to our New Artists, Arts Orgs & Venues!
At Arts Derbyshire, our sole purpose is to support and nourish the flame of creativity in Derbyshire, so to see so many new artists and venues sign up is incredible to see. As part of our thanks to all the new sign-ups, we have gathered nine of the artists and arts organisations who have recently registered, so you can all say hello, and welcome!
- Mark Lilley is an acclaimed Derbyshire-based electro-pop and folk musician and gouache artist who often marries his two passions together.
- Michael Vickers is a singer-songwriter from Leicester that combines indie-rock pop and heartfelt, anecdotal lyrics with raw, rap-inspired vocals.
- Bruno Gallone is an experienced singer-songwriter from Derby who plays acoustic power pop and has supported an extensive number of artists over the years.
- Steve Bonham is a singer-songwriter, folk musician and performer with a deep love for Americana and a gift for storytelling.
- Milla Hanna has over 20 years of experience in teaching West African drumming, delivering workshops across the county and beyond.
- Lisa Bentley is an author and illustrator renowned for her humorous, character-driven artwork that captivates children and parents alike.
- District Musicians CIC is a professional Music in Healthcare company specialising in creating music for and with people living with dementia.
- artSage is an arts and health practitioner that aims to encourage people to explore and express as freely as possible to boost self-esteem and social engagement.
Do you want to join our community?
✍️ Register for your own free profile on the Arts Derbyshire website:
https://www.artsderbyshire.org.uk/register/
JOBS, TRAINING & OPPORTUNITIES
Arts Derbyshire is Recruiting for a Treasurer to Join the Board – But Why Should You Become a Trustee?
Charity trustees play a very important role in making sure that the charity is run in the interests of the people it is there to support. They strategically oversee the management and administration of the organisation, guide organisations towards their missions and ensure the effective stewardship of resources. So why become a trustee? Find out how you can play a key role in shaping and supporting the work of the arts in Derbyshire.
📅 Deadline: 21 November
🔗 Read more on the website
Last Chance to Apply for the Derby Impact Awards
Social impact, innovation and inspiration will be celebrated at a new awards event on 20 November. Celebrating outstanding contributions from social enterprises, entrepreneurial charities and impact businesses operating in Derby and Derbyshire, the Derby Impact Awards 2025 will recognise the people and ventures balancing profit with purpose. There’s still a chance to nominate an individual or organisation for an award until Monday, so get your last-minute applications in this weekend.
📅 Deadline: 3 November
🔗 Read more on the website
Free Mental Health Training Workshops
Derbyshire County Council has commissioned Harmless to deliver half-day training in Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Awareness & Managing Mental Health Conversations, and is FREE for staff and volunteers who meet the criteria.
📅 Workshop dates: 3 November, 20 November and beyond
🔗 Read more on the website
Writing East Midlands Youth Advisory Board Applications Closing Soon
Writing East Midlands is accepting applications for the 2025/26 Youth Advisory Board. The Youth Advisory Board is made up of enthusiastic writers aged 18-25 who are passionate about making a difference to their CYP programme. Are you aged 18-25, based in the East Midlands and passionate about writing? Get your applications in before 5pm on Wednesday to help make a genuine difference to creative writing events and opportunities available to young people in your area.
📅 Deadline: 5 November
🔗 Read more on the website
An Invitation to the Buxton Fringe Festival AGM
The Buxton Fringe AGM is taking place at the Pump Room, opposite Buxton’s Crescent, on Wednesday 12 November from 7-9pm. It’ll consist of a lively Fringe presentation, followed by a chance to socialise with the Fringe team. The AGM will also see the announcement of some key Fringe appointments as the volunteer team is refreshed in readiness for the website’s opening to entries on 1 December for next year’s Fringe, now confirmed as running from July 8-26 2026.
📅 Event date: 12 November
🔗 Read more on the website
Submitting to Agents for Creative Writers Masterclass
If you want to get traditionally published, you probably need a literary agent. The problem? Literary agents are commonly busy and inundated with query letters. To attract their interest, you need to compete with an agent’s limited time and your fellow applicants. But how do make your submission package stand out? Join Writing East Midlands and experienced editor Hannah Boursnell at Nottingham Central Library for this essential masterclass for aspiring authors.
📅 Event date: 15 November
🔗 Read more on the website
Vaillant Live Call for Artists and Designers for Mural Competition
Vaillant Live wants artists from across the city to showcase their creative talent by producing an original piece of art based around the theme of performance and community spirit. The winning design will be installed on two large panels displayed on the rear of the building in Becket Street. They’re looking for big, bold and colourful entries that reflect Derby’s vibrant and exciting community.
📅 Deadline: 16 November
🔗 Read more on the website
Meet With Other Businesses For This Networking Session In Bakewell
Hosted at the Peak District Business Hub at Peak District National Park’s headquarters in Bakewell, it’s an opportunity for you to find new clients, explore partnership opportunities or simply meet like-minded individuals.
📅 Event date: 19 November
🔗 Read more on the website
How to Start Your Own Writing Group
What should you do if there isn’t a writing group in your area? Well, why not start your own? Bestselling author Nicky Peacock is here to tell you how to do just that – and to reassure you that it’s not as complicated as you may think! – as part of this Writing East Midlands masterclass. Whether you want to start your own writing group, or you’re already part of one and want tips on how to make it even better, you’ll be guided through the initial set-up and recruitment stages up to all the tips and tricks you’ll need to make it thrive.
📅 Event date: 25 November
🔗 Read more on the website
Junction Arts Project Coordinator Job Opportunity
Junction Arts is looking for a full-time Project Coordinator to support the day-to-day delivery and administration of their creative programme. If you’re a well-organised and proactive individual with strong administrative skills and experience supporting the planning, delivery and facilitation of creative projects and festivals, then this is a role for you.
📅 Deadline: 1 December
🔗 Read more on the website
Writing East Midlands TLC Free Reads Scheme 2025 Open for Entries
Do you want free, professional feedback on your work-in-progress? If you’re a low-income writer looking for guidance on your writing, then apply for the TLC Free Reads Scheme before 5 December. The Literary Consultancy will match each successful applicant with one of their 80+ expert editors, who will then read your work and provide a report with vital advice, suggestions and tips.
📅 Deadline: 5 December
🔗 Read more on the website
Applications for Derbyshire Open Arts 2026 Now Open
The Derbyshire Open Arts team have been busy over the summer preparing for next year’s event and are now ready to accept applications for 2026. In 2025, over 240 artists and craftspeople took part, selling and exhibiting work in many different venues countywide over the late Spring Bank Holiday weekend. They welcome applications from artists and makers across Derbyshire and beyond, but the venue must be within Derbyshire.
📅 Deadline: 12 January 2026
🔗 Read more on the website
Call for Artists: Customise Your Own LEGO Figure for Landmark Exhibition Celebrating Neurodivergent Artists
Ngage North East is inviting artists from across the UK to customise their very own LEGO minifigure statue and have it exhibited in the Wey Aye LEGO Man exhibition in May 2026 at One Strawberry Lane, Newcastle. To secure your place in the exhibition, sign up to receive a blank LEGO minifigure statue in the post, transform it in your own style, and return it in the stamped addressed envelope provided by April 2026.
📅 Deadline: April 2026
🔗 Read more on the website
Keep an eye on new opportunities for creatives in the County on our website. |
Arts Derbyshire to Sit on the University of Derby Court
Arts Derbyshire is pleased to have recently joined the panel of the University Court at the University of Derby. Our Director, Stephen Munn, attended the first meeting last month, with various Arts Derbyshire Trustees also joining in future meetings. The purpose of the meetings is to explore strategic issues through lively discussion in a critical but supportive atmosphere. Although the status of the Court is advisory, the views and suggestions put forward by members are greatly valued and influence the development of strategy.
🔗 Read more on the website
Shortlist Revealed for 2026 Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards
The spotlight is officially on the area’s talented tourism businesses as the shortlist for the 2026 Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards has been revealed. Following a record number of entries, finalists have been unveiled across 17 awards categories recognising excellence across the area’s tourism sector.
🔗 Read more on the website
Buxton Opera House Projects Shortlisted in Music & Drama Education Awards 2026
Buxton Opera House has been announced as a finalist at the Music & Drama Education Awards 2026 for two BOH Creates projects, led by their Learning & Engagement team. Rumpelstiltskin, their 2024 festive show for families, has been nominated for the Excellence in Primary/Early Years (Music & Drama) award; and Madagascar Jr, their 2025 Summer School production, for the MTI Award for Excellence (Music & Drama) award.
🔗 Read more on the website
Buxton Opera House Reveals 2025 Pantomime Aladdin Initial Casting & Creative Team
Buxton Opera House has announced the initial casting for their 2025 family pantomime Aladdin, which plays this festive season. Written and directed by Paul Kerryson and reuniting the team that brought you Jack and the Beanstalk (2024) and Cinderella (2023), expect masterful music, mesmerising costumes, and all the pantomime mayhem you know and love!
🔗 Read more on the website
Have Your Say in the South Derbyshire District Council Arts Strategy
South Derbyshire District Council is currently developing an arts strategy to help them set out how they, as a council, support and develop arts and creativity across their communities. It helps them understand what’s already happening locally, what people value and where there are opportunities to grow and improve.
This strategy will be shaped by local voices and reflect the needs and ambitions of their communities. Whether you’re an artist, a resident or someone who enjoys creative experiences, they are keen to have your input!
🔗 Click here to take part in the survey
CREATIVE HEALTH
Creatives in Place Update
We have been delighted (and somewhat overwhelmed!) by the response to our Call Out for applications to become one of our Creatives in Place to work on our new creative health pilot programme. Recruitment for the creatives is well underway, and we hope to be able to announce the artists who will be taking up the posts very soon. In the meantime, we just wanted to recap on what this project is… and why we’re so excited about it!
🔗 Read more on the website
Non-Prescriptive – Spotlight On…
Non-Prescriptive is Arts Derbyshire’s Living Newspaper. The first edition was published in July and printed 2,000 copies, circulated alongside the digital version which is freely available to access online. Whilst the newspaper is targeted at those who work with/within social prescribing and the primary care network, there’s an abundance of interesting content that can inspire and educate more broadly on a non-medical approach to health and wellbeing. This month, we would like to spotlight an article written by Dr Penny Blackwell, the lead GP at Hannage Brook Medical Centre and one of our GP partners for the Creatives in Place pilot.
🔗 Read more on the website
Storytelling, Health and Well Being Online Open Forum
Adverse Camber is hosting an online conversation this coming Monday about storytelling, health and wellbeing. This open forum discussion invites practitioners to discuss key topics of interest within storytelling today. The session will feature examples from Wales, including Eleanor Shaw, founder and Artistic Director of People Speak Up, as well as Ceri Phillips, who works as a storyteller within the PSU programme and is one of the 10 storytellers who is part of Adverse Camber’s Cysur y Sêr project.
📅 Event date: 3 November
🔗 Read more on the website |
| FESTIVALS DEVELOPMENT NEWS |
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Derbyshire is the county of festivals and reading our guide, you’ll be able to see that there’s always plenty to do around each corner of the county throughout the year. The following page on our website is one of the most often visited pages on the site, so if you have a festival, you need to be included!
👉 https://artsderbyshire.org.uk/festivals
For more festivals resources take a look at the Festivals development resources page on our website, or find out about the Arts Derbyshire Festivals support group Festivity.
Send Us Your Festival Info For Our 2025 Festivals Round Up
By far the most popular page on our website is the festivals round up page and we aim to be as comprehensive as possible when putting it together so we want to hear about all festival, big and small, new and long-established.
👀 We have now published the 2025 round up of confirmed festivals to date |
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FUNDING NEWS
The Make/Shift Movers & Shakers Community Fund is Open for Applications
The Movers & Shakers Community Fund invites people from across Amber Valley to share imaginative ideas that they think will benefit the places they care about. Make/Shift will be giving out awards between £1-£1,000 to people and informal groups who want to bring people together, kick start an idea or try something new with their neighbours.
📅 Deadline: 16 November
ℹ️ Grants of up to £1,000
🔗 Read more on the website
Youth Music Trailblazer Fund Offers £2k–£30k for Music Projects
The Youth Music Trailblazer Fund offers grants of £2,000 to £30,000 to organisations in England to run projects for children and young people (25 or under) to make, learn and earn in music. The project should trial work or test a new way of working, sustain a grassroots programme or disrupt the status quo (or all three!).
📅 Deadline: 21 November (Round 11)
ℹ️ Grants of up to £30,000
🔗 Read more on the website
The PRS Foundation Early Career Promoter Fund is Open for Applications
The Early Career Promoter Fund recognises the vital role independent promoters play in supporting the talent pipeline across England, and offers grant funding and capacity building support with the aim of bolstering local, regional and national ecosystems.
📅 Deadline: 11 December (Round 5), rolling deadlines until February 2026
ℹ️ Grants of up to £3,500
🔗 Read more on the website
Keep an eye on our funding news section on the website.
FUNDING WITH NO DEADLINES
Arts Council England National Lottery Project Grants Scheme
ℹ️ Grants of up to £100,000
🔗 Read more on the website
The Dulverton Trust Grants for UK Charities
ℹ️ Grants of up to £40,000
🔗 Read more on the website
PCC Community Initiative Fund Grants
ℹ️ Grants of up to £2,500
🔗 Read more on the website
The Masonic Charitable Foundation – Dementia Grants
ℹ️ Grants of up to £60,000
🔗 Read more on the website
Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation Grants for In-Need Communities
ℹ️ Grants of up to £2million
🔗 Read more on the website
Amber Valley Public Health Partnership: Small Grants Scheme
ℹ️ Grants of up to £15,000
🔗 Read more on the website
Morrisons Foundation Grants
ℹ️ Grants of up to £10,000
🔗 Read more on the website
The Nicholas Boas Charitable Trust – Grants to Support Young Musicians
ℹ️ Grants of an unspecified amount
🔗 Read more on the website |
GET INVOLVED
