somewhereto_ blog

An interview with somewhereto_ young person Sophie Godwin

Fri, 17 May 2013 16:07:27 +0100

We’ve provided space and a great opportunity for 22 year old somewhereto_ young person Sophie Godwin to do mini carnival exhibitions in the past, and now a night market which takes place this month. We interviewed Sophie a while back and she told us a little about herself, her experiences whilst studying at Sheffield University and all the amazing things she’s been involved in.

Are you currently employed or in full time education?

Am a third year undergraduate student at Sheffield University studying History and English. I also work part time as a waitress and bartender at Forum.

A bit about yourself

One of the modules that I am taking in my final semester is called Hearing Community Stories. It is an ethnography module which hopes to provide an insight into the Abbeydale corridor through an analysis of narrative, hence why English students have been chosen to do it.

The module has far been the most enjoyable and insightful module that I have taken throughout my degree because for the first time I am able to apply the skills I have learnt in English to real life and perhaps make a difference to the community through my research.

The module encourages creativity and we have been told to approach the area however we see fit. Some students in the class have focused on teaching and working within schools whilst others have been looking at the different religions in the area. I have chosen to focus on culture and food within the area and therefore thought that the Lantern Festival was a brilliant thing to get involved in.

On a personal level after I have finished my degree I hope to pursue a career in food, blogging and making dinner parties for people. Before I have to face real life however, I hope to do some more travelling, as my aim is to see and experience as much is physically and affordably possible!

What you have been involved in

I helped steward at the Sharrow Lantern Festival and also made my own lantern which was supposed to be a dubious looking dream catcher… I am also starting to help out at a Thursday Lunch Club in Sharrow. I also life model regularly at the Old Junior School.

What you have learnt/gained

Well firstly I have learnt how to make a structurally sound lantern which is something which I didn’t think would be possible. The lantern sessions themselves were very insightful as through my involvement in the festival I came to know some of the prolific characters of Sharrow, such as the wonderful Spike. There really seemed to be a good and enduring community spirit, as people who had been coming to the festival for years, entered the hubs, wanting to participate again in the festival.

Everyone was extremely helpful, but not in an overbearing manner, rather in a way where you knew that if you needed a hand someone would always be there to step in. What I did also find interesting about these sessions was that quite a few people making lanterns, myself included didn’t actually live in Sharrow but wanted to participate anyway. This is interesting as it suggests that further to being a community event, the Lantern Festival has gained a reputation that stretches over Sheffield.

The atmosphere at the Festival itself was electric, completely and utterly magical. When we were in the park I honestly felt like we were at some European festival, despite of the weather it was amazing. I loved how many people were attending and how old and young alike were all enjoying it. To captivate so many generations of people, I think is really rare, and shows how genuinely great the festival is.

Given that I had to reflect academically on the festival for my module, I have wrote a piece on whether the festival could provide an educational function outside of the classroom, which if you would like are welcome to read.
Thank you for letting me be involved in such a wonderful event.

Need space to do amazing things like Sophie? Contact us here and we will provide you with FREE space.

Want to perform at the London Youth Games in Crystal Palace on...

Thu, 16 May 2013 14:27:34 +0100

Want to perform at the London Youth Games in Crystal Palace on 6th-7th July!?

All you need to do is email esther@livity.co.uk

And check out the above video for highlights from the London Youth Games 2012, as Dionne Reid, Mikel Ameen and Rayon got on stage to sing the ‘somewhereto_ song’.

Find a free space to make your business and creative ideas come to life here

A revised version of David Bowie’s Space Oddity, recorded...

Tue, 14 May 2013 10:32:36 +0100

A revised version of David Bowie’s Space Oddity, recorded by Commander Chris Hadfield on board the International Space Station.

Now that’s what we call a great use of space.

If you’re aged 16-25 in the UK, access spaces for free to make you ideas come to life here!

Stop motion animator Ellie Ragdale talks about somewhereto_ get creative

Fri, 10 May 2013 14:04:00 +0100

Young people are continuing to do amazing things and Ellie Ragdale is one of them. Read about her experience of working with somewhereto_ and her amazing work as a stop motion animator.

My name is Ellie Ragdale and I am a stop motion animator and prop maker living in Sheffield. I have made several short films which have been lucky enough to be shown at festivals across the country, including London Short Film Festival, and I have worked in the art department on music videos and the CBeebies’s show Justin’s House.

I stumbled across somewhereto_ by chance, and I am so glad I did! Aspiring to work in a creative, competitive industry I knew it was going to be tough to find work, but in this current economic climate it feels particularly impossible. I graduated University with a good degree and quickly realised it was experience that I needed to be noticed. After a year of unpaid internships and work experience I was exhausted and barely a step closer to being considered for actual paid roles. Desperate to take a new approach and start something by myself, something in which I could offer other young people experience, I decided to start my own animation club.

I met the fantastic Luisa, my regional somewhereto_ co-ordinator, in a cafe and was amazed by what the company did; not only did they offer spaces and assistance in marketing your event, but they also offered advice and opportunities for young people in my position. Walking away from the meeting I felt as though it was all too good to be true. I remember asking Luisa in disbelief “This is all for free, right?!”

Luisa suggested I apply for the O2 Think Big Fund which is a grant of £300, this would allow me to buy equipment and materials. She also put me in touch with my venue, Parsons Cross Library, a wonderful new purpose built space entitled The Learning Zone which had good sized workshop rooms with wifi, and a projector, which would be perfect for screening animations. I decided to work in this area of Sheffield because I wanted my workshops to be accessible to people who were likely to be unfamiliar with animation and its techniques, who had not experienced making their own films before. I also wanted my workshops to be open to those who perhaps had fewer opportunities to attend free clubs such as this, children or families could really benefit from having these kind of activities.

My bid to O2 was successful and I soon began preparing for my classes. Luisa invited me to a one on one Photoshop lesson with a member of her Art in the Park team and there I created an bold and colourful poster to distribute around the area. Being a bit of a computer illiterate person the chance to learn to use a programme such as this was invaluable, as it is something I imagine I will come across again in my line of creative work.

The workshops began and after a slow start a (very!) small group of us created a short animation you can see below. Although the turnout was not quite as good as I had hoped, I was happy with how the workshops went, one attendee in particular, a man from the local area, was very interesting. Each week he recounted fascinating tales from his life and about the work he does in environmental health awareness. He also suggested potential collaborative animation projects for the future which is promising and would be fantastic to be involved in.

somewhereto_ helped me realise my vision, and achieve it. Despite the small turnout I feel I have regained my confidence; I now know I have ability to create and organise an event successfully. I am so thankful I was able to get out of my work experience/internship rut and work creatively with a community, doing something I am both passionate and proud of. In a society which at the moment seems be turning young people away somewhereto_ offers opportunities, support and guidance. It is so refreshing and reassuring it has been to have someone tell you, a young person, that they believe in you, that you can do it and they will help you.

Thank you somewhereto_ for all of your help and for simply existing, you have inspired me and I cannot wait to get started with you on a new, bigger adventure soon!

Watch a video of Ellie’s work below and contact us here if you need space to do the things you love. And remember, the best thing about it… it’s FREE!

Parson Cross Library from Ellie Ragdale on Vimeo.

Talented young singer Juliyaa performed at Richmix, a space...

Thu, 09 May 2013 18:26:00 +0100

Talented young singer Juliyaa performed at Richmix, a space provided by somewhereto_

Watch her amazing performance and please make sure you share, comment, reblog and like to show your support.

Are you a talented singer looking for a place to rehearse/perform or shoot your music video? We can provide you with free space now, find out more here

O.D.D, Spookey Lukey and TXS from the East Midlands found free...

Thu, 09 May 2013 16:13:17 +0100

O.D.D, Spookey Lukey and TXS from the East Midlands found free spaces to dance with somewhereto_

Please share, comment, reblog, Like etc and tell us what you think!

Need a space for your dance rehearsals/performances or dance video? Find your free space here

Did London 2012 inspire a generation?

Thu, 02 May 2013 17:58:31 +0100

That’s what was discussed yesterday on twitter. Click here to see what happened. Here are some of our favourite tweets…

What do you think?

If you need space then get in touch with somewhereto_

On the 24th of April, Kelly Odell, An award winning student...

Thu, 02 May 2013 10:00:02 +0100

On the 24th of April, Kelly Odell, An award winning student (Illamasqua’s Distinction in Make-up Artistry Award Winner 2011), in her second year at Leicester College, created her ‘dream exhibition’ as part of her Artistic Makeup and Special Effects Foundation Degree.

Kelly, who specialises in the photographic and film industries, worked with Emma Fay, Rebecca Yeates and several other assistants to create ten ‘looks’ featuring artistic make-up, special effects and body art designs.

The highlight, was a live action, body-painting exhibition where paint was thrown against a semi-nude model in front of a blank canvas, creating two unique pieces of art, that is, the painted model and the silhouette on the canvas behind her.

Check out the video!

If you need space to do what you love then get in touch with somewhereto_

Young Entrepreneurs are getting recognition nationwide!

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 19:10:28 +0100

At just 27, he’s the youngest winner for the Queen’s Award for Enterprise 2013!

We know far younger entrepreneurs at somewhereto_ but we still have to give a pretty hefty nod of appreciation to the guy who founded Enternships and co-founded Start-Up Britain!

Do you need space to start up your enterprise? Have a look at your spaces we’ve already unlocked. If none of those are right for you, get in touch and see if our Regional Delivery Partners can help you.

somewhereto_NI are about to brighten up the high street!

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 16:32:37 +0100

somewhereto_ Northern Ireland are busy preparing for an exciting few days in May with their event The Open Source.

The Open Source is a performance space, music venue and workshop hub bringing life back into an empty space on Belfast’s Donegall Street during the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival.

For eleven days, The Open Source brings life to a vacant property and provides space for free workshops, performances and exchange of ideas between 12 noon and 7pm daily. Check out their programme here.

Run by volunteers and made possible by the donation of the space, furniture, equipment and the artists’ time, The Open Source relies on the spirit of collectivism and collaboration to provide a dynamic, creative hub in the city.

This year’s Open Source is 25 Donegall Street, Belfast. Check back on their page here for more photos as the space begins to take shape in the run-up to opening day on 2nd May.

Do you need space to do what you love? Get in touch with somewhereto_ so we can find you the ultimate space to do what you love to do..

Amazing space unlocked by somewhereto_

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 10:36:58 +0100

Rich Mix in Shoreditch is opening its doors to young people for a summer takeover! To complete a programme of evening entertainment, Rich Mix is unlocking 6 spaces in the Main Space exclusively for somewhereto_ young people and their projects throughout August. If you are burning to bring your performance to a large, staged venue in East London this summer then this is the space for you!

Rich Mix will be hosting daytime workshops, classes, master-classes, open rehearsals, seminars and talks – all focused on the artistic genres they programme. This will include art, music, theatre, dance, spoken word, visual arts and film. The aim is to give you the chance to work directly with professional artists and arts organisation, find out more about working in the arts or develop your own events and of course have doing what you love.

To apply, please send the following details to Hatty at AVGC@somewhereto.org before Wednesday May 15^th at 9AM

Send Hatty your:

Name:

Address:

Email:

Telephone:

Proposal: Please tell us, in no more than 250 words, what you would like to do with the space, what sort of technical assistance you require and why your event would work well as part of Rich Mix’s programme

Successful candidates will be invited to pitch their idea to a panel at Rich Mix on Monday 20^th May, 4-6PM

GOOD LUCK!

If you need space somewhereto_ helps hundreds of 16-25 year olds across the UK get the venues, blog space, radio space… and loads more! Check out some of them here.

And get in touch here!

Our newly unlocked space at Vibe Place is getting a splash of...

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 14:22:00 +0100

Our newly unlocked space at Vibe Place is getting a splash of somewhereto_ yellow on the 5th and 6th of May.

Enroute is 13 young artists and six unique music performers who will take you on an immersive journey! What’s more, it’s free! Make sure you donate though as these guys have been working hard!

Everyone is welcome to come by at 6:30 to get a drink and get ready for the amazing performance at 8pm

Do you want space to put on an event of your own? Get in touch with somewhereto_ here

TEDx representing the voice of youth, somewhereto_ representing #youngandproud

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 17:51:53 +0100

We’ve been shouting about #youngandproud recently because we so often hear young people portrayed in a negative light… and it’s borrrrrrring! Ok we get it, young people can’t spell, have no manners, shop lift, are unemployed… or are they?

Maybe young people have a raw deal. Yeah, thanks for that deficit! But who’s making it work? You are! Notably there’s a real presence of youthful faces on the infamous TEDx stages around the world. “Dream Big..Then Do It”.

somewhereto_ love this sort of encouragement.

Like this 15 year old who’s already head of his own not-for-profit organisation!

We have our own version of this coming through. It’s #youngandproud. We’re calling all young people who are doing amazing things to stand up together. Stand up against the constant negative portrayal, against bad rep and bad press and say “I am #youngandproud because..”

Even Channel 4 Newsreader Jon Snow was shouting about SPAT being #youngandproud!

somewhereto_ have found loads of space for young people across the UK so that they can do the things they love. We’ve seen young people start their own businesses, put on shows, performances, and flash mobs. Film music videos, short films, and promotional videos. Host pop-ups, write blogs, and be on the radio and TV.

Young people ARE doing incredible things and we want you to tell us why you’re #youngandproud. Tweet it to us, facebook post us, and if you’re keen to know more.. email Louise - louise@livity.co.uk

It’s the start of something big. Come join the movement!

If you need space to do the things you love. Then get in touch by finding out more here.

Georgio Savvides is the founder of The Hip-Hop orchestra. Here,...

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 12:27:00 +0100

Georgio Savvides is the founder of The Hip-Hop orchestra. Here, filmed in One KX (a space provided by somewhereto_ for free), we get a teaser of his mission to make classical music more popular with young people by fusing it with hip-hop in a cover of Kanye West’s Amazing. Stay tuned as we’ll be showcasing more of the orchestra’s remixes.

If, like Georgio, you have a great idea but need the space to do it then you only need to get in touch with us! Check out some of our spaces here. Get in contact here!

An event at London’s Richmix next week powered by...

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 18:24:42 +0100

An event at London’s Richmix next week powered by somewhereto_

top 5 entrepreneurial book list - what are you reading?

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 12:00:00 +0100

At somewhereto_ we believe, actually scratch that, we know that all young people are highly ambitious, more than capable of starting a business and becoming successful entrepreneurs. But most young people unfortunately do not have the money or the experience to start their business and we desperately want to change that.

That is why we wanted to share the top 5 books every entrepreneur ‘should read’, taken from the list of 22 books suggested by Addicted 2 Success.

These do no necessarily reflect the ethos of somewhereto_, but we’d love to know what YOU think of the selection, as well as recommendations for any others you think would help the next generation with their entrepreneurial flair.

And remember - it’s all about what suits you!

“The Fountainhead” by Ayn Rand

Charlie O’Donnell: “I don’t know any book that sums up the entrepreneurial passion and spirit better than The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand: ‘The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.’”

“Out of the Crisis” by W. Edwards Deming

Roger Ehrenberg: “Big or small, this book focuses the entrepreneur/manager on respecting employees, focusing on process, and insisting on the collection and analysis of data. The development of metrics to manage the business is critical for the start-up founder.”

“Extreme Programming Explained” by Kent Beck

Babak Nivi: “Revelatory. Develop your product like this book tells you to, unless you know better (e.g. you have experience building operating systems, space shuttles, Googles.) Buy the first edition.”

“The Four Steps to the Epiphany” by Steven Gary Bank

Babak Nivi: “The closest thing to a manual for building a startup. Marc Andreessen calls it ‘a roadmap for how to get to Product/Market Fit.’”

“Reality Check” by Guy Kawasaki

Penelope Trunk: “I love flipping through the chapters. Each one is like a blog post, so you learn something on every page. And each chapter reminds me to be a little bit better at something I’m doing already.”

So if after reading these books you feel inspired and need a space to kick-start your soon to be successful business, somewhereto_ can help. Just get in touch with us here and start changing the world.

somewhereto_ read, somewhereto_ write, somewhereto_ get creative, somewhereto_get free books!

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 12:40:16 +0100

Love reading? Want to receive free Penguin books every month to read and review, before they even hit the shelves?

Spinebreakers is a nationwide online book community where teens can share their passion for reading and get creative.

Sign up to join the crew at www.spinebreakers.co.uk/crew and you’ll receive free books every month to read and review, get the chance to meet big-name authors, have your work published on the site, and win big prizes. You can influence literary history with your reviews, and share your own creative work, from poetry to podcasts, video diaries to illustrations.

You’ll also be invited to attend monthly editorial meetings at Penguin HQ, and be given access to exclusive literary events.

Here’s what Lily, one of the Spinebreakers crew, has to say about the community:

“Way back in 2007, my English teacher suggested sending a piece of creative writing for the chance to be involved in something English-related. Little did I know that by sending off the short story I had written for coursework, would then open up the opportunities for a seemingly endless supply of books, to meet likeminded young people passionate about literature, and attend some really interesting and worthwhile events on behalf of Spinebreakers.

Six years on, and I’ve made some great friends, and experienced some things I never would have outside of Spinebreakers. The highlight for me has to have been asked to be on the first youth panel for the Orange Prize for Fiction in 2009. It was such a surreal experience to be sitting around talking about literature with the founder of the prize, and author, Kate Mosse.

Another amazing opportunity was, last summer, being giving a copy of a book still going through the editing process and giving feedback directly to the author and editor on things that worked, or didn’t, as the book is aimed at young people.

I now read English at University, and I definitely believe my experience through Spinebreakers helped me get there. I’m getting a bit too old for Spinebreakers, so before I grow senile, I implore you to join, as I can guarantee you’ll have as much, if not more, fun as I have had.”

somewhereto_ think this is a great space to meet other like-minded people. If you need space to write, to read or maybe start your own publishing business - then get in touch with somewhereto_ here!

somewhereto_ wear your wellies to Glasto!

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 18:35:19 +0100

The Glastonbury line up is out! Who’s got their tickets?

You know we love all things space so here’s our low down on some of the spaces to be at Glastonbury…

PYRAMID STAGE

This pinnacle of Glastonbury was first created in 1971 out of bits of scaffolding and metal.. now it’s enormous and hosting Arctic Monkeys, The Rolling Stones, Mumford & Sons, Dizzee Rascal, and, Rita Ora…

OTHER STAGE

Famed for it’s more dancey atmosphere. You can find this one round the back of the Pyramid. Portishead, Chase & Status, Two Door Cinema Club, and, Azealia Banks are all rocking on this one this year.

WEST HOLTS STAGE
This one has come and gone in the past. It’s well and truly here this year and will provide the platform for Chic ft. Nile Rodgers
Public Enemy plus others!

THE PARK STAGE
Late night bars and tee pee tents.. plus this massive ribbony tower! If that doesn’t thrill you then some great acts including Cat Power and The Horrors

JOHN PEEL TENT
Named in honour of the late and great John Peel. This place contains some serious excitement. Get jumpin to Crystal Castles and Jessie Ware to name a few.

SILVER HAYES
The ultimate dance village will contain Nas and Wiley and more!

ACOUSTIC TENT
Exactly what it says on the tin! Steve Winwood and Sinéad O’Connor have joining many others to unplug and unwind!

AVALON STAGE
The ultimate village fete. When you’re not winning coconuts or wanging a welly you could listen to Ben Caplan or Beverley Knight to name a few!

THEATRE & CIRCUS
An array on entertainment can be found in this beautiful Somerset field! Including The Infinite Monkey Cage.

BLOCK9
Pretty sinister place from the outside in. The epitomy of underground and the home of Gene Hunt for the duration!

ARCADIA

What the hell is this place?! All they say is not to believe any rumours - to be seen to be believed!

THE COMMON

Hola - the Central American infused field!

GREEN FIELDS

At the highest point of the festival’s site - this is a place to watch, learn, and wander around the many small fields..

KIDZFIELD

Britain’s largest free children’s festival! Need we say more?

LEFTFIELD

Get on your soapbox and start debating right here - with a lil’ music thrown in!

THE PILTON PALAIS

Mooooooovies! This year they’re bringing 3D to the table!

SHANGRI-LA

A myriad of walkways you could get lost down and find yourself at a secret gig…or a kidney hire stall!

STRUMMERVILLE

You might want to bring your marshmallows to this campfire!

THE UNFAIRGROUND

A fairground…but not as you’d know it!

There’s so many places we’ve left for you to explore. We love amazing spaces and these are so cool! Tweet us if you have tickets (you lucky people, you) and if you need space - SURELY you know by now that we’re the ones to call!

www.somewhereto.com

This time we're talking about actual space!

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 15:29:11 +0100

What happened today twenty years ago? On the 12th April 1961 Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first human in space!

We love all types of space! We can’t promise we can unlock anything past the stratosphere (you never know!) but if you need a free space on Planet Earth to do the things you love to do, visit www.somewhereto.com

We were invited to this amazing event last night. SPAT is an...

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 12:16:00 +0100

We were invited to this amazing event last night. SPAT is an amazing a non-profit organisation that uses the power and beauty of running, fitness and nutrition as the motivation behind life changing charity work. SPAT was also formed to challenge and alter the cruel and sometimes ignorant perceptions currently held amongst society towards those less fortunate.

Unsurprisingly we were moved, inspired and then… surprised! The great and powerful Jon Snow usually known for his Channel 4 New delivery and great sock collection literally ROCKED it to the Harlem Shake.

Need we say more.

If you need a space to launch your organisation, develop your projects or… well maybe Harlem Shake with a National Treasure you know who to call by now. somewhereto_ want to help YOU to get the space you need to do what you love.