Oxford Inspires partner Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons serve up a morning to remember

04 September 2009

On a bright August morning, 20 of the Oxford Inspires Corporate members took up the offer of a guided tour of Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons to celebrate their 25th anniversary this year. After a relaxing coffee, there was an introduction by General Manager, Philip Newman-Hall to the history of Raymond Blanc followed by a guided tour around the kitchens providing a unique insight into all the preparations for that day’s lunch via their 40 chef brigade! Guests were then also guided expertly around their 8 gardens including English, Japanese and vegetarian sections and La Vallée de champignons (the mushroom valley!) It all made for a fascinating and well rounded experience following the organic process from food germination to the dinner plate.

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Universe comes to Oxford Park

27 August 2009

29/08/2009 - 26/09/2009
Oxford University Parks, 7.45am - Dusk Daily

This September, as part of the International Year of Astronomy, Oxford University Parks is honoured to host From Earth to the Universe - a stunning collection of astronomical images that showcase the most dramatic views in our universe. From our moon and sun to the the birth and death of distant stars and galaxies, what will you discover?

The exhibition comprises twenty-eight 3 metre panels, each featuring images selected by the world's leading astronomers.

Each installation panel features a highlight view of the universe on an ever-expanding scale. Where early panels measure distances in light seconds, later ones stretch billions of light years into history. The first series looks at our moon and sun and these familiar subjects are shown in a new light as powerful telescopes allow incredibly clear images of lunar eclipses and solar flares. Moving out through our solar system, visitors are taken on a guided journey through star birth and death. Final sections move through galaxies and deep space to the limits of our current knowledge - the cosmic microwave background radiation that is a remnant of the Big Bang fireball in which the whole Universe was created.

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The Independent Woodstock Literary Festival: Wednesday 16th to Sunday 20th September

07 August 2009

Now in its fifth year, the 2009 festival includes over 50 talks and events held in venues throughout the town of Woodstock.  As a festival partner, Blenheim Palace is the site of many of the talks, including the magnificent annual festival dinner.

A few of this year’s speakers include Ronni Ancona, David Cameron, Leslie Caron, Simon Carr, Zac Goldsmith, Joanne Harris, Alex James, Martin Kemp, Tony Parsons, Tom Philips, Andrew Roberts, Fergal Sharkey, William Shawcross, DJ Taylor, Sarah Waters, and many more.

The Oxford Times is the festival’s regional media sponsor.

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Arts across Oxford receive a boost

20 July 2009

MINI Plant Oxford continues to play a role in bringing innovative arts events and projects to Oxford this year.

Working in partnership with Oxford Inspires and local arts organisations, the Plant has pledged its support to the work of the cultural development agency and a number of community-based projects taking place during 2009.

Kathelene Weiss, Director of Development at Oxford Inspires, said: “We are delighted to have developed a strong partnership with MINI Plant Oxford. The Plant has been a Major Supporter of Oxford Inspires since 2005.

“Plant Oxford has become integral to, and associated with, building the environment for a strong and vibrant arts sector and continues to make a real difference to our city’s cultural and community life.

“Through Oxford Inspires, the  Plant has supported a range of arts and cultural projects that have included; small locally focused arts workshops, large outdoor concerts involving local residents, magical spectacles such as ‘Luminox’ and the ‘Magic Hour’, and youth theatre projects like ‘Car to Spire’ that celebrated Oxford’s diverse community.

And last year Plant Oxford picked up an award from Arts and Business South East for its partnership with Oxford Inspires, Creation Theatre Company, Cowley Road Carnival and Oxford Philomusica,

Dr Jürgen Hedrich, managing director of MINI Plant Oxford, said: “Involvement in the local community is a high priority for us. We were proud to be a major supporter of Oxfordshire 2007. And I am delighted that, by renewing our partnership with Oxford Inspires and local arts organisations in 2009, MINI Plant Oxford will continue to support innovative and accessible events for local people.

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Carnival in the Park a Resounding Success

19 July 2009

The sun shone on the estimated 30,000 people of all ages who filled South Park on Sunday for Carnival in the Park, this year’s alternative to the Cowley Road Carnival celebrating diversity in East Oxford. The event was truly representative of the many cultures represented in East Oxford and Oxfordshire, with locals and visitors enjoying the talent of local musicians, dance groups and other performers, food from around the world, and the pleasure of being together.

The procession, made up of 28 schools and community groups decked in fantastic costumes, wound its way down the hill in the park, smiling, dancing and drumming, to the U Dance Festival dance stage for their final bow.

The event was proclaimed a resounding success by many, and the organisers, East Oxford Action Charity, extend their thanks to Oxford City Council, Oxfordshire County Council, Arts Council England and MINI Plant Oxford, and to the many volunteers and people who helped out in so many ways, for making it possible.

Carnival attenders commented particularly on the ‘great atmosphere and great entertainment for all ages’, the opportunity to ‘relax and chill out’, and ‘the Carnival friendship, and people coming together, with everyone happy to be here’

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Oxford’s own theatre company cleans up river for the ‘greenest’ Twelfth Night ever!

06 July 2009

Oxford’s Creation Theatre Company will be performing Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night this summer at the Saïd Business School Amphitheatre 9 July – 5 Sept and most of the set and costumes is to be made from the flotsam and jetsam the actors can pick up along the Thames. Shakespeare’s famous comedy of mistaken identity starts with a shipwreck on an island, and Director, Heather Davies, has therefore decided that in the play the characters will be seen picking up “debris” and using it inventively (as you would have to on a desert island) to make their costumes and props (e.g. a net of ropes could perhaps be made into a cloak). Creation therefore wants to find all the items they need from the natural environment and recycle them for their show.

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Wonderland Whatever the Weather as Oxford Gears Up for Alice's Day this Saturday

29 June 2009

As characters from Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland prepare to take over the city, visitors to Oxford can follow in Alice’s footsteps and take a free self-guided trail down the rabbit hole, into curious corners and through magical gardens.

Preparations are well underway to turn Oxford into Wonderland for the day on 4 July to celebrate the original telling of this classic story on the river in Oxford. Dress up if you can, and don’t forget to bring a picnic.

Breaking News:

• Visit Bonn Square for mad street theatre by White Rabbits from the Oxford Playhouse Young Company at 11am, 12pm, 1pm and 2pm. What will they be wearing, and what on earth will they be doing?
• Internationally acclaimed children’s author and illustrator Helen Oxenbury comes to Borders for Alice’s Day.
• Jam tarts and Jazz for all age at in Oxford’s Botanic Gardens
• Many indoors activities and exhibitions so RAIN WILL NOT STOP PLAY.

More than 20 organizations from every corner of the City Centre are collaborating together to provide entertainment along a free self-guided trail.

Alice’s Day is organized by The Story Museum. More than 6000 people took part in the first ever Alice’s Day in 2007 and even more treats and surprises are planned for the second.

Alice’s Day organiser Esther Browning said “Alice’s Day is a magical moment in Oxford’s calendar for both locals and tourists.”

For an events listing visit www.storymuseum.org.uk/alice. To download a full souvenir guide, click here

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Children's Food Festival a Hearty Success

29 June 2009

Glorious sunshine, a stunning location and the promise of a huge variety of gastronomic treats brought over 14,000 families flocking to the 2009 Children’s Food Festival on June 27 and 28.

The 2009 Children’s Food Festival, held this year at the Northmoor Trust estate and farm in an area of outstanding beauty, was a resounding success with parents, who were delighted to see their young ones eager to try out new foods and recipes. Possibly the most popular attraction was The Chocolate Tent - where leading chocolatiers dazzled audiences with their artistry and distributed all flavours of chocolate with extraordinary generosity.

More than 20 top chefs and cookery writers – including Patrons Raymond Blanc and Sophie Grigson – gave talks and hands-on demos. TV’s Stefan Gates even got children eating fried grasshoppers.

Amongst the other original offerings were: The Vegetable Orchestra, the Pizza Midwife, the Eat a Rainbow Every Day drama and a chance for children to be filmed by the BBC as pretend celebrity chefs.

Film actress Greta Scacchi, BBC Radio 4’s Food Programme’s Sheila Dillon and teenagers took part in a lively debate about whether celebrities should promote junk food. Festival Director Eka Morgan said, “We have been overwhelmed with highly positive feedback from happy parents. Our hope was that whichever way you looked in the Festival fields there would be something compelling to do – and that really was how it turned out.” Zita from Oxford was one of the many who have already expressed their enthusiasm to the Northmoor Trust: “The food festival was more than fabulous. Amazing! We all had such fun and my boys took away loads of goodies for their vegetable patch. Thank you beyond words - chocolate heaven as well.”

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Dreaming Spires: Dreaming Spaces 25 - 27 June 2009

24 June 2009

OVADA Gallery will be hosting a short exhibition of work by Berman Guedes Stretton architects opening this Thursday 25 June from 10am.  Please see below for further information about the show.

Local architects Berman Guedes Stretton displays ideas about improving public spaces in Oxford.

Streets, squares and parks are vital parts of our city and provide a gallery for many of Oxford’s beautiful buildings.  Passionate about the city in which they work, designers from local architects Berman Guedes Stretton are showing visionary images of how Oxford’s public spaces might be transformed if imagination was given a free reign.

Intended to spark debate, the exhibition is part of the South East Festival of Architecture and aims to communicate and celebrate the value of creative urban design.  Ideas range from transforming Broad Street with a sunken amphitheatre for concerts and events; to creating a large open people-friendly space in Frideswide Square, with pavement cafes, stalls, tourist information and planting, to welcome visitors to Oxford and create a positive first impression.  Ideas are also being shown for The High, St Giles, and the Radcliffe Infirmary site.

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Children Have Your Say: National Vote for Children's Favourite Meal

19 June 2009

What is our children’s favourite dish? Curry is said to be the nation’s most popular meal, but what would kids say?

The Children’s Food Festival is calling on children across the country to vote for what they want to eat – more than anything else. Voters can win a cookery course at the Raymond Blanc Cookery School.

Eating habits are linked to health as well as to behaviour, concentration and learning. We think we know what children like to eat – but do we really? This vote will tell us what children want to eat and the Children’s Food Festival will show kids how they can eat to stay healthy. Sophie Grigson will cook a healthy version of the winning meal at the Children’s Food Festival on 27 & 28 June.

Run by the Northmoor Trust, the Children’s Food Festival aims to improve children’s health and wellbeing by introducing them to new foods and cooking through colourful and fun hands-on activities. Children can try out all kinds of cooking, from baking bread to sushi rolling in the Kids’ Kitchens. Other highlights include: open fire cookery, bicycle-powered smoothie-making, the observation beehive, the Vegetable Orchestra and The Smell Tent run by the Academy of Culinary Arts.

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You Can Never Be Too InSpired

29 May 2009

Following its tremendous success in 2007, ‘Inspired’ – the beer brewed by Hook Norton Brewery to celebrate the Oxfordshire Millennium – is back this summer by popular demand.

Hook Norton Brewery has been producing quality real ales for over 150 years and Inspired was the first brew they created that used totally local raw materials. Again this year the hops are from Kingston Bagpuize and the water is from the wells under the Brewery, giving the beer a real local essence. Inspired at 4.5% is a premium pale beer with a slight orange hue. There are aromas of soft dark fruit, a full and almost spicy flavour, with a pleasant lingering after taste. All in all, it’s a very quaffable ale.

James Clarke, Managing Director at Hook Norton Brewery said: “Following the success of Inspired in 2007, we are delighted it’s returning in our seasonal ale programme in 2009.”

Look out for Inspired on draft at Hook Norton pubs across the county from June, the ideal time to re-launch this summer brew.

 

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Lecture with Rick Mather: Transforming the Ashmolean

28 May 2009

Part of the South East Festival of Architecture

Rick Mather is the creative force behind the development of the Ashmolean Museum. His masterplan to the north of the original neo-classical building, designed by Charles Cockerell in 1845, will feature 39 new galleries, a rooftop cafe and a new education centre.

Mather explores the integration of old and new architecture in the heart of Oxford, a city renowned for its heritage. He will discuss the past, present and future architecture of the UK's first public museum, from Cockerll’s original designs to the practice's extensive new £61 million scheme which will transform the Ashmolean into a 21st century museum. Rick will also offer a brief review of the practice's other Oxford projects for Keble, Corpus Christi and The Queen's Colleges.

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Raymond Blanc, Sophie Grigson, Stefan Gates and Annabel Karmel Head Celebrity Line-up at Children's Food Festival June 27 & 28

27 May 2009

Young people at The Children’s Food Festival will be able to rub shoulders - not to mention breadcrumbs - with their favourite chefs, including Stefan Gates from CBBC’s popular Gastronuts. Although whether they’ll be eating fat bellied ants as part of their culinary experience only Stefan knows – and he’s not telling, yet.

As well as demonstrating how food can be turned into an adventure, Stefan will also be compering the Rangemaster Celebrity Chef’s Cookery Theatre together with Sophie Grigson, who is a Patron of the Festival. Ten chefs will be inviting children to join them on stage and get their hands in the dough, and other ingredients. The line-up also includes: Raymond Blanc (also a Festival Patron), Jane Fearnley-Whittingstall, Amanda Grant, Alex Mackay, Manju Malhi, Nora Sands and Sam Stern, the teenage cook. All will be taking turns throughout the weekend to demonstrate and inspire children and families to cook.

And then in the new Chocolate Tent, you can find the UK’s top chocolatiers - including Sara Jayne Stanes, a self-confessed ‘chocolate evangelist’ and the Chairman of the Academy of Chocolate and Damian Allsop, The ‘Merlin of Chocolate’. Green and Blacks will be giving demos on ‘how to taste chocolate’ and the Roald Dahl Museum team will be doing Willy Wonka recipes.

Children will also have the chance to prepare all kinds of food at the Kids’ Kitchen, run by Amanda Grant – from pastries and pizza to spring rolls and sushi; and they’ll be able to put their noses to the test at the herb table or identify vegetables blindfold as part of the brilliant taste workshop run by the Academy of Culinary Arts, which guides children through the four tastes and five senses.

For more information on these and scores of other fun activities, see: www.childrensfoodfestival.com

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Goodman partners Oxford Inspires for cultural success in Oxfordshire

15 May 2009

Goodman, the international property group, which owns, develops and manages Oxford Business Park, and is also a JV partner at Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, has pledged support to Oxford Inspires, the city’s leading cultural development agency, becoming its newest corporate member.

Goodman’s support will assist Oxford Inspires in the day-to-day running of cultural projects and the promotion of the arts across the county. Oxfordshire is famed for its world class economy and artistic pursuits, which play a key role in enhancing and supporting the county’s unique character. Oxford Inspires exists to develop and promote all forms of culture and the new partnership aims to involve both the local and corporate community.

James Raven, Development Director of Goodman’s UK Business Parks, said: “Oxfordshire is world-renowned for its history and culture and Goodman is delighted to support Oxford Inspires to ensure this standing continues. As a company with a major presence in Oxfordshire, we have always striven to become involved in and support local communities. With 174 businesses employing over 9,000 people at our sites around Oxford, it is important for us to work with regional organisations that can help facilitate the wellbeing and productivity of the many organisations that have chosen to locate at our sites.”

 

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My Ashmolean My Museum - Outdoor Photographic Exhibition by Theo Chalmers

12 May 2009

My Ashmolean My Museum is a collection of over thirty portraits taken by fine art photographer, Theo Chalmers.  The series has been produced in collaboration with high profile individuals and members of the local community.

From acclaimed actors, authors and artists, to Oxfordshire residents, the exhibition celebrates the personal connections that people have with the Ashmolean, in the lead up to the opening of the new Museum building in November 2009.  Sir Ben Kingsley, Shami Chakrabarti and Maggi Hambling, are among the individuals who sat for a portrait with the Museum’s treasures.

Chalmers combines a surrealist overtone with a sleek advertising finish to tell a range of stories of each model and the history of each object.  The portraits feature written quotations, articulating the sitter’s connection to the work of art or providing more information about the object.  

“West meets East” reads the quote on Sir Ben Kingsley’s forehead.  He has played characters from both West and East in his distinguished career, most famously in the role of Gandhi.  He is pictured holding a loaf of bread and a bowl of rice, signifying the cultural differences of the continents and the links between them, a theme the Museum’s new display strategy will illustrate.  In the background is a statue of a standing Buddha from Gandhara (northern Pakistan and eastern Afghanistan).  In the early centuries AD, this region had become a strong centre both for Buddhism and for Western artistic influence. 

There is a ‘double portrait’ of the artist Maggi Hambling.  She is photographed with the portrait she painted of Francis Bacon, now in the Ashmolean’s collections.  In this striking artistic moment, Chalmers has captured two of the country’s greatest figurative painters “One pair of eyes meets another”.  From the world of law and human rights, Shami Chakrabarti, Director of Liberty and Chancellor of Oxford Brookes University, stands in front of The Reign of Justice, a lithograph by EJ Sullivan.  Shami poses as Lady Justice, holding chains for oppression and a butterfly for freedom.  She took her quotation from the maxim above the Old Bailey “Defend the children of the poor and punish the wrongdoer”.

Moreover, the series has captured the simpler joys which the Museum provides.  7 year-old Oxfordshire resident, Freya Darius-Nobes enjoys studying the Romans.  Her visit to the Ashmolean opened up a new world of discovery.  Among the collection of classical sculpture she found the bust of a satyr with a child’s face, pointy ears and a mischievous smile.  Capturing her imagination, it made her curious to learn more about the Roman world at school.

“This is such an exciting time at the Ashmolean.  I am really pleased to have been asked to get involved.  I am lucky enough to live close by to what is a truly world-class museum, looking after treasures from across the globe.  My photograph illustrates West meets East – one of the themes of the new galleries and a story very close to my own heart.  I can’t wait to see it on display.”  Sir Ben Kingsley.

“We are extremely grateful to the individuals who have generously given their time and support to this campaign and to the Ashmolean – a commitment to which I am certain the new Museum will do justice.  I look forward to opening the doors in November, to what I truly hope you will agree is your Ashmolean.”  Dr Christopher Brown, Director of the Ashmolean.

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Artweeks On Now!

05 May 2009

ARTWEEKS

ON NOW through Sunday 10 May in North Oxfordshire
Saturday 9 May to Sunday 17 May in Oxford City
Saturday 16 May to Monday 25 May in South Oxfordshire

Each year Oxfordshire artists and crafts people open their homes and studios to the public to share their art for Artweeks. There are around 400 stunning exhibitions throughout the county, some in larger public spaces, and entry is free to all of them!

This is a unique opportunity to meet the artists, to talk about their work, watch demonstrations and even try your hand and have a go yourself! There’s a wide variety of media including painting, photography, textiles, sculpture, ceramics, furniture,
glass, mosaics, jewellery and much more.

There is no pressure to buy, as Artweeks is really about offering a chance for the public and artists to come together in a low-key, neighbourly setting and share in the creative activity going on there.

Pick up your free copy of the Artweeks' Guide which gives full information on every exhibiting artist together with maps, opening times and contact details.

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Major Coup for North Wall Arts Centre as Summer Festival Hosts Launch of Sir John Tavener UK Premiere

01 May 2009

Two works by world famous composer Sir John Tavener will make their debut at this year’s North Wall Festival in Oxford. Song for Athene, for violin solo and strings performed by award winning violinist Ruth Palmer and the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, and the UK premiere of Dhyana will launch the Festival, which takes place from July 1 –11. Sir John Tavener will be attending the Festival in person, subject to availability.

The North Wall Festival brings together some of the country’s finest performers from across the arts. The music programme also includes the Oscar-nominated, BAFTA award-winning composer George Fenton, who has written the scores for Planet Earth, Cry Freedom, Gandhi, Bergerac and the theme for BBC’s Newsnight. He and his band will be performing new songs and music from his films. Schoolchildren from across the county will also be singing folk songs from around the world (conducted by Nicolas Cleobury) as part of the national programme Sing Up.

Following last year’s success with leading playwright Mark Ravenhill’s Shoot/Get Treasure/Repeat, celebrated theatre company Paines Plough returns with a brand new work,Traces, created by six emerging young playwrights and showcasing at The North Wall before going on to Latitude Festival. And hot from new-writing company Nabokov, is Is Everyone OK? a dramatic experience that blends theatre with sensational stand-up. Some of the most talented performers from this year’s National Student Drama Festival will get a chance to hone their skills at a series of workshops hosted by accomplished professionals, where they will rehearse and perform in public a new play, Touched, by Chris Thorpe, before transferring to Latitude. The North Wall also presents The Oxford Comedy Festival as part of the schedule, with three nights of top-rate comedy from some of the UK’s most innovative stand-ups, including Russell Kane, Sarah Millican, Rhod Gilbert and Isy Suttie, best known for playing IT geek Dobby in Channel 4’s Peep Show .

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Award winning partnership stands test of time

22 April 2009

Oxford Inspires is pleased to announce that leading law firm Blake Lapthorn has renewed its Corporate Membership for 2009. The firm, which has an established history in Oxfordshire, has been a long-standing Corporate Member and was the major local corporate partner supporting last year’s The Planet Earth Season and Earth from the Air exhibition at Oxford Castle. The strength of this partnership was recently acknowledged with Best Sponsorship (under £50,000) at the prestigious Hollis Sponsorship Awards 2009.

Jonathan Lloyd-Jones, Senior Partner at Blake Lapthorn said: "As a firm with a demonstrated commitment to Oxfordshire we are proud to be involved in our community and to be part of local celebrations and programmes. Through working with Oxford Inspires we have been able to develop many valuable and exciting opportunities, such as the Green Breakfasts series. The link between businesses and cultural organisations remains even more important at this time.”

Kathelene Weiss, Director of Development for Oxford Inspires said: “The long-term commitment from Blake Lapthorn has been vital to helping deliver exciting events and exhibitions and in supporting our work as the cultural development agency for the county. With its help, Oxford Inspires will continue to promote Oxfordshire’s artists, festivals, and museums locally, nationally and internationally.”

For further information on Blake Lapthorn and the Green Breakfasts, contact Kelly Benfield, marketing executive at Blake Lapthorn at kelly.benfield@bllaw.co.uk or call 01865 253268.

For more information on the Hollis Awards please visit  www.hollis-sponsorship.com/winners09.asp or www.oxfordinspires.org/news/news-310309.htm

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Pitt Rivers Museum re-opens 1st May 2009

16 April 2009

The Pitt Rivers Museum at the University of Oxford will re-open its doors to visitors from 1st May, following major remodeling of its entrance and improvements to the Museum’s education facilities and environment. (Please download the listing of special events for 1-4 May here.)

The dramatic entrance panorama from the Oxford University Museum of Natural History has been restored and enticing new displays have been created, while still preserving the Museum’s distinctive historical atmosphere. The re-opening will be celebrated with a programme of activities to attract regular and new visitors over the May Bank Holiday weekend.

The £1.5m redevelopment has been supported by an award of £1m from The Heritage Lottery Fund and by generous contributions from DCMS/Wolfson Foundation’s Museum and Galleries Improvement Fund, The Clore Duffield Foundation, The Monument Trust and from other public and private benefactors.

What has changed?

Architects Pringle Richards Sharratt have designed a new entrance platform which allows visitors to enter at the same level as the Natural History Museum. Wide steps lead down into the displays, with shop and reception areas to the side. An integral platform lift significantly improves access for wheelchair users and parents with pushchairs.

The installation of an environmental control system beneath the entrance platform will help preserve the Museum’s collections for the future and improve the atmosphere for visitors.

The 1960s exhibition gallery at the entrance has been dismantled and two new matching columns specially cast to support the overhanging balcony. The display cases, displaced to the Lower Gallery in the 1960s, have been returned to their place at the front of the Museum, increasing the number of objects on display on the ground floor. A massive dugout canoe has been re-positioned and Salama, an East African sailing boat, raised and suspended dramatically from the rafters. More than 5,232 objects from over 29 cases, removed to make room for the builders, have now been decanted, condition-checked, and recanted back into the Museum.

The Balcony on the Museum’s Lower Gallery has been freed-up to form a spacious area dedicated to encouraging learning amid the displays for groups of all ages, as well as providing a new location for family activities such as the monthly Pitt Stops and the popular holiday programmes.

While the majority of the displays have remained the same, there are also eight additional display cases, focusing on painting and decorative styles. They feature many previously unseen artefacts from the reserve collections, all exhibited in the Museum’s characteristic style.

The collection of firearms, originally exhibited on the ground floor, is soon to be redisplayed alongside the other arms and armour collections in the Upper Gallery, which is scheduled to re-open in spring 2010.

“This major redevelopment will allow the Museum to better serve the two hundred thousand visitors we welcome annually. Its completion is a testament to the support of many generous trusts and individuals, and to exceptional efforts by the Museum’s staff, to all of whom I am very grateful” said Dr Michael O’Hanlon, the Museum’s Director.

Commenting on the project, Michelle Davies, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund for the South East, said: "Pitt Rivers is hugely popular, with a treasure trove of collections. We're proud to have supported the redevelopment works which have transformed the experience for visitors and ensured the museum's popularity with generations to come."

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Display and presentation specialist Carbon Colour renew support for Oxford Inspires

9 April 2009

Based on Milton Park, near Abingdon, carbon colour offer a complete service ranging from simple business cards through to enormous outdoor banners and bespoke exhibition systems. Using the latest digital technology, combined with 18 years’ experience, carbon colour works help businesses promote their products or services.

An example of carbon colour's expertise has included the hoarding panels for the Ashmolean Museum. These giant colour hoardings featured photographs of Colin Dexter, Kevin Whately and Laurence Fox, taken by photographer Theo Chalmers. This was part of their My Ashmolean My Museum series. The panels were on view on Broad Street until just before Christmas. Another recent project was the production of panels describing artefacts celebrating 1000 years of music making at Oxford's Bodleian Library.

The Director of carbon colour, Nigel Allen, said: “We are delighted to have been one of Oxford Inspires founding Corporate Members and have realised numerous benefits through the partnership. We actively support local cultural life and our skills have allowed us to promote a wide-range of artistic activity throughout the city and county with innovative presentation materials."

Further details about carbon colourcan be found at www.carbon.co.uk or by calling 01235 438938.

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Oxford Castle renews corporate membership of Oxford Inspires

9 April 2009

“We are pleased to continue our support of Oxford Inspires and look forward to working in partnership in 2008,” said Jean Pierre Morrileau, General Manager of Oxford Castle. Since it was opened to the public in 2006, the Oxford Castle complex has become established as a vibrant and exciting space in the centre of Oxford. The development has won numerous prestigious awards. No stranger to culture, the Castle is home to an art gallery, performance, and a special artwork in the central courtyard appropriately named ‘In Spire”!

The historic site provides a striking backdrop to regular cultural events including, music, dance and Creation Theatre’s outdoor performances each summer. In 2008 Oxford Castle, Oxford Inspires and other partners brought the international photography exhibition The Earth from the Air to the complex. The stunning aerial images of our natural environment from the Amazon basin to the Polar Ice Cap attracted 200,000 visitors and encouraged residents and visitors to think about the issues facing our planet. The exhibition was the highlight if the Planet Earth season, coordinated by Oxford Inspires, which through arts and culture explored the impact of humanity on the planet.

Kathelene Weiss of Oxford Inspires said “We are grateful for the ongoing partnership with Oxford Castle. The historic complex is at the heart of many exciting artistic and theatrical events including a new market opening this month that will feature arts, crafts antiques and more. “

Oxford Castle is heritage at the heart of the City of Oxford. The unique complex is home to a unique hotel restaurants and bars. For more information, please contact Jean-Pierre Morilleau at jp.morilleau@topgroup.co.uk.


www.oxfordcastle.com

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Passionately Innovative Infineum renew their partnership with Oxford Inspires

8 April 2009

Celebrating its tenth year as a leading technological enterprise in Oxfordshire, Infineum are committed to the local community. Recognising the value created from a passionate pursuit of innovation in all its activities, the company is delighted to announce it has renewed its partnership with Oxford Inspires, whose work seeks to reveal, encourage and celebrate the creativity of a diverse county.

A successful global business with its headquarters in Milton Hill, near Abingdon, Infineum delivers innovative chemistry. Its excellence in research has been key in delivering differentiated products that enhance the efficiency and performance of engines, and contribute to reducing the global environmental impact of transportation. Moving into its second decade, the company is shaping itself to clarify its brand image based around its already proven attributes of unsurpassed reliability, a strongly collaborative approach and world-class technology excellence.

Infineum UK's Country Manager, Martin Dare-Edwards highlighted the benefits of Involvement with Oxford Inspires: "Infineum has strategic aspirations for which we need a broader appreciation of the nature of the Infineum brand, the attributes of which derive from our passions for innovation and partnership. We are delighted that our association with Oxford Inspires continues to raise that awareness, coupling to the inspiration of cultural and scientific enterprise in our local community."

Oxford Inspires is the cultural development agency for Oxfordshire. Its mission is to create the conditions for artists and cultural organisations to flourish while encouraging residents and visitors to join in and take part. Future plans, being developed in partnership with the Oxford Trust, involve connecting the worlds of art and science in an exciting events programme starting in 2010 and culminating in Oxfordshire Science Week in 2011. It is hoped the season will work to encourage collaborations between artists and scientists that will highlight and explore the county’s leading role in innovation, research and scientific businesses.

For more information about Infineum, visit www.infineum.com or telephone 01235 549 500.

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Launching an exciting new music festival -- the Oxford Jazz Festival!

6 April 2009

The Oxford Jazz Festival presents an action-packed four days of jazz from 9—12 April 2009, with acclaimed jazz artists performing in some of Oxford’s finest and most historic venues, including the Oxford Union Debating Chamber, St. Hugh's College, the Jacqueline du Pré Music Building, the North Wall Arts Centre, and Saint Michael at the North Gate, the oldest building in Oxford.

Jazz-lovers and fans of all music genres will enjoy a star-studded lineup from all over the UK that already includes Ian Shaw, Gwyneth Herbert, Julian Siegel and Sophie Garner. To promote and celebrate the future of jazz, we are also holding a “JazzFactor” competition for youth jazz ensembles from schools and clubs from around Oxfordshire.

Ambience is everything at a jazz festival and it is hard to imagine a more intoxicating location than the beautiful and historic city of Oxford. With our vibrant and fast-growing jazz scene in Oxfordshire, the festival promises to be a huge success - for hotels, restaurants, retailers, the people of Oxford, and our sponsors. We look forward to building the Oxford Jazz Festival into an annual event to match the very best jazz festivals worldwide.

For more information:
Read the preview article in the Oxford Times!

Download the programme (PDF, 2 mb)!


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Award winning VSL renew commitment to Oxford Inspires

6 April 2009

VSL & Partners, recently acknowledged as the 'Most Active Agent in Oxfordshire for 2008/09' by the publisher Estates Gazette, are pleased to announce the renewal of their partnership with Oxford Inspires for 2009.

The commitment to Oxford Inspires is just another aspect of commercial property consultancy and estate agency practice which has a focus specialising in the Oxford and wider Oxfordshire area.

Based in Kidlington, VSL disposes of and acquires commercial property on behalf of clients, and offers a range of other property-related services. Between them, the company’s partners have over 100 years’ professional experience specialising in the commercial property market in Oxfordshire.

Richard Venables a Director of VSL, said: "As a company that offers our clients an unrivalled knowledge of Oxford and Oxfordshire, VSL is strongly committed to seeing the county and its success. We see the same commitment in Oxford Inspires, which is why we are delighted to support its work of developing the cultural life of Oxfordshire.”

Kathelene Weiss of Oxford Inspires says ‘We have built an especially strong relationship with VSL over the past year and I am delighted they have renewed support of Oxford Inspires. The firm is proud of its strong ties in the county and through its support of our work is clearly demonstrating its belief that artistic and cultural activities are key to communities in which people want to live, visit and do business.’

For further information on VSL & Partners, please visit www.vslandp.com or call 01865 848488.

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Blake Lapthorn's partnership with Oxford Inspires wins Hollis Sponsorship Award!

31 March 2009

Blake Lapthorn is pleased to announce that its joint submission with Oxford Inspires has won the nationally recognised Hollis Sponsorship Awards 2009, in the Best Sponsorship (under £50,000) category. The Hollis Awards are the premier national awards for those involved in sponsorship links between business, arts, sports and culture.

Blake Lapthorn, one of the leading law firms in the UK, and the charity Oxford Inspires, the cultural development agency for Oxfordshire, have built a strong partnership through collaboration on a number of projects in recent years. Oxford Inspires offered the firm the opportunity to sponsor the Earth from the Air at Oxford Castle exhibition and the Planet Earth Season, which has resulted in this win.

The sponsorship opportunity provided Blake Lapthorn with a high visibility association with a comprehensive and multi-layered season of work that encouraged individuals to think about Oxfordshire’s commitment to the environment. It also provided the firm with a link to the University of Oxford Environmental Change Institute resulting in a Green Breakfasts series attracting over 150 business people in the area. As part of the sponsorship, Blake Lapthorn was prominently acknowledged as the Major Local Corporate Supporter of the Earth from the Air at Oxford Castle exhibition and the Planet Earth Season.

The Green Breakfasts were held at the firm's offices in Oxford and proved to be the most successful part of the sponsorship. Developed via new links forged through the sponsorship with the University of Oxford Environmental Change Institute, the breakfasts took place at the end of 2008. Topics included 'jargon' in the climate change sector presented by the Environmental Change Institute, carbon offsetting, technology and energy management. The firm is currently running its second series of Green Breakfasts which conclude at the end of May and will look to also conduct the series in other regions.

Through the sponsorship, Blake Lapthorn was also able to focus on internal awareness, staff morale and Corporate Social Responsibility. An internal staff 'green' awareness week was carried out by the firm, which included office pledges and an electronic discussion forum called 'ECOjam' via the firm's Oxford office intranet.

Kathelene Weiss of Oxford Inspires said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won this award, which highlights the successful collaboration between us and Blake Lapthorn for this exhibition and the Planet Earth Season."

Jonathan Lloyd-Jones, Senior Partner at Blake Lapthorn said: "The link between businesses and cultural organisations remains as important as ever in the current economic climate. To have been able to link this sponsorship to the environmental and climate change issues that are very high on the agenda not only for our clients but also for our staff was a win-win situation for us as a business and for Oxford Inspires as a local charity. To have won a national award in recognition of this partnership is very satisfying."

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