News
Latest News
May 2009
Gig-Arts Giving goes on Tour!
Gig-Arts are presenting 3 events this month, in Cardiff, Ediinburgh and London. Gig-Arts is a free, dynamic enterprise event for artists, designers, musicians, singers, dancers, actors and producers.
Learn how to promote your talent by building your confidence and communication skills, including TV interview techniques.
Create and rehearse a performance as a team, using your newly learned skills and gig live on stage.
After the event, create a difference, through a community arts project.
Sign up now for this amazing event
Email abbie@gig-arts.com with the following details: city, your name or group/band/team name, (include number of members), your email and mobile number. Or fill in your details on the sign-up posters that are displayed in your College or Uni.
Forthcoming Events
May 2009
7th May Gig-Arts Giving Gig for students at Cardiff's RWCMD 12 noon to 7pm
21st May Gig-Arts Giving Gig for students at Edinburgh University's Pleasance Cabaret Bar 12 noon to 7pm
28th May Gig-Arts Giving Gig for students at London's GSMD 12 noon until 7pm
June 2009
16th June BT Summer Exhibition Private View at 5.30pm to 7pm
July 2009
16th July EFD Gold Members Event and Art Exhibition at the Museum of Garden History in London 6.30pm to 8.30pm
22nd July IMS Art of Leadership event in Edinburgh
August 2009
4th August Disability Art day with Team GB Dressage Olympian Lee Pearson at the Beaver Hall Equestrian Centre in the Peak District.
For further information call the Gig-Arts Events team on T: 020 7740 7000.
Previous News
Brussels Business' take up the call for Leadership
April 2009
Picture: Thon Hotel in Brussels: venue for the Art of Leadership event
Gig-Arts Speaker Abbie Cooke launched her 'Art of Leadership: Leaving a Legacy' event in Brussels this month in association with the Institute for Management Studies.
Delegates at the event were inspired by leadership lessons from great artists such as Monet and Picasso. The highly interactive event concluded with the award-winning creativity Gameshow and a dynamic 'ideas into action' session.
Delegates from ING Bank, Belgacom and Coca-Cola described the event as excellent and inspiring.
For further information contact abbie@abbiecooke.com
Delegates at the event were inspired by leadership lessons from great artists such as Monet and Picasso. The highly interactive event concluded with the award-winning creativity Gameshow and a dynamic 'ideas into action' session.
Delegates from ING Bank, Belgacom and Coca-Cola described the event as excellent and inspiring.
For further information contact abbie@abbiecooke.com
March 2009
NYK Group Europe Ltd based in the CityPoint building at Moorgate has a breath-taking 17th floor view of the City. To capture their view, they invited David Downes RCA to be their artist-in-residence.
Over the past three months David has been looking through the NYK foyer window and painting a series of aerial view artworks of the City. David has a form of autism called Asperger's Syndrome and the rare talent of being able to accurately draw complex architectural scenes.
David's work is such a triumph that the landlord of the CityPoint building has granted him rare permission to do a painting of the outside of the building. There has also been an invitation for David to paint from MacQuarie Bank based on the top floor of the building.
Ian Aitchison, General Manager, Group Communications at NYK said:
"David's artistic endeavours have brought an extra dimension to NYK office life. His work has been greatly admired by visitors and by staff entering and leaving our premises and we were delighted to support David with a venue to further his incredible talent."
NYK are hosting a private view exhibition of David Downes' artworks at their office on Tuesday 17th March from 5pm to 7pm. For further information contact abbie@abbiecooke.com
Over the past three months David has been looking through the NYK foyer window and painting a series of aerial view artworks of the City. David has a form of autism called Asperger's Syndrome and the rare talent of being able to accurately draw complex architectural scenes.
David's work is such a triumph that the landlord of the CityPoint building has granted him rare permission to do a painting of the outside of the building. There has also been an invitation for David to paint from MacQuarie Bank based on the top floor of the building.
Ian Aitchison, General Manager, Group Communications at NYK said:
"David's artistic endeavours have brought an extra dimension to NYK office life. His work has been greatly admired by visitors and by staff entering and leaving our premises and we were delighted to support David with a venue to further his incredible talent."
NYK are hosting a private view exhibition of David Downes' artworks at their office on Tuesday 17th March from 5pm to 7pm. For further information contact abbie@abbiecooke.com
February 2009
Picture: Gig-Arts Artist, David Hunt with his painting entitled 'Round.'
There was a flying start to the New Year with the Gig-Arts 'Art of Disability and Diversity' exhibition hosted by BT Wholesale. The six-month exhibition, which runs until June, features the work of artists with disabilities from across Britain.
At the private view each of the exhibiting artists delivered a short speech about their work. Their personal accounts gave touching insights into the challenges they face as artists and generated enthusiasm for future exhibitions in corporate offices.
Abbie Cooke, Co-founder of Gig-Arts said: "I am most grateful to BT Wholesale's CEO, Sally Davis, for hosting the exhibition in her boardroom and private office. It's a tremendous opportunity for our talented artists to showcase their work."
The exhibiting artists are: Alice Dass, Alison Lapper, David Downes, David Hunt, Debbie Mayes, Esther Appleyard, Keith Jansz, Marion Lee, Mike Fryer, Mike Juggins, Nancy Willis, Olivier Jamin, Sheng-Kai Chou, Tony Malone, Ursula Pfister and Veronica Olesiuk.
If you would like to come to our next exhibition, please contact abbie@abbiecooke.com.
At the private view each of the exhibiting artists delivered a short speech about their work. Their personal accounts gave touching insights into the challenges they face as artists and generated enthusiasm for future exhibitions in corporate offices.
Abbie Cooke, Co-founder of Gig-Arts said: "I am most grateful to BT Wholesale's CEO, Sally Davis, for hosting the exhibition in her boardroom and private office. It's a tremendous opportunity for our talented artists to showcase their work."
The exhibiting artists are: Alice Dass, Alison Lapper, David Downes, David Hunt, Debbie Mayes, Esther Appleyard, Keith Jansz, Marion Lee, Mike Fryer, Mike Juggins, Nancy Willis, Olivier Jamin, Sheng-Kai Chou, Tony Malone, Ursula Pfister and Veronica Olesiuk.
If you would like to come to our next exhibition, please contact abbie@abbiecooke.com.
January 2009
Picture: Gig-Arts Artists with CEO Sally Davis at the BT Wholesale private view
There was a flying start to the New Year with the Gig-Arts 'Art of Disability and Diversity' exhibition hosted by BT Wholesale. The six-month exhibition, which runs until June, features the work of artists with disabilities from across Britain.
At the private view each of the exhibiting artists delivered a short speech about their work. Their personal accounts gave touching insights into the challenges they face as artists and generated enthusiasm for future exhibitions in corporate offices.
Abbie Cooke, Co-founder of Gig-Arts said: "I am most grateful to BT Wholesale's CEO, Sally Davis, for hosting the exhibition in her boardroom and private office. It's a tremendous opportunity for our talented artists to showcase their work."
The exhibiting artists are: Alice Dass, Alison Lapper, David Downes, David Hunt, Debbie Mayes, Esther Appleyard, Keith Jansz, Marion Lee, Mike Fryer, Mike Juggins, Nancy Willis, Olivier Jamin, Sheng-Kai Chou, Tony Malone, Ursula Pfister and Veronica Olesiuk.
If you would like to come to our next exhibition, please contact abbie@abbiecooke.com.
At the private view each of the exhibiting artists delivered a short speech about their work. Their personal accounts gave touching insights into the challenges they face as artists and generated enthusiasm for future exhibitions in corporate offices.
Abbie Cooke, Co-founder of Gig-Arts said: "I am most grateful to BT Wholesale's CEO, Sally Davis, for hosting the exhibition in her boardroom and private office. It's a tremendous opportunity for our talented artists to showcase their work."
The exhibiting artists are: Alice Dass, Alison Lapper, David Downes, David Hunt, Debbie Mayes, Esther Appleyard, Keith Jansz, Marion Lee, Mike Fryer, Mike Juggins, Nancy Willis, Olivier Jamin, Sheng-Kai Chou, Tony Malone, Ursula Pfister and Veronica Olesiuk.
If you would like to come to our next exhibition, please contact abbie@abbiecooke.com.
December 2008
Picture: Artist Mike Fryer at RWEN-Power in Swindon
A Gig-Arts art exhibition was hosted by RWEN-Power in Swindon to celebrate UK Disability Day on Wednesday 3rd December. On the day, artist Mike Fryer gave a live-art demonstration in the office foyer which generated considerable interest in his work. Mike Fryer said:
"I'm very pleased with this new solo exhibition which features my latest collection of landscapes."
In December Gig-Arts also showcased an exhibition of artworks by Keith Jansz, David Downes and Mike Fryer at a successful private view held at Lloyds TSB Private Banking at Grosvenor Street, London. A proportion of the money raised from the sale of the paintings was donated to SportsAid.
"I'm very pleased with this new solo exhibition which features my latest collection of landscapes."
In December Gig-Arts also showcased an exhibition of artworks by Keith Jansz, David Downes and Mike Fryer at a successful private view held at Lloyds TSB Private Banking at Grosvenor Street, London. A proportion of the money raised from the sale of the paintings was donated to SportsAid.
November 2008
Picture: Abbie Cooke at Loughborough University
It was UK Enterprise Week in mid November and Gig-Arts held a showcase enterprise event for post-graduate students at Loughborough University. The first session took the students on a life-story approach to entrepreneurial learning where they reflected on enterprising episodes in their lives. Working in teams the students then took on challenges in the 'Creativity Gameshow' to develop their on-the-spot thinking and creative innovation.
Abbie Cooke, Co-Founder Director, Gig-Arts Said:
"I always love working with Loughborough University's Enterprise and Innovation team which is headed up by Marina Pickles. The students were brilliant. They were all from different academic areas and their diverse approaches led to some fascinating entrepreneurial ideas. I was particularly impressed by the number of sustainable and socially motivated solutions that the students presented."
Abbie Cooke, Co-Founder Director, Gig-Arts Said:
"I always love working with Loughborough University's Enterprise and Innovation team which is headed up by Marina Pickles. The students were brilliant. They were all from different academic areas and their diverse approaches led to some fascinating entrepreneurial ideas. I was particularly impressed by the number of sustainable and socially motivated solutions that the students presented."
October 2008
Picture: Photographer Derek Tamea with Abbie Cooke at the Woburn Abbey portrait exhibition 'Women in Focus: Ten Years On.'
As the winds of change blow ever more fiercely, there is great insight and peace to be found in poetry. David Whyte, is one of the few poets to take his perspectives on creativity into the field of organizational development, conducting workshops with many UK and international companies. He is currently holding a series of Salons in the Cotswolds and the next one will be on the 24th and 25th November. Abbie Cooke, Co-Founder, Director of Gig-Arts says:
"David's talent for touching the soul is remarkable. His events are relaxed yet engaging and he uses a combination of his own poems and other selected readings to encourage reflection and self-observation. I highly recommend his inspirational and heart-driven approach to creative leadership." For further information contact abbie@abbiecooke.com.
"David's talent for touching the soul is remarkable. His events are relaxed yet engaging and he uses a combination of his own poems and other selected readings to encourage reflection and self-observation. I highly recommend his inspirational and heart-driven approach to creative leadership." For further information contact abbie@abbiecooke.com.
September 2008
Picture: David Whyhte
The Duchess of Bedford opened a sensational new portrait exhibition 'Women in Focus: Ten Years On' at Woburn Abbey on 20th September. The exhibition was created by photographer Derek Tamea who has compiled over a hundred colour portraits of artists, ambassadors, actresses and airline pilots, priests, politicians, engineers, entertainers and entrepreneurs... and each of them a woman.
Amongst the portrait photographs were Betty Boothroyd, Sian Phillips, Margaret Gilmore, Zandra Rhodes and Gig-Arts' Abbie Cooke who is Britain's only female Ships' Figurehead Carver. The spectacular collection was not only aesthetically appealing but is also a piece of inspirational contemporary history, a record of the enormous strides women are taking to achieve their place in society at the dawn of the 21st Century.
Amongst the portrait photographs were Betty Boothroyd, Sian Phillips, Margaret Gilmore, Zandra Rhodes and Gig-Arts' Abbie Cooke who is Britain's only female Ships' Figurehead Carver. The spectacular collection was not only aesthetically appealing but is also a piece of inspirational contemporary history, a record of the enormous strides women are taking to achieve their place in society at the dawn of the 21st Century.
September 2008
Picture: David Downes's pen, ink and acrylic painting of Central London.
As part of an Inspirational Leadership event at PA Consulting in London, Gig-Arts artists have been invited to showcase their latest paintings at a private view on Tuesday 16th September. The featured artists are David Downes, Mike Fryer and Keith Jansz.
Artist David Downes also has a September exhibition at Goldman Sachs in London. David's extraordinarily realistic urban landscape paintings will be presented alongside a collection of artworks by the well-known autistic artist, Stephen Wiltshire. More news to follow...
Artist David Downes also has a September exhibition at Goldman Sachs in London. David's extraordinarily realistic urban landscape paintings will be presented alongside a collection of artworks by the well-known autistic artist, Stephen Wiltshire. More news to follow...
August 2008
Picture: Mouth Painter Keith Jansz in his studio..
The UK Mouth and Foot Artist Convention was held in mid August and Gig-Arts' Abbie Cooke was invited to be the keynote speaker. All the artists in the MFPA can paint with brushes held in their teeth or remarkably grip a pencil with their agile toes. It's an impressive sight and an inspiring experience to be amongst so many people who find new and creative ways of doing everyday things.
"We're very pleased with the event," said Tom Yendell, President of the UK MFPA. Over the three-day convention all the artists enjoyed a series of artistic development workshops and met new members from around the world. Mouth Painter Keith Jansz led a life drawing class which was very popular. Abbie Cooke said: "It is a privilege to work with the MFPA. It reminds me how amazing people can be when faced by adversity, and despite difficulties, each of us can find a way to express and share our creativity."
"We're very pleased with the event," said Tom Yendell, President of the UK MFPA. Over the three-day convention all the artists enjoyed a series of artistic development workshops and met new members from around the world. Mouth Painter Keith Jansz led a life drawing class which was very popular. Abbie Cooke said: "It is a privilege to work with the MFPA. It reminds me how amazing people can be when faced by adversity, and despite difficulties, each of us can find a way to express and share our creativity."
July 2008
Abbie Cooke Co-Founder Director of Gig-Arts with members of the Lexington Catering team at her CSR training session in London.
A series of London training sessions were held throughout the summer to inspire sustainability and responsibility at Lexington Catering. Gig-Arts was invited to create a workshop programme to inspire Lexington's UK employees to identify opportunities to 'make a difference' at work and adopt new habits. The workshops were voted a great success and have led to a series of star awards which will be presented to employees for their outstanding contribution to the catering company and the wider community. In particular, Lexington has chosen to support the community focusing on education where they are able to use their expertise in food and work with young people and children.
June 2008
Engaging with 'Enterprise and Innovation' was the theme for the University of Birmingham Business School at the 2008 Vale Festival. Abbie Cooke, Co-Founder Director of Gig-Arts, hosted a day of creativity, leadership and enterprise development for the students. The event was packed with eager onlookers who enjoyed the creative games, Water Aid activities and live music on one of the hottest days of the year. The winning enterprise teams had the thrill of receiving their prizes on the festival's main stage and were quick to tell the crowd how their sustainable ideas create a difference. Dan Corlett, Director of the Business School's Enterprise and Innovation Centre said: "The day came together brilliantly."
Click on the following link to watch a short video clip about the day:
http://www.isambard-dm.com/vale/vale2.htm
Click on the following link to watch a short video clip about the day:
http://www.isambard-dm.com/vale/vale2.htm
June 2008
Picture: Artists Ntiense Eno Amooque and Sheng-Kai Chou with Sally Davis, CEO BT Wholesale, at a Private View of paintings by Gig-Arts Artists.
A debut private view of Gig-Arts Artists was hosted by Sally Davis, CEO BT Wholesale, on the 19th June at her London office. The event celebrated disability and diversity in the workplace with a vibrant exhibition of abstract paintings. There were artworks by four Gig-Arts Artists with showcases by Sheng-Kai Chou and Mike Fryer.
Invited guests from the City and the community described the event as 'delightful'. They enjoyed the speeches, canapés and evening sunshine at an event deigned to celebrate inclusion and diversity through the work of disabled artists.
Abbie Cooke, Co-Founder Director of Gig-Arts, said:
"Sally's office and boardroom looks stunning. It's remarkable how uplifting and beautiful a room can become when it is decorated with inspiring artworks. It's Gig-Arts' intension to ensure there will be no more empty walls in this most important corporate space. To promote well-being, places of work need to be an inspiration and BT Wholesale is setting a fine example."
Invited guests from the City and the community described the event as 'delightful'. They enjoyed the speeches, canapés and evening sunshine at an event deigned to celebrate inclusion and diversity through the work of disabled artists.
Abbie Cooke, Co-Founder Director of Gig-Arts, said:
"Sally's office and boardroom looks stunning. It's remarkable how uplifting and beautiful a room can become when it is decorated with inspiring artworks. It's Gig-Arts' intension to ensure there will be no more empty walls in this most important corporate space. To promote well-being, places of work need to be an inspiration and BT Wholesale is setting a fine example."
May 2008
Picture: Artist Mike Fryer presents his Millennium Bridge painting to Navigate PR's Caroline Holt at the Baltic Exchange in London
Corporate Social Responsibility is fast becoming a top agenda item for all forward thinking companies. Gig-Arts Artists and Speakers were proud to contribute to the launch of the first CSR conference in the Shipping Industry hosted by Navigate PR. There was an impressive line up of speakers with presentations from ABS, BP, PWC, DNV and Ince & Co. Gig-Arts' Abbie Cooke ran an interactive CSR session which focused on generating innovative ideas with economic, social and environmental impact. Artist Mike Fryer added to the dynamic diversity of the conference with his exhibition of maritime inspired artwork. For further conferences about CSR and sustainability in the shipping industry go to www.navigatepr.com.
Gig-Arts Giving at Bishopsford Community School
April 2008
For the second year running the outcome was "Brilliant!" at Bishopsford Community School who hosted a Gig-Arts Giving Event for pupils aged 14 and 15.
Over three days the arts and music students developed business and communication skills. The finale was a packed house performance delivered to parents, teachers and school governors. The pupils were delighted with their learning experience:
"The best bits were having the chance to experience taking your talent and knowing you can develop it into a business in the future. Also, having Abbie as an inspiration proves that it actually can be done and this is real."
Following this three-day event, the pupils will continue with the second part of the programme, which is 'giving back' through action learning in the community. Working in teams they will be visiting local primary schools and hospitals and donating their time and talent to help others. Watch this space as these young Gig-Arts leaders of tomorrow make their mark!
For further information go to the Giving section on this website.
April 2008
For the second year running the outcome was "Brilliant!" at Bishopsford Community School who hosted a Gig-Arts Giving Event for pupils aged 14 and 15.
Over three days the arts and music students developed business and communication skills. The finale was a packed house performance delivered to parents, teachers and school governors. The pupils were delighted with their learning experience:
"The best bits were having the chance to experience taking your talent and knowing you can develop it into a business in the future. Also, having Abbie as an inspiration proves that it actually can be done and this is real."
Following this three-day event, the pupils will continue with the second part of the programme, which is 'giving back' through action learning in the community. Working in teams they will be visiting local primary schools and hospitals and donating their time and talent to help others. Watch this space as these young Gig-Arts leaders of tomorrow make their mark!
For further information go to the Giving section on this website.
