MONTHLY MEMBERS MEETING! :)

Members Meeting dates:

• Monday 11th May 1pm

• Monday 8th June 1pm

• Monday 6th July 1pm

Join Chilli Studios Zoom Meeting through link below!

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/571062215

Meeting ID: 571 062 215

Agenda in original post x

MINUTES FOR THE 8TH JUNE!

Chilli Studios Members meeting (online) minutes.

(Taken by Pete)

Monday June 8th

Agenda :

Welcome

1) 5-10min ZOOM settle in

2) Chilli Studios Venue update.

3) Programme update and feedback.

4) New "coming soon" activities.

5) Creative care postal kits.

6) Signposting: Opportunities & support outside Chilli.

7) Issues & support.

8) Funding update.

9) AOB.

Meeting began at 13.15.

Present 22 people.

Venue update:

Bob and Carol were able to Zoom from the studio. Bob advised that although staff were able to get in, the actual building itself (St. Vincents) is not actually open to the wider public. He also advised of the process he had to go through to actually get into the building and this was quite indepth.

Bob also advised that plans for the reopening of the studio are beginning to be made, but the process that will be followed will be a slow one and that more information is needed in order for the staff to make any definite decisions regarding any reopening of the studio space. Currently the situation is not safe for the venue service to start - with the R and risk level, public transport risks and many of our members having underlying health issues. We do not see a phased return until at least August. However in the mean time we are looking at extending services such as care and creative kits and use of the Byker Community Garden.

In addition, he advised that when the studio does reopen, the service provided in the space will be different in format to how it was prior to lockdown. There will be changes to support safety of all members, volunteers and staff and everyone will be given as much information as is possible and feasible prior opening. Also upon any reopening, PPE (personal protective equipment) may be insisted upon and possibly provided.

In summation Bob reiterated that more information needed to ensure that when the studio re-opens it is safe for everyone to get to (I.e those members who might rely on public transport to access the studio) and it is safe in the building and the space for everyone and that members will be kept up to date.

Question Asked - ‘When the studio is open again, will the online services still continue ?’

Answer :

The online services should be largely unaffected by the plans made to re-open the studio space.

There is no doubting the positive impact that the online services have had in maintaining mental well being and engagement and this side of the Chilli service is already being considered for expansion and improvement (pending funding and other factors).

There was then a lot of positive feedback and suggestion from the group regarding the content of the online services and how they might be added to. Jo added that if any members have ideas regarding content for the online platform including live video workshops then suggestions are most welcome (initially by email jo@chillistudios.co.uk ).

Programme update and feedback

John then gave an update on the progress at the north east wilds community garden at Byker community center. The project began in earnest last week and good progress was made in digging out the first bed. Members in the group who are part of the project all gave good feedback about their experiences of the still very young project. Access is restricted to 6 people in total including staff and safety measures are fully in place. They hope to rotate member/volunteers connected to the forest folk group and extend the access when restrictions are also extended.

Ernie offered the idea of the photography group meeting up to do a photography session (whilst adhering to all safety and social distancing guidelines). The idea will be looked at in more detail and decisions made accordingly.

Jo mentioned the Live mic session and the fact that it was well received by all who took part and spectated. There is the definite possibility of more live mic nights with the suggestion that they might be switched to an all live format being considered. A good range of performances (BSL, poetry, music etc) made for a good night.

Dom is now doing a print session on Tuesdays which links with the Printing kits sent out but can also be watched as a great demo. This will take the form of a video which can be viewed on the Chilli Studios Forum - https://www.chillistudios.co.uk/forum-1

Creative care kits

Carole advised that more than 40 creative care boxes have been sent out and received by members. There was good feedback from the group regarding these and Carole also advised that there are more materials to come in the future including acrylics, watercolours and others. In addition there are further inclusions to the boxes in the form of colouring sheets made by outside artists and copies of the Lockdown Gazette.

The issue of an online version of the printed materials included in the boxes was raised and it will be looked at in due course.

General thanks was given to Carole for the effort and time spent in putting the boxes together.

If you would like a creative kit please contact carole@chillistudios.co.uk or send Chilli Studios a message on facebook. Current kits available are: A) Printing B) Watercolours

Coming soon (Activities)

Plans are to be made for another live mic night on zoom, given the positive reception and feedback regarding the first one. Jo advised that another will happen and also welcomed contributions and content for it.

Barry will include bad jokes.

Date for NEXT OPEN MIC is Wednesday 24th June 7pm - please contact jo@chillistudios.co.uk or Ziad@chillistudios.co.uk about performing we need at least 3 days notice to support any tech needs so the Deadline is FRIDAY 19th June. We welcome all levels and types of performance, music, poetry, film or animation.

ADDED INFO not in meeting: “Happiness” project - New online storytelling based workshops will be starting soon with the organisation Curiosity Creatives - details yet to be confirmed. These will be developed into a podcast series. Curiosity Creatives worked with us a few years back on the digital storytelling project where a number of members made short videos on ipads about their art and interests. Alex from the project will do an introductory session in the next few weeks. http://curiositycreative.org.uk/

Zentangle sessions (via zoom)

Ernie is going to lead a zentangle session (exact day and time TBC). This news was well received and Ernie advised that a test session might be a good idea to make sure everything works. This was agreed and the link for same will be made available to all.

Jo invited ideas for other sessions and content for the forum and activities - contact her via email.

Signposting – opportunities & more outside Chilli

Alan mentioned that ReCoCo (the recovery college) are participating in a study to gauge the impact of music on mental health on thursdays which Chilli members can participate in. More info can be found on the recoco website https://www.recoverycoco.com/

The group had a brief discussion on the anxiety that members might be experiencing when thinking about the changes that might come when we all begin to move back out of lockdown. Members are worried that what has become a thriving online community that continues to grow organically will slowly begin to whither, as the studio opens again. Members involved in the online side of chilli at this time all agree that the online aspect of Chilli is equally as strong as the community in its normal setting and will continue to encourage and assist that as much as is possible.

AOB & Closing of meeting

In closing, Bob reiterated the information regarding access to the studio and reopening.

next meeting: Monday 6th July 1pm

Fin.

I appreciate being able to access the minutes online. When they were pinned on the studio notice board, I couldn't always find them, because they weren't up or there was too much clutter. I also have trouble concentrating in noisy environments. This way is much better for me.

Chilli Studios Members meeting (online) minutes.

(Taken by Pete)

Monday July 6th

Agenda : (subject to change)

Welcome

1) 5-10min ZOOM settle in Checking

2) Chilli Studios Venue update.

3) Programme update and feedback.

4) New "coming soon" activities.

5) Creative care postal kits.

6) Signposting: Opportunities & support outside Chilli.

7) Issues & support.

8) Funding update.

9) AOB.

(The meeting began at 1315)

Bob, Carole and Jo were able to Zoom from the actual studio. 19 people present.

Jo opened the meeting and passed to Bob for updates on the actual studio space and re-commencement of activities therein. Bob advised that discussions had been and were being held between staff with regards to the resumption of Chilli activities on a studio level.

In addition, he advised that as a result of these a programme of outdoor activities had been identified as the best possible way to restart and assist in getting back to Chilli.

Many ideas were given at this time, including meeting at heaton park, a beach litter pick, sand art and an outdoor cinema experience. The general idea was met favourably by the group and assurances given that when these ideas are planned and put into practice, the member base will be made aware using the forum, members meetings and social media groups. A few outdoor activities will start mid-late August with small workshops resuming in the venue after Sept. All dates and details to be confirmed.

There was then discussion centering on the measures that might be taken when the studio space becomes accessible for members. DIscussions are ongoing with regards to safety checks for members and staff. It was advised that temperature checks had been discussed as one of the measures which might be taken upon a structured re-opening.

Bob also re-iterated that all outside group activities which would take place under the chilli name would follow and adhere to all social distancing and health guidelines for groups.

Online workshops will continue in August but may need to be reduced late August/Sept due to capacity of team. However, the online activity has been recognised as a real value and will continue in a slightly different way.

PROGRAMME AND FEEDBACK

Jo begun by stating that Chilli Studios (online) has now produced over 100 online creativity workshops. Thanks were given to all artists, staff and volunteers for the hard work and effort in achieving this.

Positive feedback was given for both the new workshops Zentangles and the Mixed media session. Thanks was given to Ernie and Laura respectively for their efforts in putting these workshops together. Members also gave positive feedback towards the watercolour sessions.

The general impact of the sessions themselves was also discussed and the opinion was that the workshops have become an important factor peoples Chilli online experience.

Jo then updated the group on the activities for the week to come.

COMING SOON ACTIVITIES

Ernie floated the idea of a Zoom held specifically for Photography, which would be structured by the participants in both discussion and content. This is still very much an idea but he stated that when the idea had been properly thought out and a date and time decided upon, that the information would be distributed on the forum, social media groups and email (where applicable).

It was suggested that all Zoom links (for activity sessions et al) should be gathered and distributed in the form of a document. This idea had a favourable reception and will be ongoing.

CREATIVE KITS

Carole dated the group on the number of creative kits given by the studio. At the time of the meeting 82 separate kits had been put together and sent out. Thanks was given to Carole by the group for making this happen. She went on to give a breakdown of the kits (out of the present run) that she still had available. These comprised 6 acrylic painting kits, 5 Watercolour Kits, 6 small mosaic kits, and 6 print kits. Some requests for these were made and Carole re-iterated that when available, members will be notified of new kits becoming available as and when.

Carole also said that the print kits which had been sent out (and indeed those to be sent out) could be used in conjunction with Dom's youtube videos (available on the Chilli forum).

She finished by notifying the group of upcoming mosaic themed sessions on zoom which will be happening on wednesdays in the coming weeks. Links will be provided through the normal channels.

Laura then advised that small mixed media kits will be available soon for members to reserve. As and when this is so, members will be advised through normal channels.

SIGNPOSTING, ISSUES & SUPPORT

Carole raised the issue of membership fees and gave an update on this. IT was stated that the time is becoming right to resume the payment of membership fees and the time when outside activities start has been earmarked for this to start again. The issue of how to pay was raised by member and Carole re-iterated all the methods of payment that are currently available(ie Direct Debit, standing order, cash, card etc). She also said that for those who pay their fees directly, there is the option of contactless payment but that the best options were either Direct debit or standing order.

Question - 'How will people get a receipt ?'

the answer to this question was that although it may not be possible in some cases to give a receipt at the point of payment, it will be possible to provide a form of payment receipt via email, though this needs further discussion.

Carole closed this section by advising that she is available via email for questions regarding these matters.

Sarah then advised the group of an upcoming Zoom Yoga session, which is part of a project to put together a series of online yoga tutorials for the Chilli Forum. Accessibility issues were raised and the idea of chair yoga was put forward. Sarah gave assurances that the workshops would aim to include as many as was possible ).

Jo then updated the group on the Chilli Annual exhibition which is slated to be in January of 2021 and will be held at VANE gallery in Newcastle. She reminded the group to keep hold of the art that they have been producing in lockdown, since the exhibition itself will be centred around this. To celebrate the diverse creative talent and such amazing work being created during these hard times. To show the importance of individual personal experience and effect of the time. She informed the group that all forms of creativity were welcomed and more and fuller details will be given nearer to the time. If anyone would like to nominate or submit work made in lockdown please send to jo@chillistudios.co.uk more details on submitting artwork can be found on the forum thread below https://www.chillistudios.co.uk/forum-1/new-opportunities-signup/never-normal-exhibition-vane

Question - 'What can be done to regulate the behaviour of members in zoom meetings ?'

It was agreed that there are occasions where people have issues being heard while speaking in zoom meetings and that there are a number of factors which contribute to this. Suggestions were made pertaining to muting other people in a given meeting so that only one voice could be heard. However this is not a useable idea due to the recent zoom software update removing the ability to unmute several people at once and the ability for everyone to unmute themselves.

The general feeling among the group is that people are adapting to a different way of communicating, which has different rules and practices very well, all things being considered. But it was generally agreed that there are areas in which we could all improve the way we use the new mediums available to us when communicating with each other. It was reiterated about giving time for all to speak and be respected. The code of conduct for the Studio and policies cover the online membership and use too.

FUNDING UPDATE

Bob updated the group on ongoing funding applications, including one to expand the online presence and to also make it more accessible. He informed the group that ideas to form a broader online presence with other organisations were progressing and he invited ideas and questions from the group regarding this.

Question - 'Will access be limited to just chilli members or will it be accessible to the wider public ?'

Bob said that this is something that will be looked at at the right time, but that there is scope for people to submit ideas and suggestions which will be welcomed. He said that many models for the online presence are being considered and that members will be kept up to date as and when things happen.

No Any Other Buisiness was discussed.

Reminder: Members meeting is tomorrow/Monday Sept 21st at 1pm (creative social is still on after) Link in members Facebook group and will post tomorrow too x

Members meeting at 1pm today sept 21st Monday followed by creative social. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85287723947 Meeting ID: 852 8772 3947

Chilli Studios Members meeting (online) minutes.

(Taken by Pete)

August 10th 2020

Agenda : (subject to change)

Welcome

1) 5-10min ZOOM settle in Checking

2) Chilli Studios Venue update.

3) Programme update and feedback.

4) Treasure hunt events details - general info, times, location, group allocation 

5) Suggestions for Beach art day 

6) Creative care postal kits.

7) Web site plans

8) Signposting: Opportunities & support outside Chilli.

9) Issues & support.

10) Chilli's new business venture (Terri)

11) AOB (including date and time for next meeting)

Bob opened the meeting at 1310.

Chilli Studios venue update.

Bob and Carol advised that an exact date for a structured re-opening is still to be decided. Provisionally the week beginning September 21st is being considered for this to happen. They advised that members will be kept up to date when a final decision is made.

Programme update.

Staff advised that participation in the on-line workshops has dropped off slightly in the last couple of weeks, though this could be due to a number of factors. On the whole, uptake and participation has been good throughout lock-down. Members will be kept fully up to date as and when any changes are made to the online programme. bob also advised that there has been no submissions for the open mic night and upon consulting with Jo, it has been decided that the one scheduled for tomorrow has been cancelled and may be re-scheduled for a later date.

1

Chilli meeting minutes (cont)

Treasure hunt day.

This will take place on Friday August 21st. Allocations for the day will be given out closer to the day (this will comprise Times, group allocations and so on) what Sarah did advise was that the groups will consist of 1 staff member, 1 volunteer and 4 members.

She also advised that on the day, groups will be given a series of questions, the answers of which will form the clues for the treasure hunt. Times for each group will be staggered, ensuring that groups can maintain social distancing and that any issues that participants may have (i.e. Mobility) can be accommodated for. Final details will be provided nearer to the day. She also advised that the Treasure hunt day is nearly full, but there are still places open in the beach art day.

Beach art day.

This is provisionally going to take place on September 4th. Groups will be allocated nearer to the time and this information will be posted in all available channels. Questions were raised concerning the beach being too full. Bob advised that the situation will be monitored (tide times etc.) and if any changes need to be made to this activity, then members will be informed at the earliest possible opportunity.

Postal kits.

Carol advised that up to the date of the meeting, 188 separate kits of varying descriptions have been sent out. New additions to the kits have been made and the most recent dispatches have been targeted at those members who haven't engaged with the online programme. In order to alleviate this, a breakdown of all the activities at present and to come has been included with the newest boxes. The newest boxes have comprised hygiene products, masks, felt tips and a kit for making worry beads, in addition to other items. Members have begun to receive these.

She then advised that these were the last boxes to be sent out, since it is coming to the time when the structured re-opening will take place.

Issue raised - Problems with payments.

Members advised of issues they were having with setting up standing orders for the payment of membership fees. Bob and Carol both said that they will look into these and will advise when these issues are resolved.

2

Chilli meeting minutes (cont)

Website plans

Bob began by advising that the online platform and the services contained therein have been greatly received by all and that these will continue in one form or another.

Going forward, the plan is to bring a number of organisations together (i.e. Chilli, NTAS (N. Tyneside), Recoco et al) in order to provide as wide a range of services as possible in one place. HE also welcomed ideas from members they might have about the content of the website. IN addition, he said that this is all happening behind the scenes and that when there is more information to give to members when progress or decisions have been made, then members will be informed.

Issues and support

Sarah advised that she and Alan are still available for support calls and that the yoga sessions are available on the Forum to view as VOD (video on demand).

Chilli's new business venture

Terri advised that after much market research, the likelihood is that the next venture would be a box subscription service. Provisionally, this will be a tiered service. She also said that the idea is still very much in its early stages and work is continuing on this. When progress and/or decisions have been made, members will be informed. Terri's return was welcomed warmly by all.

AOB

The next members meeting will be held on September 7th at 1300 (1pm). The zoom link will be the same as was used for this meeting.

FIN.

Members meeting 21st of September 2020

Present:

Carole (minutes) Jo, Talia, John Hall, Bob, Ernie, Sarah, Denton, Pete, Janie, Alan, Gloria, Barry, Laura, Marie

1. Studio is closed for now, following most recent government advice. “Following the recent announcement and with consideration of all our members and their families wellbeing, Chilli has had to take the difficult decision to delay opening. Our most significant concern was related to how our valued members travel to the studio and the local infection rate.

We will continue to prepare the studio for when restrictions start to ease and will endeavour to provide even more offers via remote and online methods until then. Many thanks for your patience, and please do reach out and contact us when needed. “

1. Forest School News will be announced and current advice and guidelines regarding socialising and travel will influence their decision about how they proceed with that project.

2. The quiz is now monthly on the last friday of the month at 2pm and still has a prize for the winner.

3. The group acknowledged there is a general lack of understanding and there is lots of confusion about what the new rules are regarding COVID-19 safe practice and the legal requirements in place right now. Some discussion followed about our understanding and level of agreement was reached about the studio.

4. It may be possible to involve some Volunteers in studio preparations - perhaps with the clay distribution and click and collect idea for firing work -The staff team will discuss this and hopefully come to a satisfactory arrangement.

5. We are actively seeking ideas for more inclusion in the digital offer.

6. Ideas put forward include:

• Bird houses

• Mosaic project

• Postal art

• Digital exhibition

• Online sale - lots of discussion about how this might work - need to set up a small working party.

1. Jo now has exhibition dates for the vane Gallery which will be the last two weeks in January 2021. The exhibition is currently called Never Normal. Jo is seeking submissions in readiness for this. Deadline for artwork to be submitted is Dec 18th.

2. Funding- Bob has achieved some recent success and brought in grants from both the Baring foundation and Greggs. - well done Bob - This gives us an element of security around staffing the next 12 months

3. Laura has two packs of card making equipment to send out two people were identified please send addresses to Laura or Jo.

The meeting closed and members continued with the social hosted by Sarah and Alan

MEMBERS MEETING NOV 9TH Attendees

Carole, Alan, Santosh, Bob, Kelly, Gloria, John, Sandra, Ernie, Peter, Talia, Marie, Janie, Janice and Barry, Sarah, Jo, Johnny Brown.

1. Venue update/catch up

2. Programme

3. Coming Soon

4. Signposting

5. Funding

6. A.O.B

7. Gardening

• Studio is still closed ready to open when possible, questions remain over the music room and how that will be used. It’s likely it will be one-to-one (2 to 1) there will be no singing then maybe another area to use possibly the blue room or maybe the Cheviot room. Book through email to carole or Alan and sarah.

• Gardening is closed for November some safety procedures are in place there is a possibility of videos with forest folk we need to find out more.

• The weekly social has a new name it’s Chilli chat it will be on Monday and Friday 12 till one.

• Let’s talk at is 2 pm on Mondays so far Maryann Rogers has guested and future guests will include Rosie Stronach and Andrew Wilson

• Laura will start next media sessions on Fridays except for quiz days.

• Joe explained mixed media collage and cards textures and how that works for Laura‘s session.

• Bob asked for feedback about the sessions in order to take them forward.

• Felt they are reasonably well attended JH would rather keep safe spaces for only Chilli members he has concerns over data mining also.

• Art 50 postcards are being sent out over the next week

• Vane exhibition, we need volunteers for the hanging. Jo will be driving et cetera it will run 20th of January to 6th of February

• Pete asks for the inserts of kitchen roll to use as postal tubes Carole has some and will drop off a next run.

• Christmas party will be a zoom event on the evening of the 17th of December there may be bingo!

• We are aiming to have an advent calendar with member artwork music send your videos over zoom to Jo and she will compile.

• funding - Bob has applied for 200 K worth of funding and has achieved 30 K so far Henry Smith is a big one we are waiting to hear about.

• Carole asked for nominations for care boxes to be sent out in the next few weeks including possible mosaic kit. Lots of names given and listed by Carole

• meeting closed

Members Meeting this Monday Jan 11th 1pm same link at Chilli Chat

Members Meeting 1pm

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/571062215

CHILLI MEMBERS MEETING MINUTES

January 11th 2021

Agenda :-

- Studio update

- Programme update and feedback

- Upcoming

- Creative Kits

- Funding update

- AOB

(1) Studio update (venue)

There was little update to give, as we are all aware, the country is back in full lockdown. Any further updates on access to the space will be given around March at the earliest. Decisions that are made pertaining to this will be made in line with all government advice. The online programme will continue to happen and will continue to grow as new things are added.

(2) Programme update and feedback.

The main issue raised was that of overlapping zoom sessions, where people have on occasion went to access a particular session and ended up in a different session. Various suggestions were given about how this problem might be solved (moving sessions slightly, a re-jig of the timetable etc.). To this end, the timetable will be examined to ascertain where the necessary changes can be made and once these have been finalised, a new timetable will be posted on all pertinent social media platforms and emailed where appropriate. (this may possibly happen sometime within the next two weeks)

(3) Upcoming

There is an artist talk by one of the studio patrons this afternoon with Derek Eland who is one of the studios patrons.

Bob then gave a brief explanation of what a patron is and how they are obtained. He also explained who the current patrons are (Mary Rodgers, Derek Eland and others).

Cooking Sessions. After the trial run from December, this will become a regular feature in the timetable, which will be done in partnership with Food nation. A link to their website will be at the end of the minutes. Ingredient boxes will be sent out to participants prior to each session.

More information about this addition to the timetable will be given in the next few weeks.

The lets talk art sessions on a monday could be expanded to include input from other organisations and services. More information to come when this is finalised.

Questions were raised about the recent postcard scheme, which was extremely well received. Jo advised that due to the fact that she is now completely working from home, it is problematic to pick the postcards up from the studio to send out. The situation will be examined to see if changes can be made to keep it going.

It was advised that the studio has made connections with a similar group in Cork, Ireland. It is still very early days, so when more has been decided and more information is available, it will be distributed.

It was then advised that due to the current lockdown, the planned exhibition at the VANE gallery will not be going ahead. There are provisional plans to have it at a later point in the year (between April-Sept), although it was stressed by Jo that this is entirely dependant on the lockdown situation. To alleviate the cancellation, the exhibition will take the form of a book which will be produced in due course feb-April. Jo will contact those who wish to submit work for inclusion at a later date.

Creative Kits.

There are various kits to come, including cookery, ceramics, silk painting and more.

Requests/ nominations for these were taken during the meeting and will continue to be taken over the next week or so. It was stressed that all kits will be distributed fairly to ensure that as many people as possible receive one.

Funding update.

Bob advised that Lloyds has again been very generous and have continued to support the studio financially (for the next 18 months at least).

There was a brief discussion about other avenues of funding in addition to this. Bob advised that the pursuit of funding is always happening behind the scenes.

AOB.

There was nothing discussed at this juncture and the meeting ended.

next meeting second Monday of the month February 8th 1pm

Chilli Members Zoom Meeting

Agenda :-

1. Guest speaker: David Van Der Velde

Software designer working with Chilli Studios on new web platform.

2. Studio re-opening & venue update.

3. Programme update.

4. Postal kits

5. Coming soon & A.O.B.

1. “Canny Social” with David Van Der Velde

David is a software designer working with Bob and Chilli studios with the aim of creating a new web platform for chilli members and beyond.

Chilli Members will form part of this by way of a 'Co-design process'. David stated that previous attempts by charities at creating an effective web presence and product have often been something of a white elephant and the proposed platform will be different in a variety of ways. This is where Chilli members come in, as they have been invited to become part of the beta test for the online platform and help shape how the web can be made a cannier place to be.

Furthermore the platform itself (preliminarily named 'Canny Social'), will be made accessible to other organisations as it grows thus bringing more people together..

In response from a member question regarding moderation of any platform or online experience and how the new platform maybe subject to the same rules and convention, David stated that these would be issues that would be addressed as and when they become pertinent, however the issue of moderation will be an important one.

In closing, David once again invited members to be a part of the beta testing, by emailing their interest to bob@chillistudios.co.uk

1. Studio re-opening and venue update.

It was stressed at the outset that any action taken regarding the opening of the studio as a venue, would be taken in line with the government guidelines at the appropriate time.

However, there is a preliminary plan for a staged re-opening. The details of which are as follows :-

- 29 March 2021 Outdoor activity (to be decided)

- 12 April 2021 Trial opening (similar to previous in Dec)

- 17 May 2021 Further opening (wider activities, more members)

- 21 June 2021 Possible full opening or at least less restrictions?

It was again stressed however, that any and all of the above will be subject to government & safety guidelines and is also subject to change due to that.

1. Programme update.

Programme remains relatively the same for the next month or so online. Online sessions will continue past the studio opening too.

The timetable for the coming period (Outdoor and Venue based) has not yet been finalised so there is nothing to state in regards to activities or workshop content.

Outdoor activity

Much discussion was had regarding the coming outdoor activity planned as part of the phased re-opening. Members requested that more consideration be given when deciding on a venue in terms of accessibility and this was taken on board. Due to the fact that there was a lot of suggestions given by members, Jo is inviting suggestions and will stage a poll so members can vote for their favourite idea. The top 2 will be taken from there.

MEMBERS WISHING TO BOOK A SPOT ON AN ACTIVITY:

Upon release of the timetable for the coming period, members should submit their interest for activities by,

Emailing sarah@chillistudios.co.uk with the subject as activity bookings.

e.g. Hi, I am interested in taking part in ceramics (date), Outdoor printing (date). Please let me know if there is a place or when there is one available.

many thanks…....

or call and leave a message or text 07922 091083 (Chilli Mobile)

This applies when the programme is released. We encourage everyone to ask and let us know your interest but this does not mean you automatically are given a place. Places will be allocated fairly with those more isolated and not digitally active will have priority initially. Places will come up though, so it is always worth asking.

The upcoming outdoor activity will be bound by Covid-19 gathering rules including groups of under 6 and social distancing.

4.Postal kits

The next kits (Needlework) will be dropped tomorrow (9/3/2021). The rest will be dropped by the end of the week. there will be self care kits obtainable. The contents of the self care kits will be decided by member participation (by way of a series of zoom meetings). The kits are provisionally scheduled for 23 March(ish). Sign up for these is OPEN NOW - email Sarah@chillistudios.co.uk

Quilt project:

Discussions had regarding a mass participation art project. Involving an idea given by Talia. Chilli is looking into creating little material packs to work alongside the embroidery kits already given out. More info soon hopefully.

5. Coming soon & AOB

Postal art project has re-opened.

Chilli Studios is inviting you to take part in our postal art exchange. In these strange times this could be a beautiful way of communicating to strangers, a simple yet great gift through the post.

It could be anything from a quick sketch to a complicated colourful collage - it's up to you! All levels and ages welcome

HOW TO TAKE PART in the postal Art project:

1. Make 2-3 pieces of art with a simple message on the back (You could even write a short letter or poem if you want, or not) before the end of each month.

2. Artwork to be no larger or heavier than a 2nd class letter. A5, A6 or postcard size is perfect! you can use any paper, card etc

3. Place in a stamped envelope and include a separate piece of paper with your name & address on (All personal info is kept confidential).

4. If you can afford to, please also include 2 or 3 x 2nd class stamps loose in the envelope (This helps us reach more people).

5. Stamp and send your envelope of art to:

Chilli Art Exchange, PO Box 230, Newbiggin-By-The-Sea, NE63 3FS

6. As you send in we send them out! Repeated every month between March - May

WHAT HAPPENS THEN?

Starting from the beginning of March 2021, then monthly, we will send one of your postcards to a member of our Mental Health Charity and the others to fellow contributors. You will also receive 1-3 postcards in return. You can join in every month if you like! Between Late March-May 2021.

All postcard art will be photographed and exhibited at a later date online through our charity, Chilli Studios.

Contact jo@chillistudios.co.uk for more info or support.

Individual artist of original works retain all rights and will be credited (if they choose to)

Vane exhibition “Never Normal” chilli Studios Exhibition is rescheduled for July provisionally. Re-submissions are not needed although fresh ones are welcome.

Artwork will need to be delivered or arrange pick up to Chilli Studios no later than May. Jo will email all artists interested who got in contact already.

Next members meeting will Monday 12th April 1pm

Members meeting next week Monday April 19th 1pm