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Rebecca Blackman

@rebeccablackman.bsky.social
446 followers 500 following 29 posts

National Director Engagement and Communities - and the Midlands at Arts Council England. Lover of art, museums, libraries, heritage, science, nature and all that stuff. Personal views expressed here.

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Reposted by Rebecca Blackman
Arts Council England @artscouncilengland.bsky.social · 14/08/2025
Grant management system update: Today we are sharing important updates on: - how to request payments - getting access support with your application - the new opening dates for Incentivising Touring and Supporting Grassroots Music www.artscouncil.org.uk/applying-fun...
artscouncil.org.uk
Applying for funding with us
The latest information and resources about applying for funding with us
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Arts Council England @artscouncilengland.bsky.social · 05/08/2025
Grant management system update: We continue to make alternative solutions available to users, while our usual system is unavailable. As part of this, we are pausing new applications to National Lottery Project Grants. (1/3)
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Rebecca Blackman @rebeccablackman.bsky.social · 21/06/2025
Solstice Sunrise 4.39am River Trent #Nottingham #Solstice
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Rebecca Blackman @rebeccablackman.bsky.social · 14/06/2025
Really Delightful (and sunny) day @sofestival.bsky.social - great international acts and our own @zesttheatre.bsky.social - on again tomorrow - Go to So!
sofestival.bsky.social
SO Festival - Magna Vitae (@sofestival.bsky.social)
Lincolnshire’s free, international festival of outdoor arts, held on the pavements, parks and promenades of Skegness and Mablethorpe. Skegness: Thursday 12 to Saturday 14 June 2025 Mablethorpe: Sunda...
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Geese Theatre Company @geesetheatre.bsky.social · 22/04/2025
Come join our team: www.geese.co.uk/news/we-are-... #appliedtheatre #artscjs #prisontheatre
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Timothy Snyder @timothysnyder.bsky.social · 19/04/2025
"On Tyranny" is a #1 NYT bestseller again. I wish the moment were different. But I’m glad the book is useful. And grateful for all the kind words about putting the 20 lessons to work. snyder.substack.com/p/twenty-les...
snyder.substack.com
Twenty Lessons, read by John Lithgow
Key selections from On Tyranny, for viewing and sharing
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Andrew Kelly @andrewkelly.bsky.social · 18/04/2025
Nick Serota: ‘The role of the Arts Council is to act as a protector of artistic freedom, and if we don’t have that freedom then we move towards living in a country where liberty of both thought and voice is constrained’.
ft.com
Axing arts quangos risks ‘liberty of thought’ says Nicholas Serota
Chair of Arts Council England says arm’s-length funding of theatre, music and museums helps prevent politicisation
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Rebecca Blackman @rebeccablackman.bsky.social · 08/04/2025
We’re hiring and this exciting post can be in Nottingham or Birmingham ! isw.changeworknow.co.uk/arts_council...
isw.changeworknow.co.uk
Relationship Manager, Engagement & Communities (MN15)
Relationship Manager, Engagement & Communities (MN15) Contract: Permanent, working 35 hours per week (Arts Council also recognises the benefit of flexible working as a valued part of the way we wo...
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Arts Council England @artscouncilengland.bsky.social · 09/04/2025
We’re supporting Hospital Rooms with a £600k National Lottery Project Grant to transform NHS Mental Health settings over 3 years 🏥🎉 Read more about how they’re making sure people most affected by the Mental Health Act can access high quality creativity & culture👇 buff.ly/MQddD0F #NationalLottery30
buff.ly
£600,000 National Lottery Project Grant awarded to Hospital Rooms for nationwide mental health initiative
Hospital Rooms has been awarded a £600,000 National Lottery Project Grant for an ambitious nationwide project.
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Rebecca Blackman @rebeccablackman.bsky.social · 08/04/2025
We’re hiring and this exciting post can be in Nottingham or Birmingham ! isw.changeworknow.co.uk/arts_council...
isw.changeworknow.co.uk
Relationship Manager, Engagement & Communities (MN15)
Relationship Manager, Engagement & Communities (MN15) Contract: Permanent, working 35 hours per week (Arts Council also recognises the benefit of flexible working as a valued part of the way we wo...
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Reposted by Rebecca Blackman
Arts Council England @artscouncilengland.bsky.social · 08/04/2025
We’re sharing an open letter from our Chair Sir Nicholas Serota and his National and Area Council colleagues in response to Wigmore Hall’s successful fundraising campaign, the subsequent debate about public funding of arts and culture and #LetsCreate. Read the key points below 🧵
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Rebecca Blackman @rebeccablackman.bsky.social · 05/04/2025
This doesn’t look available in the UK?
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sarajoharribo.bsky.social @sarajoharribo.bsky.social · 03/04/2025
Impressive stats speak for themselves - Saad from New Art Exchange talking about their community leadership model. Decisions about arts and culture made by the people and with the people. #letsengage25 @artscouncilengland.bsky.social
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Rebecca Blackman @rebeccablackman.bsky.social · 04/04/2025
An inspiring 2 days @thelowry.com and @phm.org.uk talking about engaging communities in arts and culture #LetsEngage25 @artscouncilengland.bsky.social discover, connect, mobilise says @cormacrussell.bsky.social
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Arts Council England @artscouncilengland.bsky.social · 04/04/2025
Yesterday the National Engaging Communities in Arts and Culture Conference took place at The Lowry in Salford. The conference showcased the impact of arts and culture on improving wellbeing and broadening opportunities. #LetsEngage25
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Rebecca Blackman @rebeccablackman.bsky.social · 02/04/2025
Looking forward to @artscouncilengland.bsky.social National conference on Engaging Communities in Arts and Culture tomorrow @thelowry.com - hope to see lots of you there #LetsEngage25 #LetsCreate
eventbrite.co.uk
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Arts Council England @artscouncilengland.bsky.social · 25/03/2025
Does your organisation have an archive? 📚 Join the annual UK archive survey by March 31! Your input will help ensure museums, galleries, and arts organisations are represented. Find out more 👉 buff.ly/PXiKhdl 📷 Pexels
Someone removing a book from a shelf
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Arts Council England @artscouncilengland.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
UPDATE: Changes to our National Portfolio Today we've shared our National Council's decision to no longer launch our next Investment Process in April. Instead, we are recommending to Government that our current National Portfolio extends to 31 March 2028.
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Financial Times @financialtimes.com · 19/03/2025
The UN's meteorological agency said signs of human-induced climate change 'reached new heights' in 2024. www.ft.com/content/3691...
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Arts Council England @artscouncilengland.bsky.social · 17/03/2025
We're hiring! 🚨 Are you a strategic and influential leader with experience in capital development? We're looking for a Director of Capital to join our team 📍 Find out more and apply by Monday 31 March 👇 buff.ly/djrc1lf
Black graphic with white text that says 'we are hiring.'
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Arts Council England @artscouncilengland.bsky.social · 17/03/2025
Learn more about our Investment Principles Support Orgs (IPSOs) 📖 In our latest blog, our Director for Strategy, Michelle Dickson, explains the role of our IPSOs and highlights some of their valuable work 👇 buff.ly/X4Qdet8
buff.ly
How Investment Principles Support Organisations are making a difference
We explain the role of our Investment Principles Support Organisations and highlight some of the valuable work they’ve done.
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Arts Council England @artscouncilengland.bsky.social · 11/03/2025
National Lottery players raise £30 million per week for Good Causes. #ThanksToYou hundreds of organisations across the country will be offering free or discounted entry, among other deals, to lottery ticket holders from 15 - 23 March. Find out more 👇 www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/open-week/of...
lotterygoodcauses.org.uk
National Lottery Open Week - Projects - National Lottery Good Causes
Each week National Lottery players raise £30 million for Good Causes. Find out about their stories here.
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Arts Council England @artscouncilengland.bsky.social · 07/03/2025
We’ve launched our new Illuminate dashboards These new data tools allow you to find out more about the impact of our investments on audiences and local communities. Find out more 👇 buff.ly/gt3MV0e
buff.ly
Illuminate dashboards
Illuminate is our Audience Data platform, developed alongside our partner PwC. These dashboards bring to life the data we’ve collected from our funded organisations.
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Robert Macfarlane @robgmacfarlane.bsky.social · 06/03/2025
Young people, teachers, parents: Action for Conservation, where I'm a founding trustee, runs free Summer Camps to inspire 12-16 year olds to a lifelong love of nature & conservation. They’re really fun. Applications now open: www.actionforconservation.org/camp Pls help spread the word/RT!
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Paines Plough @painesplough.bsky.social · 05/03/2025
Job alert: we’re on the search for a new Executive Director with a passion for new work, supporting writers and connecting with theatre audiences nationally ✨ Salary: £45-48k depending on experience. Contract: Full-time, fixed term for 5 years. Info: painesplough.com/get-involved...
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Arts Council England @artscouncilengland.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
Calling board members of National Portfolio Organisations and Investment Principle Support Organisations 📣 @juliesbicycle.bsky.social are looking for Board Environmental Champions to embed environmental responsibility within their orgs at governance level 🌎 Find out more 👇
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The New York Times @nytimes.com · 02/03/2025
Breaking News: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the Pentagon to halt offensive cyberoperations against Russia, officials said.
nyti.ms
Hegseth Orders Pentagon to Stop Offensive Cyberoperations Against Russia
The defense secretary’s instructions, which were given before President Trump’s blowup with the Ukrainian president, are apparently part of an effort to draw Russia into talks on the war.
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Arts Council England @artscouncilengland.bsky.social · 27/02/2025
Today #CulturalBridge has announced the 20 successful UK-German partnerships receiving up to £30k this year. The Cultural Bridge Network supports the international exchange of artistic practices that explore themes and issues faced by communities. Find out more 👇 buff.ly/3DaXJP5
artscouncil.org.uk
Cultural Bridge announces 20 awarded partnerships for its 2025 - 2026 programme
20 partnerships have been awarded a total of £360,000 to develop artistic practices and projects exploring themes and issues faced by communities across both countries.
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The Irene Taylor Trust - #MusicinPrisons & the community @irenetaylortrust.bsky.social · 13/02/2025
#ChairWanted ⭐️ We’re very sad that the wonderful Jane Anderson is coming to the end of her tenure as #Chair; we’re looking for someone equally brilliant and inspiring to join us. Could it be your time to shine?! The Chair plays an important role as a figurehead & leader 👉 bit.ly/ITTChair
A photo of a group of singers on stage; the ITT logo is at the top and the words 'Chair of Trustees' at the bottom
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Arts Council England @artscouncilengland.bsky.social · 13/02/2025
National Portfolio Org @milappresents.bsky.social brings people across the North West together to celebrate Indian arts, music and crafts 🎨🎵 Check out their upcoming classical music workshops 👇
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Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan @london.gov.uk · 13/02/2025
Calling all budding artists 🎨👩‍🎨 It's time to enter the Fourth Plinth School Awards. Schools can sign up now and entries can be in all art forms including drawing, painting, sculpture, collage and digital designs. Entries close on Friday 14 March, apply here:
london.gov.uk
Fourth Plinth Schools Awards 2025
The Fourth Plinth Schools Awards 2023 is open for entries. Find out how to apply.
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Arts Council England @artscouncilengland.bsky.social · 13/02/2025
On 2 March, dance organisations will open their doors for #LetsDance 🕺 Led by @TheAngelaRippon, the campaign aims to get the nation moving - focusing on embracing the joy of dancing and its health and wellbeing benefits 💕 Joining in? Make sure to share your plans 👇 buff.ly/4aWxrMS
buff.ly
Let's Dance! - Tell us about your participation
Use this form to tell the team behind Let's Dance (members of /Together Coalition and The Sports and Recreation Alliance) about the exciting events, unique activities, big moments or just interesting ...
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Reece Dinsdale @reecedinsdale.bsky.social · 13/02/2025
Sorted. 😉😎
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Rebecca Blackman @rebeccablackman.bsky.social · 12/02/2025
@artscouncilengland.bsky.social National conference on Engaging Communities in Arts and Culture April 3rd @thelowry.com info and booking here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/engaging-c...
eventbrite.co.uk
Engaging Communities in Arts and Culture
Join us for a day of exploring the impact of arts and culture on communities and best practice in using arts and culture to create change
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CILIP @cilip.bsky.social · 12/02/2025
📢CILIP is inviting researchers to undertake a gap analysis and consultation with sector experts to create a comprehensive review of training provision for leadership in the public library workforce in England. Find out more👇 cilip.org.uk/news/692550/...
cilip.org.uk
Invitation to tender: Future ready libraries
CILIP is inviting researchers to undertake a gap analysis and consultation with sector experts to create a comprehensive review of training provision for leadership in the public library workforce in England.
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Rebecca Blackman @rebeccablackman.bsky.social · 12/02/2025
@artscouncilengland.bsky.social national conference on Engaging Communities in culture April 3rd @thelowry.com details and booking here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/engaging-c...
thelowry.com
Lowry
Whatever you’re here for, we’re here for it. Discover the latest shows, exhibitions or workshops at Lowry
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Rebecca Blackman @rebeccablackman.bsky.social · 10/02/2025
#TheBalkans: EuropesForgottenFrontier with #KatyaAdler - really interesting tv - worth a watch #BBC2
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Museum of Homelessness @ourmoh.bsky.social · 08/02/2025
Good people of London, hands are needed! Join us on Snowdrop Sunday 23rd Feb to plant out thousands of snowdrops 'in the green' in the museum garden. Provided: Gardening gloves and tools Instructions Hot drinks and cakes Needed: You! Guaranteed mood lift. Families welcome. See you there 💚
Flyer for Snowdrop Sunday with a pic of anowdrops in the wood with sun coming through
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Don Moynihan @donmoyn.bsky.social · 07/02/2025
The richest man in the world declares that the national government no longer has a Department of Education as elected officials are blocked from finding out what is going on. Factual descriptions of American government right now sound positively dystopian
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Rebecca Blackman @rebeccablackman.bsky.social · 06/02/2025
Hold the date: April 3rd - National conference on engaging communities in Culture - at The Lowry in Salford Greater Manchester
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Older People's Commissioner for Wales @talkolderpeople.bsky.social · 05/02/2025
If you would like to share your views and ideas about how we can create a Wales that leads the way for older people, please take a few minutes to complete the Commissioner’s #HaveYourSay questionnaire. Find out more and make your voice heard here: olderpeople.wales/haveyoursay/
olderpeople.wales
Have Your Say - Older People’s Commissioner for Wales
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Rebecca Blackman @rebeccablackman.bsky.social · 05/02/2025
www.carnegie.org/our-work/art...
carnegie.org
Twenty Lessons for Fighting Tyranny | Carnegie Reporter Winter 2022 | Carnegie Corporation of New York
Historian and Andrew Carnegie Fellow Timothy Snyder suggests ways to defend democracy with individual actions
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Louise Sutherland @lsutherland.bsky.social · 04/02/2025
📢Thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund, The Co-operative Heritage Trust are recruiting! Do you want to be a project archivist at Holyoake House in Manchester to catalogue the Co-operative College collection. For more information 👉 ow.ly/BfeR50UMyVZ Apply by 5pm Fri 7th Feb 2025
Image is black and white. Showing two people sat on individual wooden desks with a blackboard behind them. The blackboard has some writing on in white chalk, with the title Hire Purchase Act 1938. The person on the left is wearing a suit and tie. The person on the right is wearing a shirt with a jumper. They are both looking at a book that is open between them. 

Teacher and student, 1950. Co-operative College Collection, Co-op Archive.
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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 04/02/2025
Have a look at these LGBTQ+ book recommendations from Essex Libraries then go and borrow a few from your local #Library! libraries.essex.gov.uk/news/lgbt-hi... #LGBTPlusHM25
libraries.essex.gov.uk
Essex Library Service | LGBT+ History Month 2025 | News
Welcome to our library.
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Rebecca Blackman @rebeccablackman.bsky.social · 30/01/2025
Hi Everyone some of you may be interested in the launch of this international alliance for socially engaged arts / also launching fellowships www.allianceforsociallyengagedarts.org
allianceforsociallyengagedarts.org
Alliance for Socially Engaged Arts
At the Alliance for Socially Engaged Arts, we champion the power of socially engaged arts in driving positive social change across Europe.
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Julie's Bicycle @juliesbicycle.bsky.social · 28/01/2025
📢 Calling building-based cultural organisations Join our free @artscouncilengland.bsky.social energy reduction programme. ✅ Meet your environmental goals ✅ Save money ✅ Benefit the planet It's a great time to join the programme with our next session taking place on 6 Feb >> tinyurl.com/4zzu4mbu
Text reads Transforming Energy: Buildings Net Zero Energy title, plus Julie's Bicycle and Arts Council England logo. Image is of a hand holding a light blue sharpie, over a piece of paper with light blue and light pink sticky notes, indicating a mind mapping session.
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Hay Festival @hayfestival.bsky.social · 28/01/2025
Want to make a world of difference? Our community of stewards are a vital part of what makes our events so special. Fancy joining the team for Hay Festival Hay-on-Wye 2025? Apply now! hayfestival.org/stewards
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The Washington Post @washingtonpost.com · 28/01/2025
The Smithsonian Institution told employees it is closing its diversity office, following President Donald Trump’s recent executive order that declared diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives to be “illegal and immoral discrimination programs.”
wapo.st
Smithsonian to close diversity office after Trump order
The Smithsonian Institution is closing its Office of Diversity, freezing federal hiring and ordering employees back to in-office work, according to an email sent by Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III.
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Rebecca Blackman @rebeccablackman.bsky.social · 24/01/2025
This takes place at #Derby @museumofmaking.bsky.social -
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