...monstrous arts and health propaganda

It's very unusual for this blog to host vintage arts/health footage, but a keen eyed youtube user sent me the following film of facist dictator Benito Mussolini filmed at the first national arts and health rally in the early 1940's. What a shocking revelation! Anyway, terrible though it is in its extreme views, it's worth noting as an awful point in history. Thank goodness the likes of Il Duce - mandated by a 'higher power' - are a thing of the past...



A large number of people have signed up to this blog over the past month, to whom - thank you for your interest. We will be having some networking events here at MMU between March and May and it will be good to meet you all. Keep your eye on this blog for regular updates. To those people who have emailed some very positive messages this last few weeks - a big thank you.

Granada Foundation Grants Programme (North West)
The Granada Foundation has announced that the next closing date for applications is the 25th March 2016. Through its grants programme, the Foundation wishes to encourage and promote the study, practice and appreciation of the fine arts, including drawing, architecture and landscape architecture, sculpture, literature, music, opera, drama, cinema, and the methods and means of their dissemination. The Foundation also welcomes applications which aim to engage and inspire young people and adults to take an interest in science. The Advisory Council meets three times a year at regular intervals to consider applications. There is a clear preference for new projects; although the Foundation will support festivals and other annual events, this should not be regarded as automatically renewable. Click on the logo above for more detail.

Engage Extend Leadership Programme
engage is delighted to announce that the 2016/17 Extend Leadership Programme is open for applications from colleagues working in learning and education roles in the arts, museums and libraries, who meet the Programme eligibility criteria. The Programme enables mid-career professionals to acquire and apply leadership skills, working with a cohort of peers from across England, Wales and Scotland. Click on the neuro-imaging of a rat brain above, for more detail.

The Russian Woodpecker
Here's a trailer for a film I watched recently. It's a fine example of an artist pursuing difficult questions. Make your own mind up about what his research uncovers. Extraordinary. 

Healthy Hearts Grants
The Heart Research UK's Healthy Hearts Grants Programme has re-opened for applications. Healthy Heart Grants support innovative projects designed to promote heart health and to prevent or reduce the risks of heart disease in specific groups or communities. Grants of up to £5,000 and up to £10,000 are available to community groups, voluntary organisations and researchers who are spreading the healthy heart message. Click on the heart above, for details.

                                      .