Mark Robinson

Nothing against this mayor, a good one so far as I see/hear (see Private Eye for other sorts), but I hate how the mayoral model inevitably leads to "*I’m* developing a thriving creative economy in the North East". For modest grants that would have been sorted by LA arts officers when I were a lad.

For no other reason than I remembered not everyone in the world has read it, here's the book I wrote about creative resilience & creative communities, pub by @artscentres.bsky.social. Download for FREE or buy paperback to look cool on trains, in waiting rooms, in bed, etc tacticsforthetightrope.com

How much is one of those worth? shoult I have it insured?

Quiff's arguably not what it was but it's still there/back currently.

I have trans women friends who’ve been living authentically for decades - how are they going to start using the gents?
I have a tall cis female friend who’s now scared to use ladies loos because she’s been harassed several times.
This code is both cruel and unworkable.
Please write to your MP.

Young man in front of the Eiffel Tower, black and white, impressive quiff and big coat.

Post you in another era.
Go on then... 40 years ago fml. Photo by @dustysevens.bsky.social

It is always worth a look isn’t it, you just never know.

Been listening to that album a lot after the song Old Friends popped up on a playlist and rather took my breath away - lovely stuff. bo idea they were from Leeds thanks to the way streaming sucks context from music though.

You'll have finished it in no time at that pace!

I made the mistake of reading a biography of him and have never felt quite the same about the books since. I should reread some though.

touchy feely mish mosh when theatre plays soft

today in pocket theatre, i write abt when theatre plays soft. open.substack.com/pub/csvich/p...

Unfolding Theatre’s mission is to bring people together. We stand against hate. We are sad and troubled by far right protests planned in Newcastle this weekend. However, we are heartened by the actions of many people who work to build connections, understanding and support in the city.

If It gets written it’ll be more swift than smart!

Best finish that piece I started titled "Five modest proposals for preventing the children of rich people becoming a burden on the culture" then. Watch this space.

I read that and the headline "Local boy set for magic bean bonanza" popped into my head...

Wondrous Provider of my theme tune ‘it’s an uphill climb to the bottom’.

My late father-in-law Dunoan Druce passed on various albums he made with Max in 60s/70s, with the Pierrot Players and Fires of London. They were so musically shocking the kids used to run when we put them on when they were little. My wife has lots of memories of Max - intense but brilliant.

Appendix features 20 stories from brilliant people making change in the field. Don't miss it!

cdn.baringfoundation.org.uk/wp-content/u...

Arts programme: independent evaluation, 2025 - The Baring Foundation

Pleased to see the evaluation Imogen Blood Lorna Easterbrook and I worked on for the Baring Foundation published today. Some great progress in developing the field of arts and mental health since 2020. And even more to do in future. baringfoundation.org.uk/resource/art...

A young girl smiles at the camera and holds a cardboard set of starry glasses up to her face, She wears a rainbow t-shirt.

North East Deaf Youth Theatre is back this Saturday! 

📍 Gosforth Civic Theatre
🕤 9.30 - 11.30am (third Saturday of the month)
Free sessions for Deaf children aged 5–12

https://www.unfoldingtheatre.co.uk/whatson/2025/1/18/north-east-deaf-youth-theatre-january-workshop-jxk6h-sr2zj-pwel3-lre52-zrlle

Celebration of life and music of Duncan Druce - 20/9/25 Uni of Huddersfield 5pm.

In case there are any #brettonhall alumni or #firesoflondon fans or fans of his #mozartrequiem completion, sharing this info on a memorial concert for my father-in-law Duncan Druce 10 years after his passing, in Huddersfield on 20 Sept.

My wife broke her femur at the start of July but her view of our back garden has been less eventful than this one. I have not had time to do any Kelly-esque lolling about! (Occasional veering towards Thelma Ritter.) We only rewatched this earlier this year too or would have watched it again.

Silencing the drumbeat again: seeking asylum is legal Hundreds protested in Ashington against so-called "illegal immigrants" - though seeking asylum has been legal since 1951

Say it again, and again, and again. They are not "illegal immigrants".

-seeking asylum is legal and has been since 1951.

This legally trumps all arguments of “but they arrived by illegal means”. That’s just a fact. That’s why you don’t see asylum seekers arrested & charged. Our MSM must do better.

I was about to say I wouldn't advise that.

Also: the language in the headline is typically confused. The change affects those with refugee status not those still seeking asylum. If the @theguardian.com don't get this right (it's clearer in the article tbf) what hope for others.

Home Office planning to halve time asylum seekers given to find accommodation Charities sound alarm over plan to give asylum seekers just 28 days to find new housing once they have a decision on their case

Cruelty for the sake of it. A lot of people don't know that when asylum seekers are granted refugee status you lose whatever housing etc you had while your case was being considered. Whole families have to find new homes, change schools etc. This just adds peril. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...

What did I just watch???

Lift the Ban - Refugee Action

While the government shamefully pander to the right, you can support the campaign to let people work. Asylum seekers want to work, to contribute where they've found some kind of safety: let them, instead of stoking up fear.

www.refugee-action.org.uk/lift-the-ban/

I'm glad you included the word 'in' there.

I'm looking forward to the coverage of Preston Bus Station. I'll be OUTraged if those LDN types snub it.

I did the del amitri interview in this. At the Rex Club in Paris, in my year studying at Paris VIII in Saint Denis. Saw some great bands at the Rex - Sonic Youth, Blurt, David Thomas, Microdisney...

I have a copy somewhere @dustysevens.bsky.social but only one. I could dig it out and do you a copy?