Art

New online festival to promote improvisational art – GuelphToday

Published

4 years ago

June 18, 2020

NEWS RELEASE
IMPROVISATION INSTITUTE
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The International Institute for Critical Studies in Improvisation (IICSI), a partnered research institute centered at the University of Guelph, is excited to announce a new online festival celebrating improvisational art. Starting at midnight GMT on Aug. 8 (Aug. 7 at 8 p.m., EST), IF 2020 will livestream pre-recorded video/audio submissions from 150+ artists from 15+ countries. This 24-hour festival is free to attend and will feature a dynamic array of improvisational artists, including musicians, spoken word poets, dancers, and theatre practitioners.

The festival line-up has been curated by IICSI Director Dr. Ajay Heble (Founder and former Artistic Director for the Guelph Jazz Festival) along with partnering organizations from across Canada and around the world. Canadian festivals presenting artists include Hillside Festival (Guelph, ON), Suoni Per Il Popolo (Montreal), Coastal Jazz and Blues (Vancouver), and Mariposa (Orillia, ON); International presenters include Lasalle College of the Arts (Singapore), Sonic Arts Research Centre (N. Ireland), 17, Institute of Critical Studies (Mexico), and Onassis Cultural Centre (Greece).

“Music and the arts have long been important catalysts for imagining, and indeed often enacting, new ways of living together in the world,” Heble says. “I’ve been particularly struck by the way artists, arts presenters, and other organizations around the world have improvised community during these challenging times, how they have encouraged us to imagine the world anew.”

Speaking to the inspiration behind IF 2020, Heble credits URGNT, the Toronto-based online venue, as well as friends and colleagues in Italy at the University of Padua. “During a nation-wide lockdown in a country ravaged by the Coronavirus,” Heble explains, “these outstanding organizers hosted PANSODIA, their own amazing 24-hour online celebration in honour of UNESCO International Jazz Day.”

“I’m excited to be able to share our own 24 hours of unique programming,” Heble adds, “and to celebrate the ways in which improvising artists are using the resources at hand in the arenas that are open to them in order to make positive things transpire, sometimes in even the most challenging circumstances.” Bracing for the heartache of a summer without live music and arts festivals, this digital gathering will provide an opportunity for people to come together and be reminded of the incredible range of art that persists regardless of this pandemic.

This initiative is being made possible through support from numerous community partners, including the University of Guelph’s COVID-19 Research Development & Catalyst Fund, U of G’s College of Arts, and long-time IICSI partner Musagetes. The International Institute for Critical Studies in Improvisation is generously supported through a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada Partnership Grant.

The IF 2020 festival line-up will be released on July 8th. The festival will be streamed on the IF 2020 website.

For more information, please contact improvfest@uoguelph.ca.

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Art

Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone – BBC.com

Published

1 week ago

September 2, 2024

Harry Miller

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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone BBC.com

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Art

Somerset House Fire: Courtauld Gallery Reopens, Rest of Landmark Closed

Published

4 weeks ago

August 18, 2024

Harry Miller

The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”

On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.

Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”

The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.

Blaze in the West Wing

The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.

About Somerset House

Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.

Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.

Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.

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Sudbury art, music festival celebrating milestone

Published

4 weeks ago

August 15, 2024

Harry Miller

Sudbury’s annual art and music festival is marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating its long-standing impact on the local cultural scene. The festival, which has grown from a small community event to a major celebration of creativity, brings together artists, musicians, and visitors from across the region for a weekend of vibrant performances and exhibitions.

The event features a diverse range of activities, from live music performances to art installations, workshops, and interactive exhibits that highlight both emerging and established talent. This year’s milestone celebration will also honor the festival’s history by showcasing some of the artists and performers who have contributed to its success over the years.

Organizers are excited to see how the festival has evolved, becoming a cornerstone of Sudbury’s cultural landscape. “This festival is a celebration of creativity, community, and the incredible talent we have here in Sudbury,” said one of the event’s coordinators. “It’s amazing to see how it has grown and the impact it continues to have on the arts community.”

With this year’s milestone celebration, the festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a full lineup of exciting events, workshops, and performances that will inspire and engage attendees of all ages.

The festival’s milestone is not just a reflection of its past success but a celebration of the continued vibrancy of Sudbury’s arts scene.