Photo: Roysten Abel - The Manganiyar Seduction
A guided cycling tour is one of the many quirky events taking place during the fourth annual ‘East’ Festival which runs from the 4th to the 9th March.
The key themes of ‘East’ this year are; architecture, minimalism and the Asian subcontinent. ’East’ intends to explore these themes through music, cinema, theatre, visual arts, literature sports…and bicycles.
Marc Prescott, Head of Cultural Campaigns at the Greater London Authority says: “’East’ Festival is a project that flags up East London as an exciting, creative and dynamic area to visitors and to the local community”.
‘East’ runs over 6 days with more than 100 events showcasing some vibrant collaboration between local artists and creative organizations. Partners of the project include The Barbican, Rich Mix and White Chapel Gallery, who are all offering their space.
As Prescott underlines, the main objectives of ‘East’ Festival are to, “ Shine a light for the people living in the area and also to get new people to know the potential of East London’s artistic and cultural platform. At the same time, this project will also celebrate London’s dynamism and rich cultural diversity”.
‘EAST’ will include contributions from the likes of cricketer Monty Panesar, historian Dan Cruickshank, playwright Philip Ridley, cook Pinky Lilani, plus music from the highly praised Portico Quartet, the London Chamber Orchestra and the London Symphony Orchestra.
The Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: “I’m delighted to see the return of the ‘East’ festival. This year promises to be a real box of delights with a range of world class artists, exciting performances and activities that range from building your own home to bicycle polo in a festival that showcases East London’s brightly burning creative spirit. All hail ‘East’!”
‘East’ Festival is taking place in different East London venues from the 4th to the 9th of March. Full details about EAST can be found at www.findeast.co.uk
Art Saves Lives
Creative artwork by marginalised artists is on display at the ‘New Moons’ exhibition in Deptford.
Organisers say the New Moons project at the Old Police Station is celebrating the power of arts as a means to rehabilitation.
Art Saves Lives, which started only in November last year says it is dedicated to finding a space and a platform for ‘outsider’ artists, writers, poets and musicians, many of whom have personal issues, such as involvement with drug abuse or mental health problems.
“We believe that as soon as someone is labeled and tagged then it is marginalized. By empowering people that are excluded from society, a major step is taken to integrate them into the community,” said Dean Stalham, its director.
Tomorrow night, the exhibition will close with a party which will include poetry and jazz, live bands, DJ’s, a bar and food. Attendees may also get the opportunity to meet most of the artists and to buy their work.
The events will all be free and accessible to anybody: “We want to treat all the people the same. We give a second chance to artists that have been rejected because of their past and to people who have never had access to art before, also,” Stelham says.
Photo: Hidden Art London
The work of up-and-coming artists in London was showcased at the recent annual Hidden Art awards, held at the Rich Mix arts centre in Bethnal Green.
The Hidden Art awards are intended to put the focus onto artists and designers whose work deserves being brought to the attention of the wider public.
The top award for “Most Influential or Inspiring British Company or Designer”, went to Shoreditch-based SCP, a business that manufactures and supplies contemporary furniture throughout the UK. Other winners included Helena Jonasson, for “Best Appearance at a Trade Show or Exhibition” for a drawer unit shown in 2009’s Milan Furniture Fair.
Awards were voted for by either the Hidden Art selection panel or members of the public. The non-profit organisation, which has now been running for 15 years, supports and promotes design-makers based in London and beyond by promoting their work and providing links with potential suppliers and manufacturers.
Hidden Art director Dieneke Ferguson said: “The award ceremonies symbolise everything we stand for and when the time comes to choose the nominees we really are overwhelmed by the amount of talent. It is no easy task choosing between such incredible artists and designers!”
“This year the standard of art and design has been exceptional so the evening was a delight to organise and attend,” she added. “Even those who lost out to the winners are thrilled to have had their work showcased at an event like this. It was a success for both the designers and potential buyers!”
By Hannah Hume
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