A 10-DAY collaborative arts festival is set to shine a light on contemporary arts in the north-east.
Taking place in Aberdeen from October 1 to 10, Beyond BAS9 is being hosted by Gray’s School of Art’s creative unit, Look Again, in partnership with Aberdeen Art Gallery.
It will coincide with the closing stages of the touring landmark British Art Show, BAS9, in Aberdeen at the end of October.
A series of exhibitions, talks and events will bring together contemporary art groups, collectives, artists and curators from across the region to demonstrate the vitality of the arts in the north-east.
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The festival will host a mix of in-person and online events, with many exploring the legacy of BAS9 and looking ahead to the next chapter for contemporary art in the city.
Gray’s School of Art Mobile Art School will also hit the city streets, bringing art to everyone through a series of free, interactive workshops themed around the idea of “designing for the future”. Visitors can expect to use ceramics, drawing, printmaking and used recycled materials.
And a colourful performance parade through the streets of Aberdeen, led by “Plant Theatre for Plant People”, will take place on October 11 from Aberdeen Art Gallery. It will follow a four-day workshop that will explore the natural world through meditation, Shamanistic practices and spirituality.
Hilary Nicoll, co-director of Look Again, said: “Beyond BAS9 is a really vibrant festival that offers an engaging line-up of events for everyone in the north-east and beyond to enjoy. Many of the events explore what BAS9 may offer in terms of legacy for the arts in the city and will bring artists and curators together to consider the lasting impact of the landmark British Art Show.
“There is so much potential in the north-east and this festival speaks powerfully of the connectivity of creative practitioners working in the region. Gray’s School of Art’s Look Again is really connecting with Aberdeen Art Gallery and the future looks very bright for the arts in the region.”
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