News

MI21 CD Now Available

January 11th, 2010

This is the studio recording of the ‘Mother India – 21st Century Remix’ performance piece.

Written and produced by Alvin Seechurn (DJ Tigerstyle), Matt Constantine and David Shaw.

Available for the first time as a download and on CD in a limited release. Get it now while stocks last!

Download prices: £1 per track or £8.50 for the album.
CD price: £10 + p&p (£1.50 UK/£3.00 international)

Click here to buy it.

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MI21 – PRESS RELEASE

July 14th, 2012

It is with great sadness that we have been forced to suspend any MI21 performances.

We wish to extend our thanks to all the support we have been receiving along with all the bookers/festivals/venues/producers and others who continue to show such interest in the performance – we hope to continue working with you all in the future.

Any future updates on this matter will be shared as we progress.

For the full story, please read our MI21-PRESSRELEASE-JULY2012.

In the meantime, you can continue to buy the MI21 cd. So if you fancy your own copy, just follow the links to the cd from our home page.

Thanks.

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ROCK STEADY TEA PARTY

May 3rd, 2012

Rocksteady Tea Party has a really exciting programme packed with Music, Film, Spoken Word, Dance and Visual Art. The event commemorates the 50th Anniversary of Jamaica and Trinidad’s Independence and Caribbean influence in UK society. The line up starts with a free pre-show Samba Reggae workshop at 4pm by Rosaria Gracia with Maracutu Cruzeiro do Sul. Outside the main doors, dynamic duo Sly & Reggie provide some unique entertainment with their Middle Class Dub SOund System – from a Morris Minor pickup!

Also on the bill are the amazing poet and songstress Zena Edwards and a preview of new film “Rocksteady Stories”. Slideshow presentations include “The People in Majesty” by Rose Murray and “West Indian Front Room” by Michael McMillan. Expect some great DJ sounds and live music by Prince Fatty Soundsystem featuring Hollie Cook and Horseman MC, with special guest Lovers Rock star Sylvia Tella.

Also look out for some fabulous ‘pop-up’ performances, screenings and exhibitions around the venue by ART:sync, Grit Lit and Brighton & Hove Black History.

Rocksteady Tea Party is suitable for all ages so bring the whole family along to join the fun!

Sunday 20th May | 5pm – 10.30pm | Hove Town Hall

Tickets £10 / 7 Concession available from Brighton Fringe Box Office tel: 01273 917272

Special Half Price Community Rate available only by emailing rocksteadybrighton@gmail.com

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Kalaboration: Critical Mass

May 3rd, 2012

Critical Mass

Thursday 10th May, 6pm

School of Art, Margaret St, BIAD

Free Admission

The politics of representation has prompted us to continually question who and what we see, and to critically reflect on those in powerful positions of cultural delivery. In this lecture, Karen Alexander, (Senior Tutor, MA Curating Contemporary Art, Royal College of Art), provides an insight of the critical mass created through Inspire, a positive action programme for aspiring curators and transforming the curatorial landscape. The lecture will be chaired by Mona Casey Course Director for MA Contemporary Curatorial Practice, School of Art BIAD.

“The MA Curating Contemporary Art (Inspire) funded by Arts Council England, is a unique positive-action initiative established to provide a vocational curatorial training for people from black and minority ethnic heritage. Art history has been transformed in the last few decades by the ongoing scholarship that examines and questions shared histories of art through the lens of cultural difference. In a similar vein the politics of representation has prompted us to continually reflect on those powerful positions of cultural delivery.

In our current economic climate a cohort of 12 curating students from multi-ethnic backgrounds not only make a symbolic statement, it also embodies the cultural hybridity that represent the best of the society we live in. Our strength as a society doesn’t lie in evoking core nationalist values, but in our diversity and flexibility. The very presence of the trainee curators in 13 visual arts organisations around the country powerfully addresses historical absences while firmly staking a claim for a different future.” (The Right Dissonance)

Karen Alexander has been involved with film and moving image for over 20 years. She is currently a senior tutor in the RCA Curating Contemporary Art department with responsibility for the work-based pathway (Inspire). Prior to that she worked as a film curator and freelance consultant on film exhibition and distribution.

To reserve a space place for lectures, discussions and for further information:

Email: Kalaborationproject@gmail.com

Tel: 0121 333 2416

Kalaboration is a partnership project between The Drum Arts CentreSchool of Art Birmingham Institute of Art and Design (BIAD) Birmingham City University and RoguePlay Theatre. It is funded by Arts Council England and Birmingham City Council and granted the Inspire mark by the London 2012 Inspire programme

Kalaboration
http://kalaboration.co.uk
http://twitter.com//kala_boration
http://facebook.com/Kalaboration

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FILM ON HOMELESSNESS AIMS FOR RUNAWAY SUCCESS

December 6th, 2011

A short film raising funds for homelessness charities aims to tell the real story of people living on the streets.

Oliver Litondo, who stars in The Truth about Stanley. Photograph: Ben Millar Cole

In a dank side street off Covent Garden’s piazza in London, an elderly man sways along the pavement, a battered carrier bag in one hand, a white stick in the other. A little boy with a cut lip creeps behind him. You suspect the tourists passing by might not notice them if it were not for the camera crew following the pair.

The Truth About Stanley, a short film being made to raise funds for the Big Issue and Anchor House, a hostel and life skills centre for homeless adults in east London, charts the friendship between two characters living rough on the capital’s streets. Stanley, played by Kenyan star Oliver Litondo (recently seen in The First Grader), takes 10-year-old runaway Sam, played by Raif Clarke, under his wing, captivating and confusing him in turn with fantastical tall tales about his former life.

Director and co-writer Lucy Tcherniak’s aim is to make a piece that gets through to viewers more profoundly than a usual charity appeal – crucial, she thinks, at a time when need in society is on the increase and there’s a risk that people will become immune to calls for donations.

“There’s so much charity in our faces, which is good, but all these ads do the same thing: it’s all sad doe eyes at the camera,” she says.

“I’m not saying it doesn’t work, but my thing is storytelling. It’s about making that connection with these characters and seeing that they’re just like everybody else.”

Talking to homeless people while researching the script, one thing that came through strongly was the increasing difficulty of finding somewhere to sleep where you won’t be moved on, in central London at least, says Tcherniak’s writing partner, Neil Westley.

Law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, which supports homeless people through its corporate social responsibility programme, is financing the film, due to be premiered in February. The cast and crew are working for free; Pret A Manger is keeping them fed and watered.

Producer Tom Clark’s fears of how a discussion between a disparate mix of business, charity and “us arty-farty film-makers” would turn out have proved to be unfounded – he worried someone might demand the film had a happy ending. “Everyone’s always got on,” he says.

Twelve-year-old Raif from Stoke-on-Trent, who is soon to make his big screen debut in Theatre of Dreams, a fictional story about Sir Matt Busby, has researched his role carefully. “People like my character, Sam, do just run away,” he says.

You may not often see children as young as Sam on the capital’s streets, because they are trying to avoid being scooped up by a system that is likely to try to send them home or into the care of children’s services, explains Westley.

He says: “A huge number of children run away each year. Most of them really, really don’t want to go home. Just because we don’t know about them doesn’t mean they’re not out there.”

Read more about the film here.

Article from Guardian online and written by Rachel Williams.

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KALABORATION – ARTIST CALL

December 6th, 2011

Call Summary

The Drum Arts Centre, in partnership with the School of Art at Birmingham Institute of Art and Design (BIAD), Birmingham City University, and RoguePlay Theatre invite Birmingham and West Midlands based visual artists to submit expressions of interest in a major new initiative (funded by Arts Council England and Birmingham City Council), that will celebrate both the forthcoming 2012 Olympics and the 50thAnniversary of Jamaican Independence. Artists will be selected on the basis of their project proposal and subsequent interview. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate how their proposal incorporates the main themes of the project and how their practice contributes to its overarching criteria, in terms of artistic excellence, critical dialogue, cultural diversity, professional development and audience development.

Eligibility

We are seeking expressions of interest from Birmingham/West Midlands based artists, including, but not limited to, artists from black and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled or any other artist who may have had limited opportunities to participate in the arts.

  • Applicants should be based in Birmingham or the West Midlands region;
  • Applicants should be available to deliver their project between January and August 2012;
  • Artists will be required to undergo CRB disclosure;

Criteria

Applicants should demonstrate in their proposal how they will realise either or both of the themes elaborated below, whilst drawing upon the overarching contexts of the project, in terms of artistic excellence, critical dialogue, cultural diversity, professional and audience development.

1. The five Olympic rings represent the five continents of the world: yellow, blue, black, red and green. The symbol of interlocking rings is an important statement of intent by the International Olympic Committee representing equality of opportunity, inviting all nations to take part in the world games. There are many positive features of the Olympic movement; but equally, there are significant concerns. Taking into account the immense diversity between nations in terms of ethnicity, religion, linguistics and culture, and the need to compete within a globalised marketplace, with access or lack of access to technology, amidst concern for the environment (as the global population goes beyond its 7 billionth person), what do these rings mean today?

2. The national motto of Jamaica ‘Out Of Many – One People’ is symbolic of the diverse origins of its citizens, from its native Taino inhabitants, to black African slaves and white European slave-owners, indentured Chinese and Indian labourers. The interplay between race, commerce and culture has defined Jamaican culture, which since Independence has contributed through a worldwide Diaspora to the arts, food, music and sport. These have been comprehensively documented in photography, film and text. Using the Jamaican national motto as your guide ‘Out Of Many – One People’ how would you demonstrate diversity today?

Application Requirements

Applicants are requested to provide a proposal, supported by examples of their visual arts practice. Please do not send physical art works through the post. Supporting materials required to accompany your proposal can be as follows:

  • Visual support in the form of jpeg, CD, DVD, website links to your work (ensure films are no longer than 10 minutes);
  • CV – indicating your experience and any exhibitions in which you have featured;
  • A statement about your professional development requirements in no more than 200 words;
  • An expression of interest outlining your proposed project and how it will be achieved in no more than 500 words. Please include a draft budget for your project – which should be in the region of £5,000, including materials and the cost of exhibition.

Deadline

The deadline for applications is 5.00pm on Friday 6th January 2012. Applications will not be considered after this deadline. Short listing will take place on Friday 13th January 2012; interviews are scheduled for Friday 20th January 2012 at the School of Art, Margaret Street, Birmingham.

Submissions address

Applications can be submitted by email or post. For email please send your application and all attachments to:markerting@the-drum.org.uk. Postal applications should be addressed to: Kalaboration Artist Commission, The Drum Arts Centre, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham B6 4UU.

Selection Process

Applicants will be shortlisted on the basis of their proposal and supporting material. The selection panel will consist of members of the Steering Committee. Decisions will be made on the basis of the proposal submitted and the subsequent interview.

Project timeline

‘Kalaboration’ is scheduled to commence in January 2012 and to end in November 2012. The deadline for applications is 5.00pm on Friday 6th January 2012. Applications will not be considered after this deadline. Short listing will take place on Friday 13th January 2012; interviews are scheduled for Friday 20th January 2012 at the School of Art, Margaret Street, Birmingham.

Further information

For further information about this project please contact Leeanne Stoddart, Marketing & Press Officer 0121 333 2409 or email l.stoddart@the-drum.org.uk

Kalaboration Press Release (1) Dec

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ROOTS & WINGS – INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION – OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS

December 6th, 2011

Roots & Wings Exhibition – The Hawth, Crawley, UK

13 – 24 February 2012

Urbanflo Creative Consultancy in collaboration with Brighton Photo Fringe, Crawley Borough Council and the Barbados Commission for Pan African Affairs are pleased to announce “Roots & Wings”, an international photography exhibition to launch the Olympic-inspired Programme – connecting artists and communities across cultural, social and geographical divides. The exhibition celebrates the forthcoming presence of the Barbados, Grenada, Bahamas and Dominica Olympic training camps in Crawley, and will be linked to a partner exhibition in Barbados. (Further details about the Barbados exhibition and 2 exciting international residency opportunities will be announced in the New Year).

Entry to the exhibition is open to all, but we are particularly seeking submissions from UK-based photographers with connections to the Caribbean, and from Caribbean-based artists with connections to the UK. Other artists are welcome to submit works that explore the theme of “Roots & Wings”.  Please take a few minutes to read through the application guidelines below and if you would like your work to be considered for the exhibition then we’d love to hear from you.

Deadline for applications is 9 January 2012, and entries will be selected by a panel made up of representatives from Urbanflo and Brighton Photo Fringe. The selected works will be digitally printed and mounted by Urbanflo for exhibition in the UK and Barbados. The UK exhibition will be held at The Hawth, Crawley from 13th – 24th February 2012. There will be a special Launch Event and Private View held on 12th February 2012.

Guidelines for Submissions

Submission Items: To apply for selection for the “Roots & Wings” exhibition you will need to submit the following items together with the attached Application Form:

  1. Up to 10 digital images of your work (10 is the maximum but you can submit fewer if you wish):
  • Resolution: 300dpi
  • Format: .jpg, .gif or .png only
  • Size: each file must be NO larger than 1Mb.
  • The caption/title, medium and dimensions for each image you intend to submit
  1. An artist’s statement regarding your work and your UK/Caribbean links (if applicable).
  2. A brief one-paragraph bio suitable for use in a book or exhibition catalogue (optional).
  3. A CV (Curriculum Vitae – maximum 2 pages A4) focussing on your artistic career.
  4. Your complete contact information -  address, phone, e-mail, and website details if you have one etc.

Submission Deadline: MONDAY 9 January 2012 . Selected exhibitors will be contacted by 15 January.

Eligibility: Entry is open to all regardless of photography experience

Judging Criteria: Creativity/Innovation; Impact; Composition; and where appropriate, Interpretation of theme

Fees: There is no submission fee for you to pay and there will be no fee payable for works selected for exhibition.

Copyright: All work must be submitted by the copyright owner.  Artists maintain the copyright of their work.

Usage Rights: All entrants agree that any image they submit to the “Roots & Wings” Exhibition may be used for marketing and promotional purposes directly related to or “Roots & Wings”. This use may include, but is not limited to, publication in any or “Roots & Wings” printed materials, advertisements, electronic media, Internet, television, catalogue, DVD, magazine and gallery shows. Any image used by the “Roots & Wings” Exhibition will be accompanied by all credit information on the artist. Copyright and all other rights remain that of the artist.

Please complete the “Roots & Wings” Exhibition Application Form overleaf and send it together with all the required attachments to info@urbanflo.com You can also get in touch with us at the same email address if you have any further questions.

Roots & Wings Submission Info & Application Form

http://www.urbanflo.com/

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INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS’ RESIDENCY

November 13th, 2011

Khoj International Artists’ Association invites applications for In Context: public.art.ecology Part III International Artists’ Residency.

Applications are invited for an international residency ‘In Context:public.art.ecology Part III’ @ Khoj, for art projects exploring ecological thematics preferably in public spaces around Delhi. The residency will be for 4- 6 weeks starting in the first week of March to mid April 2012.

Deadline: 30th November, 2011

Proposals from individual artists and artists’ collectives are invited, with projects in response to urgent ecological issues affecting the urban city. This year the special focus is on the notion of food. The theme can be considered as artistic medium incorporating performance; art installations or interactive events that re-examine the significance and relevance of food in the social context; its connection with the body; or as a primary ritual that fosters engagement, interaction and collaboration. However, projects need not be limited to the above.

The applications should include the following:
-    Artist biography & images of previous projects
-    Concept Note
-    Production & Installation Budget not exceeding INR 1,00,000 (USD 2000) for the proposed project
Costs of travel, modest accommodation and daily allowance are separate from the above production budget.

Decision Email: 15th December, 2011
Submit to: applications@khojworkshop.org

Khoj International Artists’ Association is based in New Delhi.  They were the hosts for 1mile² Delhi between 2009 – 2011.

http://www.khojworkshop.org/

http://www.visitingarts.org.uk/content/international-artists-residency

Image © Ackroyd & Harvey

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GO BEYOND THE COVER

October 21st, 2011

Zombie Boy as you’ve never seen him before…with no tattoos. The model gets covered up for an amazing ad for the DermaBlend campaign.

Everyone is guilty of judging a book by its cover – but now there’s a whole new meaning to the phrase!

Fans of Lady Gaga will be more than familiar with her new best friend, Zombie Boy, but not in his latest video.

The tattooed model is unrecognisable in the new DermaBlend advert in which he promotes the brands concealer and make-up remover.

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ASIAN AWARDS 2011

October 21st, 2011

So the Lebara sponsored Asian Awards 2011 have come and gone surrounded by massive fan fare…and rightly so. The Awards have slowly brought to the fore all the great’s from different worlds, all colliding in the ultimate recognition of their hard work.

Freddie Mercury was awarded the Founders Award and was represented there by his mother and sister along with Brian May from Queen.

Check out the Awards Listings for the full breakdown on categories and who was awarded them.

Roll on 2012 which we are sure will be bigger and better.

http://www.theasianawards.com/index.php

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HAPPY 93rd BIRTHDAY NELASON MANDELA

July 19th, 2011

Everyone at Kala Phool is wishing Madiba an extra special 93rd Birthday.

An extraordinary man – we salute you.

Wherever you are in the world, give support to Mandela Day.

Check out the video by Trenton and Free Radical (of Blackmangomusic),  a humble tribute to the man who led our country to freedom. A percentage of sales of this track go towards the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund.

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CARIBBEAN WOMEN’S LITERATURE CONFERENCE – 24-25 June 2011

June 9th, 2011

6th International Conference of Caribbean Women’s Writing: Comparative Critical Conversations.
Friday 24 and Saturday 25 June 2011, Goldsmiths, University of London.

Conference Details and Registration see
http://www.gold.ac.uk/caribbean/comparativecriticalconversations/

‘Comparative Critical Conversations’ is an international 2-day conference to be held at Goldsmiths, University of London on 24th and 25th June 2011. It aims to reconfigure critical to the literature through comparative readings that take account of the nature of Caribbean literature and are interested to further understand the deep and complex relations between texts that derive from a culture variously described as mimetic, hybrid, fragmented, syncretic and so on.

Poet and author, M. NourbeSe Philip is a guest at the conference. NourbeSe will speak about connections, both personal and objective, between law and poetry and how these led her to the “un/writing” and (re) righting of ZONG!

Professor Joan Anim-Addo
Professor of Caribbean Literature and Culture
Centre for Caribbean Studies
Department of English and Comparative Literature
Goldsmiths, University of London
New Cross
London SE14 6NW
www.gold.ac.uk/caribbean

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MUSIC MASTERMIND with DJ KRUST

May 9th, 2011

Music Mastermind DJ Krust Marketing

Hit the link above for full information.

DJ Krust aka K Thompson has been involved in the music business for over 20 years; 10 of those having performed at the highest level within the industry. DJ Krust is also co-founder and co-owner of one the most renowned and well respected independent record labels in the UK, Full Cycle. Full Cycle was responsible for introducing Drum & Bass to an international audience after its Mercury Prize winning release New Forms in 1997 and since then the label has upheld its reputation as a hotbed and nurturer of exciting new talent.

In addition to his work with Full Cycle and Reprazent, Krust has worked within the major label structure having been signed as a solo artist to Universal Music Group (Talking Loud) and Virgin (10 Records). He has also toured extensively throughout the world with various projects including Reprazent. Krust brings together all his experience and knowledge (both as an artist and as a record executive) to address:

  • New ways of working in the music business
  • A better understanding of what it means to be an artist in an ever-changing industry landscape.
  • Tools tips and tricks to help you get ahead, skills to help you stand out from the crowd and the best methods to promote your music and message and get it out to the world.

The Power of Creativity

  • How to use creativity in music.
  • Creative tools; ideas and exercises to help you to create more music.
  • Finding your voice and following your artistic vision.
  • The role of imagination
  • Mind mapping
  • Creating a new operating system

Using Intuition

  • What is it and how to identify it?
  • How to use intuition to make music.

Building a Life Long Career

  • How to release and promote your music.
  • The ten rules of making music that stand the test of time.
  • Concept building.
  • Understanding your audience/fans and how to communicate with them.
  • Merchandise, gigs and publishing.

Course Details
Date and Time: Saturday 21st May, 14.00pm – 17.00pm.
Location: The Spring Arts & Heritage Centre, 56 East Street, Havant, Hampshire, PO9 1BS. Map: HERE
Refreshments: Tea & Coffee, Please note that lunch isn’t provided.

Course Fee: This event is £10 to MusicLeader members and £20 to non-members
(Sign up and Join MusicLeader for FREE at www.musicleader.net)

To book your place:

Please contact Rachael Casoria for more information: rachael@rhythmixmusic.org.uk or 0801417484 (ext 1).

Web: www.rhythmixmusic.org.uk
Blog: www.rhythmixmusic.blogspot.com
MusicLeader South East: www.musicleader.net/south-east

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RISING STYLES & SHELLEYMACK presents STYLE JAM

May 5th, 2011

Once again we bring to you a day to remember. Celebrating UK Breaking in all its glory the lineup is immense and is a guaranteed fun filled day for all.

On this day you have on the menu:

Junior & Adult breaking comps
Sreetdance showcase from Dyamond Dance
Popping/Locking showcase
DJs: Shelley Mack, Russ Rockwell and Mac McRaw.
Pro BBoy judges featuring Ill Boogs.

Free Breaking workshop with the formidable Dancing Bears.

If you like Breakin’ and you want to see some of the UK’s top artists, then this event is for you. An event open to all – if you know alot or a little about Breakin’ come and join in.

Open: 13:00
Close: 18:00

Cost: Adults £8.00 / Under 16’s (id required) £6.00 / Family Ticket (2 adults & 2 under 16’s) £27.00.

No concessions.
Tickets on the door – please try and bring the correct money.
Cash only – cards not accepted.

Rising Styles is an annual festival (sometimes massive, sometimes an event) supports 100% UK Hip Hop and all its genres.

Please help us to spread the word by inviting your contacts and we look forward to seeing you on the day.

Future event updates will be added here and you will be notified.

www.brighton.ac.uk/gallery
www.risingstyles.com
www.facebook.com/risingstyles
www.facebook.com/knowledgeofself

Rising Styles is a KALA PHOOL project.

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MOCA – ART IN THE STREETS – EXHIBITION

April 12th, 2011

The Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles opens up it’s much anticipated exhibit ‘Art in the Streets” at the end of this week.

Below is a list of who’s who in the show….

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Los Angeles published the full line-up of participating artists and photographers in their new exhibit “Art in the Streets.”

Zephyr (CIA, TDS, TVS, RTW)

New York Subway Graffiti Pioneer 70’s-80’s.

Andre

Parisian Artist paints Mr. A.

Blade

True Legend from NYC Graffiti Scene 80’s.

Kala Phool has also had the pleasure of working with Blade through our Rising Styles hip hop festival over several years. A true gentleman and a true artist.

Tracy 168

From the Wild Style Crew, mid-1970’s Bronx, one of the most admired groups of the time.

Craig Costello (aka KRINK)

Started making markers in the early 90’s.

Dash Snow (aka SACER)

Founding member of the infamous IRAK Crew – rip 2009.

Dondi (aka NACO)

Influential 1970’s NY Graffiti Artist & Tagger – rip 1998.

Eine

London-based artist known for his lettering.

Futura

Parlayed 70’s Subway Bombing to art gallery career, showing in Patti Astor’s Fun Gallery in the 80’s. Contemporary of Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Harring & Kenny Scharf – who are also in the show.

Henry Chalfont

Highly regarded urban culture photographer & documentarian.

Invader

French artist known for his ambiquitous tile figurines appearing around the world.

Swoon

New York artist specialising in wheat-pastes and live-art exhibits.

Iz the Wiz

Prominent NY writer from the 70’s & 80’s – rip 2009.

Jean Michel-Basquiat

American graffiti and modern artist – noted as inspiration and pioneer to many modern artists – rip 1988.

JR

Highly regarded French photographer & street-artist known for his larger than life projects around the world.

Keith Harring

Innovator & pioneer in the 1980’s street art culture in NY; known for his ‘Radiant Baby’.

Martha Cooper

Prominent & popular American photographer & documentarian in hip hop, urban culture ad graffiti; based in New York.

Os Gemeos

Identical twins from Brazil known for their popular yellow-skinned characters.

Revok

One of the most regarded modern graffiti writers, known for his big walls & collaborations.

Steve Powers (aka ESPO)

Philly artist, starting in the mid-80’s, known for his brightly-coloured & charmingly creative walls.

Article and images courtesy of Fat Cap who also show various artist profiles and films so get onto their site for a real treat.



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DEE PATEL PHOTOGRAPHY

February 24th, 2011

We were recently introduced to the site showing Dee Patel’s work and was blown away at his approach to his work – its stunning so felt compelled to share it.

His latest project titled Land Of Hope & Glory tells the stories of immigrantion/immigrants who have settled in Birmingham as a perspective on immigration & diversity

This photographic series is a non-political piece aiming to remind us that immigration is not a 21st century phenomenon, it’s been occurring for hundreds of years, bringing with it opportunity and diversity.

Behind each immigration statistic lies a story and with it, a human being. Throughout the series, Dee photographed and listened to stories from the people in Handsworth communities, where 170 of the world’s countries are represented.

“I sat down with each individual asking questions to get an idea of their roots. I laughed with them and we shared coffee. This opportunity enabled me to look into their lives, into their histories, listen to their hopes and fears and to share a moment at some deeper level”.

‘Land Of Hope & Glory’ is currently on display at Handsworth Library until 18 March. From there it will join Anna Fields in the Creative Leap Exhibition at The Drum , opening 25 March until 14 April.

Handsworth Library is open Mon/Tues/Sat 9am – 5pm; Thursday 12 noon – 7pm.

Image/s all belong to Dee Patel taken from his ‘Land Of Hope & Glory’ series.

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NATHAN FLUTEBOX LEE & THE CLINIC

February 23rd, 2011

“Top 100 coolest things on the planet” – Arena magazine

“One of the hottest UK live acts” – Songlines magazine

“The best bloody thing i’ve seen in years” – Howard Marks

2011 sees lots of activity from the extraordinary talent that is Nathan “Flutebox” Lee. His debut EP produced by Multi Award Winning Scratch DJ champion DJ Tigerstyle will be released on Monday 28th March 2011. Nathan will also soon be making a film appearance in a Chinese/U.S co-production called ‘Americatown’ and collaborating on the soundtrack of Plan B’s debut film production.
With his trademark live Fluteboxing (beat boxing through the flute while playing it at the same time), Nathan ‘Flutebox’ Lee’s explosive blend unites Hip Hop, Dubstep and Beatbox beats with Jazz, Funk and Eastern melodies. This former pirate radio Jungle MC is a true 21st Century musical pioneer, taking live acoustic performance to the next level and urban music into uncharted waters with his hi-octane, hyper-percussive show.

Nathan ‘Flutebox’ Lee worked as a labourer for five years after leaving school before he decided to pick up the flute. Since then he has collaborated live and in the studio with legendary artists including: The Prodigy, Plan B, The Roots, Nitin Sawhney, Beardyman, Asian Dub Foundation, GURU, Foreign Beggars and Ed Rush & Optical.

Nathan has become a massive YouTube hit with millions of views worldwide. The catalyst for this came from a collaborative performance with Beardyman at the London Google offices. The video has now reached over 6 million views.

Nathan has also had many TV and Radio appearances over the last 5 years including Nihal’s Breakfast Show on Radio 1, The Prodigy Maida Vale Session on Radio 1, The 2009 Glastonbury coverage on BBC2 News Review, Channel 4’s Rude Tube & Blue Peter.

Nathan is now established as a festival favourite, appearing at Bestival, Womad, and Glastonbury, as well as touring the world. On the home front, Nathan has just finished his spell as an Emerging Artist In Residence at London’s prestigious Southbank Centre and played a sell-out show to an eager audience at the Purcell Room. This event featured a whole host of talented collaborators including Riz MC, Shri, B.L.O.T (India’s top VJ collective) and was hosted by the irrepressible legend Howard Marks.

The unique live experience of Nathan ‘Flutebox’ Lee is equally at home in a raw and sweaty club as it is on a heavyweight stadium stage. This live show is complemented with an astounding array of talented musicians known as “The Clinic”, featuring DJ Tigerstyle, human beatboxer WanDan, tabla player Hanif Khan, rapper Skrein, viola player Mike Pagulatos and keyboard player Maquenzie.

UPCOMING DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

So to the all important dates you’re gagging to know:

Download release – 28th March on i-Tunes.

CD release – 25th April via www.flutebox.tv

Cargo launch party – 22nd April.

www.flutebox.tv includes an EP sampler.

For further info go to the WEBSITE where you get treated to an exclusive sampler from the upcoming EP produced by the mighty DJ TIGERSTYLE.

Or you can check out the EP on SOUNDCLOUD.

This is a SWARAJ MUSIC project.

Management and Rest of World Bookings: ash.chandola@gmail.com

A&R: sanj@triumphantsound.net

UK & Europe Bookings: james@elasticartists.net

Press: corin@grindstonepromo.com

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THE WOMEN’S ART LIBRARY / MAKE & FEMINIST REVIEW – £1000 RESEARCH BURSARY

February 21st, 2011

The Women’s Art Library/Make and Feminist Review £1000 research bursary

Living with Make: Art in the Archive.

Call for proposals based in the Women’s Art Library/Make at Goldsmiths, University of London

Deadline for proposals: 1 March 2011
Bursary period: May-July 2011
Public launch at South London Gallery: Autumn 2011

Women’s Art Library/Make and Feminist Review are inviting writers and artists
working with text to propose an original engagement with this special collection. Proposals should not only approach the archive’s holdings creatively but also excavate them as a feminist resource that records women’s lives and activities. The proposed outcome encompasses a broad register of writing, realised in any number of formats, i.e. as an article or a gallery handout, online blog, performed script or radio broadcast. The final work will be presented in the Open Space pages of a forthcoming issue of Feminist Review and feature in a public launch event in the South London Gallery.

The £1000 bursary will support the successful applicant’s research time in the
collection.

This call is open to all, including students. This year the bursary is in collaboration with South London Gallery.

The Women’s Art Library/Make is a collection of art documentation that began as a collective archive by UK-based women artists in the late 1970s. It has since developed into a research resource featuring a wide range of media that include emerging artists active internationally as well as historical archives of individuals and organisations. The Make collection is particularly rich in images and features a unique slide collection, poster collection, videos and photographs as well as audiotapes and ephemera.

Feminist Review provides an accessible site for creative debate in the form of writing and/or visual works that relate to and expand issues in gender scholarship.

The panel consisting of representatives from Feminist Review and Goldsmiths would look for proposals that engage the creative as well as academic sector. A proposal for development and a CV would be required, including good visual documentation if relevant.

For more info contact: Althea Greenan, e-mail: make@gold.ac.uk
Tel. 020 7717 2295
Special Collections, Library, Goldsmiths, University of London, New Cross, London SE14 6NW.

Here’s a document with further information:

WAL

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AUNG SAN SUU KYI – GUEST DIRECTING BRIGHTON FESTIVAL 2011

February 10th, 2011

Aung San Suu Kyi is to be honoured at this year’s Brighton Festival with a series of arts commissions inspired by and intended to reflect her “extraordinary spirit”.

Burma’s opposition leader was named as this year’s guest director, following Brian Eno last year and Anish Kapoor in 2009. For obvious reasons – Aung San Suu Kyi was only released from house arrest last November and has to remain in Burma – she will not be director in the strictly conventional sense.

But her presence will be deeply felt at the festival, from 7-29 May. Organisers were in close contact with the Burma Campaign and members of her family, and her tastes and passions will be reflected during the festival. “It is a great honour to build a festival around Aung San Suu Kyi and to take our inspiration from her,” said Andrew Comben, chief executive of the festival. “I hope this programme reflects some of her extraordinary spirit.”

Aung San Suu Kyi sent the festival this statement: “It is especially pleasing for me to see, albeit remotely, Brighton festival taking shape this year, and to think that so many people will come together in May to celebrate great art and experience the inner peace it brings.

“It is wonderful too to know that there is such support for the effort to bring democracy and freedom to Burma, for which the Burmese people have been diligently working for so long. I wish everyone involved in Brighton festival this year – the artists and the audience – the happiest of times. Please continue to use your liberty to promote ours.”

Events include Kutlug Ataman’s Mesopotamian Dramaturgies, a collection of artworks and films conceived in response to modernism, and Asian Dub Foundation in a performance inspired by the struggle in Burma.

Article from the Guardian Online and written by Arts Correspondence Mark Brown.

Image by: Soe Zeya Tun/Reuters.

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