Area is the new “pocket sized” (or A6 in grown-up terms) “pocket guide” to what’s going on in and around Brum. It’s going to be monthly, although the first issue is a July/August double issue as “everyone’s on holiday and not much goes on”. It looks lovely. It’s got listings and writerly things from top people such a Danny Smith (whose new “wordcast” you should check out). It looks like this:
Jon links directly to page 18 of the online version ‘because I wrote it, and I’m vain’. A very pertinent piece about sunbathing it is, too. However, I’d urge you to flick forward to page 36 for the in-depth, 3 page feature all about Digbeth, ‘the epitome of the diamond in the rough’.
Fused Magazine – IKON Eastside reopening – Polish video artist Józef Robakowski’s exhibition of ‘My Very Own Cinema’ opens on the 1st May as the first presentation of work at Ikon Eastside of 2009. This article from Fused magazine gives a great background to the artist.
EC Arts brings major public art to Digbeth – Artist Claire Farrell tells the world about the Digbeth public art project she’s involved with via the Custard Factory’s blog. ‘The final piece, she says, will be “181 linear meters spanning Mill Lane, Bradford St and Rea Street, standing at lowest point 2.2 meters per sculpture/haunch and rising to 6 meters tall” and is due to be finished next Autumn.’ You can also read the artist’s statement by Rob Colbourne & Stuart Mugridge, which is lots of serious writings about ‘Industriality’, ‘Movement and Flow’, ‘Transparency’ and ‘Colour and Finish’. Or you could just watch the telly film like me and see that it has much pretyy, being see-through with red flections.
No need to go beyong the Custard Factory for your Chistmas shopping. Go to World of Homoeopathy for gift vouchers or treatment vouchers for Reiki, Hair Analysis and Homoeopathic Consultations. Get some hand-made Xmas cards from Cinnamon Aitch and if you’re after something really special, order some seriously personalised Kings of Neon footwear from Looks Can Kill.
Fused Magazine – Eastside Projects – Fay Khan writes her thoughts about a visit to Eastside Projects, where everything is art, down to the door handle, which never I never realised before. ‘It felt invigorating to be joining an exhibition as it is being created, as its narrative is being written. This growth process allows a new aspect of exhibition creating to come to the fore, exposing all involved to the fact that no matter how much planning is carried out, no one can really read the final chapter until Eastside Projects has written it.’
LTD Edition – Another great affordable art market in The Custard Factory’s reception as part of the Sunday Flea on 28th September at 11am-4pm. Steve Rack will be there again with his shiny happy crayon creations.
Developers dig Digbeth – Property Week – Very enlightening article about how the lowering of the inner ring road, the Custard Factory and The Bond have turned Digbeth into a location, location, location that developers love – just not right now. Seems they are ‘taking stock’ and putting plans ‘on hold’ as the credit crunch hits hard. Clive Dutton, director of planning and regeneration with Birmingham City Council says, ‘The trick will be allowing the place to thrive without losing its character.’ Too right.
