Glasgow does Contemporary Art and Music to a T!
You’re simply not going to want miss Glasgow this spring!
Two of the city’s greatest strengths – contemporary visual art and contemporary music – are the focus of two major festivals in the city in April and you are most cordially invited to experience the scene for yourself.
Glasgow’s contemporary art scene is recognised globally as one of the most exciting today, with Glasgow artists such as Simon Starling (2005 Turner prize-winner), Douglas Gordon (1996 Turner prize-winner) and David Shrigley achieving international acclaim.
In this environment, Glasgow International Festival of Contemporary Visual Art was established in 2005 and returns from April 19 – May 1, 2006, exhibiting the work of more than 140 Scottish and international artists in a series of exhibitions, seminars, artists’ talks and events across 30 venues.
Artists featuring at this year’s festival include rock legend Patti Smith whose drawing and paintings – which reflect the lyrical characteristics of her poems and songs – will be on show at the Mitchell Library. Also exhibiting will be South African artist William Kentridge, Miami-based artist Mark Handforth and Glasgow’s own Karla Black whose sculptures will be on dislplay at Mary Mary.
In an initiative designed to help visitors to the city sample what’s on offer, Spin: Glasgow will provide
Glasgow International bus tours. For full details of GI’s programme visit
www.glasgowinternational.org.
Glasgow also has a burgeoning contemporary music scene and the two often intertwine, with Glasgow contemporary artist Jim Lambie (2005 Turner Prize runner-up) also noted for being in the cult band ’The Boy Hairdressers’ and David Shrigely responsible for the artwork for the collectable Triptych 06 programme.
Now in its sixth year, Triptych contemporary music festival will be on in Glasgow from April 26 – 30 presenting a line-up that organisers describe as their “most arresting yet”.
As well as welcoming some of the world’s best emerging artists to venues including the legendary Glasgow Barrowlands, highlights of this year’s festival include the UK's most enduring and groundbreaking production duo, Coldcut, cult champions Belle & Sebastian, America’s Queen of Folk, Odetta, and electronic mastermind Richard D James – aka the Aphex Twin - who will play live in Scotland for the first time in ten years.
www.triptychfestival.com
In addition to experiencing Glasgow’s contemporary vibe – hotels, bars, shops and restaurants included – this trip will also provide advance insight into the reopening of Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in July 2006 and a preview of the Glasgow Mackintosh Festival 2006, celebrating the life and work of the great Glasgow architect and designer, Charles Rennie Mackintosh (1868 – 1928).
Kelvingrove was the most visited museum in Britain outside London prior to its closure in 2003 for a three-year, £28 million restoration. When it reopens in July it will be one of Europe’s “must-sees”.
If you would like to join this unique trip over the weekend April 28 – 30, please respond to caroline.gray@seeglasgow.com, or call 0141 566 0832 as soon as possible. Those who respond by Monday, March 27, will be able to bring a partner.
