Gigs were light and open two-wheeled carriages drawn by horses back in the early 1900’s. Hell, I’m no historian, so gigs were probably being used before then. All I know is that when musicians were moved along by the authorities for playing in the streets (loitering) they’d hop onto a horse-drawn gig and perform as it moved along. Hence how the modern ‘gig’ obtained its name. I learnt this on Countdown. Thing is, a gig doesn’t necessarily have to be reserved for music; it could relate to any of the arts; at least in our book anyway. The point of this wee history lesson? To explain why Planet Notion is reporting on Birmingham’s New Generation Arts Festival (NGAF), a showcase of the brightest graduating talent in the arts world today.
The subject of this years NGAF is Digital Utopia; the exploration of digital outlets and themes broadcast live via renowned talent and greats of the future. Organised by Birmingham City University with support from Arts Council England, the NGAF celebrates youth, diversity and the rise of digital culture. The festival has had staunch support from a host of celebrities in the past, including comedian Frank Skinner, model Erin O’Connor, and artist Anthony Gormley (he built the Angel of the North).
All in all there’s going to be over 35 performances and exhibitions. One of the most exciting will be a collaboration breaking the boundaries between music and art. Oh yes, launching the festival will be none other than… Julian Lloyd Webber! Julian is one of the greatest cello players in the world and has worked with the likes of Elton John and legendary conductor Georg Solti. You may know Julian as the son of famous composer William Lloyd Webber and brother (blessed with looks) of theatre composer Andrew Lloyd Webber. Julian is in collaboration with award-winning composers Michael Wolters and Marcus Dross on the ‘And Now, The News’ project – with renowned digital artist Jane Prophet, curator Mona Casey, and VJ/DJ collective Project X Presents, who blend music and visual performance with a difference, all showcasing their talents at the festival.
And that’s not all… In collaboration with ‘New Guide To Opera’ composers Michael Wolters and Marcus Dross, Julian and his merry men will match every aspect of BBC4 World News with an original and improvised soundtrack. As Michael Wolters explains: “The emotional situations created in news stories are diverse and complex. In our project we will reflect the ambiguity of emotions and offer a complete musical response which will come face to face with the sobriety of the news.” Basically, the news will be put into the emotional context of the audience via music. Which is great.
There’s also going to be a debate, aptly named (drum roll please) The Big Debate, chaired by the BBC’s respected technology correspondent Rory Cellan-Jones. Rory will be exploring the age-old question: Does the digital revolution equal ‘More Power or More Powerless’? Well, 'More Power' for Rory obviously, because he’s chairing a debate on the subject…
One of the centrepieces of the festival will be a Mobile Phone Portraiture, where the Birmingham public are asked to send-in mobile phone pictures of “Life in Birmingham”. The photos will be exhibited on BBC Big Screens across the city, with commuters encouraged to submit ideas and responses via text message. These messages will then be made into a storyboard by a network of writers. Of course, the hidden dangers about this kind of thing are photographs being submitted of testicles, bums, and floaters in toilets… Hopefully the Mobile Phone Portraiture will prove a more controlled affair.
The NGAF is one of the largest showcases of graduate talent in Europe. All in all there’ll be 16 days of digital art based events. For a full-listing of events and to purchase tickets visit www.newgenerationarts.co.uk
