DARKNESS is the theme for a series of creative events taking place this Friday (October 24) as part of the Discover Middlesbrough Festival.
Don’t Be Afraid Of The Dark is curated by visual artist Nicky Peacock and certainly one worth staying up past bedtime for.
The one-night-only event in the town centre features candlelit readings of shadowy tales, outdoor film screenings, disembodied whispers from CCTV speakers and the appearance of mysterious art installations.
Running order:
6pm – 7pm Telling Tales event in mima Education Space featuring installation by artists Fin McMorran and Miki Z. If you would like to participate by reading a passage from your favourite dark tale or sinister story, please email nicky_peacock@middlesbrough.gov.uk
7pm – 8.30pm Haunted Teesside Book Launch with Author Rebecca Hall – Central Library. Join author Rebecca Hall as she launches her new book ‘Haunted Teesside’ with unnerving tales of hauntings from around the region. Copies of the book will be available for sale on the evening at a discounted price. Suitable for over 12s. Free, booking essential – call 01642 729001 to reserve a place.
6pm – 11pm Close Encounters
8.30pm – 9.10pm Informal artist talk, both mima atrium
Middlesbrough-based artist Alyson Agar has created a series of drawings that chart the hidden cartographies of the mima atrium space, exploring spatial values and compositions through repetitive mark-making.
9.15pm – 9.20pm Crazy In Love by Antony and the Johnsons – video by Joie Iacono, Centre Square Big Screen
9.20pm – 11pm 20,000 Days On Earth – Nick Cave pseudo-documentary by Jane Pollard and Iain Forsyth, Centre Square Big Screen. Featuring Kylie Minogue, collaborator Warren Ellis, actor Ray Winston and electrifying live performances from the Bad Seeds at The Sydney Opera House.
6pm – 11pm Twist Design present Stained Glass Cars from the renowned light festival Lumiere and a VHS RIP light sculpture featuring 13 illuminated crucifix structures created entirely from discarded VHS video cassettes and cases, Centre Square
6pm – noon Sat Nicky Peacock pop-up mystery installation Carol Anne, Don’t Go Into The Light in Cleveland Centre Showcase, comprising a composite of museum exhibits, investigative documentation and an adolescent bedroom shrine.
Events are free but early attendance is recommended as seating will be limited.
For outdoor performances in Centre Square, guests are advised to dress accordingly and bring their own seating, cushions, blankets etc.
Free transport will be laid on from the Python Gallery to the Heritage Gallery at 6.30pm and a return journey to Centre Square from Heritage at 7.30pm.
Other events taking place on Friday as part of Discover Middlesbrough include the launch of John Wheeler’s Liminal exhibition at Python Gallery and a late night open mic night at Gallery TS1.
Middlesbrough Council Arts, Events and Festivals Development Officer Phil Douglas said: “Discover Middlesbrough is evolving each year and is really gaining momentum, with growing interest from across the town and new audiences.
“Don’t Be Afraid Of The Dark is a great addition to this celebration of Middlesbrough’s history and heritage, and those attending can look forward to a fantastic and diverse mix of local creative and cultural treats.”
- For full programme details please visit www.lovemiddlesbrough.com/dontbeafraidofthedark