Metro Arts remains at the forefront of contemporary arts in Queensland with their innovative and ambitious programme of micro festivals, exhibitions and performances in 2016.
Entitled 'Risky Business', the programme includes three multi-arts festivals, four performance seasons and nine exhibitions which explore topics ranging from death and loss to love, sexuality, politics, music and contemporary culture.
One of the highlights of the new programme is 'DeathFest', a micro festival that takes a unique look at the culture surrounding the celebration of life and tackles ways to approach grief and mortality. “We all want to live well, and die well, so let’s talk about that second part! DeathFest is a chance through arts and culture to explore a range of issues including green deaths, creating a death plan, your digital legacy after death, and collective-mourning,” says curator of DeathFest, and Metro Arts Executive Producer Jo Thomas.
One Way – Sammie WilliamsSonic State is another micro festival which will delve into Queensland’s new exploratory music scene. Curated by sound artist Luke Jaaniste the fest will include: noise art, installation and immersive music, contemporary classical and ambient electronica.
Another unique and powerful exhibition takes audiences into the future with a music video that imagines what it would be like with an indigenous, female Prime Minister who addresses the country through fierce rap. 'Still I Rise' is a politically charged, feminist exhibition that is sure to inspire thought and create discussion.
Sedih Sunno – Rani PramestiMetro Arts also welcomes Brisbane-based artist, Courtney Coombs, who will be a full-year artist-in-residence. Her exhibition, 'The Unlearning Curve', is about the process of unlearning prior knowledge. Courtney uses personal vulnerability, collaboration and intimacy as engagement strategies to explore the value and position of art and human connection.
Lawrence English, one of Australia’s key media artists, will be leading ambient electronica, in his only confirmed Brisbane performance for 2016. While Brisbane's Sammie Williams also explores work vs life balance in his new contemporary dance, hip hop performance 'One Way'.
Split Screen – Kyle WeiseMetro Arts’ CEO David Fenton says he's both excited and proud of the 2016 programme. “Metro Arts remains deeply committed to the development and presentation of contemporary arts in this country... The 2016 programme will feature more than 200 artists from across the country. We are delighted to be able to collaborate with and support so many artists in this ambitious and diverse program for 2016 and I’m sure audiences are going to love what they see and experience,” he says.
Still I Rise – Hannah BronteA massive announcement has also been made for the artists that will be performing as part of this new program, especially for those that support themselves financially. “The development of future contemporary arts practice is critical to ensure the sustainability of the small to medium arts sector and, in an exciting first, in 2016, we are very pleased to be able to announce that artists engaging in the artistic programme will not be charged any fees for the use of our venues,” David says.
Metro Arts 2016 programme begins with Backbone's 2high Festival 15-17 January.
