The youth arts festival by and for young creatives, this year comprises five fundamentals: Science, Feminism, Music, Physical Performance and YAAS (Youth Arts Australia Showcase).
In 2016, Backbone's 2high Festival Of Art, Science And Ideas' thee-day event settles under the theme 'Vital Signs' maintaining its aim of linking volunteer organisers with industry mentors to make the magic happen.
The music line-up for the festival will be led by local purveyor of dirt-encrusted RnB, Airling. Born Joy Dead will also expose audiences to the experimental side of rock. While Aquila Young's ambient rock takes shape through the powers of light and shade, visually representing the essence of her music. There will also be performances by Quintessential Doll, Pontour, Ella Fence and Brendan Maclean (part music, performance and science) across the weekend-long event in January.
{youtube}mmI9OD3bZjM{/youtube}
This is the first year 2high has incorporated science in the mix – eroding the wall between art and science, the programme is highlighted by:
- 'Stand Back, I know Science': Two scientists will try to out-wit each other with cyclones of smoke, flames and gleeful mayhem.
- 'Lenguas Ironicas': Multilingualism fuelled by science.
- 'Hear Me Draw': A multimedia installation involving elements of geometry, physics, musical theory and visual design.
- 'Water Pollution': Explore the health of the Brisbane River through performance.
- 'Surveillance Party': Experience a rave like you haven't before, through the careful manipulation of your senses (supervised by scientists).
- 'Sweat Of The Earth': Is Climate Change the most important, and most overlooked, issue of our time?
Moving into the performance side of 2high; stripped-back dance, circus and theatre performances will focus on primal communication through the performers body.
- Step into a strip club after hours in 'The Girlfriend Experience' and see what happens from a sex worker's perspective when the patrons have left.
- Explore the oppressive nature of freedom of speech online in 'Don't Read The Comments'.
- 'Naked' will leave artists honest, open and bare on-stage in a collection of solo dance and circus performances.
- While 'The Lolly Bishop Experience' follows a drag queen who has peeved off the wrong diva.
Detailing the controversial, empowering and kick-ass world of feminism, 'F-Word 101' will answer all your questions if you're a newby. 'You Mad, Bro?' will explore how feminism relates to the differently-abled woman with sass, charm, musical interludes and a sunny disposition. And unravel assumptions about the f-word, STEM and glitter in 'The History Of Science & Glitter'.
2high is already distinguished by its youth-centred philosophy, and the YAAS programme will further celebrate young artists to blossom in the supportive environment. Performances will include:
- A new, collaborative theatre work by Digi Youth Arts and Sisters Inside.
- 'Parental Guidance Recommended', a peak into what it's like to be a child in today's society.
- Discovering regional young people's relationship with the internet, handheld devices and families in 'Interrupting The Internet'.
The five sections will also incorporate installations, events based on ideas, pop up works and an I Am Vital programme, which celebrates what makes every individual vital to a community (#IAmVital). Integral, collaborative and passionate all of these projects relate to the bare bones, hot blood, beating heart and passing time that are associated with the Vital Signs of life.
To celebrate the launch of the programme, This Must Be The Place are currently hosting an exhibition titled 'Vital Signs'. A photography exhibition shot on-site, 'Vital Signs' is a portrait series of and by young artists, Ruby Newport and Aidan Hogg – both part of the team working on 2high Festival 2016.
Backbone's 2high Festival Of Art, Science And Ideas will take place at Metro Arts 15-17 January.
