This week sees the grand opening of ‘Prodigal Son – Traces of a disciple astray’, a series of video installations and self portraits created by internationally acclaimed artist Qasim Riza Shaheen.
Exhibiting between the 4th November – 2nd January the installations have been curated in collaboration with mac as part of Qasim’s residency for SHOUT Festival 2010 and explores spectatorship, and the role of the artist as author, object and protagonist.
Over the course of an intensive eight week period based at mac, Qasim has created a intimate bespoke durational performances which examines traditional renditions of love alongside personal narratives of seeking the beloved. Working intensively during his residency with both performers and non performers, this evocative and subversive performance launches the SHOUT festival and a weekend of associated events.
Running from 4th – 23rd November, this year’s SHOUT festival programme boasts a wealth of activity, bringing internationally acclaimed artists such as Qasim to the city, providing local producers with a unique opportunity to be part of a number of exclusive projects.
The 2010 programme’s visual and performance arts activity is based on the theme of ‘Invisible/Visible’, exploring the place of Black and Asian LGBT people in the city’s cultural landscape. The varied programme aims to promote the diversity of the city’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities whilst consolidating Birmingham’s developing role as an LGBT tourist destination.
This year’s festival covers a number of strands including: film, theatre, visual arts, music, performance, literature and community with activities taking place across the city at venues such as mac, Town Hall, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Nightingales and The Victoria.
Artists include: Peter Tatchell, Qasim Riza Shaheen, Matt Smith, Dan Auluk, Tina C, Stella Duffy, Paul Sinha and London’s Bird Club. The festival will also bring back popular elements of last year’s event including the DIVAS comedy night, as well as introducing new events such as live music and a film strand.
Amanda Roberts, Art Development Director at mac said: “Qasim has been resident at mac and in Birmingham for over two months, embracing its rich diversity from his distinctly queer perspective, and we greatly anticipate seeing the results across mac’s public spaces and theatre during the festival and beyond.”
Dave Viney, Festival Producer said: “ This year’s festival is set to be bigger and better than ever with a number of new high profile artists and exhibitions being brought to Birmingham.
“SHOUT provides a unique opportunity for Birmingham’s LGBT community to celebrate its diversity and to engage the whole city in queer arts and culture.
“Last year’s festival was a great success within the LGBT community, however we want to take this year’s events to the masses in the hope of wiping out the stereotypes and misconceptions which are often associated with the LGBT community.”
For more information about this year’s SHOUT festival please visit www.getreadytoshout.org.uk
