Proposal by Kate Pennington-Wilson

Proposal for curatorial project

As a joint curatorial project we intend to organize a one-day visual and sound based event in the eastside/digbeth area of Birmingham. Taking place during one of the busy Sunday flea markets at the custard factory (in order to maximize exposure) the event will begin with a series of sound and simple visual based projections, which will continue into the evening, ending with a live DJ and VJ set at the rainbow pub around the corner.
These works will be the result of collaboration between Birmingham and Bristol based visual and sound artist. The intention of this project is to strengthen relationships and promote collaboration between artists (and curators) from these regions and expose visitors to newly emerging artists, as well as concepts of artistic space and place within the city centre.

In relation to the unconventional use of the custard factory’s market place as an artistic avenue we believe sound is particularly well suited. Sound can portray an idea, provoke thought and be challenging, it can stop shoppers in their tracks if considered out of place. Perhaps the use of simple lights as well as sound can grab the attention of passers by and force them to reconsider their surroundings, under a bridge, projected onto buildings, on billboards or road signs. In comparison to this, the visual works shown at the rainbow on the other hand will be of a more complex nature rather then purely minimal tone.

Second proposal for curatorial project

The second proposal is the same as the first in many ways the only difference will be the projection of more complex moving images onto a surface (wall, interior of bridge etc) within or around the market space. This would involve selecting a variety of video works to project onto such a space along with sound. It would be ideal to produce a show real in such a case. The dilemma here is that there needs to be a larger body of imagery then for the previous idea of projecting lights, as well as the already large body of visuals needed to be set aside for the VJ element of the later part of the event at the rainbow. In this case perhaps sound is too much to consider (with outdoor work) and visuals alone are enough here. The only other solution would be to play a relatively long but simple (maybe on a loop) video projection along with sound specifically intended for it, therefore in keeping with the collaborative element intended for the project in it original state. With the outside element of the event simple is best.