A secret Berlin: 5 things you really need to see

With its swanky architecture, creative vibes and outrageous parties, Berlin should definitely be on the top of your list. Since the fall of the famous Berlin wall (Berliner Mauer for you language folk), it’s become a place where “anything-goes” and by anything, they mean anything.

From Berghain to Aquadom this list will guide you through five of the best and most unusual sights of Berlin, starting with Spreepark.

Spreepark

Abandoned amusement park, Berlin (photographer: Jan Bommes)

Spreepark takes residence in the north of the Plänterwald in South East Berlin. It’s been abandoned for the last ten years now, and it doesn’t try to hide it. Every inch of the park is littered with the remnants of rides and life-sized dinosaurs, including a broken roller coaster leading into the mouth of a mysterious raving-rabid creature. But this doesn’t stop trails of explorers from venturing inside. A prominent setting in horror film “Hanna”, the park is admittedly difficult to enter but with the hop of a fence, anything is possible.

Berghain

Berghain at night (photographer: Michael Mayer)

Berghain is pure ecstasy in its physical form. It is a place of mystery, stimulation and hardcore booze, drugs and techno fuelled pleasure. A short walk from Berlin’s main station (Ostbahnhof), Berghain has made its mark worldwide, perhaps due to its exclusive selection process as well as its crazy powerful sound system. Literally anything DOES go there, so don’t be expecting any rules. Berghain has become a cultural icon, famous for being the techno capital of the current world but of course that all depends on if you can get in. Wear black. And lots of it. But don’t try and be something you’re not. Because they will know. The quite honestly terrifying bouncers will pry on each and every detail of your trying-not-to-be-edgy outfit. Click here to find out exactly how to get into Berghain. It opens at 10pm on a Friday night and stays open until 4am on Monday morning. Two final words: good luck.

AquaDom

Aquadom in the Radisson SAS hotel (photographer: Tobias Wutzow)

Berlin’s AquaDom is famous for being the world’s largest free standing aquarium in the world: standing at over 25 metres in height and 12 metres in diameter. Containing over one million litres of water, a coral reef and almost 2,600 fish, it really is a wonder to behold. Not a sight to be seen from ground-level, the ingenious attraction uses an elevator to allow guests a full 360 degree experience of the 56 species of fish as well as the divers who care for the tank. A visit to AquaDom promises you a real-life experience of a coral reef, so don’t miss out. I promise you won’t regret it.

Liquidrom

The large saltwater pool at Liquidrom (photographer: Aaron Muszalski)

Feel the future with a trip to the Liquidrom, where you can float around in a pool of saltwater amidst the rhythms of underwater techno. Designed by German architects GMP, the complex is shaped like an abstract tent erected so high it scrapes the Berlin sky. Ultra-modern spa facilities make up the Liquidrom, including an outsize sauna, an aromatherapy steam bath and a hot tub inspired by the Japanese hot springs. Offering a number of unusual yet soothing massage treatments, the Liquidrom’s centrepiece is the incredible salt water pool. Masses of neon lights filter into the dome, bringing colour and illumination into the dimly lit room. If you want to relax in the style of the future, you won’t want to miss this.

Design Panoptikum

Design Panoptikum is a “surrealist” museum of industrial objects so, if you like quirky things, you’ll love this. Behind Torstaße is architect Vlad Korneev’s unique museum filled with a bizarre collection of crazy curiosities of the most eccentric kind. Amidst the shadowy rooms emerge an assortment of mechanical monsters made up of spare pasts and parts. Dolls, lamps and instruments of every industry come together to form a ghostly atmosphere beyond even a child’s imagination. For all things weird and wonderful, visit Design Panoptikum.

Ricky Gervais: Creative Genius or Distorting the Stand-Up Industry?

Ricky Gervais’s new set, Humanity, gave me a rare insight into the creative world of comedy and performance. Having never been to a stand-up show before, I was sceptical of what was to come, especially due to the dark humour that Gervais is known for. While I enjoyed the experience, it got me wondering about the comedians out there that are less successful, and how the big-hitters like Gervais can distort the stand-up scene.

Gervais in his natural habitat

Held at Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena, the presence of Gervais was evident as his fans queued eagerly while the atmosphere brewed with excitement. When he finally appeared on stage with a can of Foster’s in hand, it was no doubt that this comedian has made a large, successful career for himself as the audience clapped in awe.

Indeed, Gervais has become an icon of comedy and a well-known household name, presenting an image of the UK comedy industry as glamourous and fun. Ricky himself, however, diverts away from this celebrity-mediated image as he simply comments upon the creative ethos behind the industry, suggesting “I was always creative” and “creativity is the ability to play“.

The controversial jokes that were touched upon during the performance include the sensitivities of transgender celebrities, rape and African children, to name a few. This has created a unique and of course controversial reputation for Ricky. The comedian also highlights his ‘creative play’ outside of performing through social media platforms, using Twitter for “just playing; mucking about for the hell of it” and “having a YouTube channel to dick around on“. He acknowledges that the ‘haters’ are actually adding to his reputation and success as he Tweets:

I wish I had a pound for every time I offended someone. Wait, I do.

— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) March 30, 2017

While Gervais has built up a large reputation as a comedian, the realities of the comedy and performance industries are far from this glamorous image. Ricky insists that “creativity is the ability to play” and “you have to let yourself go to be creative“, but, of course, not everyone has the same success of the Ricky Gervais brand even if they do build their creativity around the ethos of ‘play’.

It is stated that the UK had a “thriving and creative comedy scene” in 2014, however, this may only apply to the big-hitters that perform in the massive venues around the country. While Ricky’s ideas behind creative play legitimise the skills required for the creative industry, this distorts the scene as many creative comedians struggle to get their foot in the door of this competitive industry. Certainly, while many would dream of performing at Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena, they are more used to smaller comedy venues, such as Jongleurs Comedy Club in Cardiff or the local bars which host stand-up events.

The realities of the stand-up scene

The hopeful stand-up comedians come in “hordes” in the increasingly crowded market, which means that the creative comedians are becoming increasingly underemployed and underpaid. This is evidenced by Sam Larner, who explains to Vice: “I often wonder why I do something that makes me a minimal amount of money and offers little in the way of what you might call success”.

Sam suggests that he cannot call himself a ‘pro’ as “the vast majority of your gigs will be done in front of an audience of comedians who are performing before or after you”, let alone actually charging people to see his performance. This is in comparison with Ricky’s Humanity performance in Cardiff which was bustling and atmospheric due to the 10,000 seat capacity with fans all paying nearly £40 for a ticket.

While the big-hitting comedians like Gervais are using their platforms to promote controversial comedy in large venues and make considerable amounts of money, the other creatives of the industry are losing hope due to being underemployed, underpaid and as it seems, underappreciated. It is due to this that a better involvement with local and upcoming talented creatives is needed in order to prevent the industry from becoming too distorted.

To relish in all kinds of stand-up comedians, there are a number of local Cardiff comedy clubs and bars where you will be sure to have a cracker of an evening:

• Jongleurs Comedy Club, Greyfriars Road
• The Glee, Cardiff Bay
• The Drones Comedy Club, Chapter, Canton
• Buffalo Comedy Cardiff, Buffalo Bar, Windsor Place

Use the hashtag #cardiffcomedians to document the antics of your night!

 

Photo credits:

Featured Image – By Matt Hobbs (Ricky Gervais @ Tribeca Performing Arts #1) [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)%5D, via Flickr

Ricky Gervais Performing – By Matt Hobbs (Ricky Gervais @ Tribeca Performing Arts #2) [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)%5D, via Wikimedia Commons

Stand-Up Comedy Stage – Carlos Delgado [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)%5D, via Wikimedia Commons

 

48 Hours in Aarhus

Copenhagen’s Cooler Little Brother

By Sean Earley

Denmark seems to be having a moment. With ‘nordic noir’ more popular than ever (The Killing, Borgen, The Bridge); Danish actors such as Nikolaj Coster Waldau (Game of Thrones) and Sidse Babett Knudsen (Westworld) taking Hollywood by storm; and the phenomenon of ‘hygge’ – the Danish concept of cosiness – there has been no better time to head north. Many suggest Copenhagen, but the capital is so 2016. The place to be seen is the 2017 European Capital of Culture – Aarhus. As Denmark’s ‘second city’, it’s less Birmingham and more San Fran, with impressive architecture, great coastal location, fantastic retail opportunities, and a cultural scene most cities would envy. The 2017 European Capital of Culture is set to put Aarhus on the map, with the year-long festival attracting huge investment and international attention. Make Aarhus your next weekend get-away and experience exhibitions, performances, concerts and events all-year-round.

(ARoS Museum)

Stay

To fully experience the Danish way of life, the best option is to stay in an Airbnb. This allows you to become a fully-fledged local, allowing yourself to retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, to a ‘hyggeligt’ (cozy) and stylish apartment above the cobbled streets. An Airbnb is also the cheapest option – with an entire apartment for two adults costing between £50-£70 a night. A hotel room could set you back upwards of £90.

See

The city is split into various quarters, each one different from the next. If you’re a fan of people watching and have an appreciation for architecture then head straight to the Latin Quarter. The area, located in the city centre, feels like a quaint French village with its winding side streets, smoky bars and boutique stores. Grab a beer and watch the world go by, or explore the alleyways whilst admiring the architecture of the nearby Cathedral and Theatre. 

(Aarhus Theatre)

Dine

After exploring the Latin Quarter it’s time to grab some dinner. For the Danish experience, with a Mediterranean twist, nothing beats Den Russtikke. Located near the harbour, the restaurant’s romantic candlelit ambience is the very definition of ‘hygge’. Find an intimate table for two and enjoy the pork-heavy menu over a glass of wine. Although it won’t break the bank, it is a little pricy and you will need to book. 

Lunch

A cheaper option whilst out-and-about is Aarhus Street Food. The converted parking garage, which houses the indoor food-hall, offers a host of international cuisines from Ethiopian to Korean. Grab a seat in the communal dinning area or ascend to a bar atop the many shipping containers (the food stalls). Dishes cost around £5-£7.

Party

If you’re looking for a more bizarre Danish night out then Shen Mao is the place for you! Known locally as the ‘Ping-Pong Bar’ the basement club has an unusual twist on the traditional night out. Large ping-pong tables can be found throughout the venue, around which crowds form circles allowing for mass games of table tennis. Cheap beer and 90’s house music make for a night to remember. Adidas tracksuit bottoms are compulsory.

Do

You can’t go to one of the major creative cities of Northern Europe and not visit a world-class museum. For art lovers, ARoS offers incredible exhibitions and is home to works by the likes of Ai Weiwei and Monet. Do NOT miss the iconic ‘rainbow room’ on the roof of the museum – an ‘Instagrammer’s’ paradise. For the history buffs – Moesgaard offers an interactive look at Viking life in Aarhus as well as other visiting exhibitions. 

(Moesgaard Museum)

Getting There

Ryanair fly everyday, direct to Billund Airport, for very reasonable prices. Billund Airport is the easiest option as flights are frequent (twice daily) and is located about 50 minutes from Aarhus. Billund offers car rental services and has coaches direct to Aarhus city centre.

Disney isn’t Florida’s cultural city.

The state of Florida, located on the East Coast of the USA is approximately 4,270 miles from our small home the UK. Welcoming annually around 2 million tourists from the UK alone, that’s more than the combined total from Germany, Mexico, Australia, China and India, the British traveller collectively spends around $1.5 billion dollars on their visit (around £1.2 billion pounds!). Predominantly traveling for the theme park adventure, the commercialisation of Florida has lead the average tourist to look no further than its sunny beaches and Disney heroes.

But there is so much more to Florida than you might think. Here are a few cultural cities you could visit to experience the bursting culture available in Florida, even if it’s only one day of your holiday!

Orlando

Apart from the Disney parks, Orlando is a vastly cultural city. Deep in the heart of Orlando is its thriving Film culture, holding its annual Florida Film festival spread across Downtown Orlando every October, including works from independent and international cinema. Inviting film experts from around the world, its film also holds the annual Fringe Festival which started in 1992, and runs over 2 weeks, celebrating all genres of film; and costs only $10 dollars for entry!

If this isn’t your type of thing Orlando has so much more to offer with its lively music scene such as Universal Orlando CityWalk, it’s all-American sporting games, like the Amway Centre home to its NBA basketball team the Orland Magic and its Museums, such as the Morse Museum cultivating various art works and known for its one of its most famous exhibits from Louis Comfort Tiffany.

 The Amway centre

Miami

Usually seen as the party venue for the A list celebrities and the nightlife of South Beach, Miami is actually full of fresh culture. Its art deco Design District, 2.8 miles from Downtown Miami, rose in the early 2000’s, revamping its area bringing in cultural contributors from the art world. It is now full of contemporary art, with its exhibitions, street food fayres and art galleries. Its promotion of innovation from new and old artists created a whole new hub and cultural city for those wishing to show their art.

Photo credit Miami Design District

Its street art in the Wynwood Arts District which holds over 70 art galleries is one of the largest open street art places in the world. Founded in 2003 by various artists and curators, the Wynwood arts district has become a space for artists to create and display their art. The creation of the Wynwood walls in 2009 by arts visionary Tony Goldman is said to have brought attention to the artist genre of graffiti and has said to be monumental in its growth in popularity. With its ever growing restaurants, galleries and attraction for up-and-coming artists, this rising arts and cultural scene is a must!

 Sarasota

On the West Coast of Florida on the Gulf Coast is the beautiful city of Sarasota. Already categorised as the Cultural city of the Southwest it is home to a vast range of culture.  With, to name a few, the Sarasota Opera, Sarasota Orchestra and Sarasota Ballet, its city is the home of the traditional arts. Its musical theatre companies such as, The Players Centre for Performing Arts, which started in 1936, was once home to the budding Hollywood stars Bette Davis and Charlton Heston. If you have time, visit its relatively small city bursting at the seams with culture. (And its beaches are beautiful too!)

Longboat Key

Feature image picture credit Bob Rountree

 

 

 

10 creative places you need to visit in Cardiff

With Cardiff being one of the “fastest growing cities in the UK” it only makes sense that its cultural activity is increasing too. This list is not exhaustive of Cardiff’s creative venues however they are 10 of MANY places to visit if you’re looking to do or try something a little different.

1) Cocorico Patisserie

Photo Credit: Cocorico Patisserie

Specialising in French pastries and sweets you only need to travel to Whitchurch road to get a taste of Paris. Their authentic desserts and handmade macaroons inspire you to learn more with Cocorico holding events to teach the art of macaroon making.

2) Depot – Street Food

Photo Credit: Buzz Mag

The Depot is an interesting concept with a 24,000 sq foot warehouse being turned into a creative space giving it a cool urban, industrial vibe. The Street Food Social event is held every Saturday from 5pm showcasing food from Wales, this paired with craft beers and great Dj’s makes for an alternative night out

3) Clwb Ifor Bach

Cate Le Bon. Photo Credit: Polly Thomas, Clwb Ifor Bach

Open since 1983 it’s one of the longest standing live music venues in Cardiff, which has seen the likes of Coldplay, The Killers and many more perform there. Located on Womanby street this laid back alternative club showcases local bands as well as promising touring groups.

4) Tramshed

Photo Credit: Gareth Bull, Tramshed Cardiff

Cardiff’s old tram depot has been transformed into a creative hub of live music and entertainment, set within a historical building with cultural significance. The Tramshed also features a unique digital tech hub seeking to inspire and engage companies in the digital and creative fields to collaborate with each other.

5) NoFit state circus

Bianco Production. Photo Credit: NoFit state Circus

Being the UK’s largest contemporary circus company, Nofit state circus has won a number of international arts awards. The group live eat and breath together creating a sense of community while they tour. The company also teaches creative, circus and youth classes, further information can be found on their website.

6) St Fagans National Museum of History

Photo Credit: Museum Wales

A world leading open air museum found in the grounds of St Fagans castle a 16^th century manor house, gives an interesting glimpse into Welsh history, and how welsh people used to live. It’s a fascinating day out for all ages as craftsmen demonstrate their skills, with the art then available for purchase.

7) Cardiff Castle

Photo Credit: Visit Wales

Another of many sites that provides an insight to the history of the city is Cardiff Castle, the castle’s culture and heritage can be found right in the heart of the City Centre. The top of the Norman Keep provides panoramic views of the city and it’s free to enter if you live or work in the city by applying for a castle key.

8) National Museum Cardiff – Art collection

Photo Credit: Visit Cardiff

Home to the welsh collection of fine art its collection features some of the finest impressionist paintings in Europe including sculptures, silver and ceramics art. The museum provides interesting exhibitions that are well organised for FREE, also offering a free tour of the art galleries every day from 12.30pm

9) Chapter Arts Centre

Photo Credit: Travellers Earth

The Chapter Arts centre in Canton hosts a variety of different art exhibitions, local creative projects and stand up comedy. The theatre puts on original and innovative productions with the cinema showing both major and independent titles. The venue has a good atmosphere with very creative vibes.

10) Porters – The Other Room (Pub Theatre)

Photo Credit: Trip Advisor

Porters bar presents open-mic, live music, comedy and jazz events the bar has a great atmosphere with welcoming bar staff and management. It also houses a 47-seat, intimate pub theatre called the Other Room that showcases new and great modern plays, tickets can be bought online. More information about productions can be found on their website.

Photo credit for the featured image: Trip Advisor

Antwerp: From Diamond City to Creative City

In the past decade, many things have been said and written about creative cities and what exactly they must exhibit to be a part of UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network (UCCN).

Image source: synergy-european

Created in 2004, UCCN was established “to promote cooperation with and amongst cities that have identified creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable urban development”. The ever expanding list of (currently) 116 cities make up a special network that works together towards a common objective: “placing creativity and cultural industries at the heart of their development plans at the local level and cooperating actively at the international level”.

According to UNESCO, Urban areas are today’s fundamental breeding grounds for the development of new strategies, policies and enterprises aimed at making culture and creativity a driving force for sustainable development and urban regeneration. This is done through the stimulation of growth and modernisation and the promotion of social cohesion, citizen well-being and inter-cultural dialogue. “A city appears as some sort of force of nature, a natural breeding ground for life cycles of economic invention and creativity.” 

Cities today are the home to more than half of the world’s population and three quarters of its economic activity which includes a large share of the creative economy.

That being said, I think Antwerp (Belgium) should apply or be considered/ to become part of UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network.

Why?

Well, Antwerp is a known worldwide hub of creativity, a place where innovative entrepreneurship thrives, as well as being the diamond capital of the world. Its creative talents and start up companies are part of Antwerp’s creative economy that are developing its dynamic sectors and providing exceptional investment opportunities for entrepreneurs. Antwerp’s creative scene is very vibrant and the main creative sectors are heavily presented in the city as they work closely together.

The main sectors include: design, ICT, new media, music, audiovisual, advertising and communication, print media, architecture and the cultural industry – together they employ 18,000 people.

FACT: one in every 6 companies in Antwerp operate in a creative sector.

Creative entrepreneurs feel at home in Antwerp, especially in the city centre! In contrast to other large cities Antwerp does not have a specific creative district, rather the entire cite centre is one large creative district with creative companies.

Creative Hotspots In Antwerp

There may not be any creative districts in Antwerp but there are creative hotspots. The most creative neighbourhood is situated around Leopold de Waelplaats and the Southern Docks. Here you can find advertising agencies, communication agencies, ICT companies and new media.

Video source: ‘Leopold de Waelplaats – Antwerpen’ by Herman Horsten

Antwerp stands out as the Belgian capital of fashion, the area around Nationalestraat is where you can find the fashion and jewellery industries.

Image source: ‘Antwerp Nationalestraat’ by Wouter Hagens

The cultural sector and print media tend to cluster in the Zurenborg district and the design consultancies and architect firms are found around the Academy and Mutsaardstraat.

So why invest in Antwerp as a creative city?

Antwerp has an international reputation and appeal as a creative hotspot due to its attractive and business-friendly city with a world port. Having a large port in such a central location means Antwerp has an international appeal and excellent connections with Paris, London and Amsterdam by train. In fact, the Antwerp Central Station is one of the world’s most remarkable railway stations and one of the main landmarks in Antwerp.

Image source: ‘Antwerpen Centraal station 12-07-2010′ by Paul Hermans

A creative economy is closely interwoven with various sectors and businesses, largely relying on a global market. Antwerp has many crossovers and collaborations with the traditional sectors, such as diamonds, retail and petrochemicals.

Video source: ‘Antwerp, Belgium⎮Prada Handbag⎮Bike Tour ⎮Antwerp Central Station ⎮Diamond District & More!’ by fashionbeautybug

And most importantly, Antwerp’s resources and many start-ups will aid the initial period of growth within the creative sectors, leading to foreign expansion and Belgium’s second city becoming a creative hub for Europe.

Featured image source: MAS

 

On the Brink: Womanby Street, Cardiff.

Womanby Street in Cardiff is the home to many locations who offer live music in the city, but over the last month the historic street has been under threat. Dempsey’s has already faced closure and The Full Moon is currently in the process of refurbishment due to staff taking over. But there is another challenge facing Cardiff’s hub for live music.

Proposed plans by Weatherspoon’s to build a seven-storey commercial and residential property next to Clwb Ifor Bach, and plans to create a Weatherspoon’s hotel has been met with major criticism.  On the 29^th of April, Save Womanby Street (SWS) campaigners joined politicians, musicians and owners to meet Cardiff’s local party leaders in a march to the City Hall.

The aim of the campaigners is to get the Cardiff Council and the Welsh Government to change policies on planning to protect music venues against noise complaints. They also are looking to have the council amend the city’s Local Development Pan to ensure the street is regarded an area of cultural significance and a ‘night-time economy zone’.

It is a stance against the demise of one piece of Cardiff’s cultural heritage which has been backed by Jo Stevens (Cardiff Central MP), Neil McEvoy (Fairwater councillor and South Wales Central AM), Jenny Rathbone (Cardiff Central AM), Julie Morgan (Cardiff North AM) Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West MP), and Stephen Doughty (Cardiff South and Penarth MP).

According to Guto Brychan, who runs Clwb Ifor Bach, Weatherspoon’s plans to build a hotel on the street would lead to complains about noise levels.

“The problem we have more than anything I think is that having a place with flats right next door to Clwb is going to create a difficult situation which would not be easy to resolve”

“Noise does carry, we have a lot of elements within the building already which ensure that the noise doesn’t carry, but having flats right next door is totally different, it would be totally impossible.”

The importance of this stance against the domination of a corporation and for the sustainability of a street which has been at the heart of Cardiff’s creative commonplace could not be emphasised more. It’s a massive disappointment seeing the possibility of the types of clubs that Womanby Street accommodates facing closure. There are so many young, up-and-coming, grassroots bands and artists with so much potential who need these kinds of venues to kick-start their careers.

Super Furry Animals, Coldplay, Killers, John Peel, Biffy Clyro, Euros Childs, Stereophonics and Catfish and the Bottlemen are just a few highly reputable bands and artists who have played at Clwb Ifor Bach over the years.

But this particular problem on this particular street may be a sign of problems that other cities are facing as well. A city’s ability to attract talent means that their ability to create new business, attract other companies, innovate and create new wealth and prosperity is boosted. Over the past decade, Cardiff has been one of the quickest growing cities in the UK. However, the fact that Womanby Street, such a historical and contemporary creative hub in Cardiff, is in jeopardy due to corporate investment shows the vulnerable position that creative pockets of cities can find themselves in.

With increasing concentrated ownership of venues and consumerist culture on an all-time high, and the arts and culture industry facing less EU funding post-Brexit, there is a real possibility that independent music venues will get more and more vulnerable.

Weatherspoon’s and the campaigners are still waiting to hear the results of the planning application. According to Cardiff Central, they recognise that live music is important to the city and that it’s important to ensure that Cardiff’s nightlife stays lively. But whatever the result, the battle will continue for the protection of these unique venues in this special location.

https://www.facebook.com/Save-Womanby-Street-200471403769378/?fref=ts

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Exploring the Diff. Cardiff’s top creative and cultural attractions.

Cardiff is a city with a momentous cultural and creative sector that not only contributes to the fabric of urban life, but also contributes significantly to the city’s creative economy as a whole.   

The city has undergone significant regeneration in the past 30 years, and regeneration requires a vision which can look past the decay and see new creative potential. This in mind, here are a few of Cardiff’s best creative and cultural attractions, all of which are extremely accessible and affordable for everyone, and which have been borne out of that very vision.

Get creative at The Chapter Arts Centre

The Chapter Arts Centre  is a creative and cultural space based just outside of the city center, that presents and produces international and local art, live music, theatrical performances and films all within a unique and dynamic social space.

Source: Commons Wikimedia

The Centre is housed in a once deserted school building and has become a hub for art, creativity and innovation.

Entrance is free, but you may have to pay to see specific events – click here to find out what’s on.  However, if you are a student you can get some amazing discounts including concessionary prices on theatre and cinema tickets and 10% off in their café and bar, including alcoholic beverages!

Visit St Fagan’s National History Museum

Regeneration, restoration and culture go hand in hand at St Fagan’s which is the most visited heritage attraction in Wales. The open-air museum is like no other as it stands in the ground of St Fagan’s castle. Over the past 50 years buildings from all over Wales and from different eras have literally been moved and lovingly rebuilt and restored in the grounds. As you walk around and into these houses, shops, bakeries, blacksmiths, mill, churches (to name but a few) you get a glimpse into the lives and cultures of people in Wales over the ages – it’s a fascinating and captivating experience.

Source: Commons Wikimedia

This is a must for all ages – and again its totally free!

Visit Wales Millennium Centre

Cardiff Bay is home to the WMC, one of the UK’s top cultural attractions. The story of Cardiff Bay itself is inspirational -the once thriving docks which turned Cardiff from one of the smallest towns in Wales to the largest, fell into dereliction in the 1980’s with the decline of the coal industry. But, fortunately for us the City had vision and saw the creative potential in the area despite the decay.

Today there are many cultural attractions at Cardiff bay –Techniquest , Craft in the Bay, The Welsh Assembly at the Pierhead, Butetown History and Arts Centre, the Norwegian Church Arts Centre, but perhaps most iconic is the Wales Millennium Centre,  the national home for the performing arts which stages musicals, opera, ballet, circus and contemporary dance.

 

Source: Commons Wikimedia

At the very heart of the centre is the creative learning and community engagement programme which ensures that everybody from all ages and abilities and from all walks of life are both enabled and encouraged to participate in the creative arts.

The Centre also offers a number of free performances, check out what’s coming up by clicking here

Visit Cardiff’s Story Museum

The Cardiff story museum is a great choice if you are a new visitor to the City as it offers an overview to the city’s history through creative and interactive displays, using real stories from the people who have worked and lived in Cardiff over the past century to truly bring history to life! This museum is itself housed in one of Cardiff’s most historic buildings, The Old Library- another inspiring tale! Oh, and its free entry!

Source: Commons Wikimedia

It was difficult to pick just a handful of places to highlight as there are just so many creative and cultural activities on offer in Cardiff. They are all part of what makes this beautiful and cultural City so attractive to the ever-emerging creative classes in our society.

All images free and labelled to reuse under creative commons legislation.

My first theatre experience…Killology, the compelling tale of virtual torture.

I am not a regular theatre-goer. Personally I don’t know many students that are.  I always thought that going to theatre was an activity exclusively for the middle class, the middle aged and those with a steady stream of disposable income.

That’s why, up until now, I had never really entertained the idea of going to the theatre as a regular entertainment option. Research has previously shown that one of the main barriers to the younger population attending the theatre is cost. However, I was little less than ecstatic to be told that two tickets to the play would cost a grand total of… £12!

The Sherman Theatre has clearly recognised the importance of breaking down these barriers to ensure that the theatre and the cultural arts are accessible to all age and income groups. Indeed, if you are simply 25 or under you will receive 50% off all ticket prices – great for the poor students among us! This initiative means that many more people can afford to consider going to the theatre as a regular form of entertainment (much like a trip to the cinema is) rather than an occasional luxury.

The Sherman theatre also runs a project called The Sherman 5 which aims to diversify the theatres audience, by offering a free membership to those from disadvantaged communities, in addition to those who may face barriers and disadvantages such as a disability, who wouldn’t ordinarily have access to a theatre.

With all that in mind, I encourage you stop binge watching the latest series on Netflix and indulge in an evening of creativity and culture, within the intimate sphere of theatre!

Anyway, onto Killology… a compelling tale of virtual torture.

Killology is a cleverly written play by the widely respected play writer, Gary Owen, in which he addresses new technologies, commercial ethics, fatherhood and materialism – 21^st century themes to which we can all relate. The plot revolves around a controversial new gaming experience ‘Killology’, which has been created by Paul, an extremely wealthy entrepreneur who is one of the three characters in the play. Players of Killology are rewarded for torturing victims in intricately vicious ways, scoring points for “creativity”. It sounds like a sick game but Paul is actually marketing it as a deeply moral experience. For example, the player will lose points if they look away from the screen while inflicting torturous pain. Without wanting to give too much away things take a gloomy and tragic turn when this virtual torture inspires real-life atrocities.

Photo Credit: Mark Douet

The set, carefully created by Gary McCann looked like a miserable and desolated industrial wasteland, with long black wires hanging from the ceiling, the atmospheric soft lighting mimicking the flickering glow of a computer screen.

The play primarily consists of a series of brilliantly composed monologues and duologues in which the three characters (Alan and Davey – a father and son, and Paul, the puffed up entrepreneur) gradually reveal their stories. Very quickly you are drawn into the characters’ worlds, and find yourself wanting to know more about these people, how they are linked to each other and how they have ended up in the situation we find them.

Here’s a sneak peak of what you can expect should you go to see the play.

How do I rate my theatre experience? One-word-amazing! Not only was it incredible value for money but it was clever and thought provoking.  Within the intimate sphere of the theatre I felt really connected with the characters, something you just can’t get from sitting in front of a television screen. That considered, I am a total theatre convert and am looking forward to my next visit to the Sherman Theatre.

Killology is no longer showing at the Sherman Theatre, but if you happen to be around London in the next few weeks you can still catch the play at The Royal Court London Theatre, from the 25th May – 24th June. To find out more click here.

City of Culture 2021?

Photo Credit: St. Davids Yurts

The city of St Davids may be the smallest city in Britain, in size and population, but its rich cultural heritage has made it a contender in the race to win the prize for the title of UK City of Culture 2021. From its coastal views, to its grand Cathedral this bitesized city can offer far more than the history of Wales’ patron Saint, Saint David, alone.

Located along the Pembrokeshire coastal path St Davids is the perfect resting point between long scenic walks for people who are eager to soak up some Welsh culture. Despite its size the city has plenty to offer, it is filled with historic landmarks that’s architectural grandeur bring visitors from a far, a national gallery and even a palace, of sorts, not forgetting plenty of quaint dining spots that serve traditional Welsh feasts to help refuel after immersing yourself in the history of St Davids.

Perhaps the most iconic image of St Davids is its beautiful Cathedral, which is not only home to some fascinating history surrounding Wales’ patron Saint, its walls are often ringing with the sound of choral singing, as choirs travel from a far to have the opportunity to perform on St Davids Cathedrals stage. As a country of song, it’s hardly surprising that choirs from across the world come to Wales to immerse themselves in its choral culture.

As a previous host of the National Eisteddfod, a yearly celebration of Welsh culture, in 2002, the Welsh language and its traditions is at the heart of St Davids charm. A factor in which could be vital in the cities quest for the UK City of Culture title, as its Welsh speaking community in a place which holds such importance to the history and culture of Wales could be the distinctive factor that makes St Davids stand out from the crowd. The historic language of Wales has a significant influence on the countries culture in a way that is completely unique to Wales alone.

With fewer than 2,000 people residing in St Davids, its city status is pretty impressive. It certainly doesn’t match the stereotypical attributes of a booming city, you wont find any bustling high streets or towering skyscrapers in this small Welsh city. However, much like the busiest of cities in the United Kingdom, St Davids is filled with culture. The size of the city does not represent the wealth of its culture and history.

Photo Credit: Trip Advisor 

Not a fan of history? Luckily St Davids has far more to offer. Situated on the beautiful Pembrokeshire coast, this small city is renowned for its fantastic water sports facilities, from surfing to kayaking, the choppy waters of St Davids offers a freezing cold welcome to all.

Perhaps not daring enough to risk dipping a toe in cold waters? Why not take a bought trip around Ramsey Island with the chance of spotting a couple of dolphins or whales.

From tourists to pilgrims St Davids attracts a wide variety of people. It may be small in size, yet, it is steeped in history and heritage that will leave you planning your next visit to the quaint rural city. Perhaps it is not the most conventional candidate for the title of UK City of Culture, however, it can’t be denied that St Davids is filled with culture and history to match a city ten times the size of it. Could the title of City of Culture 2021 be the catalyst that raises the profile of this small city beyond Wales?