The Creative Side to Oxford (C1877512)

Oxford

Oxford has much to offer as a city! Oxford is known to be a place of academia, and for those who have never visited the city itself there may be the presumption that Oxford is not a place of cultural richness. From what I have experienced from living in Oxford all my life I can tell you Oxford has plenty to offer in terms of creative spaces.

As a young adult and having grown up and spent my whole childhood in Oxford, I have to say that Oxford has so much to offer it is home to many creative areas where people are able to express their creativity how they wish to.

I will be making sure that today I show you as a reader that there is another side to Oxford which most people have not yet discovered to maximum potential and will be able to convince people that there is more to Oxford than originally meets the eye.

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Performing & Visual Arts

The Oxford Playhouse is an independent theatre in central Oxford which presents and produces a wide variety of live performances for all ages to enjoy watching. The Oxford Playhouse building was built in the early twentieth century showing the early rich cultural history of performances in Oxford.

Oxford boasts a lot of venues which host plenty of visual art exhibits. For example, Modern Art Oxford is a gallery which hosts plenty of exhibitions of contemporary art. In terms of museums, Oxford has the most famous and oldest in the United Kingdom, being the Ashmolean Museum.

The Story Museum is another creative space which holds immersive exhibitions and galleries more specifically catered for younger audiences. Oxford also has plenty of movie theatres, giving people plenty of options to choose from.

Oxford also has a lot of film production companies such as Oxford Films, and Film Oxford, which are independent companies that have produced films in the United Kingdom and on a national scale. Oxford also has the famous Bodleian library and the Pitt Rivers Museum both of which are renowned for their private and public exhibitions.

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Music

Oxford has plenty of venues where live music and DJ’ing are performed. The Bullingdon club is one venue which hosts lots of live events, especially ones that last till the break of dawn. The O2 Academy is also another large venue in Oxford which hosts live music and showcases local talent such as local bands and live musicians.

The Oxford University has plenty of venues where public music performances are held, most notably on May 1st (May Day) each year when a choir sings at 6am from the top of Magdalen Tower to the thousands listening below who have gathered on the High Street in Oxford city centre.

MAGDALEN TOWER / SOURCE: VIKTOR FORGACS (VIA UNSPLASH)

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Architecture

Oxford has many fascinating contemporary building designs, the most famous design being that of the Blavatnik School of Government, whose shape has been compared to that of an alien spaceship.

The Oxford Westgate centre is also one of modernist architectural design containing lots of space for small creative businesses. These modern forms of architecture contrast well with Oxford’s traditional forms of architecture such as the university college buildings.

BLAVATNIK BUILDING / SOURCE: ISTOCKPHOTO

There are loads more fascinating things to do in Oxford hopefully encouraging you to explore Oxford city yourself one day!

Hopefully I was able to give you more of an insight to the creative and cultural side of Oxford I have convinced you that there is much more to do in Oxford in terms of creative spaces than most people assume when they think of Oxford as a city.

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When In Rome…

 Rome, the “Eternal City”. For centuries, people have travelled across continents to marvel in the heart of Italian culture, wander through idyllic cobbled streets, and taste authentic Italian cuisine. Italian director Federico Fellini once said, ‘Rome does not need to make culture. It is culture’, having visited Rome twice in the space of two years, I am guilty of having a love affair with the city.

Unconsciously getting lost in the ancient City is an experience in itself, every corner you turn, photograph you take, captures Rome’s artistic heritage from all angles. Rome’s cityscape alone is unforgettable, seizing the hearts of many.

As I walked across the city from St. Peters Basilica to the Colosseum, I was not only distracted by the aroma of freshly prepared pizza, but by the finest creations of Western art – from towering sculptures, astonishing architecture and mesmeric fountains. Home to the renowned Michelangelo, Raphael and Bernini; the city is a playground for artistic enthusiasts, culture chasers, history lovers and budding wine connoisseurs. I could not help but feel a sense of incredible jealously towards the Italian culture, longing to have what they have…

Religious, or not, St. Peters Basilica and the Vatican Museum absolutely cannot be missed when visiting Rome. As you walk through the Museum you are greeted by an Exhibition of historical monuments and vibrant Renaissance frescoes, immediately being left bewildered by the endless possibilities of humanity! Upon entering St. Peters you are welcomed by the echoing of angelic voices bouncing off the cool marble floor, enormous domes, and historical artefacts. You are able to climb to the top of Michelangelo’s dome but this is not for the faint hearted (or claustrophobic), it takes a total of 491 occasionally steep, narrow and exhausting stairs to reach the top. But the view makes it worthwhile.

(The view from the top of Michelangelo’s dome)

Ancient architectural constructions such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Pantheon prove how Rome has always excelled in innovation and creativity. The Colosseum and the Roman Forum will take up the best of a whole day to explore in depth, nevertheless this will be a day well spent.

Many people will say that Piazza di Spagna is nothing but an exhausting trek of steps with a mediocre view of Rome’s elite shops. But it is so much more, when visited at the right time (between 9-12 pm) the Spanish Steps become a place of live music, entertainment and romance.

(Piazza di Spagna)

With all that Rome has to offer, how could there possibly be more?

According to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, Rome’s affluent reputation in film production dates back to the early 20^th century, with the creation of the Cinecittà Studios. Since then, the Capital city has flourished to become the hub of Europe’s leading film production.

The Rome International Film Festival (RIFF), is running for the 14^th year this coming November, and has been awarded among the top film festivals in the world. The RIFF encourages filmmakers from all cultural, ethnic and global backgrounds to share their independent work to the festival audience. In doing so, the festival provides the filmmakers with the exciting opportunity to make professional connections in the industry. The creative economy is thriving in Rome, generating 750 million euros each year from the film sector alone.

The Italian culture inundates tourists from across the world. The “Eternal City” will never stop expanding, adapting and surprising us with new innovations, creativity and concepts, that cannot be rivalled with.

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.

10 Things That Wouldn’t Exist In The UK Without The Creative Industries

With Brexit looming over us, many fear for the creative industries. The government and the majority of the nation seem to be unaware of the importance of this growing sector, as well as the benefits it brings to the UK.

I ask you in the uncertain times ahead to remember and support the driving force that is behind these 10 things: 

1. A growing economy

In 2015 the creative industries generated £87.4bn for the country and the amount it generates is continually growing. It is seeing a 7% rise in the creative industries CVA compared to the average rise of 17.4 % across the economy. These figures highlight how the creative industries are a reliable endorser of the British economy.

Source: http://gph.is/1mavbro

2. Money super-market advertisements

It may be the most complained about ad of 2016, receiving over 1,063 complaints, but Dave the worker who likes to strut his stuff down the high street in his high heels and Gary the dancing body guard have become household names. Helping to increase Money Super-Market’s profits by 12% in 2016, this advertisement highlights the positive impacts that the creative industries can have to businesses.

3. The Shard

The tallest building in Western Europe made up of 11,000 glass panels and the 59^th tallest building in the world. All created by the architect Renzo Piana, who once said ‘I hate tall buildings’, the shard is a symbol of the creative architecture and art that is available in the UK.

Source: WikiCommonsMedia

4. Stormzy

The man responsible for the ‘rise of UK grime’, turning it into something that could be defined as our biggest cultural export. With the likes of Kanye West showing to be a big fan, Stormzy has helped the UK’s music industry to be recongised for its innovation around the world.

Source: http://gph.is/2cC0jRb

5. Bridget Jones’s Baby

One of 2016’s top three grossing films at UK box office, and opening at number 1 in 24 different countries, Bridget Jones’s Baby was filmed in the UK’s Working Title Studio, making Bridget a national treasure.

Source: http://gph.is/2aYr4zl

6. Glastonbury Festival 

Started in 1970 on Worthy Farm in Glastonbury, Somerset, by local farmer Michael Eavis, Glastonbury Festival is now the largest greenfield music and performing arts festival in the world.

Source: WikiMedia

7. Victoria Beckham

If this woman hasn’t spiced up the British creative industries, I don’t know who has. Starting as a member of one of the most famous girl bands of all time, the Spice Girls introduced the true meaning of ‘Girl Power’. Victoria then created her own fashion label that won her  Glamour’s ‘entrepreneur of the year award’, Victoria Beckham is definitely a queen of the British creative industries and a face of British culture.

Source:http://gph.is/1IPX4P3

8.  50 Shades of Grey

Everywhere you turned in 2015 someone was always reading this book. Selling over 5.3 million copies, and being turned into a Hollywood film, the book by British writer E. L. James is one of UK’s and the world’s greatest literature success stories.

Source: http://gph.is/2cfd9Vb

9. Banksy

Listed in Time’s world’s 100 most influential people in 2010, Banksy has helped put British art on the map. Keeping his identity hidden, he started sharing his art on the walls of Bristol during the 1990s and now sees it sold for hundred of thousands of dollars in auction houses around Britain and the world.

“Banksy” (CC BY 2.0) by eviltomthai

10. 8 Million Jobs

The amount of creative industry jobs increased by 5.5% in 2014, which is more than double the 2.1% national average rise in UK employment. Therefore, in simpler terms, without the creative industries in the UK many of us would be unemployed.

Source: https://giphy.com

All images free to use under Creative Commons legislation.

Cover Image Source: Flickr.com/photos/unionjack 
“Union Jack” (CC BY-NC 2.0) by csaga