Winter Update

Here is an update on what has happened over the last month or so since my last post:

Pavilion have had several events which have been extremely fascinating.
Melvin Moti, the artist who is the main part of their current programme, came back to the Majestic to be interviewed about his film The Eightfold Dot and launch a publication to accompany it. I was lucky enough that Melvin Moti signed it and for other Pavilion volunteers.

Melvin Moti in conversation with Adam Pugh and Maki Fukuoka.

They have been celebrating 30 years this year and hosted one of Cara Tolmie's Wrangling Excercise performances, which involved facilitating a discussion and interview with some of the original and early members of Pavilion from back in 80s. It even took place in their original home, which is now Akmal's Tandoori Bistro on Woodhouse Moor.
It was amazing to hear from them how Pavilion first started out and to see how they have evolved from being very much a feminist arts organisation to where they are now. There was also a lovely selection of posters from Feminist Archive North, who help preserve Pavilion's brilliant history.

And the rest is history... A selection of posters spanning Pavilion's 30 years kindly lent out from Feminist Archive North.

There was then a fascinating talk on the history of the Eyebright Well that was said to be situated around the site of the Majestic, just on Wellington Street. It was very interesting to hear of Leeds history and links with the old healing wells. The Eyebright well, as you can probably guess from the name, was said to have the power to restore eyesight. Links were also made between it and the Eyebright plant, which grew not far from there and was also said to heal the eyes.

Photos of the speaker's at Pavilion's Eyebright Place talk.

And then finally, I got let loose upon the Majestic itself to help co-ordinate and exhibition of local artists linked with Pavilion. Our  one night only exhibition The Follies of Youth.The Follies of Youth is a collective of emerging artists and curators working with Pavilion to research and realise ambitious contemporary art and community projects in heritage spaces throughout Leeds. 

It was extremely exciting to have access to the space and we just couldn't wait to start communicating with it. With a generous mix of performance, projection, installations and photography, 10 artists each constructed a response to the space in a way they had experienced it. We then opened up the building and exhibition for one night on Friday 13th no less! What a treat this was!
Unfortunately I did not get to see many of this visitors as I was performing, but I heard great things in the aftermath and can boast visitor numbers of 100+ in less than 2 hours. Needless to say we were all very happy Follies indeed to have such a success! 

Well 2013 has been a very exciting year. Already preparing plans for next year so keep your eyes peeled!