D.I.Y.
Monday 4 February 08 - Saturday 22 March 08 : 10am-7pm
Free
An exhibition of designs, text and artwork from record labels, art collectives and publishers involved in D.I.Y. production, exploring the contemporary infrastructure for self-promotion, the platform for cultural specialisms, and the appeal of the hand-made object.
LAUNCH NIGHT FRI 15 FEB - 5pm to 7pm
A chance to meet some of the exhibitors, buy artwork and see the whole exhibition.
MV + EE poster by Harvest Time / Lucy Graves
Stop/Sharpening/Your/Knives
Work by Charlotte Morris
Motive Sounds
motivesounds recordings is an independent label, aiming to promote original, alternative music, and develop a roster of bands/musicians, who, with fresh outlooks are making a truly significant contribution. Also, by promoting up and coming designers, we aim to establish a network of independent thinkers, whilst creating a dual platform on which cover design and music co-exist, and are intrinsically linked.
2+++
TwoThousandAnd was started in 2001 by Anthony Guerra and Michael Rodgers to document a developing and expanding international community of musicians. They produce CD releases with handmade packaging.
Touch
Since its first release in 1982, Touch has created sonic and visual productions that combine innovation with a level of care and attention that has made it the most enduring of any independent music company of its time.
Touch - Chris Watson cover
The first period up to the digitisation of music in the mid-80’s saw the release of several cassette magazines, where sounds by luminaries such as New Order, Cabaret Voltaire and The Residents were paralleled by visual work and writing by Neville Brody, Jon Savage, Joseph Beuys and many others. As the industry went through its usual elaborate cycles of self-annihilation and rebirth, Touch adapted to incorporate new technologies with the old, underscoring the power and necessity of editing and presentation to bring the best out of each production.
Now working extensively with Fennesz, Chris Watson, Philip Jeck, Biosphere, Ryoji Ikeda, BJNilsen and many others, Touch celebrated its 20th year in 2001 with a UK CMN-backed tour, including sell-out dates in Brighton, Bristol, Glasgow, Newcastle, Salisbury and the QEH in London. The transitions from analogue to digital, from camera-ready artwork to broadband file-sharing and from 1/4” masters to website downloads are only the surface manifestations of the great changes that have taken place in recorded music over the last 20 years. Touch has been at the forefront of these changes, and will continue to be.
Cabanon Press
Self-produced work from graphic artists Tom Gauld and Simone Lia. Their graphic novels and comics have an intimate handmade feel with amusing and touching narratives.
Hooray Hurrah
Hooray Hurrah is a Leeds based art collective, the members of which primarily represent design, illustration and all things generally considered 'low brow'. Their work is liberally seen on paintings, flyers, posters and record sleeves across the UK and beyond and is made up of a variety of styles and mediums. It may not always have the backing of clever social or political commentary but nevertheless their work is reproduced, talked about, photographed, torn down, pasted up, traced, painted over and above all enjoyed by society's everyday viewers.
Running Amok
Running Amok publish a series of artists’ zines - each issue is by a different artist who is given free rein with the content. The zines are intentionally lo-fi and black & white. The content and layout is left up to the artist and are produced in an edition of 100.
Running Amok - work by Robert Hanson
As part of the exhibition, NAC will be hosting a series of events that exemplify the ‘do it yourself’ culture.
This kicks of with a gig by MV + EE on Friday 15th February (8pm; £6 adv / £7 door; late bar) with support from The Doozer. Matt "MV" Valentine, along with Erika "EE" Elder, have together formulated a modern-ancient cosmic-blues universe of sound. Killer riffs, plaintive and erotically charged vocals combine as they draw on classic vibes, 'hot' blues, loose rock n roll and free folk.
On Monday 18th February local film collective Shorts celebrate the DIY filmmaker in their ‘Homemade’ special (8pm; £2; café bar). The regular Shorts night features a variety of short films across all genres, including animation, puppetry and documentaries. DIY promoters
Howlback Hum have two great nights of lo-fi entertainment, including headliners performance / music crossover My Dark Aunt on Tuesday 26th February and the progressive rock drones of Transept on Tuesday 18th March (both 8pm; £2.50 adv / £3 door; café bar).
The new bi-monthly Clutter City Market also launches on Saturday 8th March (11am – 5pm; free entry) and aims to bring you the best of Norwich’s alternative crafts and one-of-a-kind goods from clothes & jewellery to cool art to music in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The launch of Clutter City on Saturday 8 March will have live music, DJ’s and tasty take -out food in the cafe bar with stalls in the auditorium. For further information on Clutter City or booking a stall please see the website http://cluttercity.norwichartscentre.org.uk
Lastly, local record label Monkey Love showcase the label’s finest talent on Saturday 29th March, with Red Cassette, Kellie The Eagle, Mia & The Lawless and more (8pm; £5; late bar).