Here is all the information in one place about our new, annual Inside Out Festival.  The idea behind this mini-fest is to continue to connect the communities around our HQ – The Edge, through a shared experience of contemporary art – in and around the streets of Digbeth.  So we’ll be hosting artists, installations and performances at the Edge , but there’ll also be performances, installations and interventions all around Digbeth.  There’ll be a series of art trails around the area, taking in works specially made for the festival, but also the street art, galleries and other special places of this very special district.

We’ve decided (against our better judgement, perhaps), to make all events free during the festival, so that, in these tough times, we can take a ‘day off’ together, without burning a hole in our threadbare pockets.  We will ask you to donate something towards next year’s event – as by this time next year times are likely to be even tougher for us in the ‘cultural industries’ – but it’s not compulsory…

On to the programme (so far)

Friday 24th September

There’s loads happening on Friday evening, with events at ‘Eastside’ Projects, Grand Union, Vivid is open, etc.  So why not go there from 6pm until 7.15ish then from

7.30pm – Launch Party in association with Sonic Asylum: Drawdhino type cleverness from Antonio Roberts and his Fizzpop cohorts, Live acoustic loveliness from Youssouf Karembe (from the Dogon tribe in Mali) and the Wilderness of Manitoba (from the harmony tribe in Canadia) as well as installations and artworks from our A45 project (connecting Coventry artists with Brum). Free, Free, FREE!!! (Bands onstage from 9ish)

Saturday 25th -2pm-6pm ‘Art Trail’ around Digbeth including transformed rooftops and bus stops, ‘hidden’ artworks and contributions by the Rea Garden, Lombard method, and more tba

7pm onwards – performances from the likes of Dr David Ethics, Kokumo and ‘Bard of Birmingham’, Brendan Higgins, followed by ‘Happy Artist’ disco and social club with old school reggae, soul and northern soul, courtesy of DJ Miserable Bastard

Sunday 26th – 11am Artists brunch – chow down with delicious food and chat about art, life ,the universe and Digbeth with some of the artists exhibiting during the festival, joined by Stoke Newington Airport, Quarantine, and other, very special guests.  Brian Duffy will be performing some of his Casio and Speak and Spell machine magic.

2pm -6pm – more ‘Art Trail’ fun, taking in all the great stuff going on in Digbeth, as well as lots of surprises

27th onwards – exhibition of works from the festival at the Edge

Paid bar  and nibbles available.  ALL EVENTS ARE FREE – we decided, in the spirit of beating the recession, and facing hard times together, that we (with the kind cooperation of Sonic Asylum, the artists and volunteers) will offer all events for free and just ask for your kind donations instead – so, pay what you feel you can, rather than any door prices.  Aren’t we nice?

If you are interested in performing or volunteering for the event – get in touch via the website and we’ll see what we can do.