Folk invited to join in Mirrie Dancers project
Mirrie Dancers, Shetland’s largest public art project, moves into an important phase towards the end of July, one in which everyone is invited to join.
Mirrie Dancers is inviting Shetlanders to help create the lighting effects both inside and outside Mareel, the new cinema, music and education venue currently being constructed next to the North Ness in Lerwick.
It is the brainchild of artists Nayan Kulkarni and Roxane Permar who were commissioned by Shetland Arts to devise the public art element of Mareel.
The artists are very keen to involve the public and are now inviting anyone who might like to be part of this exciting project to come to one of a series of Light Labs, to be held in various venues across Shetland over the coming weeks. In these workshops participants will be invited to use a simple video camera and software to create patterns of light to play across the exterior walls of Mareel.
“Imagine a musical score,” said Roxane, “except using pixels of light instead of musical notes.
It’s very simple, and anyone can use it, even if you are a complete beginner with computers and cameras. The workshops are called Light Labs – laboratories – because you’ll be encouraged to experiment and create something there.”
Arts Development manager Kathy Hubbard emphasised the importance of having a broad cross-section of the community involved. “We would really love to see people there of all ages and interests, especially if you’ve never been involved in anything to do with the arts before. It really doesn’t matter if you’ve never used a camera or a computer before either – there will be someone there to help you. Once Mareel is built, you will be able to see your own light score being played on the exterior walls. Groups and families can also create light scores – you don’t have to come on your own.”
Attendance at the Light Labs is free, and the workshops will take place in Cunningsburgh, Ollaberry, Brae, Burra, Walls, Yell, Baltasound and Lerwick.
The workshops last an hour and a half, and participants can attend as many as they like in whatever venue they choose.
If you would like to book a place on a Light Lab, or if you just want to find out more about what is involved, contact Roxane Permar on (01595) 859202 or email her at roxane@mirriedancers.com. You can also contact Kathy Hubbard on (01595) 743843 or at kathy.hubbard@shetlandarts.org
