Celebrate September With Creativity, Culture, and Open Doors
This month, discover new artistic voices, savour local flavours, and enjoy a whole load of cultural events throughout Aberdeen.
Hey You,
Welcome to the September edition of the POST Newsletter! We're a tad late this month, but rest assured, it's packed with updates that are well worth the wait. The local arts scene has faced some challenges recently, with unexpected funding cuts impacting many of our talented artists and creatives. Now, more than ever, they need our support. More of that ahead.
Stay tuned throughout the month for more updates. We keep our events list freshly updated here, and all the latest news can be found right here.
In a month to remember, Esther Helfer’s Coastlines exhibition at Arkade Gallery explores her artistic growth. The Big Belmont Bash on September 7th offers a festival atmosphere with diverse activities, alongside North East Open Studios, where local artists open their creative spaces to the public. Doors Open Days and Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks invite exploration of Aberdeen’s architectural treasures and culinary delights, respectively.
Other notable events include the Four Magicians at The Lemon Tree, and Speakin' Weird’s spoken word night, both promising something special. The month rounds out with the Code the City hackathon and live music at The Blue Lamp, highlighting Aberdeen’s community spirit.
Enjoy 💛
Chris & Kevin xx
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Last Month
The Campaign for the Arts in Scotland is sounding the alarm over significant funding cuts, urging the Scottish Government to fulfil its financial commitments to prevent a cultural decline. Following a mid-year budget reduction of £10.7 million by Creative Scotland, essential funds for freelance artists were abruptly cut.
Venues and organisations in Aberdeen such as the Lemon Tree and Music Hall face a potentially devastating decrease in funding which threatens to diminish local cultural programs and opportunities for artists, heightening concerns across the artistic community.
POST
We recently discovered Pushing Out the Boat magazine, a standout in Scotland’s literary scene, which had surprisingly been off our radar until now. Naomi Greenwood from the magazine shared insights about its operations and her dual role as a contributor and a student at Aberdeen University, where she studies Art History and Theology.
Naomi, who's also an artist and writer, highlights the magazine's role in nurturing regional literary talent. This one was a reminder to us of the importance of connecting and filling gaps in our knowledge.
POST
Aberdeen Performing Arts is showcasing new visual arts installations across its venues. Emphasising the theme "Everyone is Welcome Here," these artworks, selected by NHS Grampian staff, hospital visitors, and GHAT staff, aim to foster inclusivity.
The installations feature pieces that explore personal memories, local landscapes, and natural environments, representing diverse perspectives. This initiative highlights the commitment to making all visitors feel valued and included, regardless of background.
POST
Aberdeen Art Gallery is inviting local artists to submit proposals for their Micro-Commissions programme. This is a great chance for artists, musicians, dancers, designers, writers, and performers to bring new ideas to life. Proposals should explore themes such as energy, the environment, local identity, and representation, aiming to spark dialogue and connect with the community.
POST
Nuart Aberdeen continues to dazzle, and now you can relive this year's festival with a new video. The footage highlights the excitement and creativity of the 2024 festival, featuring renowned street artists like CBLOXX and KMG. You can also see the joyous Chalk Don’t Chalk event for kids and experience the city’s murals through walking tours attended by hundreds of people from Aberdeen and beyond.
POST
What's on in September
Coastlines
From Fri 6 Sep - Arkade Gallery
Esther Helfer's exhibition, Coastlines, is opens this Friday at Arkade Gallery. It's a significant milestone for Helfer, reflecting her artistic journey and learning since her graduation. It's the result of a residency granted by All In Ideas, celebrating her growth through various artworks.
Go check it out and experience her inspired creations which explore her continuous evolution as an artist. Get yourself along there, engage with an emerging talent and appreciate a new perspective in contemporary art.
Big Belmont Bash
Sat 7 Sep - Belmont Quarter
We're very excited for The Big Belmont Bash! It'll be a rich mix of food & drink, music, arts, sports, literature, and even outdoor yoga. A special highlight for us is the Belmont Cinema, which will open its doors for tours, marking its first public opening since it was shut down in 2022.
Belmont Street, Gaelic Lane, and Little Belmont Street will be turned into a car-free zone, creating a safer and more festive vibe.
North East Open Studios
From Sat 7 Sep - Venues Across the North East
North East Open Studios runs until the 15th of September, transforming the region into a vibrant hub of creativity. Local artists and makers will welcome you to step inside their studios, and let you see their creative process for yourself.
You'll find a cool range of art, from traditional paintings and ceramics to unique jewellery, textiles, woodwork, sculptures, and even artistically crafted skateboards. This is your chance to delve into the artistic community and see where art comes to life.
Door Open Days
Sat 7 - Sun 8 Sep - Venues Across Aberdeen
Doors Open Days is Scotland's largest free festival celebrating heritage and architecture every September. It give you free access to hundreds of sites, from grand castles to modern eco-buildings, showcasing Scotland's rich cultural tapestry and architectural diversity.
In Aberdeen, the venues include Aberdeen Arts Centre, Central Fire Station, Aberdeen Mosque, the Science Centre, and Donside Hydro. They are a great insight into the city's cultural, civic, and technological advancements. Architectural and artistic venues like Gray's School of Art and Peacock display creative excellence, while Bon Accord Baths highlights historical recreation and their hopes of full restoration.
Speakin Weird
Wed 11 Sep - Spin
Speakin' Weird is a brilliant community event that runs on the second Wednesday of every month. Catch their next spoken word night on 11th September. It's a chance to share poems, prose, stories, or comedy in a welcoming space...or sit back and enjoy the work of others.
Hosted by Orla Shortall and Hannah Nicholson, this month's headliner is the fantastic Mae Diansangu. Join Aberdeen's brilliant spoken word scene and express yourself!
Creative Continuum Drop-In Session
Thu 12 Sep - Kooperator Space
Freelance Independents North-East (FINE) is hosting a series of roadshow events at Kooperator Space. These free sessions, supported by Look Again and Culture Aberdeen, aim to strengthen the creative community in North-East Scotland.
Featuring interactive activities like drawing and sculpting, they provide a collaborative platform for local artists to express themselves and build community ties. Join in to connect and create with fellow creatives!
Four Magicians
Sat 14 Sep - Lemon Tree
Four of Scotland's finest magicians, Smith & Burns, Eoin Smith, and James Dickson, are set to dazzle with this much anticipated magic show. Expect an evening of mind-reading, jaw-dropping illusions, and a healthy dose of humour.
This special performance combines incredible sleight of hand, astonishing illusions, and comedic elements, all presented by seasoned magicians who have entertained audiences in Las Vegas. It marks the first local performance for Eoin and Ivor Smith together here in their home town, making it a must-see for fans of magic.
Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks
Until Sun 15 Sep - Venues Across Aberdeen
Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks is already in full flow showcasing the city's diverse culinary offerings. With a whopping 65 restaurants joining in, this citywide feast is your golden ticket to explore some seriously top-notch dining without breaking the bank.
All those flavours, from cosy bistros to buzzing cafes, are just waiting to be sampled. And with fixed-price menus on offer, you can tuck into a two or three-course meal without fretting over the bill.
Open Mic Nights
Wed 18 Sep - Foodstory
Foodstory is spicing up the scene with its new open mic nights starting this month, where the community is invited to unwind with local beers, vegan wines, or specialty coffees. These nights aren't just for spectators; if you're a musician, here's a perfect platform to showcase your skills.
Head down to share your music or just to enjoy an array of performances in a welcoming, cosy environment. It’s an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow music lovers and enjoy a relaxing evening filled with creative expression.
Code the City
Sat 21 - Sun 22 Sep - One Tech Hub
Join Code the City for their 32nd hackathon. This time their focus is on Community Safety. Dive into pressing issues like crime prevention, law enforcement, and public health. You'll have the chance to contribute your expertise, form teams, and develop impactful solutions. Plus, you can propose your own challenges to be tackled during the event.
The outcomes will be presented at the end of the weekend, showcasing the collaborative efforts and innovations developed.
Joe Hearty & RP McMurphy
Sat 28 Sep - The Blue Lamp
Joe Hearty, hailing from Aberdeenshire and now based between London and Athens, is making a return to the music scene after a break. He first gained recognition as the lead of the indie band Copy Haho, known for their tours across the UK and Europe. His music uniquely blends Scottish DIY roots with indie elements. His new EP, Antenna, is also released this week.
Joining him is RP McMurphy, a "work in progress" act that promises to add a fresh (but definitely familiar) dynamic to Aberdeen's musical landscape.
Bilberry Lane
Until Sun 10 Nov - The Suttie Arts Space
We missed Bilberry Lane last month, but it continues throughout September. It showcases artists Kirsty Duguid, Kayleigh Kellas, and Morag Smith. The exhibition is an exploration of memory, identity, and landscape, reflecting each artist’s deep connection to their personal and regional backgrounds.
Bilberry Lane provides an intimate glimpse into the creative processes and the inspirations that shape their work.
Until Next Month
If you're organising an event and would like to get the word out, please give us a heads-up about your upcoming shows—it really helps us stay updated and spread the word. Just drop us an email at hiya@postabdn.com with the details of your event.
When you keep us in the loop, we can help share your efforts and make sure the community knows about the fantastic work you're doing.
See you next month.
C+K 💛
