Light up the Night
The return of SPECTRA, Granite Noir and a little more daylight
Fit Like?
We’re back for 2023 rejuvenated and eager to get going. We’ve had a productive start to the year in January. Taking a break from our daily responsibilities seems to have allowed us to tap into our imaginative potential again. Perhaps we should all be allowed to do that more often.
And February looks like it’s going to be just as busy. Aberdeen, as usual, is filling our calendar with events to brighten up the dark nights. Whether it be the colour and lights of Spectra, new exhibitions at the Art Gallery or the wonderfully gritty Granite Noir crime-writing festival, there’s something for everyone.
Don’t forget, if you would like to write for POST about what’s happening in your community, we’d be delighted to hear from you. We want this to be as much about your voice as it is about ours. Feel free to reach out on social media or send an email to hiya@postabdn.com at any time to discuss your idea. Anything you publish on POST will be owned by you, and you’ll be free to publish it on your own space on the internet too.
Chris & Kevin 💌
This Month
- What We’ve Been Writing About
- What’s on in February?
- Until next month
What we’ve been writing about
5 reasons to visit Aberdeen Art Gallery
We think it’s time you revisited Aberdeen Art Gallery. Established in 1884, it’s a central cultural destination in the heart of the city, but since its re-opening in 2019, it has taken on a more welcoming member of the community. Gone are the days of shushing security guards and signs saying “no photography!” This is a space you can enjoy in short bites, or for a whole day.
It showcases classics and contemporary art, regularly exhibiting the works of emerging artists. The collections on display are always changing. It looks like the 2023 schedule of events is going to be one of its busiest yet.
Tog do Shùil - Nuart doc explores a painted city
Tog do Shùil is a fantastic new documentary from Midas Media and BBC Alba that follows the journey of journalist Mairi Rodgers, a newcomer to the world of street art. It follows her as she becomes a volunteer at the 2022 Nuart Aberdeen festival. It’s available to watch on iPlayer until Wednesday 15 Feb.
She provides a unique insight into the festival, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process and showcasing the work of the amazing people who make it happen. It’s a great way to experience the energy and excitement of Nuart Aberdeen and gain a deeper appreciation for the dynamic between the characters that surround it. The city looks pretty awesome too.
Your complete guide to Spectra 2023
The highly-acclaimed festival of light is returning, bringing a dazzling display of colour and light to the city from February 9th to February 12th. This year, the festival has curated an exceptional lineup of free visual art installations from renowned artists and studios from across the globe. The city centre will transform into a landscape of light, sound, and visually stunning art.
We've put together all the essential information you need about Scotland's Festival of Light. Get the skinny so you’ll have a better idea of what you’re looking at when you head out in the dark.
YOU can help save the Belmont Cinema
The Belmont's closure was a blow to Aberdeen's arts community. The city's sole independent movie theatre, beloved by many film enthusiasts, was a cultural hub. Its closure serves as an important reminder that we need to support our independent cultural venues.
Of course, there have been many calls for the cinema to be saved, and you can play your part in these efforts. We’ve put together some ideas of things you can do to help save the Belmont.
Granite Noir returns this February
Get ready to delve into a world of murder, mystery and intrigue. Granite Noir, Aberdeen’s premier crime writing festival returns on 23-26 February with a jam-packed line-up and a distinctly gothic feel. It’ll feature appearances from bestselling authors like Charlie Higson, Louise Welsh and Val McDermid.
Now in its seventh year, Granite Noir has established itself as a must-attend event for anyone who loves crime fiction. With its focus on Aberdeen’s rich history, atmosphere, and sense of place, the festival offers a unique opportunity to get a taste of what makes the city so special.
What’s on in February?
February Events
8 Feb - Speakin’ Weird
The open mic for both new and experienced spoken-word performers is back. Poetry, comedy, stories, and rants - all are welcome. Join in or sit back and enjoy the show with a supportive community and special guest Sam Steele setting the bar. Speakin’ Weird at Spin is not to be missed.
8 Feb - Exploring Creativity in Aberdeen
Hosted at Kings College, Exploring Creativity is a talk by artist and blogger Jon Reid about his quest to uncover hidden artists in the city. For the past 15 years, he has documented artists from various genres, including up-and-coming talent, renowned painters, graffiti writers, and underground artists.
8 - 11 Feb - Treading the Boards presents Grease
Aberdeen University’s Treading the Boards Musical Society presents the beloved classic musical, Grease for four nights at Aberdeen Arts Centre. This timeless production has captivated audiences around the world and has become one of the most cherished musicals in history.
9-12 Feb - Spectra Festival
As well as other spaces in the city centre, Spectra will be the first major event to happen in the newly renovated Union Terrace Gardens. The festival, with the theme Home, will bring light and colour to Aberdeen’s dark winter evenings with work on show from leading visual artists from Scotland and around the world.
11 Feb - 28 May - Shadows and Light
The Shadows and Light exhibit at the Aberdeen Art Gallery honours James McBey, a local artist and adventurer from Aberdeenshire. Known for his etchings and dry point engravings, he was once referred to as the "heir to Rembrandt". The exhibition also coincides with a recently released biography of McBey.
11 Feb - Aberdeen Lynx vs Edinburgh Capitals
Aberdeen Lynx is set to face Edinburgh Capitals in another crucial match at the Linx Ice Arena. With both teams sitting at the top of the table, this game is bound to keep you on the edge of your seat. This is the first of two consecutive fixtures between the two and promises to be an intense and closely contested battle.
15 Feb - Save The Belmont screening: But I’m A Cheerleader
Join the Save The Belmont Cinema effort and celebrate LGBT history month with a free screening of the 1999 cult classic, But I’m A Cheerleader. Starring the amazing Natasha Lyonne as a naive teenager sent to rehab camp when her conservative parents and friends suspect her of being a lesbian.
18 Feb - Deemouth Artist Studios De-Stash
Deemouth Artist Studios residents are taking part in a de-stash event at the studios. They’ll be selling surplus materials, yarns, tools, equipment, and even furniture/storage at basement prices. It’s a great opportunity to say hello to a bunch of local creatives, and bag yourself a bargain.
23 - 26 Feb - Granite Noir
Always a highlight of Aberdeen’s cultural calendar Granite Noir crime writing festival returns with a jam-packed lineup. This year, the festival is taking on a distinctly Gothic feel and features appearances from big names like Val McDermid, Charlie Higson, and Louise Welsh.
24 Feb - Fittie Film Club presents A Bunch of Amateurs
Fittie Film Club has been showing some great films recently and this 2022 documentary about a once thriving historic amateur filmmaking club, looks no different. The club has faced a decline in membership but, driven by artistic disagreements, snacks, and a love of film, still provides a lifeline to its members.
Until next month
So that’s it for now. We’re running into warnings about the length of the newsletter. This isn’t unusual. There is so much going on in Aberdeen that we can’t possibly cover everything in one drop. Keep updated on our fantastic Aberdeen Events page. We’re always updating it throughout the month. 💛
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