May-hem: Unearthing Aberdeen's cultural gems

Hi!

Welcome to the May edition of Your Aberdeen. It's not unusual to wonder what the hell we're going to write about as we start to put together these newsletters. However, with a little digging, we always find gems to share with you.

So, if you have an event to share, GET IN TOUCH, it will only make our jobs easier. See more right at the end of the newsletter.

There's something for everyone to enjoy in May, bookended by two huge events. At the start of the month, Rise Up! shines a light on the creative achievements of Black and PoC creative performers. Then at the end of May, Grampian Pride 2023 joyfully celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and its allies.

For those interested in exploring Aberdeen's history, the Legacies of Slavery exhibit at the Sir Duncan Rice Library offers an insightful exploration of the city's ties to the transatlantic slave trade. Meanwhile, Loved Seeds, featuring the work of Eldin & Love, links the lives of an enslaved family in Jamaica to Aberdeen landmarks.

TV Dinners showcases the extraordinary work of renowned artist Susannah Hewlett. The New Aberdeen Bestiary returns with The Lizard at The Worm Gallery. This exhibition delves into popular beliefs and folktales related to a type of lizard found in Southern Europe.

May also offers plenty of opportunities to engage with the community and support local artists and creatives. And that's what POST is always working towards. If we can help support a local artist, visit their event or maybe even buy some of their work, then we're all going to be better off. Aberdeen can never have enough music, colour, and creativity.

See you out there,

Chris & Kevin 💌

This month

• We’re writing about
• What’s on in May?
• Your photos
• Until next month

What We’re Writing About

Rise Up! returns to platform black and POC creatives

This month, Aberdeen will celebrate the return of Rise Up!, a two-day festival dedicated to celebrating Black and People of Colour creatives. The event will be held at the Music Hall and The Lemon Tree, curated by We Are Here Scotland and commissioned by Aberdeen Performing Arts.

As always, the team will promote unity, creativity, and self-expression, with an exciting program of events showcasing the talents of Black and People of Colour creatives from Scotland and beyond. Rise Up! kicks off with a keynote speech from Yahya Barry, a prominent leader and consultant in culture, heritage, and the creative and screen industries.

Go get tickets for this one, it’s a fantastic part of Aberdeen’s festival programme. Listen, learn and enjoy some brilliant shows.

Nuart Aberdeen announces artist line-up

The talented creative team for Nuart Aberdeen 2023 has been announced, featuring internationally acclaimed artists from various parts of the world. The lineup includes Brazilian artist Thiago Mazza, American artist Swoon, UK-based Stanley Donwood and returning favourites SNIK.

Together with 9 other artists from Europe, Iran, Brazil, and the USA, these artists will create stunning street art murals throughout the city centre in June, using the walls as a canvas to showcase their unique styles and incredible talent.

We talk to Lesley Anne Rose from Open Road

In a new interview this month, Lesley Anne Rose shared her thoughts about the importance of local community spaces, the importance of being a good ancestor and Fittie's unique place as a sea-facing village at the heart of an industrial port.

Fittie, Past, Present and Possibility marked an end of a chapter in Open Road's relationship with Fittie. While they have been working extremely closely with Fittie Community Hall, they will now expand their footprint. At the same time, this gives the community a stronger voice in their cultural space.

Yxng STUNNA find his Exit

Yxng STUNNA got in touch to tell us about his new track, Exit. The Aberdeen rapper has been gaining plaudits about his work, further solidifying his growing popularity among Scottish rap fans. But more, there are whispers of an upcoming EP or mixtape in the works. Yxng STUNNA is definitely an artist to keep an eye on.

Speaking of which…we are thrilled to announce that The Lounge playlist has received a revamp today, featuring a fresh collection of songs. We aim is to keep the playlist current by continuously adding the latest tracks from talented musicians with links to Aberdeen and the North East. Find it on Spotify and Apple Music.

What’s on in May?

Just a few of the events that Aberdeen has in store for the month of May. The events listed here are just a sample of what's available. For a more comprehensive and continually updated list, be sure to check out our Aberdeen Events page.

Until 2 December - Legacies of Slavery

Legacies of Slavery delves into the ties between the North-East of Scotland and the transatlantic slave trade, currently on display at the Sir Duncan Rice Library. It also explores the lives of enslaved people, the abolition movement, and the impact of the slave trade on modern society.

Until 21 May - TV Dinners

Gray's School of Art and Culture Aberdeen host TV Dinners by renowned artist Susannah Hewlett. This unique showcase displays some of Hewlett's extraordinary work from the last 15 years, including audio and televisual highlights. It promises to be a one-of-a-kind experience. Find it on Schoolhill.

Until 24 May - The Lizard

The next stage of the New Aberdeen Bestiary is The Lizard, presented at The Worm Gallery, featuring the artwork of Portuguese artist Carla Filipe. The exhibition investigates popular beliefs and folktales related to the sardão, a type of lizard found in the Iberian Peninsula, Southern France, and Northern Italy.

Until 29 May - Loved Seeds

We Are Here Scotland's latest exhibition, Loved Seeds, is set to feature the works of Eldin & Love in the Look Again Project Space. The show delves into Aberdeen's tainted past and its ties to slavery, examining how the artists' identities are intertwined with local landmarks.

5 - 6 May - Rise Up!

Rise Up! returns to celebrate the creative achievements of Black and People of Colour in Aberdeen and Scotland. The list of events features workshops, panels, performances, and a live podcast. An opening night cabaret features poetry, spoken word, dance, and a captivating theatre performance.

7 & 21 May - Nuart Aberdeen Walking Tour

Nuart Aberdeen walking tours take place every second Sunday, led by knowledgeable guides. Discover the street art created during Nuart over the past six years. The tour showcases artworks, from small-scale paste-ups to stunning photorealistic murals, sure to impress any art lover.

12 - 13 May - Cultivate Festival

Cultivate takes place over two days, with Aberdeen Beach as its backdrop. The venue features a range of spaces across multiple floors and hosts 2500 ravers each day. This year the impressive list of artists includes Hannah Laing, Schak, Matt Guy, Raw Fox, Testpress, Tibasko, 999999999, Charlie Sparks and Franck.

16 May - Sarah McQuaid Live in Concert

Catch Sarah McQuaid at Aberdeen Arts Centre for a captivating live performance that showcases her exceptional skills on acoustic and electric guitars, piano, and occasionally drums. McQuaid's unorthodox songwriting and material selection transcend genres, making her music an eclectic and captivating experience.

17 May - Zine Fayre

Growing Pains and Pendula host a monthly Zine Fayre at their Justice Street home on the third Wednesday of every month. This is a great chance to show your support for local artists and pick up a self-published zine. Rolling applications are now open if you want to sell your work at a future fayre.

27 May - Grampian Pride 2023

Grampian Pride celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. Pride begins with a parade down Union Street. Everyone then heads to Duthie Park for an afternoon day of entertainment. Join in the festivities, wear rainbows, and show your support for the LGBTQ+ community.

Until 23 September - Oor Future by Oor Monsters

Oor Future is a fun art show at the Music Hall about climate change and how you can take action to address it. Aberdeen-based artists Gabrielle Reith and Philip Thompson‘s exhibit encourages you to be positive, self-reflective, and proactive about climate action in your own life.

Until 11 June - Where Ideas are Born

Get ready for a visual feast at Aberdeen Art Gallery. Where Ideas are Born brings together over 20 talented photographers from the famous Magnum Agency. You’ll see 70 mesmerising photo portraits of world-renowned artists, capturing the exact moment when inspiration strikes and ideas come to life.

Until next month

At the beginning of this issue, we said we love when people like YOU reach out to inform us about your events. We particularly enjoy hearing about live performances and recent releases from Aberdeen musicians, art exhibitions showcasing local artists, community events, and local history events. If you have any event or story you think might interest our wee community, please don't hesitate to contact us. We'll be thrilled to hear from you.

See you next month 💛