Emerging from Hibernation

Hiya!

Over the past few weeks, Aberdeen has come alive again. The SPECTRA light festival, the return of a Dons legend, an International Jazz Festival, a hugely successful Comic-Con and the days getting a wee bit longer have all had a positive effect on our collective psyche. People are in search of a release from all the anxieties that have been playing on our minds lately.

We've started a Twitter community for those of you who are interested in culture and events in Aberdeen. As a subscriber to this newsletter, we think you'll love to join in and be part of a group of like-minded folk. It's a change to the blink-and-you'll-miss-it firehose of the regular Twitter timeline. Join up here.

Enjoy this issue, especially our extended Coming in the Next Month section. There's loads going on in Aberdeen. Don't forget to be part of it. If you have an event you'd like to share with our community, please don't hesitate to reach out on social media.

See you next month!

Chris & Kevin ✌️

In this issue

Hazlehead Academy becomes Aberdeen's first school to be awarded the LGBT Charter — postabdn.com

WATCH: After a series of projects within the school for LGBT History Month with artists Outlines Collective, a mural wall was designed and painted on the wall by artists Kirsty Lawie, Naomi Christie and Hazlehead pupils to celebrate the school’s creative positivity and awareness and proactive inclusion.

SPECTRA was a massive success in February. Thousands of people made their way back into the city centre to see some truly mesmerising light art installations. When it rained, the damp reflective streets just added to the atmosphere. Of course, Aberdeen's photographers were out en masse, and Instagram was awash with stunning photos from the event.

Remembering One Up Records — www.aberdeenlive.news

The Aberdeen public love looking back at the city's past. We shared this story from Aberdeen Live on Twitter in February and the response was huge! Loads of people shared their memories of the city's favourite independent record store. Closed for over nine years, it still holds a place in many an Aberdonian's heart.

An magnificent statue of legendary Aberdeen FC manager, Sir Alex Ferguson was unveiled at Pittodrie Stadium this month. Andy Edwards sculpted the magnificent statue. You can read more about him and his long list of iconic sculptures on Wikipedia.

'We are going backwards': Union Street to reopen to buses and taxis within weeks — www.pressandjournal.co.uk

Aberdeen City Council sensationally reversed their decision to permanently pedestrianise the section of Union Street that is currently closed as part of the Spaces for People scheme. It’s clear our community on Twitter disagrees with the decision. So what does the future hold for the Granite Mile?

Belmont Filmhouse head urges people to get out and support their local cinema. — www.aberdeenlive.news

In a recent interview, Colin Farquhar discussed the importance of independent cinema in the city post-lockdown. He pointed out that community cinemas play an important role in the city since they support audiences whose needs are not being met by chain theatres.

Aberdeen turns out in support of Ukraine — www.aberdeenlive.news

When Vladimir Putin shocked the world by unilaterally declaring War on Ukraine, the people of Aberdeen turned out to condemn the action. The protest was a great example of the city's various communities coming together to protest.

Coming in the next month

1-2 Apr | Citymoves presents: The 2022 Spring Show — www.citymoves.org.uk

Citymoves Dance Agency presents their highly anticipated 2022 Spring Show, a showcase of some of the best dance groups in the North-East. Back in person for the first time since the pandemic began.

6 Apr | Lunchtime Talk: Walk on the wild side: Frances Walker — www.aberdeencity.gov.uk

Frances Walker is one of Scotland’s most highly-regarded living artists. In this talk, art curator Griffin Coe explores a sense of place and a sense of wonder in the art of Frances Walker.

9/24 Apr | Aberdeen Sculpture Walking Tour with Mood of Collapse — www.eventbrite.co.uk

Artist and blogger Jon Reid will take you on a walk through the city centre where he will show you almost 20 works of art ranging from historical statues to world-class street art.

9 Apr | Hysteria: The Comeback Edition — www.facebook.com

Hysteria is back at Spin for a wild night of variety performances, good vibes and absolutely fabulous outfits. Headlined by the fantastic Molly McLachlan.

9 Apr | Rebel Dykes + Discussion & Performance — www.belmontfilmhouse.com

The untold story of a community of women in 1980s post-punk, and how they went on to change their world by becoming artists, performers, musicians and activists. Followed by a panel discussion hosted by Charlotte Little with speakers Siobhan Fahey, Violet Wilde and Jo Gilbert.

9 Apr | 'Shared Resources' at Aberdeen Art Gallery — luxscotland.org.uk

Made over five years, ​Shared Resources is a documentary about debt and disability. It depicts the filmmaker’s family after Lord’s father declared Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

13 Apr | Afternoon Art Workshop with Gemma Hare — www.gemmahareartist.com

This workshop will explore the use of different materials and media, inspired by the work of an artist. The workshop is aimed at primary age kids but will be adapted to age and developmental stage.

16 Apr | Aberdeen Artists Society Exhibition 2022 — www.aberdeencity.gov.uk

The Aberdeen Artists Society, one of Scotland's oldest artist-led membership organisations, returns to Aberdeen Art Gallery this month for its 2022 exhibition.

23 Apr | Introduction to Embroidery class at Second Home — www.secondhomeaberdeen.com

Eliz is an Aberdeen based textile artist, who will be hosting an exclusive Introduction to Embroidery class at Second Home, with her design Spring.

27 Apr | Introduction to Electroacoustic Music workshop — newmusicscotland.co.uk

This workshop is designed for musicians who would like to know more about composing electroacoustic music, particularly if it didn’t form a part of their own musical training.