Out of this world! – Gaia has arrived
By Rory Poulter
16th Jun 2023 | Local News
The spectacular Gaia artwork has arrived as the centrepiece of the Richmond Arts & Ideas Festival, which opens today – Friday.
Luke Jerram's monumental creation – showcased at the Landmark Arts Centre, Teddington - features high-resolution NASA imagery of the Earth's surface.
At the same time, the experience is enhanced with a surround sound composition by BAFTA award-winning composer, Dan Jones.
It measures seven metres in diameter and provides the opportunity to see our planet, floating in three dimensions.
It aims to create a sense of the Overview Effect, which was first described by author Frank White in 1987.
Common features of the experience for astronauts are a feeling of awe for the planet, a profound understanding of the interconnection of all life, and a renewed sense of responsibility for taking care of the environment.
Luke said: "I hope visitors to Gaia get to see the Earth as if from space; an incredibly beautiful and precious place. An ecosystem we urgently need to look after – our only home.
"Halfway through the Earth's sixth mass extinction, we urgently need to wake up, and change our behaviour. We need to quickly make the changes necessary, to prevent runaway Climate Change."
The artwork be the focus for a number of events held at the Landmark, including music, exhibitions and yoga.
The Richmond Arts & Ideas Festival will offer more 70 events across the borough with the aim of together communities through music, dance, theatre, food and conversation.
The theme is Together & Change, welcoming residents and visitors to meet new ideas and people to consider a fresh look at our world, our lives and how things might change.
This is a chance to engage with cutting-edge artwork, street theatre, family friendly events, and discussion panels.
Throughout this summer, art and science will be brought together, amplifying messages of warning and hope.
The spectacular Out of the Deep Blue is being brought to the streets of the borough with the support of Discover Twickenham BID.
It tells the story of story of Eko, a sea giant who rises from the deep ocean, uses magical storytelling to bring environmental sustainability into focus for families and festival goers.
The outdoor family spectacle features a 13-foot-tall Sea Giant Puppet operated by 5 world-class puppeteers and contemporary dancers.
The festival programme is developed and co-presented with and through partners across the borough. This includes Richmond Arts Service's own facilities at Orleans House Gallery, Richmond's public libraries, as well as a wide range of local partners.
Storytelling arrives in thought-provoking and imaginative forms straight from the festival's opening performance in the form of the visually stunning, The Chosen Haram, to be held at The Exchange, Twickenham, on Saturday, June 16.
This award-winning show is a unique and complex take on circus, demonstrating extraordinary movement with gravity-defying tricks, while tackling the intersections of sexuality, faith, addiction, and connection.
Audiences can also take to the skies as Marie Klimis' I am Bird will be flying around libraries, taking visitors on an immersive experience while following the extraordinary and everyday story of a young bird migrating from West Africa to the UK through a miniature paper world.
You will be able to hear directly from creatives themselves, through multiple talks and performances such as acclaimed author Paterson Joseph sharing secrets from the writing desk.
There are also several days of celebrating international cuisine with FEAST highlighting the role of food in breaking down barriers to belonging for refugees who are making their home in a new country.
St Mary's University, in collaboration with The Entrepreneurial Refugee Network, will host a street food market run by refugees to the UK.
Their stories will then be told at an evening event in the beautiful surroundings of the University through music, art and the spoken word.
The following day will bring the opportunity to meet and explore everything Twickenham has to offer as part of A Taste of Twickenham tasting trail, with, again is supported by Twickenham BID, the group that is made up of local businesses to promote the town centre.
It will feature the chance to try tasting portions from local vendors, as well as 11 pop up venues, while there will also be music and performances to keep you entertained all day long!
Among the many other festival highlights are:
* Talks and performances at OSO Arts Centre, Barnes, including An Audience with Sarfraz Manzoor - co-writer of Blinded by the Light which was an adaptation of his original memoir Greetings from Bury Park.
https://osoarts.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173641394
* Popcorn Children's Festival and workshop - A safe place to explore all things fun, engaging and inspirational, promoting positive screen-time for children aged 4-11 years.
Five different tents filled with extra-curricular classes for any child anywhere to find their passion. Discover culinary delights in the Food Stall, brush up your performance skills in the Circus Tent, find your zen inthe Wellness Retreat, create wonders in Art Attack, and finally relax with a story in the Literacy Hub.
* How to Build a Universe - a local dance and picnic in the park event to be held in Murray Park on Sunday, July 2.
Family-friendly and inclusive, community groups will be invited to share their dances with the audience, culminating with international award-winning choreographer, Jamaal Burkmar and dancers from Leeds, London and Norway performing a creative piece of improvisation.
https://richmondartsandideas.com/events#calendar-f17c7d44-5396-4d77-8664-2f672a67b929-event-lh6hucvl
* A programme of performances at The Exchange Twickenham including Ayra - a celebration of what it is to be a woman in the 21st Century through Nu Soul with elements of jazz.
https://exchangetwickenham.co.uk/event/ayra/
* Drawing Matters 4 All – a 3D drawing workshop for children of all ages at Whitton Community Centre.
https://www.rawgroundarts.com/events
To find out more see here - https://richmondartsandideas.com/
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