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A pop-up exhibition curated by one of the island’s best-known artists is set to be launched this weekend in two empty units at the Horizon development.
Every weekend, Express presents a selection of exhibitions, performances, workshops, events and other historic, creative and delicious content to help islanders get their weekly dose of culture.
Here's this week's offering...
Two ground-floor units at the Horizon development will become a gallery for contemporary art in a pop-up exhibition organised by one of the island’s best-known artists.
Ian Rolls has assembled a collection of work by 34 visual artists which will be on show for a three-week period from Saturday 13 July at Horizon South and East, overlooking Elizabeth Marina and the new Sail sculpture.
Mr Rolls described the collection as representing “the finest and most intriguing visual artists currently working in Jersey, ranging from those with a lifetime’s experience to emerging talents”.
“My commitment to organising this exhibition began when the Jersey Development Company offered two large commercial units to showcase local artists’ work within the Horizon complex,’’ he said.
“These spaces have a charmingly raw aesthetic, with concrete pillars, floors, block walls and exposed black ducting, all illuminated by natural light from the floor-to-ceiling windows.
"JDC has been incredibly supportive, marking the beginning of a growing relationship that recognises the importance of the creative industries for Jersey’s future wellbeing.”
With five of the 12 commercial units in the development currently sold or under offer, JDC CEO Lee Henry explained that he was pleased to repurpose some of the remaining spaces for the benefit of the community.
“We are delighted to support Ian in transforming these empty units into a vibrant pop-up art exhibition,’’ he said.
"This use aligns with JDC’s focus on place-making and creating sustainable communities.
"Our ambition is to transform St Helier’s Waterfront into an engaging and active destination where people want to live, work and visit.”
The Art Market exhibition will be officially opened by the Constable of St Helier, Simon Crowcroft, at 11:00 on Saturday 13 July, and it will be open daily from 10:00 until 17:00 until Saturday 3 August.
All exhibited artwork is available for purchase, while Acorn will also be showcasing a range of upcycled creations.
A popular seaside festival is set to return this weekend.
The Havre des Pas Seaside Festival will take place this Saturday and Sunday with three live-music stages, free bouncy castles, food and drink stalls, as well as lots of other family-friendly activities.
Town centre manager and head of engagement Connor Burgher said: “The festival is the start of two really exciting weeks for the parish, including the Fête de St Hélier and a visit from His Majesty, King Charles III.
“We have added lots of activities this year that the whole family can get involved with, including a pirate and mermaid costume competition and an introduction to sea swimming with local legend Sally Minty-Gravett.
“We hope to see as many people turn out as possible for what will be an incredible weekend.”
Entry is £3 for a day ticket or £5 for a weekend band, whilst entry for children under ten is free.
The former guitarist for The Stone Roses is due to perform at the Blue Note Bar on Saturday.
Aziz Ibrahim – known for his work as guitarist with Simply Red, The Stone Roses and their frontman Ian Brown – said audiences can expect an entertaining, unique and spontaneous solo performance
"My objective is to entertain," he said. "I want to give you value for money."
Unlike traditional gigs where artists perform a rehearsed set, Mr Ibrahim said he plans to adopt a more dynamic approach, akin to a DJ reading the crowd.
He added that he will tailor his setlist based on the energy and preferences of the audience, reading the room and playing what fits best — potentially including Stone Roses tunes, Ian Brown songs he co-wrote, as well as his original material.
Mr Ibrahim said: "I've learned to do a different kind of show recently. I don't want the night to be the same every time I play."
Doors open at The Blue Note on Saturday 13 July at 19:30. Tickets can be bought for £15 HERE.
The Jersey Arts Centre will be transformed into a creative hub for children and families this week as it hosts the island's first-ever kids arts festival featuring over 30 events.
Children and young people can enjoy a series of performances, workshops, films, author events, and street theatre between 11 and 24 of July from both visiting and local artists.
Called 'Playdays', the festival promises a variety of engaging activities focused on the arts for children and their families, aiming to spark creativity among young people.
Among the highlights are a performance of Roald Dahl's 'The Twits' by the Jersey Arts Centre's Junior Drama group, a bilingual music concert in French and English, and puppetry show 'Handa's Surprise' by Little Angel Theatre.
Children will also have the opportunity to participate in hands-on workshops where they can explore graffiti art, jazz music, drama, and puppetry.
For young film enthusiasts, the festival will feature screenings of animated shorts and both 'Wonka' and 'Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory'.
Book lovers can enjoy events from the Jersey Festival of Words, featuring authors Sarah Coyle and Nick Arnold.
Ms Coyle will present her new interactive book, 'Pick A Story!', while Mr Arnold will bring science to life with 'The Horrible Science Show'.
Finally, the Royal Jersey Showground will host a travelling theatre production by Nicole et Martin.
The Showground's White Tent will feature a unique show combining music, dance, juggling, and more, presenting five captivating folk tales.
Full festival details are available at online.
Photo credit: Barney De La Cloche
Teens from across the island are preparing to rock out this weekend in a fierce battle to be crowned Jersey's top young band.
After a successful inaugural event last year, and with almost double the acts, the Jersey Music Association's under-18s Battle of the Bands is returning to the Watersplash this Saturday 13 July between 13:00 and 18:00.
The free event was established by Jess Donoghue in 2023 to provide a platform for up-and-coming young music talent, and some have gone on to perform at large Jersey events and venues.
Last year's winners, prog-rock metal group 'Jim's House' were lucky enough to get a slot at Weekender 2023's 'Made in Jersey' stage, and have also performed at Chambers as well as The Blue Note.
Like in 2023, shortlisted bands this year will receive a ‘Youth Band Starter Kit’, including free photography, videography, and rehearsal space.
The contestants include:
This year, the JMA has teamed up with Rat City Promo to continue the event into the evening with an under-18s afterparty (ages 14-18) from 19:00 until 23:00.
They will be treated to performances from acid-jazz/funk band Dodgy Jammers, as well as Jersey's indie-rockers Intermission, and Guernsey pop-punk band Bloomfield.
Organisers said they would like to thank local supporters, Island Music, Music Managed, Lab-6, Madhatter, Youth Arts Jersey and Creative Island Partnership for enabling the event to grow.
Tickets for the under-18s after-party cost £5 and can be purchased online HERE or on the door. The ticket price includes unlimited soft drinks.
You can find out more about this year's under-18s Battle of the Bands HERE.
A breakdance teacher of 14 years is set to host a competition at Jersey College for Girls Prep this afternoon.
Scott Mills – know as 'Bboy Shadow' – delivers dance lessons around the island at schools and various youth settings and local events.
Today's performances will be as follows:
Scott's 'Total Mayhem' crews will then showcase a 'Breakdance Battle' to celebrate the fact that the sport will be featured in the Olympics for the first time this summer in Paris.
Pictured: Georgia Mae Bishop. (Max Burnett)
Opera may not appeal to most 18 to 25-year-olds, but ArtHouse Jersey is on the lookout for some young converts.
Working with Jersey-born opera singer Georgia Mae Bishop, the organisation is exploring new ways of approaching the art form.
The project does not take a traditional stance, with participants being invited to explore opera’s capacity both to be funny and moving.
They are asked to bring enthusiasm, creativity and their voice to a workshop that involves a light vocal and physical warm-up followed by vocal exercises, with the opportunity to learn to sing without sheet music.
Help will be given interpreting, writing, and performing graphic scores using visual symbols, rather than traditional musical notation, followed by experimentation and collaboration to bring stories to life through improvisation.
ArtHouse said the benefits of taking part included boosting mood and reducing stress through group singing and gaining new skills in music, drama, and storytelling.
Producer Robyn Cabaret said they were delighted to be working with Ms Bishop over the next 18 months to bring the project to life.
“We hope to both celebrate and preserve the yet-to-be-told stories and culture of our island’s young adult population, making this project joyful, inclusive, and relevant.
The idea is to have fun, meet people to experiment with and explore the possibility of redefining what opera can be,” Ms Cabaret said.
The workshop – which takes place on Saturday from 1.45pm to 5.30pm at ArtHouse Jersey’s Grève de Lecq Barracks, with further opportunities to be announced later in the year – is free of charge and places are allocated on a first come, first served basis. Snacks and light refreshments will be provided through the afternoon, and a £5 voucher towards travel costs is offered.
Those who would like to take part can email robyn@arts.je.
Don't miss the chance to showcase your talent in the 'My Island' Photography Competition 2024!????????????
— States Assembly - Jersey's elected parliament (@StatesAssembly) July 10, 2024
This year's theme is 'Local Icons,' and we can't wait to see how you capture Jersey's most iconic sites and landmarks. Whether it's historic buildings, breath-taking landscapes, or… pic.twitter.com/8vpoycmQLM
The States Assembly is inviting islanders to enter this year's 'My Island' photography competition.
The competition theme this year is 'Local Icons' and organisers said the theme is open to artistic interpretation – for example, historic buildings and landmarks, or 'iconic' Jersey sites.
Entrants are invited to submit their photo as a digital file. Entries are being accepted from Wednesday 10 July until Friday 6 September 2024.
After the submission deadline, entries will be shortlisted. Shortlisted artists will be notified by email, and the selected photography will be displayed in States Assembly buildings for one year.
The winner's photography will be displayed in the Royal Square during Democracy Week, between Monday 23 - Friday 27 September.
A panel of judges will select overall competition winners and runners-up across three age categories:
Winners will receive a £100 voucher. Runners up will receive a £25.00 voucher.
For more information click HERE.
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