Richmond Arts & Ideas Festival 2023 opens

The inauguration of the first-ever Richmond Arts & Ideas Festival, by Richmond Arts Service, is taking place on 16th June. The launch will happen at the Landmark Arts Centre. in Teddington, starting at 5:30 pm.

The festival, themed “Together & Change”, aims to unite the Richmond communities through diverse forms of artistic expression, including dance, music, exhibitions, theater, and dialogue.

Richmond Arts & Ideas Festival 2023 provides a chance to engage with innovative artwork, family-friendly events, and panel discussions, collectively contemplating our shared future. The programme consists of around 70 events. Check out some of the highlights of the programme:

The Chosen Haram

The festival’s opening performance, “The Chosen Haram,” presents a thought-provoking and imaginative form of storytelling, combining circus elements with extraordinary movements and gravity-defying tricks. The show, by The Exchange, explores the intersections of sexuality, faith, addiction, and connection.

How to Build a Universe

Science is meeting art in this year’s edition, as N-Rich Dance and the National Physical Laboratory will join forces through a series of dance workshops called “How to Build a Universe”, which will explore treatment and care.

Gaia

Luke Jerram’s awe-inspiring installation, “Gaia”, will feature high-resolution NASA imagery of Earth’s surface accompanied by a captivating composition by BAFTA award-winning composer Dan Jones, inviting audiences to marvel at the delicate beauty of our planet.

Out of the Deep Blue

The enchanting storytelling performance, “Out of the Deep Blue”, by Autin Dance Theatre, will use magical narratives to bring attention to environmental sustainability, focusing on Eko, a sea giant emerging from the depths of the ocean.

I am Bird

Attendees will also have the opportunity to embark on an immersive and interactive experience with Marie Klimis’ “I am Bird”, that follows the extraordinary journey of a young bird migrating from West Africa to the UK through a miniature paper world.

Sancho & Me — For One Night Only

Renowned author Paterson Joseph will share his insights on slavery, belonging and love when he performs “Sancho & Me — For One Night Only”, based on his recent book The Secret Diaries Of Charles Ignatius Sancho.

FEAST

St. Mary’s University, in collaboration with The Entrepreneurial Refugee Network, will organize a street food market run by refugees in the UK. Their stories will then be showcased at an evening event at the university, incorporating music, art, and spoken word. The goal is to celebrate international cuisine while emphasizing the role of food in fostering belonging for refugees who have found a new home in a different country.

Taste of Twickenham

A Taste of Twickenham is a tasting trail that allows an opportunity to explore various offerings in Twickenham with tasting portions from local vendors, pop-up venues, and a day filled with music and performances.

The Richmond Arts & Ideas Festival will continue until 2nd July, featuring a wide array of free and ticketed events suitable for all audiences. To learn more about the events on the programme, as well as prices, times and locations, visit the official website: https://richmondartsandideas.com/events

Feel free to participate on Friday, 16th June, at 5:30 pm at the Landmark Arts Centre for welcome drinks, music, and a first glimpse of Luke Jerram’s Gaia. The public can then head to The Exchange for the festival’s opening performance, The Chosen Haram. To book your ticket, please visit: https://exchangetwickenham.co.uk/event/the-chosen-haram/