Visual arts meets Darts on Thursday May 12th when these two vastly contrasting worlds come together for one night only for an original and unexpected cultural fusion – D’Arts Festival – as part of the annual citywide and nocturnal arts extravaganza – Manchester After Hours.
D’Arts Festival is set to bring together local darts teams and leading artists for a one of a kind dart tournament.
Separating D’Arts Festival from your average darts competition is a set of bepoke oches, design by local artists Mary Griffiths, Jai Redman, Joe Hartley and Rob Bailey, with the artists taking inspiration from the Whitworth’s collection.
The brainchild of artist and Engine co-founder Jai Redman, the D’arts Festival has come about from the desire to challenge notions of “value” in the art world. By inviting the public to literally throw darts at these brand new creations, situated amongst some of the city’s finest treasures, he is opening up the debate around “preciousness” and how and why we save and preserve art.
As Redman comments: “There has always been a lively debate about art’s worth. We all have our own views about what constitutes a national treasure. You’ll get politely asked to step away from a Grand Master’s painting in any gallery if you get too close, but you’ll also get in trouble if you try to bounce on Tracy Emin’s bed. I love that we all enjoy the debate, even if we don’t always appreciate the object. It’s a small step from there to having a proper darts competition in an art gallery.”
D’Arts Festival is presented by Engine in collaboration with The Whitworth, A180 Darts, Manchester Pale Ale, Creative Tourist, Arts Council England and Culture 24.
The tournament takes place at The Whitworth from 7pm on 12 May as a part of Manchester After Hours, with the grand final set for 10pm.
This D’Arts Festival is one of a number of similarly unique and exciting events taking place across the city for Manchester After Hours on May 12th. Most events are free and will bring the city’s vibrant arts scene together and to life at dusk. Full MAH listings are available at Manchester After Hours.
