reMIXed Echoes

Introducing the University of Chester to local communities is the central motivation behind a unique and tasty community event to be staged by performance artist and curator, Mike Chavez-Dawson.

Opening this week at the University’s Contemporary Arts Space Chester (CASC), Remixed Echoes: Voices of Chester, v1, 2015 is the first part of an ongoing creative dialogue between the city’s residents and communities, and the University’s Faculty of Arts and Media – and published poet Philip Davenport is set to voice his thoughts on the project.

Between 5pm and 7pm on Thursday (April 23), Chavez-Dawson ‘remixes’ material generated from two social engagement projects involving Hoole Community Centre, Chester Library and final year Art and Design students. The result is a multi-part event that includes a theatre-cum-construction site with concrete poetry-inspired artworks, alongside posters, video, audio and performances – and the launch of a limited edition sorbet! The Remixed Echoes Sorbet is a blend of blackberry, rosemary and sage and will be available to taste.

Chavez-Dawson explained: “We aim to give visitors lots of different perspectives of our city, including a real taste of Chester using the Rubus Chester thornless blackberry variety in our new sorbet, while creating an interesting dialogue between the University and Chester people.

“We are very lucky to have secured Philip Davenport’s involvement. He’s sure to bring his own insightful take on Chester and what we are trying to do.”

Davenport performs a five-hour live catalogue essay on Monday, April 27, from 10am until 3pm. A documentary film crew will film the poet responding, reflecting and composing his thoughts around Chavez-Dawson’s project.

The event also includes performances by BA Hons students from Music and Drama, who will be responding to directed material by Chavez-Dawson.

Remixed Echoes: Voices of Chester, v1, 2015 continues at CASC until May 1. The CASC is open from 10am until 4pm, Monday to Friday, and admission is free to all.