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Paris Yayoi Kusama 10 Oct 2011 - 9 Jan 2012; not Tue Centre Pompidou Wed-Sun 11am-9pm Paris's Centre Pompidou presents France's first retrospective of Yayoi Kusama, a Japanese artist known for her psychedelic polka dot motifs . The 150 works on show provide the most surrealist experience you can have on Paris art scene right now. Repetition to the point of 'obsession' is the strength of Kusama's works (which influenced Pop Art). At the Pompidou, they take you through mirrored rooms that reflect light and dots in such a way that you feel like your floating through outer-space.
Edvard Munch - The Modern Eye 21 Sep 2011 - 23 Jan 2012; not Tue Centre Pompidou Wed-Mon 11am-9pm (until 11pm Thu) In The Modern Eye (L'Oeil Moderne) exhibition, Paris's Pompidou Centre sheds new light on the work of world-revered Norwegian painter Edvard Munch (1853-1944). For the first time in France admire around 80 paintings, photos and artworks on paper. This fantastic retrospective is a chance to see just how much the artist's curiosity for all forms of representation fuelled his work. For Munch was a wholly 'modern' artist, drawing on photography, cinema, the illustrated press and theatre for inspiration of his work. He constantly questioned the aesthetics of his era, even going so far as filming or photographing himself, becoming one of the first artists to ever create an autoportrait in such a way. Discover this and more over nine themed sections that present a range of his works in ways hitherto unseen.
Contemporary Art Fair 26 - 29 Jan 2012 (annual) Halle Freyssinet 11am-7pm (until 9pm Thu) More than 100 artists gather each year for the Contemporary Art Fair (Grand Marché de l'Art Contemporain) in Paris' Halle Freyssinet. Thousands of visitors descend on the exhibition space to browse the canvases, ceramics and installations on display.
International Circus Festival of Tomorrow 26 - 29 Jan 2012 (annual) Pelouse de Reuilly Thu & Fri 8.30pm; Sat 2.30pm & 8.30pm; Sun gala 3pm The annual International Circus Festival of Tomorrow at Paris' Pelouse de Reuilly, offers the chance to catch the world's finest circuses under one roof. The cream of the acrobatic crop come together to perform in a spirit of friendly competition. Young artists from such diverse schools as the Beijing Circus, the Moscow Circus, the Swiss Knie Circus and France's own Ecole Fratellini compete at the festival in a bid to discover the stars of the future.
Paris Manga Feb 2012 (annual) Porte de Versailles Daily 9.30am-7pm (from 10.30am without advance tickets) For all those manga heads out there, the Espace Champerret in Paris' 17th arrondissement hosts Paris Manga, an expo dedicated to the immensely popular Japanese animation. The fair includes games, toys and merchandising along with exclusive screenings.
Stephen Sagmeister 13 Oct 2011 - 19 Feb 2012; not Mon Musée des Arts Décoratifs Tue-Sun 11am-6pm (until 9pm Thu) Stephen Sagmeister is hailed as one of the world's most creative graphic designers. Check out his work at Les Arts Décoratifs, which covers seven years of creation, including the famous banana walls and album covers for artists like the Stones. A fascinating designer, Sagmeister manages to balance design for 'culture' and design for 'corporations' with ease. His revolutionary campaigns have included covering a New York building with a poster for Levis and creating a remote-controlled book on wheels for BMW (as a sign of advanced technology). Every seven years, he takes a year off; he even turned down Obama's 2007 campaign because it fell during his 'down time'. An expo not to be missed!
Holiday on Ice - Festival Feb 2012; not Mon or Wed (annual) Zénith Holiday on Ice brings its show, Festival, to Paris' Zénith. From pyrotechnics and acrobatics to some spectacular choreography on ice, this colourful display is set to uplifting music. Also look out for the wonderful costumes!
Salon du Livre Paris Mar 2012 (annual) Porte de Versailles Fri 10am-11pm; Sat-Sun 10am-8pm; Mon 1pm-6pm (9am-1pm professionals only) Paris' Expo at the Porte de Versailles hosts the annual Salon du Livre, France's most important festival devoted to the humble book. Numerous events take place during this four-day fair, with scores of authors and illustrators participating in talks.
Printemps du Cinéma Mar 2012 (annual) Paris Cinemas across Paris and the whole of France offer exceptional prices during the Printemps du Cinéma spring festival. The event, organised by the National Federation of Cinema, offers a chance to see screenings at cinemas across Paris for only €3.50.
Drawing Now Festival Mar 2012 (annual) Carrousel du Louvre Fri-Mon 11am-8pm Eighty galleries from France and around the world take over Paris's Carousel du Louvre during the Drawing Now Festival. The salon invites you to discover the contemporary art scene through the drawings and digital art of well-known and emerging artists. This is one of Europe's first contemporary artfair exclusively dedicated to contemporary drawings. The cutting-edge digital art section is particularly interesting - a sign that art, the way we make it, and perceive it, is in perpetual evolution and in harmony with the apparition of new technologies. The organisers aim to bring the city's talents to a wider audience as well as to showcase the work of more established artists.
Danser sa vie 23 Nov 2011 - 2 Apr 2012; not Tue Centre Pompidou Wed-Sun 11am-9pm Never before has Paris's Pompidou Centre examined the links between dance and art so thoroughly: Its Danser sa vie exhibition shows how for the last century, choreographers and artists have drawn inspiration from each other to found 'modern' artistic movements. A vast range of paintings, sculptures, installations, audio-visual work and choreographic pieces, illustrate these exchanges. There are also live dance performances, including a series by the fabulous Trisha Brown Dance Company, making the exhibition not just informative, but wholly entertaining.
Pavillon des Arts et du Design (PAD) Mar - Apr 2012 (annual) Jardins des Tuileries Daily 11am-8pm (until 11pm Thu) Paris' Jardin des Tuileries hosts the annual Pavillon des Arts et du Design, a modern art and design fair attracting the biggest names in the business. Alongside its stars, PAD has a reputation for launching the industry's next big things. You'll find everything from painting, photography and sculpture to jewellery, tapestries and furniture among the 80-odd exhibitors here. There's also a restaurant on-site so you can ponder whether or not to splash some cash over coffee and cake.
Art Paris Mar - Apr 2012 (annual) Galeries Nationales du Grand Palais Daily 11am-8pm (until 10pm Fri, until 6pm Sun) Art Paris, held at the Grand Palais, has injected new life into the French art market attracting around 48,000 visitors rach year. Established names as well as new talent from Europe and beyond offer paintings, sculptures, photographs and videos. The Art Paris fair was founded in 1999, to offer art lovers and professionals a "rebellious but constructive" selection of contemporary art. It gathers more than 120 international galleries focusing on design, modern and contemporary art.
Némo Festival Mar - Apr 2012 (annual) Le Cube Paris's Némo Festival has grown to become a cool cutting-edge multidisciplinary modern art festival. Based at Cube in the suburb of Issy-les-Moulineaux, but held at other venues across the city centre too, you can see films, art installations and performances. The festival is a fine way to explore art away from Paris's rather over-beaten tracks, and see the works of some of today's most exciting artists, be they on-the-uppers or well known.
Salon des Réalités Nouvelles Apr 2012 (annual) Parc Floral de Paris Daily 11am-7.30pm Nestled in one of Paris's greener pockets, the Parc Floral brings abstract art to the fore at its annual Salon des Réalités Nouvelles. More than 400 up-and-coming artists reveal the latest trends in the abstract world through their striking creations. Works range from paintings and photos, to weird and wonderful sculptures and installations; once you’ve had your fill, the colorful flowerbeds of the Parc Floral beckon – painting their own kind of abstract landscape, amid lakes and trees.
La Bastille Modern Art Fair 26 Apr - 1 May 2012 (various dates) La Place de la Bastille Daily 11am-8pm Over 500 exhibitors gather on Paris' Place de La Bastille square for the Grand Marché d'Art Contemporain. Thousands of visitors browse the canvases, ceramics and installations, which cover everything from cutting-edge minimalist furniture to classical, modern oil paintings. Don't expect a bargain though - this is serious art dealing. So unless you're planning a major splurge, just soak up the chic atmosphere and drink in the fabulous art.
Nuit des Musées May 2012 (annual) Paris 7pm-1am Like culture but not queuing? Visit Paris for the Nuit des Musées. On one spring night, museums across France open until 1am, offering a chance to see the Louvre, and hundreds more, for free - no tour bus in sight. The Nuit des Musées is an initiative launched by the French Department of Culture in 2005. It opens up some 1000 or so museums throughout France and Europe to the public, to a background of debates, competitions, conferences and exhibitions, from dusk until 1am, all for no charge. Similar events take place throughout Europe on the same date.
Neon 17 Feb - 20 May 2012; not Mon or Tue La Maison Rouge Wed-Sun 11am-7pm (until 9pm Thu) Roll up to Paris's Maison Rouge contemporary art space for Neon, the first international exhibition of neon art from 1950 to today. A hundred works are presented, many in their historical context, shedding light on neon pioneers like Lucio Fontana. Contemporary artists working in this medium are also covered, such as Jason Rhoades, Jeppe Hein, Alfredo Jaar, Sue Webster and Tim Noble.
La Force de L'Art Modern Art Show Apr - Jun 2012; not Tue (various dates) Grand Palais Mon & Wed 10am-7pm; Thu-Sun 10am-11pm Paris' triennial modern art show, La Force de L'Art, returns to the Grand Palais. Find canvases, installations and performance art under the Palais' grand dome - and meet the artists themselves. Visit the website for further details.
Directors' Fortnight May - Jun 2012 (annual) Forum des Images The Quinzaine des Réalisateurs (Directors' Fortnight) is an alternative to the official Cannes film selection and runs concurrently with the famous festival. Afterwards, the films are all shown in Paris at the Forum des Images. In 1968, French society was in turmoil. That year's Cannes Festival was interrupted by a handful of film-makers, among them François Truffaut and Jean-Luc Godard, angry at Henri Langlois's eviction as director of the Cinémathèque Française.
Printemps des Poètes Mar - Jun 2012 (annual) Paris Paris goes poetry mad for the Printemps des Poètes, with over 5000 events taking place in the streets, cafés, schools and museums of the French capital. Lively debates, recitals, exhibitions and competitions are all devoted to the art of poetry.
Monumenta May - Jun 2012; not Tue (annual) Grand Palais Wed-Mon 10am-7pm; Thu-Sun 10am-12am Each year Paris' Grand Palais asks an internationally acclaimed artist to create an artwork exhibition - called Monumenta - to grace its ornate glass nave. It's an aptly named installation, as the 'monumental' works need to fill a 35m-high space. In 2011, Monumenta is dedicated to Indian-born British artist Anish Kapoor, deemed one of the most important sculptors of our time and winner of the Turner Prize in 1991. Kapoor's contribution aims to immerse visitors in colour, as they walk inside his huge work - "a single object, a single form, a single colour". He wants his art to "offer completely new emotional and philosophical experience", and the result promises to be both spectacular and profound.
Laughing Matters Sep 2011 - Jun 2012 (annual) Java Laughing Matters, at La Java, presents side-splitting comedy from the UK, Ireland and America. Join laughter-deprived Anglophones for ex-pat soirées that usually finish in a nearby bar. The programme is decided at the last minute, so check the website. Previous stand-up acts have included Greg Proops, Josie Long and Phil Kay. Recently, the event's veteran organiser, Karel Beer, has also started programming music concerts.
Le Jardin Shakespeare's Open-Air Theatre May - Oct 2012 (annual) Théâtre de Verdure du Jardin Shakespeare Every year, the Jardin Shakespeare in Paris' Bois de Boulogne plays host to an open-air theatre festival. Plays by the Bard are performed in French and English, as well as works by other playwrights and the occasional concert or opera. The Jardin Shakespeare is so-called because of its five miniature gardens, each named after a work by Stratford's most famous resident - Macbeth, Hamlet, The Tempest, As You Like It and A Midsummer Night's Dream - and you won't find a more charming spot for a summer night's entertainment.
Vienna
Vienna Medical Doctor's Ball 28 Jan 2012 (annual) Hofburg It would be a shame to visit Vienna without a waltz at one of the city's renowned balls. The Vienna Medical Doctor's Ball (Wiener Ärzteball) in the stunning ballrooms of the Hofburg is famous for its elaborate and splendid decorations. There's a strict dress code at this event. Dresses have to be down to the floor, and men must wear a black tail coat, black tuxedo or uniform. The ball sells out astonishingly quickly every year, but if you can act quickly or wangle an invitation, it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Ball der Wiener Kaffeesieder 10 Feb 2012 (annual) Hofburg A high point of Vienna's ball season is the Ball der Wiener Kaffeesieder (or more intriguingly perhaps, the Ball of the Viennese Coffee House Owners). The owners of the city's famous coffee houses host the party in Vienna's Hofburg. The dancers of the State Opera Ballet present the traditional waltz programme, to music from the orchestra of the famous Vienna Opera Ball. Tickets for the Ball der Wiener Kaffeesieder sell out quickly, so it is advisable to book well in advance.
Rainbow Ball 11 Feb 2012 (annual) Hofburg Vienna's gay and lesbian community turns out for the Rainbow Ball at the elegant Hofburg palace. Expect the ceremonial entry of the organising committee, a midnight waltz and a disco for those who've had their fill of formal dancing.
Johann Strauss Ball 11 Feb 2012 (annual) Kursalon For dinner 6pm; without dinner 7.30pm; ball starts 9pm The grand Johann Strauss Ball is staged in the refurbished magnificence of the Kursalon in Vienna's Stadtpark. Music sweeps guests through the ages from past to present, focusing predominantly on Johann Strauss' dance melodies and operatic favourites, such as Die Fledermaus. What seems like the whole of Vienna turns up with impeccable style and elegance and proceeds to glide effortlessly across the dance floor..
Vanity 21 Oct 2011 - 12 Feb 2012 All aspects of fashion photography are looked at through the lens at Kunsthalle Wien's Vanity. The changing trends, portrayal of women and femininity are all examined, along with the changing scenery used - from studios to ultra urban spaces.
Henri Cartier-Bresson. The Compass in the Eye: America–India–Soviet Union 17 Nov 2011 - 26 Feb 2012 KunstHaus Wien Daily 10am-7pm (til 3pm Christmas Eve & 5pm New Year's Eve) Henri Cartier-Bresson (1908–2004) travelled widely, taking photos of world events rather like a writer takes notes. This exhibition at Kunsthaus Wien features photos taken in three distincitve and very different countries over a period of five decades.
Gustav Klimt/Josef Hoffmann, Pioneers of Modernism 14 Oct 2011 - 4 Mar 2012 Belvedere Vienna and the Belvedere is home to the world's largest collections of Klimt paintings, including the famous Kiss. This exhibition presents his works alongside those of architect and designer Josef Hoffmann. The pair often presented exhibitions together during the early 20th century. Many works on display, like Klimt's Portrait of Fritza Riedler reflect their mutual influence. The exhibition also explores their involvement in the Wiener Werkstätte art community.
Vienna Ball Season 31 Dec 2011 - 5 Mar 2012 (annual) Vienna Typically 9.30pm-4am When the Vienna Ball Season is in full swing, ladies and gentlemen don their smartest outfits and whirl each other around some of the city's finest dance floors. The undisputed jewel in the crown is the famous Opernball (Opera Ball). The Opera Ball takes place on 16 February 2012 at the Staatsoper. Celebrities, nobility and the few others who manage to get tickets display their well-being, observed by the international press, desperate to grab some scandalous pics.
Lord of the Dance 11 - 12 May 2012 Vienna Stadthalle 8pm Michael Flatley's Lord Of The Dance visits Vienna Stadthalle as part of its final tour. This production is a whirl of fast movements, set in place by a tremendous sound and light system, featuring more than 50 dancers.
The Late Night Theater Jam 14 Oct 2011 - 16 Jun 2012; Fri only (annual) Theater Drachengasse 2nd & 4th Fri of the month 10.30pm The English Lovers group presents an award-winning mix of improvised theatre and music during The Late Night Theater Jam at Vienna's Theater Drachengasse. Performances are held every second and final Friday of the month.
Barcelona
Joan Miró: The Ladder of Escape 16 Oct 2011 - 18 Mar 2012 Fundació Joan Miró Tue-Sat 10am-7pm; Thu until 9.30pm; Sun 10am-2.30pm Catalan painter and sculptor Joan Miró is widely acknowledged as one of the 20th century's greatest artists. The Ladder of Escape at the Fundació Miró is the first major Miró exhibition in Barcelona for almost 20 years. Although most closely associated with Surrealism, Miró's work spans six decades and influenced many artistic movements. The profound impact of worldwide events like the Spanish Civil War, two World Wars, and the student protests of the late 1960s on his output are all examined here, in a show that brings together more than 150 paintings, sculptures and works on paper, with loans from major institutions across the world.
Kosmopolis Mar 2012 (annual) Contemporary Culture Centre of Barcelona Barcelona's Contemporary Culture Centre of Barcelona presents Kosmopolis, a biennial literature festival open to all genres. In preparation for the forthcoming festival, a smaller edition the preceding year features a small programme of literary discussions and lectures.
De Cajón! Flamenco Festival Dec 2011 - Apr 2012 (annual) Barcelona Barcelona resounds to the clacks of castanets, fiery stomps of heels and swishes of colourful skirts. The De Cajón! Flamenco Festival brings vibrant performances to venues across the city, including the ornate Palau de la Música Catalana concert hall.
Mecal - Barcelona International Short Film Festival Apr 2012 (annual) Barcelona At Barcelona's international short film festival (Mecal), film enthusiasts can catch the best movie bites from around 3000 entries. As well as the competitive strand, there are also themed short film cycles. Screenings take place at venues across the city.
Antoni Muntadas - Between the Frames 28 Sep 2011 - 30 Apr 2012; not Tue Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA) Mon & Wed-Fri 11am-7.30pm; Sat 10am-8pm; Sun 10am-3pm The Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art presents Antoni Muntadas - Between the Frames. An installation built around a series of interviews with artists, it highlights Muntada's primary interest during the 1980s: the relationships between art, society and popular culture.
Barcelona Poetry May 2012 (annual) Barcelona For a week in May, Barcelona celebrates the written word with a series of events and workshops dedicated to poetry. Bus windows and tube carriages are covered in verse, while poetry readings, lectures and workshops take place across the city.
Pantalla Global (Global Screen) 24 Jan - 27 May 2012; not Mon Contemporary Culture Centre of Barcelona Tue-Sun 11am-8pm Pantalla Global (Global Screen) at Barcelona's Contemporary Culture Centre looks at the influence of the screen in contemporary society. The power of the initial format - film, has since been transferred from the big screen to today's proliferation of screens.
Gran Teatre del Liceu Dance Season 21 Nov 2011 - 9 Jun 2012 (annual) Gran Teatre del Liceu Barcelona's Gran Teatre del Liceu is best known as an opera venue, but don't overlook its annual dance season. Top ballet and contemporary dance troupes from around the world twirl across the famous stage in the gilded auditorium.
Milan
O'Clock - Time Design, Design Time 11 Oct 2011 - 8 Jan 2012; not Mon Triennale Design Museum Tue-Sun 10.30am-8.30pm (until 11pm Thu & Fri) Milan's Triennale Design Museum hosts O'Clock - Time Design, Design Time, an exhibition exploring the link between time and design and displaying the works of some 80 international artists, including Damien Hirst. Installations, videos and objects attempt to "measure time". Three sections target the concept of time in different ways and an interactive space awaits visitors at the end of the exhibition.
Fumettopoli Feb 2012 (various dates) Atahotel Executive 10am-8pm With four annual editions - three at the Atahotel Executive and one at the Palaforum di Assago, Fumettopoli is Milan's most popular animation event. Collectors and aficionados congregate to complete their collections, swap, sell or buy material.
Festival of African Cinema Mar 2012 (annual) Spazio Oberdan The Festival of African Cinema is the only event in Italy celebrating filmmaking in Africa, Asia and South America. More than 80 productions, in competitive and non-competitive sections, represent these southern countries at screens around Milan, including Spazio Oberdan.
Photoshow Mar 2012 (annual) Fieramilanocity Around 300 exhibitors and 50,000 visitors congregate every year for Photoshow, a huge international fair dedicated to the world of traditional and digital photography, held at Milan's Fieramilanocity in 2011. Various sections cover professional imaging, video and equipment.
MiArt Apr 2012 (annual) Fieramilanocity Daily 11pm-8pm (until 9pm Sat and until 5pm Mon) MiArt is an international modern art fair at Milan's Fieramilanocity. Organised in various sections including Preview, Modern and Contemporary, the event covers a broad art spectrum, attracting around 30,000 visitors and more than 200 exhibitors, with a wide-ranging supporting programme. Preview is dedicated to experimental projects by artists under 35. Modern features work from the beginning of the 20th century to the 1960s, while Contemporary is a section allocated to well-established artists from the 1970s onwards.
Public Design Festival Apr 2012 (annual) Milan Milan hosts the Public Design Festival, one of the most-awaited "Fuori Salone" events dedicated to public design and urban space. Site-specific projects, meetings, workshops and an international contest gather a design-savvy public in Garibaldi, Lambrate, Porta Romana and the city centre. The contest, which is open to professional artists as well as art students, attempts to improve ordinary or depressed areas of the city.
Art on the Naviglio May 2012 (annual) Naviglio Grande Originally organised to represent a handful of Milanese painters, Art on the Naviglio today exhibits the work of around 300 artists from all over Italy. It is held along Milan's historic Naviglio Grande canal, from viale Gorizia to via Casale. This is a good place to browse and pick up a bargain or two. Works range from traditional oils, acrylics and watercolours to more experimental techniques.
Fumettopoli Feb 2012 (various dates) Atahotel Executive 10am-8pm With four annual editions - three at the Atahotel Executive and one at the Palaforum di Assago, Fumettopoli is Milan's most popular animation event. Collectors and aficionados congregate to complete their collections, swap, sell or buy material.
MIA May 2012 (annual) Superstudio Più Superstudio Più in Milan hosts MIA, Milan's image art fair exclusively dedicated to photography and art video. Exhibitiors include high profile galleries, artists, photographers, publishers, foundations and critics from Italy and aborad. Participating in 2011 are photographer Deborah Savoie, Spazio 81 lab and Rino Carraro Fine Art lab.
Experimental European Season 27 Oct 2011 - 1 Jun 2012 (annual) Teatro della Contraddizione Milan's Teatro della Contraddizione presents its Experimental European Season, an event dedicated to language research in new theatre production. A vintage section focuses on historic shows from the event's long-standing repertoire, while Special Transit targets the stage-viewer correlation.
Rome
Equilibrio Feb 2012 (annual) Auditorium Parco della Musica 9pm A festival of contemporary dance, Equilibrio offers a number of shows, exploring the progress of world dance. Established and emerging artists from the international dance scene are invited to perform at Rome's Auditorium Parco della Musica.
Rome Independent Film Festival (RIFF) Mar 2012 (annual) Rome The Independent Film Festival is Rome's foremost cinema event, showcasing more than 80 international movies at some of the city's most popular theatres and cinemas. The awards exceed €50,000 overall and offer the winning production the opportunity for theatre distribution. The festival plays host to an essentially young and international cinema, representing the next generation's search for a connection between traditional ways and new language. It demonstrates independent cinema's ability to renew itself in both form and content, making for a cultural event that's unmissable for anyone with a passion for innovation.
Tip Tap Show Apr 2012 (annual) Teatro il Sistina Paying tribute to tap dancer Bill Bojangles Robinson, the US Congress made his birthday, 25 May, National Tap Dance Day. Around that time, Italy joins the celebrations with its own Tip Tap Show at Teatro il Sistina in Rome. Performers in previous years have included guest of honour Philou Nagau from the Cotton Club in Paris and Elisangela Marsullo, soloist for the Brazil Tap Dance Company.
Giardininterrazza May 2012 (annual) Auditorium Parco della Musica Daily 11am-8pm Discover the latest trends in green urban spaces and outdoor design at Rome's Auditorium Parco della Musica during Giardiniterrazza. Developed by renowned landscape architects, the displays encourage visitors to create their own green corners.
Letterature - International Literature Festival May - Jun 2012 (annual) Basilica di Massenzio 9pm Rome's Basilica di Massenzio hosts Letterature, an international literature festival attracting successful writers to the stage. Produced specifically for the festival, the unpublished texts are either read out to the public by the writers or presented in video format. With the participation of Gary Shteyngart and Pavel Sanaev amongst many other authors, the 2011 edition pays tribute to Russian culture and celebrates the festival's 10th anniverary.
Florence
Winterfolk Festival Jan 2012 (annual) Florence For soothing music to warm up the cold winter days head to the annual Winterfolk Festival where the best folk musicians entertain for three days straight. The festival at Florence Events Center the also welcomes artisans displaying their unique crafts.
Money & Beauty - Bankers, Botticelli and the Bonfire of the Vanities 17 Sep 2011 - 22 Jan 2012 Palazzo Strozzi Daily 9am-8pm (until 11pm Thu) Money & Beauty - Bankers, Botticelli and the Bonfire of the Vanities is an exhibition of masterpieces by the cream of Renaissance artists at Florence's Palazzo Strozzi. It shows how our modern banking system correlates to that prolific artist period. Vsitors can delve into the daily life of the families that controlled the banking system and perceive the ongoing clash between spiritual and economic values that was such a feature of it. The saga of the art patrons is closely linked to that of the bankers who financed the ventures of princes and nobles alike, and indeed it was that very convergence that provided the humus in which some of the leading artists of all time were able to flourish.
ARTOUR-O Mar 2012 (annual) Santa Maria Novella An unusual art tour in Florence, ARTOUR-O features conventions and exhibitions that highlight the relationship between territory and contemporary art, endorsing Italy's artistic production. The route starts in Piazza Santa Maria Novella and snakes through the entire city. ARTOUR-O comprises all forms of art, from sculpture and video to painting, performing arts, photography, design and multimedia. Events, which are curated by Italy's most prominent art experts, are held in some of Florence's most recognisable landmarks, including historic palaces, museums, galleries and piazzas.
Florence Coastal Cuisine Gala Apr 2012 (annual) Three Rivers Casino & Hotel The Three Rivers Casino & Hotel hosts this gastronomic event courtesy of the Oregon Coast's finest restaurants, breweries and wineries. The annual Florence Coastal Cuisine Gala is a night of fine food and glamour, with live entertainment completing the atmosphere. Florence Coastal Cuisine Gala serves as an annual fundraiser for Eugene area food bank, "Food for Lane County".
Premio Talenti Emergenti Feb - Apr 2012; not Mon (annual) The Hidden Techniques of the Impressionists Tue-Sun 10am-8pm (until 11pm Thu) Promoting the artistic production of fresh Italian talent, the Premio Talenti Emergenti offers the public an insight into the latest trends within the contemporary art scene. A good selection of pieces is displayed at Palazzo Strozzi in Florence.
Florence Tango Festival Apr - May 2012 (annual) Saschall The annual Florence Tango Festival welcomes top international dancers to the city's Saschall theatre amongst other venues. Elegant performances are accompanied by art exhibitions, workshops, dinners and free tango classes, should you feel inspired by what you see. With its theme of 'Pure Emotion', the 2011 edition sees guests like Agustina Vignau & Marco Palladino, Andrea Missè & Javier Rodriguez and Andrea Reyero & Sebastian Missè give outstanding performances.
Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Apr 2011 - May 2012 (annual) Teatro Comunale Founded in 1933, Maggio Musicale Fiorentino is one of the oldest music festivals in Italy, and one of the most famous. It features two months of opera, concerts, ballet and exhibitions at Florence's renowned Teatro Comunale and Teatro Goldoni. With Aida, Swan Lake and a number of concerts by Zubin Mehta, the 2011 edition promises a feast of opera and theatre.
Firenze Preziosa 22 May - 20 Jun 2012; not Mon (annual) Leopoldine Cloister Tue-Sun 11am-6pm Firenze Preziosa, or precious Florence, is an art exhibition dedicated to contemporary research jewellery. Hosted in a different city every year, the event is also previewed at locations around the world, expanding its success and gathering international recognition. In 2010 Firenze Preziosa presents its programme first at Inhorgenta in Munich (February) and then in Mexico City in the month of April.
Porto
Fantasporto 20 Feb - 4 Mar 2012 (annual) Porto Fantasporto is a competitive film festival screening around 200 features annually in venues across Porto. Originally focusing on fantasy and science-fiction, it now takes in movies of all kinds, with the bulk of its programming from Europe and the USA. Founded by the editors of the magazine Cinema Novo, the Fantasporto festival has introduced Portuguese audiences to a number of innovative film-makers over the years. The Official Competitive Section is still exclusively sci-fi/fantasy, but there are several other strands with no particular generic focus. These include a Directors' and New Directors' Section and retrospectives. There's also a separate section for music videos.
Stockholm
Gods and Goddesses 14 Apr 2011 - 15 Jan 2012; not Mon National Museum Intrepid explorers at Visiting Gods and Goddesses in Stockholm's National Museum can rummage through the belongings of fearsome figures and mighty dieties, if they dare. Hold court on Jupiter's throne or get your mitts on Neptune's trident but don't get caught!
StreetStar Festival (including Juste Debout) 26 - 29 Jan 2012 (annual) Stockholm Watch experts in popping and locking at Stockholm's annual StreetStar Festival, held since 2006, which also includes the Scandinavian heats for Juste Debout. With workshops and display at both Dansklotet and Solnahallen, you can get clued up in all things streetdance. As Scandinavia's largest street-dance event, StreetStar and the competitive element of Juste Debout on the Friday and Saturday can always be relied upon to deliver an appropriately impressive programme. There are 400 dancers from 20 countries taking part. Winners of the Juste Debout finals head off to the finals in Paris, while visitors can immerse themselves in streetdance culture at the schedule of showcases, workshops, live acts, DJs and MCs.
Stockholm International Film Festival Junior Apr 2012 (annual) Zita Stockholm's Zita and Skandia cinemas host a children's film festival featuring quality movies from all over the world, with a focus on Nordic productions. In addition to school programmes, screenings are also open for the public to enjoy.
Urban Connection Festival May 2012 (annual) The House of Dance (Dansen Hus) The Urban Connection Festival shows off some of the best street dancers from Sweden and abroad. Taking place at Stockholm's Dansen Hus, it is a tribute to the diversity of urban expression and styles and includes workshops.
Staff Correspondent - Connoisseur Magazine This page is updated with events throughout the season |
