by Chanelle Laoudi
(De Montfort University student)
Creative people in Leicester came together last Thursday (February 6) to bring arts, music and entertainment to their community.
The Grand Bizarre event was hosted at The Font pub, on 52½ Gateway Street, and has been running on the first Thursday of every month since October 2013. It incorporates artistic crafts, artists and musicians for collaborations and gives them the chance to exhibit and sell their work.
Event organiser Emilio Worth said: “The general idea is to encourage the development of local entrepreneurs.
“Why should I invest in yet another multinational firm when there are so many talented people out there in Leicester.
“It’s so satisfying to watch so much local talent shining and the opportunity to meet new creative and potential collaboration partners is huge.”
Last Thursday evening, guests at the venue were able to watch a music-video created through a collaboration between local hip-hop artist Tony Le Tigre and clothing label Young Gallants.
Yasmine Rix, a member of the new non-profit arts organisation Nineteen Degrees, took the opportunity to inform people how her brand aims to inspire, create and promote self-employment in the arts by educating those with an interest or passion for art through pop-up workshops in Leicester.
Ms Rix said: “I have met so many people that are talented.”
Other artists who attended the event to display their material included photographer Emmer Cooksey, Imran Shaikh with his clothing line Dope Thirteen and upcoming band The Black Macks who performed throughout the night.
For more information on Nineteen Degrees’ workshops visit: www.nineteendegrees.co.uk
