Celebrate summer with a series of unmissable, monthly arts highlights brought to you – online and in-person - by Didsbury Arts Festival.  Enjoy DAF favourites and discover art, music and stories from Manchester and the UK’s most vibrant voices, both new and established.  Be inspired!

May 1, 7pm
Painter Clae Eastgate
Carol Ann Duffy and Jackie Kay were among Clae Eastgate’s Painting the Poets series, due to have been exhibited in Manchester last year.  Sadly, that wasn’t to be, but they - and other famous names - are revealed in an exclusive tour of the acclaimed portrait painter’s Shropshire and London studios.  Join Clae for the virtual tour and pick up unique tips to develop your own drawing and painting skills.
https://clae.uk/projects

June 1, 7pm
Poet Afshan D’souza-Lodhi
A rising star in the UK spoken word scene, Afshan D'souza-Lodhi's debut poetry collection re: desire explores the yearning to love, be loved and belong from a desi (South Asian) perspective.  Born in Dubai and bred in Manchester, Afshan is a queer, Muslim writer of plays and poetry.  Her impassioned performance style gives powerful voice to poems which are hilarious, touching and insightful in their exploration of culture, tradition and sexuality. Advisory for 16yrs + only.
https://afshandl.com/redesire/

July 1, 7pm
Poet Mike Garry
A huge favourite with DAF audiences, Manchester poet, Mike Garry, has toured with John Cooper Clarke and collaborated with New Order and Philip Glass.  His poetry, both gritty and beautiful, married to a charismatic performance style, has won him fans far and wide. Having read his poems in prisons, young offenders' units, children’s homes and mental health units, Mike is passionate about bringing live poetry to places it wouldn’t normally reach.
https://www.mikegarry.co.uk

August 1, 3pm
Collector Stephen Josland in conversation with Lucy Dusgate
Comic art has a rich and varied history.  UK collector, Stephen Josland, joins DAF director, Lucy Dusgate, to share highlights from the original Marvel comics.  Stephen will explore the influence of social change and external art movements on the work of comic artists of the 1970s, ‘80s and ‘90s – giving rise to unforgettable characters such as Black Panther, Storm and Jessica Jones.
https://screenrant.com/tag/marvel-comics

1 September, 7pm
Musician Vicky Clarke
One of Manchester’s true innovators, sound and electronic media artist, Vicky Clarke, is an established international performer using music technology in her art.  For DAF she will perform live a new commission, created through her residency at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM).  Vicky will also be discussing her work with DAF’s Lucy Dusgate and answering your questions.
https://vickyclarke.org

For full details on how to watch these events visit:  www.didsburyartsfestival.org

Our thanks to Co-op Community funding for supporting Be Inspired!
MEDIA CONTACT: 
Deborah Grace, press officer
Tel: 07979 908 871           
press@didsburyartsfestival.org