During the weekend before Stage 3 of the Tour starts in Cambridge, as well as showing rare archive footage of cyclists in Cambridge from 1932 onwards, screens on display in shop fronts and business receptions will display digital work by artists, photographers and film-makers to highlight the city’s place as one of the UK’s leading centres for cycling, technology and innovation.
Professional and amateur artists, schools, groups and organisations are all being invited to submit work relating to cycling and technology in digital form. The material chosen will then be made into a 15 minute work, to be put on DVD and played out continuously on screens across the city from Friday 4 to Monday 7 July.
Cambridge-based property consultants Bidwells is supporting the project, which is being run by Cambridge City Council in partnership with the Cambridgeshire Film Consortium.
It forms part of the Vélo Festival taking place throughout Cambridgeshire from May to September, and is just one of several artistic and cultural activities that will be taking place to celebrate the visit of the Tour de France.
“Creativity is an integral part of the city’s DNA, from Footlights to the Science Park, which is why we are so keen to help bridge that gap between artists and the community,” said Richard Pilsworth, Head of Cambridge Office, Bidwells.
“What is particularly exciting for us is the thought of ‘experiencing’ the art in places you would least expect to bump into it – for example when you turn up for a meeting, in a shop window, as you commute to and from work. We hope that local businesses really get involved in this city-wide initiative.”
Sarah Brown, Cambridge City Council’s Executive Councillor for Community Wellbeing said: “This is the biggest annual sporting event in the world, and a great opportunity for Cambridge. I’m thrilled to see local businesses and artists collaborating to showcase the city.”
Trish Sheil from Cambridgeshire Film Consortium said: “Cambridge very much defines itself as a cycling city, and given that the technologies of cinema and the bicycle have developed since the 19th century, this 21st century short film will celebrate the innovative spirit that has inspired digital technology, film, art and motion.”
Notes
Artists and contributors interested in taking part are asked to submit digital artwork, photos or films that showcase Cambridge as a city of cycling, technology and innovation. Clips from the material submitted will be considered for editing into a 15-minute showreel, without audio content, to be screened in the windows of participating shops and businesses from 4-7 July. For details of digital formats and to send submissions for consideration by Friday 2 May, contact Ryd Cook at Cambridgeshire Film Consortium on ryd.cfc@picturehouses.co.uk
Local businesses who would be interested in offering existing LCD screen space in their windows, or installing a screen for the weekend can contact Elaine Midgley on elaine.midgley@cambridge.gov.uk or 01223 457592
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