With the days getting ever-colder, now would usually be the time we begin to seek shelter from winter’s wrath within crowds of familiar faces on the sticky floors of our favourite venues. But, alas, that’s not quite the year we’re having. In attempts to remedy the absence of live music and keep communities connected, artists, labels and all-round creatives have been – in true character – innovating brand new kinds of events for us to enjoy. Seizing the opportunity on the grandest of scales, Somerset based music agency Yuppies Music have announced Super Cool Drawing Machine, a nationally-touring exhibition of musicians’ “other” artwork.
Rising from the ashes of the Covid-19 crisis, Super Cool Drawing Machine is a celebration of the visual art created by a host of internationally acclaimed touring musicians. It is set to bring engaging and exciting artistic creations – and a much-needed dose of fun – back into the UK’s treasured music spaces. Running from November 2020 into the new year across six different cities, the exhibition will include artwork from Shabaka Hutchings, Cate Le Bon, Richard Dawson, Lonnie Holley and Seb Rochford, as well as members of This is The Kit, Mammal Hands, Haiku Salut, Snapped Ankles and many more.
“Early on during lockdown, after the crushing anxiety related to the collapse of the live events industry, friends, musicians and promoters started talking about the idea of adjusting”, said Sam Tucker, who runs Yuppies. After sharing his own artwork to Grayson Perry’s Art Club and being featured in the artist’s lockdown show, the tour-booker became inspired – “It gave me a real boost, and a feeling of connection with the outside world, and that’s when the idea for SCDM started tumbling around in my head. Except instead of showcasing my own efforts, I could put new work by “real artists” from the music world on display”.
In the wake of the Government’s ruthless campaign against the creative arts, initiatives like Super Cool Drawing Machine are a demonstration of the industry’s resilience and the passion of creative communities to survive. Yuppies are aiming to help bridge the gap for audiences, artists and venues alike – reconnecting music lovers with their culture, and supporting artists’ creativity while the future of live touring remains uncertain. They will exhibit paintings, photography, drawings, ceramics, digital installations, recycled arts, sculpture and furniture – a colourful and interactive array of artworks for the open minded and curious. There will also be a gift shop where fans can buy merchandise.
For a full list of dates and to see more of the artists involved, see below, or visit the Yuppies Music website. Plus, listen to the SCDM Contributors’ playlist here. (Header image: Ed Dowie – Collage)
Full list of dates:
The Crescent – YORK – November 5th – 8th 2020 – Event
Future Yard – BIRKENHEAD – November 12th – 15th 2020 – Event
Elsewhere – MARGATE – November 26th – 29th 2020 – Event
Norwich Arts Centre – NORWICH – January 7th – 10th – Event
Bristol Beacon Foyer – BRISTOL – January 14th – 17th 2021 – Event
Studio 9294 – LONDON – January 21st – 24th 2021 – Event
