Sweet, Sweet Music & The Swanky Docker

WHO: Eight artists-in-residence at Greenock’s historic Sugar Sheds
WHAT: Absent Voices Pop Up Show
WHEN: Friday 28th March 2014 from 2.30-8.30pm 
WHERE: Beacon Arts Centre, Custom House Quay, Greenock, PA15 1HJ
WEBSITE: Absent Voices website

The eight Absent Voices artists-in-residence at the Greenock Sugar Sheds is holding a free day-long event featuring live music and art at Greenock’s Beacon Arts Centre today.

Even as we write, it's still going on.

This shows a group of children from Whinhill PS in Greenock singing a brand new composition called The Swanky Docker with Yvonne Lyon and Kevin McDermott on the right and left consecutively.

This new song has been composed by Yvonne and the children and has been inspired by fellow Absent Voices artist, Ryan King's granda, Jim King, who once worked in the sugar refinery in Greenock.

Folks, it is just FAB!

As you may know, this group of eight artists-in-residence at Greenock’s historic A-listed Sugar Sheds have been working on a project called Absent Voices, exploring the rich legacy of the sugar industry in Inverclyde.

Primary schools, community groups and members of the public have been collaborating with the artists-in-residence and now the group is share this work-in-progress with the public.

The artists are also looking for people who worked in the sugar industry to come forward and take part in the Absent Voices project. Their memories will contribute to a visual and sonic archive which the artists are currently building up as a lasting legacy.

The eight artists were joined by celebrated Inverclyde maritime artist, James Watt, who had several of his iconic Clydeside paintings on display for one day only.

Absent Voices lead artist, Alec Galloway, said: “As a group we have all been working on creating an archive which will tell the story of the once-mighty sugar industry in Inverclyde. 

“This pop-up event has given us the chance to spread the word about Absent Voices far and wide and to encourage members of the public to become involved in this exciting initiative.”

POP-UP HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDED:

A display of drawings, paintings, photography, stained glass and poetry inspired by Inverclyde’s sugar industry heritage

Artwork produced by Inverclyde primary schools and community groups

Absent Voices artists, Rod Miller & Anne McKay, sharing their experiences of Sugar Sheds drawing walks in which members of the public have taken part

Live performances from Kevin McDermott and Yvonne Lyon ((check Absent Voices website for timings)

Samples from an under-construction soundtrack of the Sugar Sheds by Ryan King & Alan Carlisle

Beautiful Sugar Shed-inspired photography by Alastair Cook, alongside new writing from Scottish poet John Glenday.

The opportunity to sign up for FREE workshops in stained glass, urban sketching tours around Inverclyde, digital photography, traditional Collodion photography techniques and songwriting.

What is NOT to like?? Lol, as the kids would say...