Video Jam is an ongoing series of unique, experimental events which seeks to explore and re-examine the relationship between moving image and live sound by commissioning sound artists to compose original accompaniment for short, contemporary films. Initiated from scratch by a very small team of emerging artists, curators and promoters, Video Jam acts as a catalyst in bringing together these two mediums to create a new, third entity to be witnessed as a live experience. Since its inception in January 2012, the collective have hosted 30 unique, site-­specific events within the UK and beyond, in venues as diverse as Liverpool Cathedral’s Lady Chapel, Manchester Art Gallery, The Vaults underneath Waterloo Station in London and a tent in Whitworth park, and have worked with over 300 artists including collaborations with Jeremy Deller, Ryan Gander, Dieter Moebius, Phil Solomon and Soda Jerk.

Video Jam and AND present Experiment Perilous Liverpool Anglican Cathedral 05.10.13
Video Jam & AND present Experiment Perilous Liverpool Anglican Cathedral 05.10.13

Following a recent 3 part UK tour, Video Jam returns to Manchester for their first event of 2015. Amongst a weekend of celebrations, this will be a special hour-long programme of entirely new film and live sound works to mark the grand re-opening of The Whitworth gallery following its major extension.

Video Jam have commissioned 4 emerging film artists to each work with a distinct sound artist or group to produce a film with live accompaniment. Especially for this event, the collective have obtained the rights to a small range of footage chosen by the North West Film Archive which relate in varying ways to Manchester’s social history and cultural development. The commission is an opportunity for each pairing to produce an audio/visual piece using their personal choice of this footage combined however they choose with their own visual and aural material. All of the artists involved will have access to the same archive footage, making the commission an experiment in individual interpretation.

Video Jam at the Whitworth Weekending 30.08.13
Video Jam at the Whitworth Weekending 30.08.13

All artists in the programme have been selected due to their affinity with the city as a place of influence in some way on their practice. The pairings are: Liam Healy & Negra Branca | Amy Lawrence with Ella Deacy (and guests) & David McLean (and guests) | Ralph Pritchard & 2 Koi Karp | Paul Daly & O>L>A.

Video Jam at The Whitworth is a free event which will take place this Saturday 14 February from 7.30-8.30pm in The Grand Hall at The Whitworth, Manchester. For more information about each artist and their websites please visit here.

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