An award winning slate of shorts from DigiCult and Hopscotch Films will be hitting a screen near you this month. Recognised by BAFTA and international festivals including EIFF, LSFF and Berlinale, the screenings will be followed by Q&As with featured filmmakers.

See the programme below:
As He Lay Falling (Ian Waugh)
Exchange and Mart (Cara Connolly & Martin Clark)
Monkey Love Experiments (Ainslie Henderson & Will Anderson)
Seagulls (Martin Smith)
Wyld (Rory Alexander Stewart)

17 March | Waterfront Cinema, Greenock
23 March | Filmhouse, Edinburgh
28 March | DCA, Dundee
21 April | Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling

More: Website | Facebook | Twitter

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Find more events in our weekly bulletin here.

Congratulations to Martin Boyce on winning this year’s Turner Prize.

We’ve been extremely privileged here on Central Station to have had Martin join us on the site. We’ve pulled out a couple of features here so you can join us in celebrating this brilliant win by a brilliant artist.

In February 2010 the Dundee Contemporary Arts Centre exhibited Martin’s No Reflections. The artwork was re-housed at the DCA after being created for the Venice Biennale 2009. It just so happened that Central Station was holding a Pop-up event in Dundee during the show, and when Martin told us that he would come and talk us through the artwork we were chuffed to say the least – as were the members who joined us that day. Here is an account of Martin Boyce’s artist talk at our Dundee Pop-up.

Later that year, Martin participated in a discussion for the closing of the International Book Festival for the release of Sarah Lowndes’ book Social Sculpture: The Rise of the Glasgow Art Scene. We took the opportunity to speak to Martin Boyce before the event about his experiences of studying and working in the city. Here is the result of that conversation.

If you missed the announcement, you can see it here.

To see some photos from our day in Dundee with Martin Boyce, look here.

Martin’s winning artwork is still on display until Jan 8, 2012. Look here to find out more.

[Brochure a collaboration by Lyall Bruce & Johanna Basford]

On Sat 6th Feb 2010, Censta and members went on Dundee Popup, a tour round the city’s creative people and places.  Artists, designers, illustrators, film-makers all gathered for a day of behind the scenes studio tours at Dundee Contemporary Arts, Duncan of Jordanstone and WASPS, private artist talks with Martin Boyce and Daziel and Scullion, plus an exclusive preview of the soon to be opened McManus Gallery after a 4 year refurbishment.

Members were blogging, tweeting and documenting in stills each part of the day, so you can take the tour for yourself.

As well as a day for members, and the city’s creatives to meet and discuss their work and practice, Dundee Popup created some LTD edition artworks. Censta members  SooperDD and Johanna Basford worked together to produce the booklet detailing the day, and Superfly worked with artists from the site to create a poster gallery round the city. Read more about it here.

To top it all off, we had an evening of talks from members, followed by wine and some rather fine Central Station cakes, created by Nikki McWilliams.

To see some of the photographs from the day look here. Read the rest of the blog to find out more about the day, and click here to find reviews and thoughts by the members who joined us.

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What? A tour of the creative world of Dundee, Central Station style. Private talks, tours and presentations. As well as lots of members meeting & discussing.

Where? Dundee

When? 11am – 8pm Saturday February 6th

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[SuperFly poster by Jen Collins - part of a series]

11am:
Meet us at the Reception entrance of Duncan of Jordonson College of Art & Design. We’ll have a quick chat…and then the tour begins. Join us for some or all of it and come visit us at The Rep for a coffee stop.

11:30am options:
i) See the new exhibition at Cooper Gallery, Public Image, accompanied by a Curator talk & listen to sculptor student Julie Duffy talk about her practice

ii) Meet some graduates from DJCAD who’ll talk about how they’ve got themselves noticed since leaving

iii) Have a private tour of Dalziel + Scullion’s studio space

1pm options:
i) Go to Generator Projects for a private talk and tour

ii) Go to WASPS for a private studio tour

iii) Go to a screening of a film selected by Martin Boyce, with a live soundtrack by saxophonist Raymond MacDonald (please note there is a charge for this event & booking is necessary)

2pm options:
i) Get a rare private walkround of Realtime Worlds

ii) Have an exclusive peek inside the newly renovated McManus Galleries

3pm options:
i) Pop along to The Visual Research Centre

ii) Go to the DCA Print Studio for a private tour

3.45pm:
Hear an exclusive Martin Boyce talk about his No Reflections exhibition at the DCA

5pm options:
i) See the SuperFly Pop-up exhibition at the Hannah MacLure Centre

ii) Hear Yann Seznec talk about his Gelkies exhibition at the Hannah MacLure Centre

iii) Take a look at Handmade Heaven’s handmade wares at the Hannah MacLure Centre

6 – 8pm:
Join us for This is… Sit back and listen to a selection of our members giving quick-fire presentations about their work & practice. Then a chance to chat, mingle, drink and nibble

[Cupcakes by Nikki McWilliams]

I thoroughly enjoyed my day, it was ab fab. I loved whizzing around some of Dundee’s finest “arty farty” landmarks, sometimes on foot (hardly) but mostly being driven around in the luxury of a well heated mini bus. What a joy it was to be greeted with chocolate & crisps by Genny, just what was needed to sustain the fast pace of the day.

It all kicked off @ DJCAD where we were greeted by those fine folk from Central Station. The blank looks were a bit disconcerting when introductions were made, but that changed to squeals of delight when instead of using your “Sunday” name, you mentioned your profile user name then recognition set in. So there we were – Sooper Double D, htothep, tartanbaffies & a few others with strange sounding profile names that I didn’t catch getting to know one another. As mentioned later on in the evening, it won’t be long before our passports will ask for such details & you will only be recognised from your choice of avatar.

Introductions over, we were split up into our appropriate groups & off we ventured. My day began with the DJCAD Graduate Showcase, easing me into the tour gently, listening to 3 different & excellent talks while lounging around on the big leather settees. A big thankyou & mention must go out to Jeanette Ginslov, Catt Lee Marr & Jo Hodge (who I have linked here, so go visit their work). Their enthusiasm shone through as they talked about their work & ideas despite the early morning start.

The next stage of my tour took me to Meadow Mills Studios, better known as the WASPS Studios, housed in a former jute mill in Dundee’s industrial heartland. Once more we were kindly greeted & promptly split into manageable groups. It was great to to see into this artistic community where artists, designers, painters, jewellery makers & illustrators all work alongside each other in what is truly a magnificent space. It had that bohemian touch, where each individual personalised their own working space giving a little bit of insight into their personalities. My gratitude goes out to Genna Delaney & Nicola Morrison (jewellery designers) & especially to Lindsey Gardiner (illustrator) who’s work I really admire. Thanks for letting a group of nosey parkers quiz & pry into your working lives & environment.

For the next stage, I had missed the chance to book the exclusive McManus Gallery Tour (fully booked), but to my delight I was told to tag along & see what happens. When my name was added to the list I could have jumped for joy, 4 years this magnificent venue has been closed to us Dundee folk & visiting it on that day was like greeting an old friend. Having that sneak peek was one of my highlights & I can’t wait for the reopening on the 28th February. Please check Gillian Easson’s blog spot for a more in depth account of the tour. Kerri McGowan, our tour guide for the day, was the most perfect person for showing us around as you could feel the love & passion she had for this fantastic building & almost had us running late (which I’m sure some of us wouldn’t have minded).

So from the old to the new, next stop the DCA Print Studios (check out Jon Gill’s blog spot for more info of tour). Being a lapsed member, it was good to be back in familiar surroundings. Scott Hudson, our guide was as enthusiastic on the day as he was a year & a half ago when I was last in the print studios. He explained all the print processes the studio had to offer & was full of encouragement – I think he had an excited group queueing up for membership as I decided it was time to take the weight of my feet & head for The Rep for a nice relaxing pint – (well I had to get myself ready for the evening events laid on later!!)

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To find out what Dundee Popup was all about or to read more reviews & blogs  from the day, click here.

But I will blog about one more thing from the day, which was the tour around the DCA’s Print Studio.

It proved a fantastic opportunity to check out what facilities they have to offer and what classes too. I never knew you could get workshops in Japanese Woodcut Printing!

The example work they had on display was lovely and really inspired me to consider screen and/or lino printing it up at this studio. I remember dabbling in it in college and naively looking into the prices of owning a screen-printing machine. So, I got the impression that this is a really good environment to develop those skills, amongst talented professionals.

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To find out what Dundee Popup was all about or to read more reviews & blogs  from the day, click here.

My first foray into Dundee Contemporary Arts (DCA) was straight into the bowels of the building, as we went down the stairs into the Visual Research Centre (VRC). The VRC is dedicated to practice-led research, and is home to research staff and doctoral students from the Schools of Design, Art & Media.

As a researcher by trade, I am fascinated by archives and research led spaces. It’s such a luxury to have time and space to sit and take in work, theories or products – in a quiet space and in a considered manner, rather than the throng of information that google offers up when carrying out a search. (And the folks at team Censta know what a web lover I am, so that’s a fairly strong comment coming from me!)

We visited 3 spaces at the VRC.

First the Rewind Micro Cinema. A collection of early artists videos, ranging from the 1960s to 1990s. Rewind has catalogued and preserved the works, which are now available to view in a dedicated room at VRC. A small white cinema, with space for 2 or 3 to cosily sit and enjoy an afternoon of secluded viewing. It felt almost like a white washed spanish villa inside, with white curtains and feeling like being cocooned in a serene space. I watched, or listened to one piece, Clapping Songs from Tina Keane (1979 so very much drawing me back to an age that would have me knowing these songs too). I needed to leave, as we had more to visit on our Dundee Popup tour, but would recommend a few hours spent in the VRC to anyone who enjoys immersing themselves in the work.

What also struck me about the VRC was the way in which Rewind has preserved the works. The practitioners who produced the videos have been interviewed to find out where the work was displayed, how it was installed – was it a TV installation, at a festival etc, so the original screening can be recreated.

The Rewind works do tour, but you can also book in time to go and view the videos at the DCA. Get in touch with the Duncan of Jordanstone folks, or visit theRewind site.

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Photo Credit: Ross McLean

We also visited the Centre for Artist Books, and had a peek into a Phd installation about to be unveiled this week, but you’ll have to wait till my next installment to hear about those. As even an internet addict has to go offline sometimes!

Thanks very much to Laura Simpson for the tour and talk.

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To find out what Dundee Popup was all about or to read more reviews & blogs  from the day, click here.

Highlights of the day for me were hooking up with old friends and acquaintances, and of course meeting new people, putting names to faces and faces to names. I really enjoyed the studio visit hosted by Matthew Dalziel, it was great to hear about their current projects and I think it always helps to illuminate an artist’s practice when you hear it straight from the horse’s mouth. Makes it all the more real, and clearer as to the reasoning behind the work etc. Next up, a visit to Generator Projects and a slide talk with the current committee, who have recently been upgrading the building. Its good to see how they have been building and expanding on the reputation already achieved, punching above their weight as ever!

Managed to miss the preview tour of the McManus but caught the end of the Realtime Worlds Studio Tour, – interesting to see the set up but ultimately ‘not my bag’. Then on to the Visual Research Centre at DCA for a tour of the Centre for Artists’ Books and the Rewind Micro Cinema, the cutest cinema I ever did see, with seats that looked damn comfy after all the legwork of the previous few hours. On to “No Reflections” in the gallery, with Martin Boyce in conversation with Tricia Fleming. I didn’t make it to Venice so it was a good opportunity to see the work albeit in a very different context.

Finally to the Hannah McClure Centre for exhibition talks by Yann Seznec and Jon Gill of Superfly, talking about their work/projects and then “This Is..” with guest speakers from Yuck & Yum, Gen Ryan & Jo Swingler; Lyall Bruce & Johanna Basford; Arika; Colliderscope and Georgina Follett from the V& A Project. All in all giving an interesting and varied overview of things happening or about to happen in Dundee.

Its encouraging to see Dundee burgeoning with projects, opportunities and possibilities for the future, and that the arts and the creative industries are at the forefront of this change.

After all that a glass of vino and a chance to chat, was a well earned finale to a busy and thought provoking day.

Thanks to all the CenSta team for inviting me along, I really enjoyed seeing Dundee from this perspective.

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To find out what Dundee Popup was all about or to read more reviews & blogs  from the day, click here.

Well, if i’ve confirmed one thing today it’s that i’m an idiot!

Firstly, (and not so relevant to this blog) I left my car in a space for two hours and paid only for 20mins – now I have a ticket!

Secondly, I’ve lived or worked within 10 mins of Dundee for nearly 17 years and i’ve never once been to the DCA Print Studio, or it’s predecessor in the east end..!

If you have the slightest interest in print making, regardless of experience, stop reading this and get down there.

Due to contractual obligations, and for the benefit of those who live a little more that 10 mins out of Dundee here’s a breakdown of what we saw this afternoon…

Our guide, (sorry, didn’t catch the name and forgot to ask afterwards) gave us an overview of the many styles of print available at the studio. By far the most popular is Screen printing, but you could also have a try at Etching, Block, Lino and Litho (I may have missed others..?). With materials getting increasingly expensive there are many modern alternatives on offer and many aesthetics can be achieved though different materials.

If you’d like to have a shot you really should just go down there and have a chat. If i’m honest i’ve often thought about trying it out but have felt intimidated by such a specialised environment. I’m glad to say that these fears were complete unfounded and the studio was relaxed and open to enquiries. It’s also incredibly cheap to sign up for either taster, speciality or even ‘one to one’ sessions so you really should just go down and find out what suits you.

If you’d rather find out by more while in the comfort of you own home you could visit the DCA website for details of membership and other fees… but don’t be an idiot.. if you’ve been thinking about it don’t wait nearly 20 years.. just do it!

Oh, and if you go by car put plenty of change in the meter..!

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To find out what Dundee Popup was all about or to read more reviews & blogs  from the day, click here.

I didn’t get to Venice, however I was told that the installation in the DCA wasn’t a disservice to the work … I still felt a little envious though. Crumbling grandeur in Venice to white solid painted gallery walls in Dundee, I love Dundee but my jealously is warranted.

With much planning it would still be difficult to plan an exhibition with two spaces in mind. Boyce himself said that he always understood it to be an exhibition of two parts as it didn’t make sense to make work that could fit both places.

His vision for the works started on the flight back from Venice, after seeing the 15th century Venetian Palazzo in which it was to be shown first. He saw the abandoned garden. The show also references four concrete trees created for the 1925 Exposition des Arts Decoratifs in Paris, one of Boyce’s earliest starting points.

These inverted trees form the language within the show and repeat Boyce’s early notions of ‘(the) collapse of architecture and nature’. The tree is repeated throughout creating forms and typography that become coincidental statements and letters. The graphic forest formed phrases that where notionally coming from the trees.

Boyce talked about the difficulty of working in the gallery space after the experience of the Venetian Palazzo. The walls in a gallery create a feeling that is not experienced anywhere else; you are always aware that you are in a gallery. Venice had an engineered breeze by means of windows and shutters; Dundee sees a notional breeze through the placement of ventilation grills.

Short changed? Well no, as the improvised qualities generated in the ‘enclosed’ gallery produced an exhibition that was about its objects, their placement, the space and the coincidental, which is pleasing. It echoes the involvement with Venice without feeling sickly; the garden here isn’t abandoned …..

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To find out what Dundee Popup was all about or to read more reviews & blogs  from the day, click here.