The Lorraine region in France has it all
going on this month. Below is a brief run down on what’s on in three different
areas of the region.
1. Zone Sensibles @ FRAC (Fond Regional d’Art Contemporain),
Metz
Until 23rd October 2016 (Exhibition), FREE
FRAC is a contemporary art gallery in the
city of Metz. (Which, happily for us is free, no matter what your age.) This
exhibition concerned itself with the exploration of maps and our depictions of
them. I can’t say that I was crazed about this exhibition, but the last thing
we saw made the trip worthwhile. An ephemeral
installation by Nipan Oranniwesna (from Bangkok born in 1962) addresses the
final use of paper maps. (See above.) He uses talcum powder
to create an imaginary ghost-city. He makes it something tangible, but barely.
This piece really takes your breath away and is a great way to close the
exhibition.
2.
Festival du Film Arabe @ various locations, Fameck
Until 16th October 2016 (Film), from 5 – 15 €
This year sees the 27th edition
of the festival take place. Each day, different feature length film is offered
for viewing. For the price of 15 €, you can enjoy a film and a meal. (The
meal is either couscous or tagine. With a choice of tea and cakes at a further
charge.) This offers you the chance to see films that aren’t part of mainstream
cinema (not in the West at least) so really is a great opportunity to see
something new.
3. Nancy Jazz Pulsations @ various
locations, Nancy
Until 15th October 2016 (Music), various prices including
some FREE events
This is a fantastic festival. I’m just
going straight out there and saying it. They have a very diverse program this
year, with musicians that infuse all different types of genres with jazz. Most
concerts you have to pay for – but your ticket comprises of 3 acts normally.
Other concerts are completely free. Something of note for this festival: on the
Sunday when the festival takes place there is a concert in the park. Completely
free. Parc de la Pépinière is transformed in a music festival, with different
tents in the park some for music, some stands for food etc. On the Sunday that
I went, I had the good fortune of finding out about this band: Gallowstreet.
They are VERY good. Google them and you’ll see. If you enjoy music, I think
that Nancy Jazz Pulsations is definitely one worth going to, or at least
keeping an eye on in your calendar.
