Weekend guide: ‘Where you Go, Where Art Grows’ Fringe 2011 kicks off today

Good Times

Twelve years have gone by and Fringe is set to bring again its colourful and meaningful – seemingly nonsensical – ‘added plus’ to businesslike Macau. Bearing the motto ‘Where you Go, Where Art Grows’ this year’s festival kick starts today and runs until December 4, with a big variety of events, enough to cover a busy fortnight for those already familiar with the artistic concept behind the world-wide movement.
Following the main theme of the Macau City Fringe since the festival started in 1998  – and took hold in 2002, sponsored by the Macau IACM – it aims to transform the city into an art stage. Performances (and workshops) are held in places other than the usual experimental theatre spaces, such as waterfronts, factories, old buildings, parks, hillsides, streets and alleys or one of the many local patios and squares.
Mingling in the traditional bustle of the Macau Grand Prix ‘season’ with the motor races during this weekend at Guia circuit, and the Food Festival near the Macau Tower and over the Nam Van Lakes, Fringe will add a lot of fun to other parts of the city. Attracting people to the Tap Seac Square where a three-day ‘Art Fair’ will feature around one hundred booths to showcase handicrafts and works by artists and designers both local or from abroad.
In the meantime dozens of performances and art activities gathering artists of diverse age ranges, experiences and medium will take place. Some are listed in our following ‘What’s On’ section.
Aiming also to encourage creativeness and nurture talents, in a place so unique such as this cosmopolitan city.
Being faithful to one of the movement’s guidelines – limited resources boost artists’ creativity to unlimited boundaries. Sometimes they are not completely successful but usually manage to convey a meaning to their work and show plenty of willpower.
Have a taste of the 2011 Fringe, untie yourself and join the pack. MDTimes will keep you posted on events schedules while it is on.

C.J.

Further information and Fringe program on: www.macaucityfringe.gov.mo