The first Platforma Festival will take place in London from 29th November 2011. Bringing together performers, artists and organisations from across the UK, the Festival will be a celebration of the arts by and about refugees and a chance to discuss different aspects of artistic practice.

Like the Platforma project as a whole, the Festival will embrace as many art forms as possible including music, dance, visual arts, live art, film, spoken word and literature.

The primary venue will be Rich Mix in East London, close to major public transport links including Liverpool Street station.

The main elements of the Festival will be:

2nd-3rd December, 10.30-5pm: Platforma Conference

Two unmissable days for people interested in the arts by and about refugees. The conference will be lively, informal and provocative with workshops, debates, interventions and performances of all kinds. Contributors will come from all parts of the UK.

Full details, including prices and bursaries: http://www.platforma.org.uk/events/platforma-festival-conference

29th November - 4th December: Counterpoint art event

A multidisciplinary event of work by and about refugees at Club Row, Rochelle School in London (just up the road from Rich Mix). We invited proposals from visual and performance artists who are interested in and working around the issues of exile, migration, displacement and related issues to comment on these themes through painting, sculpture, photography, performance, sound or film.

There are also talks featuring artists and academics taking place in the evening at the gallery throughout the course of the event. More details about Counterpoint.

Plus, at Rich Mix from 29th November - 10th December, there will be an exhibition of photographs, 60 Years 6 Lives by Ian Berry for Magnum Photos and UNHCR to mark the 60th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention.

2nd December, 7.30pm:  Acoustic and spoken word event

Kick back and relax with a drink as you listen to a superbly eclectic mix of poets and musicians from across the UK brought together for the very first time as part of the Platforma Festival. Tickets £5 (£7 on the door)

Full details, including how to book: http://www.platforma.org.uk/events/platforma-acoustic-and-spoken-word-event

3rd December, 7pm: Live Music Night, featuring Yiddish Twist Orchestra 

The Platforma Festival will climax with a musical celebration headlines by all-star band Yiddish Twist Orchestra, with support from Ruby And The Vines and the Beating Wing Orchestra, plus Dj until late. Guaranteed to get you up off your feet and dancing along to music from all around the world. Tickets £5 in advance.

Full details, : http://www.platforma.org.uk/events/platforma-live-music-night-with-yiddi...

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View the Platforma Festival leaflet - front, back