An eclectic mix of art, music, performance and installation – all investigating, challenging, confronting or celebrating death. The festival investigates why we often find it difficult to talk about death in our society, and how art and artists can help.

Originally conceived as a tribute to artist, performer and Glasgow’s Mischief La-Bas Director Ian Smith, who took his own life in 2014 after suffering with clinical depression, this is an expanded version of last year’s debut in Glasgow. The aim is to celebrate death, loved ones, art and life. Death Cafe & Andrew Tibbles – Immortal: 

The festival includes exhibitions of work by Ian Smith, Ross Fraser McLean, Graeme Wilcox and Colin Gray, running from 28 October – 27 November.  Performances over the opening weekend, 28 – 30 October include Ugly Chief by Victoria Melody, Privates by FMIN, Bright Colours Only by Pauline Goldsmith and Immortal by Andrew Tibbles.  There’s also a Day of the Dead party with Our Ladies of Sorrow presented by Nothing Ever Happens Here…, a Death Café, and a shrine-making workshop. Colin Gray – It Takes a Village & Victoria Melody – Ugly Chief:

Festival of Ian Smith: A Celebration of Death is supported by Creative Scotland, Luminate, the Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival, the Scottish Partnership for Palliative Care and Good Life, Good Death, Good Grief with Barbara Chalmers of Final Fling.

Programme Includes;

Exhibitions

• Ian Smith’s Studio
• Graeme Wilcox
• Good Grief: Part 2
• In Memoriam
• Ross Fraser McLean – CEIBA – Casa de Todos los Muertos
• Colin Gray – It Takes a Village

Performances

• Victoria Melody – Ugly Chief
• Pauline Goldsmith – Bright Colours Only
• Privates – FMIN
• Andrew Tibbles – Immortal

Events

• Death Cafe
• Ofrenda Make a Shrine Workshop
• NEHH: Day of the Dead Party
• Corazan Beats: Mexican Inspired Market Stall