Explore Events November 2006
The latest news, views and events from bmi destinations including Amsterdam, Hanover and Jeddah. Plus two extraordinary adventures across the Atlantic to Antigua
German gems
DISCOVER HANOVER’S FASCINATING ARTS SCENE
ART LOVERS WILL be delighted with the plethora of works on offer in Hanover, as there really is something for everyone.
Local talent can be found at The Sprengel Museum, which is presently holding a unique exhibition, Merz-Places: Kurt Schwitters and his Circle, which focuses on the Hanoverian Dadaist artist Kurt Schwitters and his influence on artists such as Piet Mondrain and Paul Klee.
For something a bit more traditional, the Niedersächsisches Landesmuseum, the oldest museum in the city, is home to paintings, sculptures and Red Franz, the famous prehistoric “bog body” that was pulled from a swamp in 1900.
And don’t forget to look around when you’re simply taking a stroll, as the streets are filled with eye-catching delights, including the bus stops and the symbols of the city, the Nanas, by artist Niki de Saint Phalle. www.hannover.de
Rock style
THE BIGGEST NAMES in the music industry will converge in Copenhagen on 2 November for the 13th MTV Europe Music Awards. Justin Timberlake will be hosting the event and a myriad of stars will be performing their latest hits. Alternatively, you can sing along at home in A-list style with the latest luxury accessory, CrystalRoc instruments. You can get anything from microphones to record decks, all decorated with sparkling Swarovski crystals. They are fully functioning works of art and available to buy, hire or custom order. Ideal for the budding Vegas starlet.
www.crystalroc.com
Arabian first
SAUDI ARABIA’S FILM SCENE GATHERS STRENGTH
THIS YEAR, JEDDAH saw the first ever Saudi Arabian film festival, although film is still such a controversial subject there that the event was called “The Jeddah Visual Arts Festival”.
Despite the fact that there are no public cinemas in the kingdom and that public film screenings are still considered taboo, the event has been seen by many as evidence that Saudi Arabia may be moving into a new era.
Mohammed Bazaid, one of the show’s directors, said: “I think this is a significant move forward for the Saudi Arabian art scene, regardless of our lack of experience, and the primitive nature of the films.”
Although Saudi’s Deputy Minister for Culture, Abdul Aziz Al-Sebail, has said that his ministry would not object to the screening of films with a “meaningful message”, all published material must be approved by the authorities before distribution. But Bazaid, whose short film Last Piece was shown at the festival, remains undaunted by this.
“I think anyone living here will realise what will be considered valuable to society and what will not. We have a great range of issues we can depict in films; we don’t need to touch on sensitive subjects.”
Bazaid plans to spend the rest of the year finishing his second short film. Unsurprisingly, he has high hopes for the future of Saudi cinema.
MADE IN ENGLAND
THE NORTH OF England is the birth place of some of the world’s greatest artists, including Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth and Elizabeth Frink, to name but a few. The Yorkshire Sculpture Park, near Leeds, is a unique venue that strives to endorse the north’s artistic heritage. Every year it holds MADE, an exhibition of textiles, sculptures and jewellery by new and established, contemporary artists. There is a wide variety of work on display, including the exotic Eight Moths sculpture by John Dilnot (above). This year the exhibition is being held at the park from 25 November to 4 March 2007. Whether you are looking to make an investment, or to buy something a bit different for a Christmas present, you should definitely make time to visit; as all the works of art are for sale and all are either one-offs or limited editions. www.ysp.co.uk
Having a ball at work
BIRMINGHAM-BASED COMPANY LMM has found a novel way of keeping their employees fit and wide awake during meetings, as they have replaced all their chairs with Fit Balls. CEO, Giles Horwitch-Smith, said: “They are very popular and have the added benefit of diffusing any rare heated exchange by their propensity to bounce slightly during any agitated discussion!”
Raw Italian
DISCOVER A PASSION FOR VENICE’S COOLEST FISH DISH
IN A CITY built on water, fish is always going to be a speciality. Crudo, a kind of Venetian sushi that’s currently taking Manhattan by storm, is a great way of showcasing Venice’s fabulous fresh fish. Sara Cossiga, a passionate advocate of Venetian cookery, runs gourmet walking tours of the city (www.venicevenetogourmet.com). The tour includes a trip to the Rialto fish market, a lesson on how to cook fish and a meal at Fontego dei Pescaori restaurant. Here, Cossiga gives us her recommendations for the best crudo in Venice: FONTEGO DEI PESCAORI – Depending on the season, the misto crudo will feature prawns, scampi, tuna, sea bass, cuttlefish, lagoon sole, monkfish, swordfish and scallops. Cannaregio 3711; +39 041 520 0538 VINI DA GIGIO – Serving some of the freshest fish in Venice, all ingredients are sourced from the Rialto that morning. Cannaregio 3628/A; +39 041 528 5140 DA FIORE – Regarded by many as the best restaurant in the city, misto crudo is a perennial on this menu.
Calle del Scaleter, San Polo 2002; +39 340 878 1989
High sea adventures
FULFIL YOUR DREAMS of sailing round the world like champion Dame Ellen MacArthur.
Clipper Ventures offers everyone from novices to experts the chance to circumnavigate the world on their thrilling yacht race. The company is now celebrating its 10th year and has completed five successful round-the-world races. Sign up now for their 2007-2008 race. www.clipper-ventures.co.uk
LITTLE BLACK BOOK:
MARAIS DISTRICT, PARIS [NEAREST METRO: ST PAUL]
THIS FORMER SWAMPLAND IS NOW THE HIPPEST, MOST ECLECTIC QUARTER IN PARIS
CAFE MARIANNE
Discover the delights of the largest Jewish community in Europe. This is a favourite haunt of the local community and it offers delicious, simple meals with good wine. Come for the ambience, the poetry on the walls and the people-watching. 2 Rue des HospitalièresSt-Gervais; +1 42 72 18 86
L’ETOILE MANQUANTE
This hip hangout is owned and designed by architect Xavier Denamur. Relax with a cocktail in the trendy and comfortable décor, and don’t leave without visiting the lavatory: there is an electric train that shuttles between the cubicles. 34 Rue Vieille du Temple; +1 42 72 48 34
QUIDAM DE REVEL
If you like your clothing vintag e and stylish, this is one of the Marais’ best boutiques. An art historian and an antique dealer r un the shop and they can deck you out in fabulous fashion and jewellery by world-class designers. 24 & 26 Rue de Poitou;+1 42 71 37 07
