'Spectrum is not just a series of events but a statement of solidarity with the underrepresented talents in Ireland's cultural landscape...' Maolíosa Boyle, Director of Rua Red, introduces a late-night fusion of art and music coming to the popular South Dublin-based arts centre this March.
In a time when the late-night culture of Ireland is in a state of flux, Rua Red Arts Centre in Tallaght has taken on the mantle of reimagining how we experience art, music, and nightlife.
The inception of the Spectrum series under the Late Night Events Pilot Programme by The Arts Council of Ireland, one of just 14 pilot projects funded across the country, marks a promising step towards revitalising the after-hours cultural scene in the country.
The central drive behind Spectrum was to create a space that bridges the traditional boundaries between electronic music, visual arts, and the immersive gallery experience.
As the late-night venues dwindle in numbers, there's a growing need to rethink the approach to spaces and audiences, ensuring inclusivity, diversity, and vibrancy.
Rua Red, in collaboration with SoFFt Productions and NOISE Music, has put together a groundbreaking series that promises to not just entertain but challenge perceptions and cultivate a tight-knit community around the shared experience of art, music, and dance.
The inaugural Spectrum event on November 18th, 2023, curated by the GASH Collective, set the tone for what was to come. With visual artist Aisling Phelan's captivating work complementing the music, the event was an immersive journey into the fusion of sound and visual art.
Electronic music collective Dublin Modular, has taken the baton in the subsequent event - set to take place on March 9th - weaving live performances and DJ sets into a tapestry of sonic exploration alongside Reuben Brown, an emerging visual artist and curator, showcasing his specialised expertise in 3D-CGI animation.
The series has been designed to allow the audience to engage with the space and each other, overseen by set and lighting experts Conor Jacob and Natasha Duffy from SoFFt Productions.
The gallery, typically a place of quiet contemplation, is transformed into a pulsating hub where creativity knows no bounds.
The overarching mission of Spectrum is to provide a platform for artists, welcoming voices that are often marginalised in the mainstream cultural narrative. By collaborating with collectives that prioritise diversity and inclusivity, like the GASH Collective and Dublin Modular, Spectrum is not just a series of events but a statement of solidarity with the underrepresented talents in Ireland's cultural landscape.
Visual artist Aisling Phelan, renowned for her exploration of the digital self and its implications, was among the commissioned artists, showcasing the symbiosis between visual art and electronic music. This holistic approach, where art forms intersect and feed off each other, is a testament to tmhe transformative power of collaborative creativity.
Spectrum, championed by the Late Night Events Pilot Programme, is more than just a series of late-night events; it's a glimpse into the future of cultural engagement. As we navigate through uncertain times, Spectrum offers a glimpse into a world where art, music, and community thrive.
Rua Red, with its innovative approach, has shown that late-night culture need not be confined to the traditional spaces; it can permeate our cultural institutions, inviting audiences to reimagine their relationship with the arts.
Spectrum is at Rua Red Gallery, Tallaght, on March 9th 2024 - find out more here.
