Post on 19-Jan-2016
Year of Culture
The 2016 Year of Culture will make Reading a place of innovation, imagination and
magic
We will place culture at the centre of town life, with residents and visitors delighted, enthralled, inspired and
moved by the programme
5 Guiding Principles
Culture is for everyone
Innovation and Technology
The best work, best artists and best practices
Audience and Community engagement
To make Reading a cultural hub
Year of Culture : Programme
Twelve plus Two 12 standout events or projects, one for
every month throughout 2016
Plus 2 further initiatives held in and around Reading
January
Get Fit for Culture
New Year, New Cultural You Reading residents will be encouraged to take part in cultural activities, starting on
New Year’s day.
Activities will include: A bicycle commission, choreographed gym
routine, workshops and performances across January
February
Design for Reading
David Watkins, 2012 Olympic medal designer commissioned to work with 10 Reading students on a
Reading 2016 design.
The final design displayed across wearables and places across Reading
March
Reading 2050
Kicked off with FutureFest, curated by NESTA, exploring the future of Reading.
Organisations across Reading invited to respond to 2050
April
High Tide Festival Theatre commissions
High Tide Festival Theatre’s Steven Atkinson to curate four new pieces of
writing about Reading
May
Story of Reading
The Museum of Rural life re-opening
Abbey Ruins digital project
Tower of London poppies bid
Reading’s history and heritage explored
June
Eat Reading
A festival of food, art and imagination
Including a biscuit festival and beer project
Reading organisations invited to respond
September
July
SITELINES
An expanded version of the much loved site specific theatre strand
August
Reading Festival
Every August music fans from all over the world descend on Reading to attend the
Reading Festival
September
In the Round at the Hexagon
A special season of music, comedy and theatre presented in the round.
October
Reading in Reading
A voyage of exploration across Reading’s literary scene, past, present and future
November
Dance Reading
A festival of movement, space and imagination in association with the
contemporary dance company Rambert
December
Lights Reading
Illuminating the town with a series of spectacular commissions
….Plus Two
A specially commissioned global lecture series featuring global leaders, artists and thinkers
And
An internationally significant art project