THU 02 JULY - SAT 01 AUG 2009 | open Thu-Sat, 12-5 PM | admission FREE

Launch event FRI 03 JULY 2009 | 6-8 PM*

VIVID is excited to announce details of Participation (Thu 02 July to Sat 01 Aug 2009), an exhibition and archive project centred on the emergence of new film forms, politics and practices in the 1980s. Presented in two parts, the works react to and document the rise of Thatcherism and the social and cultural events the period from 1979 engendered: inner city disturbances, the miners strike, and increasing social disparity.

Participation brings us rarely seen works from key film and video workshops and groups who, motivated by a desire to effect social change, forged new approaches to political and social themes that emerged nationally. The show includes works by Amber Films, Black Audio Film Collective and Sankofa amongst others, and has a special focus on the Birmingham Film and Video Workshop whose largely unknown yet groundbreaking work is presented for the first time in decades.

Participation Part I collects key texts and moving image documents from the period , and mixes these with first hand accounts and documentary images from the period. Part II will be presented in November 2009.

VIVID will celebrate the launch of this exciting programme with a drinks reception on Fri 03 July, 6-8 PM. The evening will include a screening of works by Birmingham Film & Video Workshop introduced by Roger Shannon.  

SATURDAY SCREENINGS | 2 PM | admission £5/£3**

VIVID will host Saturday screenings with introductions from the film-makers for the duration of the exhibition. Tickets may be purchased on the door however advance booking is recommended (email info@vivid.org.uk).

**Early bird offer - buy tickets to four screenings and receive 25% discount! Offer ends midnight, Sat 04 July 2009**

Sat 04 Jul         Sankofa/ Isaac Julien

Sat 11 Jul         Amber Films introduced by Ellin Hare

Sat 18 Jul         Black Audio Film Collective introduced by David Lawson

Sat 25 Jul         Supersonic Festival workshop (SOLD OUT)

Sat 01 Aug       ICO Essentials: PROTEST

*Openings will also take place at Eastside Projects and Ikon Eastside.