Newcastle Prepares for a Monumental Construction
This summer, NOVUM Newcastle Summer Festival will welcome globally acclaimed visual artist, Olivier Grossetête, to the city of Newcastle.
The illustrious French artist, known for his grandiose cardboard structures crafted in collaboration with local communities, is set to fashion a temporary extension to Newcastle's imposing modernist marvel, the Civic Centre, from 11-13 August.
Grossetête's work, a collaborative endeavour with local communities, will be delivered via a series of participatory workshops. The transient architectural spectacle that emerges will serve as a central point for celebrations and performances throughout the three-day multi-art-form event.
Grossetête, recognised for his monumental cardboard constructions, inspires communities across the globe to collaborate and transform humble materials into awe-inspiring architectural achievements.
Kate Craddock of Curated Place, Creative Producer of NOVUM, said, "We're thrilled to be welcoming Olivier to Newcastle and to offer the local community a chance to create a monument that pays homage to our incredible city.
"Newcastle’s rich architectural heritage, including our famous bridges, the Georgian elegance of Grey Street, and the Grade II listed Civic Centre itself, have all played a role in shaping Olivier’s final design, which will remain under wraps until construction concludes.”
Grossetête's team has been erecting his community-driven monumental constructions since 2003, engaging thousands of community members in his cardboard and tape escapades across five continents.
In Newcastle, the monumental installation is scheduled for Friday 11 August, on Ceremonial Way, adjacent to the Civic Centre. Following the epic 8 hour participatory build, Hannabiell and Midnight Blue Collective and Mim Suleiman will be playing a powerful night of music in the Civic Centre’s Banqueting Hall to mark the opening night with a party to be remembered and launching NOVUM’s three days of extraordinary music programming.
On Sunday, 13 August, the public will once again be summoned to witness the "Colossal Destruction"—a jubilant and cathartic deconstruction event, underscoring the ephemeral nature of the festival and the artwork.
Monumental Construction is at the heart of NOVUM, which promises to offer a fresh festival experience for the city.
Curated Place, an award-winning arts producer, has collaborated with Newcastle City Council and North of Tyne Combined Authority to develop this event.
In its inaugural year, NOVUM will host three nights of exceptional live music, offering attendees a first-time experience of the iconic Civic Centre as a live music venue.
The event will transform the Civic Centre and its surrounding gardens into a cultural playground, where attendees can immerse themselves in art, music, performances, and installations. Free activities throughout the weekend will include 'Stay and Play', creative workshops led by local artists, and community-focused performances that cater to art aficionados, music lovers, families, and children alike.
For more information, visit novumnewcastle.com
