LOITER – Online

Sara Jaspan, Exhibitions Editor
Loiter / Proforma
Roman Manfredi

PROFORMA presents LOITER at esea contemporary, Manchester 30 January 2021 Entrance is free — Visit now

Loitering is not something we do so much of beyond a certain age. The word, which means to stand or wait around without apparent purpose, seems to have little place in a time of diminishing public space and where busyness is seen as a sort of status symbol. When it does crop up, it seems most often applied ‘trouble-makers’, ‘opportunists’, or bored ‘youths’ on park benches, carrying with it an implied sense of threat. But is there something to be gained from reclaiming our right to linger, laze, loaf or dally on street corners?

LOITER – a one-day-long live visual art programme occurring around the Chapel Street area – tarries over this question. Inspired by a reading of the term as a subversive performative gesture, the short-lived urban festival will feature a series of live, durational artworks spanning film, animation, sound, intervention, and augmented reality, that encourage viewers to slow down and experience their surroundings in new ways.

Connecting Manchester and Salford, Chapel Street is one of the oldest trade routes between the two cities and has been undergoing a process of major re-development over the last few years, offering a rich psychogeographic environment for artists to respond to. The line-up includes Omid Asadi, Juliet Davis-Dufayard, Tink Flaherty, Parham Ghalamdar, Christian Selent, and Shy Bairns (who will create a zine-style guidebook).

LOITER is organised by Proforma and forms part of the curatorial platform’s ongoing model of presenting time-restricted exhibitions in non-gallery spaces – in this instance, outdoors. Though late January might not be the most clement of times, after such a turbulent year in which most galleries have had to postpone or cancel shows, the option of throwing on a few extra layers in order to experience art safely doesn’t sound too bad. For those who aren’t able to attend, a live digital experience of LOITER will also run throughout the day.

PROFORMA presents LOITER at esea contemporary, Manchester 30 January 2021 Entrance is free Visit now

Accessibility

  • Audio Described
  • British Sign Language
  • Captioned

What's on at esea contemporary

Where to go near LOITER – Online

The Lawton Hotel
Blackpool
Hotel
The Lawton

Thanks to its lime green-painted brick frontage, this family-friendly guest house certainly stands out from the crowd in Blackpool.

The Ruskin Hotel
Blackpool
Hotel
The Ruskin

Sitting in the shadow of the town’s famous Blackpool Tower, this established three star hotel is popular for its handy location and family-friendly pricing.

Traditional green and beige tram in blackpool
Blackpool
Tourist Attraction
Heritage Tram Tours

Embark on a unique and educational journey along the famous Blackpool Tramway, on board the best of the iconic Heritage Trams.

Blackpool
Tourist Attraction
Sandcastle Waterpark

Bring the whole family together for a day of fun, thrills and exciting aquatic adventures at Sandcastle Waterpark.

© Merlin Entertainments 2024
Blackpool
Tourist Attraction
Blackpool Tower Eye

Experience one of the country’s most well-known landmarks in a whole new way. Brave the glass SkyWalk, head to the 4D cinema, or soak up the views at Bar 380.

Blackpool Tower Circus
Blackpool
Tourist Attraction
The Blackpool Tower Circus

Visit the oldest permanent circus in the world, showcasing some truly jaw-dropping stunts from contortionists, acrobats and trapeze acts.

Pendle witch scaring visitors at Blackpool Dungeons
Blackpool
Tourist Attraction
The Blackpool Tower Dungeon

With interactive shows and an impressive drop ride, you’re guaranteed thrills, screams and entertainment at The Blackpool Tower Dungeon.

What's on: Exhibitions

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in Manchester and the North

Alongside experimental performance, new writing and free arts festivals, we take a look at some of the Christmas shows happening in the North.