Minories boss on Art of the Roadz and Big Narstie in city

Emma Howe is director of the Minories, in the High Street, and the venue is hosting the Art of the Roadz Part Two event on August 25.

It is a collaborative project between the Minories, Gassed Clothing, and spearheaded by producer and musician Owen Louis, 49, who writes songs under the moniker Project Lando.

Art of the Roadz is a series of events which kicked off in April and the idea behind it is to encourage young people with talent to develop their skills while being inspired by music industry veterans.

This month’s event will feature an appearance from popular rapper Big Narstie.

Rapper – Big Narstie at the UK launch of Dr Dre and Snoop Dogg’s Gin and Juice at Flipper’s in London.  (Image: Ian West/PA Wire)

Emma said putting on urban art events will bring a “whole new audience” to the building.

She said: “We strongly believe that the benefits of engaging with creativity shouldn’t be restricted to people who have grown up visiting art galleries.

“At the end of the day we are working with Owen and Gassed Clothing to make a safer space for young people.

“It is so important with the 70 per cent funding cuts to youth provision that have taken place over the last decade.

Venue – The Minories

“We are lucky to have our building and opening it up for as many people as possible to use is our way of giving back to our community for the incredible amount of support we have received.”

On the night there will be an open mic session where budding rappers and singers can perform live.

There will be a clothing showcase from Gassed Clothing, and the special guest is Big Narstie.

Colchester teen rapper Young Felc will open the event.

Organiser Owen Louis previously spoke to the Gazette about how the event is a way to help youngsters cut their teeth and celebrate an art style which is possibly underrepresented in the city.

Emma is looking forward to Big Narstie’s appearance.

Event – the poster for Art of the Roads Part Two (Image: Public)

She said: “We are all thrilled to have Big Narstie coming to our little corner of Colchester, but what really matters is bringing awareness to the issues facing young people today.

“It’s fantastic that artists like Big Narstie also want to give back to the community and inspire young people.

“We hope it will be an incredible experience for those who perform alongside him, and those who watch as well.  

“The art world has an established hierarchy of which types of art are more valued, but really how far is the jump from rap to poetry and spoken word?

“It probably goes without saying that this isn’t what most people expect the Minories to be doing.

“Balancing events like this alongside our more traditional artistic programming is a challenge we are rising to.

“In the long term I’m confident it will enrich our whole programme, as we uncover and work with more talented creative people in our local area.”

Tickets cost £5 at tinyurl.com/f7tbm6pb.