York Mediale in a day…

Leann Sykes-Hooban, our Volunteer & Projects Manager, has picked out a few of her festival highlights. Take a tour around York Mediale 2018 with Leann.

Start your day at the tranquil Stained Glass Centre on Micklegate. It’s a short walk from the station and within easy reach of most local bus routes.

Take in the first 2 of 3 installations that form our British Council supported, international commission programme, Still We Rise. Installations by Neo Musangi (Kenya) and Brandon Covington Sam-Sumana (USA) will transport you around the world, and challenge you to question your assumptions.

Next it’s up Rougier Street and over the picturesque Lendal Bridge to York Art Gallery to see the final installation of Still We Rise in the project space to the left of the entrance, by Ulungile Magubane. Move on through the Art Gallery to see the landmark exhibition Strata-Rock-Dust-Stars (entrance fee applicable).

After your time inside the Art Gallery, head outside to the Artists Gardens and immerse yourself in a bees eye view of the world in our interactive Pollinarium (opens Sunday 30 September, 12:00).

Out of the Art Gallery (grab a coffee if you need a boost, the gallery cafe take-away brew is among the cheapest in town) and back past the Visitor Information Centre towards the old town. Stop at Ask Italian in the Assembly Rooms to view the Yorkshire Artists Installations. If the aroma of fresh pasta makes you hungry, you’re in a perfect spot for lunch, whether you choose the grand ambience of Ask, iconic Betty’s Tea Rooms, or one of the numerous bars and cafes in the meandering lanes around the Shambles.

Once revived, find your way to Goodramgate at the top end of the Shambles. You have to keep your eyes peeled for the gap in the wall that leads to the beautiful Holy Trinity Church and The Cutting Room’s What Is Love? (opens Sunday 30 September, 11:00) – The future of storytelling in an historic setting.

On your way to or from the church, you’ll pass through King’s Square, location for Matthew Plummer Fernandez’ 3D printed sculpture, Token Homes. You won’t miss this unique and massive work…

Follow Colliergate and Fossgate out of the city centre and across the River Foss. You’ll soon come to the über cool container city of SPARK:York. Here you’ll find Green (Screen) Dreams a digital postcard for the imaginary tourist town of Sunthorpe.

SPARK:York is a great place to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy fabulous street food and drink, especially well located if you have tickets to Baba Yaga or performances at the National Centre for Early Music.

When you’re ready follow Piccadilly back over the Fosse toward town. This is a good point to detour to the YM recommended Charlie Ward, at the York Army Museum, the immersive sound experience inspired by a World War 1 army hospital. Otherwise continue on up Parliament Street (resisting a shopping spree if you can) to the Guildhall. Usually closed to the public, for York Mediale, this historic building is home to the interactive world of Strange Stranger, from the Alexander Whitley Dance Company. See how the movement of visitors is layered with the motion-captured dancers in this unique piece.

Emerge, awe-inspired back into the world and head off for evening events. Stop by the city walls opposite the Art Gallery as darkness falls to take in Deep Lab UK’s thought-provoking projection, Can You Die If You Don’t Exist.

#YM2018