Living on an island we all subconsciously know quite a lot about the pros and cons of Island life. But imagine yourself on a different kind of water surrounded land mass. On the Diesel Island, the water would be a sea of denim and the soundscape would be a brouhaha of laughter and electronic sea-surges.
On this island you will study hard and learn lessons in taxidermy, cultivation, foraging and dancing (all useful additions to one’s portfolio in a recession hit UK). So perhaps Diesel should make us some jeans with no pockets so we feel less bereft in these empty-pocket times? But no, and better still, they are offering us all manner of discos, debates and films to watch. Entertainment for free from The Diesel School of Island Life!
A denim utopia, or the world through indigo coloured glasses, The Diesel School of Island Life passport holders will experience events, parties, workshops and field trips, hosted by special guests from art, film, politics and music in cities across the UK.
Our top island choice was Manchester’s ‘Solar Disco’ – Salford’s very own beach party at Islington Mill on May 6th 2011. There was sand, sangria and songs from US scuzz rock God, Turn To Crime, better known as Derek Stanton, former lead singer with Awesome Color whose trio of Stooges inspired grizzled rock albums were released on Thurston Moore’s label between 2006 and 2010. Plus a live set from Turn To Crime tour partners, Manchester’s own Float Riverer and local indie-rock dancefloor gurus Dinner Party followed by back-to-back summer hits until .. well… somewhere approaching sun-up.
A selection of our favourite island hops!
Charlie will perform taxidermy on an animal of your choice, from a lamb to a pheasant. “Your favourite science supply teacher… who’s actually an artist.”
Instructions on how to build a pigeon loft, train pigeons messengers and attach USB sticks to pigeons to send data by bird mail. Participants will write messages for a live pigeon release.
Jesper and the group will explore the mixed habitats of an inner city park, gathering a vast array of edible finds from the worlds of plants and fungi. The day will end with cooking and sampling the delicacies.
The creative network for emerging design innovators presents an event for Islanders to plan, produce and broadcast a half-hour show live on the internet, including cast, set, extras, quizzes, music and interviews all from above a pub in Leeds.
Stephen Walter creates landscapes where the trees are slowly taken over by their symboli crepresentations leaving us with forests of geographical maps. In this special workshop, Islanders will create their own unique maps.
