As the weather gets colder, you may look for a way to bring a little life back into your step. Well, look no further: the 14th edition of Ottawa’s signature underground art party, Pique, is back on Sept. 28 at the Arts Court.
Experimental music, media art installations, drag, and ballroom performances are just a handful of the creative presentations taking over the entire Arts Court building across eight stages and exhibition spaces, indoors and outdoors.
Debaser director Rachel Weldon says this edition’s program is “one of the best yet.”
“Whether or not you are familiar with some of the artists on the lineup, there is a lot to discover at Pique. We try to keep people on their toes and do something unexpected each time, so Pique is the perfect event for adventurous people. We also try to offer a peek into different subcultures and underground scenes.”
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Performers include artists like Evicshen, best known as an instrument-maker who invented the “needle nails,” a set of turntable needles attached to acrylic nails, allowing her to play vinyl records with them. Some other notable names include Cecile Believe, Pelada, SUBR (صبر), and Ahya Simone.
“We are also thrilled to work with guest curators Yéila Siriano + Legendary OA Mother Maldita Siriano to bring a kiki ball to Pique, open to anyone to participate as a walker,” Weldon says via email.
Finally, Topique symposium returns to Pique with a series of artist talks and workshops, “all dedicated to the exchange of forward-thinking ideas and skills.”
“Sessions will include panels and workshops on ballroom culture and techniques, an artist talk and demo that looks at DIY electronics and noise, and a panel on solidarity in the arts,” Weldon says. “Topique is a great opportunity for artists and creatives to learn more about the ideas and practices behind what is presented at Pique. It gives folks a chance to hear the artists talk about what inspires them before seeing that inspiration manifest on stage.”
As always, the event is pay-what-you-can, which Weldon says is integral to Pique.
“More than a third of our audience access subsidized tickets to Pique. We are really proud of this financial accessibility without compromising on the quality of programming and audience experience. This system only works when people really do pay-what-you-can though, which also means paying more when you can afford to do so,” she says. “Sustainability is definitely a concern as we are starting to see more and more funding cuts, and rising inflation. So when you pay-what-you-can, you pay-it-forward. And it helps us keep Pique going.”
Photo: Curtis Perry.
Not able to join in person? No worries, Pique has got you covered there, too.
Broadcasting live from Club SAW and the SAW Courtyard, tune into Cybernetique anywhere in the world. Virtual attendees can also tune into exclusive interactive interviews hosted on Debaser’s Instagram to engage with the hosts and socialize with fellow virtual attendees.
Plus, Radio-Hull, a project of the media arts centre DAÏMÔN, will present two live-to-air radio presentations.
“We are particularly excited for Matt Miwa’s astrological chart readings involving Pique audience participation! If folks are not in Ottawa, they can also listen to this live on Radio-Hull.”
Here’s a full list of the lineup, in case you’re interested:
- 8485
- Ahya Simone
- Cecile Believe
- chiquitamagic
- crhunchy!
- Evicshen
- Kathryn Patricia Cobbler
- LA Timpa
- Matt Miwa
- M.I.BLUE
- Olivia Shortt
- Pelada
- Rosario Caméléon
- Scott Warren
- SUBR صبر
- Yolande Laroche
And the guest curators:
- Eva Grant
- Yéila Siriano + Legendary OA Mother Maldita Siriano
Pique is a forward-thinking, artist-driven quarterly event series featuring eclectic musical, visual and multimedia artists, produced by Debaser.
Tickets are pay-what-you-can for all ages, with a suggested donation of $35-65. You can purchase tickets here.
Arts Court is located at 67 Nicholas St. and is wheelchair accessible via the 67 Nicholas St. entrance.
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