Birthdays are a time for looking forward as well as back, and as Fierce! reaches ten years old our celebrations are no exception. For this year we are proud to welcome back many of the artists who have helped to establish Fierce’s place at the forefront of the international art scene – with Ron Athey, Franko B, Gob Squad and Marisa Carnesky just a few of those returning this year with newly commissioned projects.

Yet amongst these familiar guests are an equal number of new faces whose names may not be as well known yet but whom we firmly believe are producing work which will soon rank in stature alongside that of their forebears.

And almost as inspiring as discovering such talent in the early stages of what look like long and promising careers is the fact that many of them come from the West Midlands. For although Fierce! can justifiably claim to be one of the most prominent festivals on the international circuit our commitment to developing local talent is equally important. Nor are we alone in this for alongside our long-standing partnerships with the likes of Birmingham Rep and Warwick Arts Centre – this year we also announce new collaborations with the CBSO and Birmingham Royal Ballet.

That Fierce! now counts itself amongst such world leading organisations means we are an enfant terrible no more, but the biggest programme we’ve ever assembled for our tenth anniversary still has plenty of mischief and surprises in store.

Mark Ball
Artistic Director

Opening Party hosted by Mrs Barbara Nice / Featuring Gob Squad's 'Who Are You Wearing?'Friday 18 May / 6pm onwards/ The Cotton Club, Hurst Street/ Free event. All welcome, but make sure you get there early and let us know you're coming by calling 0121 244 8084

Official Website: http://www.fiercetv.co.uk

Added by Aeioux on May 1, 2007

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