Nautical But Nice - a 'taster' exhibition, Riverboat Georgina, July 5th,

There is a Nautical But Nice 'taster' exhibition on the Riverboat Georgina next Saturday July 5th in the afternoon, only. This is a rare chance to see artwork on the Georgina, who will remain static - yes, unmoving - for the duration of the afternoon, and to celebrate the opening of Cambridge Open Art Space's 'Fringe' event happening throughout July www.cambridgeopenartspace.co.uk. A couple of the photoportriats of boaters Alice has been taking will be showcased (all of which are looking fab and will be shown at the Museum of Technology later in the Summer), along with artwork and photos from boaters and local artists inspired by nautical and river life.

And there is a bar. So please come, see some amazing artwork and how the project is developing, and celebrate diversity and understanding on the River Cam. Or just have a pint. Let me know and I can put you on the Guest List we are compiling so we have an idea of numbers. Free admission.

If anyone would like to show something at the exhibition please get in touch soon as you can off-list to discuss.

Best wishes,

Ruthie x
Curator - Nautical But Nice

Background

Nautical But Nice as a concept was derived on a curating course at Central St Martins School of Art and Design. A boater's dream to promote understanding and acceptance of the diversity within liveaboard and nautical life, Nautical But Nice in 2008 examines the boating community in Cambridge, with the aim to eventually partner with communities all over the UK. Through art, photography, film, writing and music, this beautiful way of life is celebrated, in honour of 'the boater'.

The whole event is partnered with Cambridge Open Art Space's 'Fringe', happening in Cambridge throughout July. 'Fringe' artists are invited to showcase their work on participating boats moored along the river Cam. Check www.cambridgeopenartspace.co.uk for details.

Nautical Art

A growing list of artists including Maureen Squair, Julie Baker, Alan Hudleston, and Heidi Burton, plus illustrators Lucy Claydon and Paulina Banach-Mazur contribute a range of art with a nautical theme to be showcased at the Museum of Tecnology on September 28th.

There is an open invitation to artists from all areas to contribute art with a nautical, or river-based theme. Please do contact us for more details.

Photography of Boaters on the Cam

As a challenge to the cultural stereotypes that sometimes misle public understanding of liveaboard life, Nautical But Nice teamed up with photographer Alice Fiorelli www.alicefiorilli.com, whose interest in 'moving homes' as a subject, led her to explore these homes on the river Cam. Alice's range of photo-portraits, celebrating the diversity of this beautiful lifestyle, are exhibited at the Museum of Technology, on Sunday 3rd August.

Alice has had work featured in the New York Times, and a range of other magazines and publications.

Boaters are also lending personal photos, and taking photos of liveaboard life themselves. Thank you to all the boaters who have particpated so far!

'Living On the Cam' documentary

Cambridge alone has a thriving community of live-aboard ‘boaters’, and a vibrant river-life with the river Cam a definitive feature of the city. Yet what of the community of boaters that has over yet the past 15 years transformed the Cam into a unique ‘floating village’? Who are they? What wider roles do they play in the community? What are the issues that affect them? What's it really like living on a boat?

Nautical But Nice invited Alex Strpd to document life on the river Cam, as a short film to be showcased at the Museum of Technology, on September 28th. Thank you to all the boaters who have participated so far! The concept looks set to be a long term project, with plans already underway to create a more in-depth documentary, plus interest from a leading TV channel.