This Is My City Festival has grown to become one of the city’s most anticipated events over the years. It was founded in 2006 in and it always takes place between November and December. The events they arrange always are free and there is an impressive line-up every time. Here are five reasons you need to attend this year!
INTERNATIONAL SCOPE
This is the first international edition of Is My City Festival (TIMC) and they are spreading their wings – they are going to host events in Macau, Zhuhai, Shezhen and São Paulo, bringing Portuguese and Chinese artists to the four cities. The idea is to create a cultural exchange and share entertainment form between the cities. They will bring Lusophone artists to Asia, and Chinese artists to the other side of the world. However, it hasn’t always been like this. In past years, some of the editions consisted on artistic residencies of Macau artists in Portugal and vice-versa. The festival’s idea is to use cities as stages.
BEST LINE-UP EVER
This year, TIMC has the widest and fullest line-up they’ve ever had. Besides headliners Celeste Mariposa (a Portuguese-based project dedicated to spreading Lusophone African music) and Re-TROS (China’s most international post-punk band), there will also be concerts from local band Forget The G and Chinese collectives Wang Wen and Pet Conspiracy. Portuguese DJ Kitten is also coming to Macau, along with Lovers and Lollypops, another DJ Set. The team behind TIMC who usually curates the festival’s line-up always look for new and unique bands and artists, rather than more commercial and conventional ones.
CONFERENCE TALKS
The core part of TIMC that holds it together every year is the talks and the closing party. The talks focus primarily on the life in different cities, with a main focus on Macau and Portuguese cities, such as Lisbon or Oporto. Previous talks have focused on architecture, urbanism and design. This year, there will be a few major conferences. One looks at festivals and their relationship with cities and the way they influence the region where they are hosted; another is a Global Creative Network talk, focusing on how networking and relationships between different professionals can have the power to make things happen.
ALMOST EVERYTHING FREE
Did we mentioned just about every event hosted is free? Doesn’t get much better than that! From the talks to concerts, art exhibitions and performances – all are free to audiences! The D2 After Party is the only event with paid entrance, all others are free!
APPRECIATING THE CITIES
TIMC is all about helping people appreciate their cities. Navy Yard 2 is a venue located in one of Macau’s oldest and most traditional districs. Standing opposite from Navy Yard 1 Contemporary Art Center and two minutes away from A-Ma Temple, this is the perfect location to enjoy some fresh air while taking in a concert. There will also be refreshments and food available at the venue.
If you are looking for something great to do this month, look no further! Head to This Is My City’s Facebook page to find out more about scheduling, programming and artists coming to town from November 22 to 25, 2018.
This Is My City Festival brings Chinese international renown bands Re-TROS and Pet Conspiracy, as well as Portuguese projects Celeste Mariposa and DJ Kitten (also known as White Haus) together for a great music event! There will also be concerts from Wang Wen and local indie band, Forget The G.
2018 is the first international edition of the festival, which will host activities in Macau, Zhuhai, Shenzhen and São Paulo. This Is My City takes places November 22–25, 2018 and there will be conferences, photo exhibitions, DJ Set parties, and several concerts. The chosen venue is Navy Yard 2, close to the Contemporary Art Center Navy Yard 1, which is equipped with a concert hall and more. Entrance is free for all events but the D2 After Party!
