In this two-day event, the idea of the aesthetics of imperfection is explored by jazz and improvising musicians in Western and non-Western music, plus practitioners from visual art, architecture, garden design and dance.

The contrast is between process and product, the unfinished and finished work, spontaneity and structure. We will explore the compositional aspects of improvisation, and the improvisatory aspects of composition.

The event will include some performances by participants. It highlights the energy and spontaneity of improvisation, with contributors drawing on their individual artistic visions to explore contrasts and continuities between spontaneous kinds of creativity and the search for perfection that guides composed forms of art.

With thanks to funding from Durham University.

The workshop is part of the Newcastle Festival of Jazz and Improvised Music - full festival programme here.

Free entry on the door. Please contact Samuel Horlor at s.p.horlor@durham.ac.uk for more information.