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Spittoon’s First Themed Multi-City Event Sequence

In December 2019, Spittoon launched MEGACITY, its first themed sequence of events running simultaneously across multiple cities in China. Four days of programming in Beijing across four venues, covering poetry, fiction, Spittunes, installation art, intercity slam, and the launch of Spittoon Literary Magazine Issue 6. Beijing collective member Nancy put together a Q&A with the team to explain what it was all about.

What is Spittoon?

“Spittoon has existed as an evolving arts platform since May 2015. Its development in Beijing into a multi-faceted literary collective comprising poetry, fiction, slam, book club, and storytelling events and a groundbreaking literary magazine now on its 6th issue has been organic and necessary. It was an evolution that began at the right place at the right time, in a powder keg of a pragmatically managed art scene and a significant population of skilled expats with free time and money working with interested Chinese artists and fans of the arts.”
— Matthew Byrne

What is MEGACITY?

“Spittoon is about promoting creativity in a collaborative way and strengthening a sense of community among artists. That’s the fundamental goal of this project.”
— Sara F. Costa

“Spittoon MEGACITY is the Spittoon Collective’s first themed sequence of multi-city events around China. The event sequence has three main focuses. Megacity: poetry, fiction, and Spittunes, all influenced by the theme. Under the Skin: unique events created to reflect the flavour of the cities they take place in. Connect: broadcasting locations together to share their stages, a window into the future for arts events.”
— Matthew Byrne

The Events

For Every Ear a Secret — December 12, Aotu Space

“Poets, fiction writers, and musicians will take turns performing for audiences of one in a format that is simultaneously intimate and disconnected. While waiting your turn, enjoy a cocktail and take in the art on Aotu’s walls.”
— Deva Eveland

Intercity Poetry Slam — December 13, Camera Stylo

“Connected by a live streamed video feed, slam poets from Beijing and Chengdu will go head to head in a single heavy-hitting round of competition. The night’s top three performers are chosen by an audience vote.”
— Annie Leonard

Beijing Lights and Urban Fragments — December 14, Aotu Space

“Beijing Lights interview series aims to share some of the voices that make up Beijing’s 21.7 million humans. Who are these people we pass in the street every day? Who lives behind those endless walls of apartment windows?”
— David Huntington

“Urban Fragments is a submersive poetic experience intending to translate the daily Beijing experience into art. 15 poets, one visual artist, and one musician come together to design an artistic digital object that will be screened and followed by a performance and live electronic psychedelic pop music show.”
— Sara F. Costa

Megacity Beijing Lights event

Megacity Stage, Spittunes, and Magazine Launch — December 15, DDC

“The exploration of the Megacity theme will take the form of three stages: a poetry stage, a fiction stage, and Spittunes. A select group of poets, fiction writers, and musicians will work together to interpret the Megacity theme in one of our Beijing collective’s most compelling events to date.”
— Matthew Byrne

“We have an amazing line-up, a vast array of musical styles that would suffice to be a brilliant gig alone except that now the bands will play a special collaboration song in their sets, complete with a small reading from each collaborating poet. And the 6th issue of the Spittoon Literary Magazine will be launched on the same day. Never before has there been so much concentrated and wonderful content to enjoy in an all-day event such as this.”
— Matthew Byrne

Megacity Spittunes at Dusk Dawn Club

The Schedule

December 12 — Aotu Space, 北新桥头条67号 For Every Ear a Secret, 8pm to 10:30pm

December 13 — Camera Stylo, 东四十一条64号 Intercity Poetry Slam: Chengdu vs Beijing, 8pm to 10:30pm

December 14 — Aotu Space, 北新桥头条67号 Beijing Lights, 2pm to 4pm Urban Fragments, 8pm to 10:30pm

December 15 — DDC, 山老胡同14号 Spittoon Literary Magazine Issue 6 Launch, 3pm to 5pm Spittoon Megacity Stage: Fiction and Poetry, 5pm to 7pm Spittunes: Poetry and Music Collaboration, 8:30pm to 11pm

Originally published December 2019 on the Spittoon WeChat channel.