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SPARKKE at The Whitmore is the on-trend, and not afraid to channel glamour pub, that's showing Adelaide just how to do things a little bit differently.
There are a lot of things about bar and pub culture that are unconsciously gendered and geared towards a traditionally masculine way of life. I know this is supposed to just be a review, but it seems the Fringe shows I really enjoy are coming with more of a social commentary than just a star rating.
Did you know that women weren't legally allowed to drink in pubs until 1967? (and gender segregation still occurred well into the 70s). Just over 50 years ago, something our grandmas (or even mothers) would have dealt with directly, was a law that we can clearly see today that has shaped the social-consciousness of pub culture. The phrase "having women at the table" is all too relevant, and the lack of consideration to women (or non-binary folk) is often the underlying reasons why today pubs are mainly dark, gloomy, and full of TV's that cost more than my car; instead of creating safe public drinking spaces full of culture for all to enjoy.
Back to Live Art Fashion.
From the interiors of a pub to what's on tap, at least for my entire life, pubs have never taken a step back from the 'normal' conventions and dared to do things a little bit differently.
And this is why SPARKKE at The Whitmore, further from the fact that they're a female-led brewpub, is such an attractive venue to me; perfectly weaving the best of pub-culture (great beer, a stellar rooftop bar, delicious food to boot), with nuances of modernity with a 100% recyclable pink bar, an extensive vegan menu, and a publicly renown safe space for the queer community and minorities (with amazing attention to accessibility!).
The Live Art Fashion series at SPARKKE at The Whitmore shows that a pub can focus on local fashion (which 110% an art form and should be celebrated) further than just getting frocked up for Melbourne Cup. Actually, considering the social changes happening re horse racing, Live Art Fashion at The Whitmore is kind of the perfect new direction that we all should be heading in when integrating fashion art into the pub scene.
On arrival, the ticket price also included two cocktails that we were able to try along with amazing nibbly-pub food that integrated pub favs with a little bit of fancy flair.
The afternoon flowed with drinks, food and a mixture of art that included a live painting by @stiles.b (final piece pictured below), DJ's and fashion.
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| Live Art Piece by @stiles.be |
The Whitmore as a whole is reason enough to schedule your Saturday afternoon in advance, but Life Art Fashion was an incredible experience and I hope SPARKKE continues to be creative and innovative in their approach to pub events - because I'll be there!
Check out Live Art Fashion on the Fringe website HERE!
4.5 out of 5 stars
Category: Visual Arts and Design / Cross-Artform