Cyanotype workshop and Étel Santos concert in Plaza de Maneje, 29 August

Arrecife's Plaza de Maneje hosts the second session of Naturaleza Sonora Arrecife on Saturday 29 August. The open-air series of artistic gatherings is produced by Rofe and promoted by the culture department of the Ayuntamiento de Arrecife, headed by Abigail González, and pairs a hands-on workshop with a concert in a residential square rather than an indoor venue.

Things begin at 18:00 with a cyanotype workshop run by Asociación Cultural y Artística Ars Magna, which grew out of the Escuela de Arte Pancho Lasso. Cyanotype is one of the oldest photographic techniques: a light-sensitive emulsion that turns Prussian blue when exposed to sunlight. Participants will work with plants, everyday objects and negatives on paper — no cameras and no darkroom involved.

All materials are supplied by Ars Magna and no previous experience is needed. Places must be booked in advance through the channel provided by the organisers.

At 19:00 the evening turns to music, with a concert by Tenerife singer-songwriter Étel Santos alongside the band Lavanda Fresca.

Councillor Abigail González frames the series as a neighbourhood project: “With this new proposal from Rofe, the Ayuntamiento continues to help the neighbourhoods of our city become spaces of coexistence through music and other artistic proposals.” She adds that the aim is for “our neighbourhoods to be living stages, bringing together music, creativity and talent in open, close and inclusive spaces for all citizens”.

Practical notes for the workshop

Because cyanotype develops in direct sunlight, the workshop takes place outdoors in the late afternoon; a hat and water are sensible. The emulsion stains fabric, so wear clothes you don't mind marking with blue. If you want a personal print, bring leaves, dried flowers or small flat objects to lay on the paper: the image is defined by the outline, so crisp shapes read better than fuzzy ones. The workshop requires registration, while the 19:00 concert in Plaza de Maneje is open to anyone who turns up.