Academics from Salford are taking part in this year’s Being Human Festival, the UK’s only national festival of the humanities. A celebration of humanities research through public engagement, it is led by the School of Advanced Study at the University of London, the UK’s national centre for the pursuit, support and promotion of research in the humanities. The festival works in partnership with the Arts and Humanities Research Council and the British Academy to support humanities public engagement across the UK.
The festival aims to demonstrate the value and relevance of humanities research to society in the UK and globally, to encourage, support and create opportunities for researchers to engage with non-specialist audiences and to join together public engagement activities in the humanities across the higher education sector.
Being Human is a place-based festival that happens in cities and towns across the UK.
On Saturday 19 November (noon, 1pm, and 2pm), Dr Tanja Poppelreuter, Reader in Architectural Humanities, will be bringing her New Perceptions of Familiar Places event to Salford Museum and Art Gallery.
The installation will showcase a video and sound installation of walks in Salford and several other cities around the world. Visitors can engage with the videos and sound recordings and respond in creative ways. The event breaks through geographical and perceptual barriers that may prevent us from understanding and engaging with urban environments.
Then Dr Toni Sant, Digital Curation Lab Manager, will be bringing All Shapes and Sizes to MediaCity.
Steam engines come in all sorts of shapes and sizes and were designed for a variety of different tasks. But almost all have the same 5 important engine parts – cylinder, crank, flywheel, governor, and belt connection.
Families are invited to experiment with hands-on activities that explore these huge and powerful engines. Visitors will get the chance to try out AR concepts and a paper-craft activity that encourages tinkering and playfulness.
You can join the Digital Curation Lab to try out these fun ideas in this family friendly event. Your input will help the Science and Industry Museum to think about the future development of the Power Hall, an exhibition of working steam engines due to re-open to the public in 2024.
Also, on Saturday 12 November don’t miss a showcase of fun, free and creative art and writing workshops inspired by the work of South African modernist artist, Albert Adams. The workshops will include a brief introduction to South African art and literature by researchers Dr Alice Correia and Dr Jade Munslow Ong. Professional artist Natalie Ilsley of NatalieEmmaDesigns, and award-winning poet and academic Dr Judy Kendall will lead guests in creating their own watercolour paintings and poetic writing - so no experience needed!
After the workshops, participants will be invited to spend time in the Albert Adams exhibitions at the Old Fire Station and Clifford Whitworth Library (light buffet lunch provided). Participants will also be given the option of having their work featured in an online gallery as part of the research project South African Modernism 1880-2020. Materials and refreshments will be provided.
Book here:
All Shapes and Sizes, 19 November, 11:00-14:00
South African Modernism - Art and Writing Workshops, 12 November, 10.30-14.30
New Perceptions of Familiar Faces, 19 November, 12:00-14:30
Image: Albert Adams
For all press office enquiries please email communications@salford.ac.uk.
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