Newsroom University of 51��

New report reveals increasing inequality in arts and culture

Thu, 08 May 2025 15:56:04 +0100

New research, co-authored by the University of 51��’s , reveals growing inequalities in arts and cultural participation, especially across class, ethnicity, and regions. For the first time, the research points to a relationship between places with high levels of people working in arts and culture and areas with higher participation.

Stark inequalities in the workforce continue. People from more middle-class backgrounds continue to dominate the sector, and fresh policies are needed to truly shift the dial. For audiences, the report points to a worsening picture with widening engagement gaps in class and ethnicity over the last year. Perhaps the most significant findings are the variations in terms of engagement by locality within England.

The report makes clear the scale of the challenge facing policymakers.

Key findings by place:

There are only 13 English local authorities where over 50% of the population have been to an art exhibition in the last twelve months – all 13 are in London.
The local authority with the highest percentage of residents visiting an art gallery in the last 12 months was the City of London, at 70%; the local authority with the fewest was Boston, Lincolnshire, at 11%.
Other local authorities where the figures are high were Brighton and Hove (49%) and Oxford (46%); outside of the south of England, the highest figure was for York (37%).

Key findings by demographics:

There has been a widening gap in the last year between who engages with arts and culture by socio-economic background (comparing 2022/23 with 2023/24). For example, there has been a 9% increase in the gap between ‘middle class’ and ‘working class’ people attending a live music performance, and a 7% increase in the gap for ‘attending an art exhibition’.
There is a large variation in engagement in cultural activities by socio-economic background, e.g. 51% of people in ‘managerial/professional households’ have been
to the theatre in the last 12 months, whereas the figure for ‘semi-routine / working class’ was 26%.
The class differences are largest for museums and galleries, with 54% for managerial/professional and 31% for semi-routine/working class. In nearly all cases, Black and Asian people are less likely than people in other minority ethnic groups to have engaged in the DCMS categorised arts, culture and heritage activities. For example, 23% of Black people and 19% of Asian people had attended live music, compared with 42% of White people.
Local authorities with more people working in arts, culture and heritage also have greater rates of engagement in most forms of arts and culture. For example, six out of the ten local authorities with the largest percentage of people working in arts, culture and heritage occupations are also in the ten local authorities with the largest percentage of people having visited an art exhibition.
The activities most strongly associated with people working in Arts, Culture and Heritage and people ‘engaging’ are visual arts (attending exhibitions), literary events and live dance.
The majority of areas showing this relationship were found to be London boroughs, with the next highest areas outside of London being Cambridge, Brighton and Hove, Oxford, Bristol and Waverley (in Surrey).

, Head of Policy, Creative PEC, said: “Place-based approaches to supporting culture are high on the agenda, especially in England, as new Strategic Authorities and local powers unfold. Our latest report highlights that local areas with higher rates of cultural engagement also tend to have a higher proportion of people working in the sector, suggesting a possible relationship between the two.

As policymakers and cultural bodies develop locally responsive culture and heritage strategies, this research adds further weight to the idea that such plans should aim beyond solely boosting engagement for local communities. In addition, they should also consider how opportunities within the local arts, culture and heritage workforce can be nurtured and sustained as a part of a more holistic approach.” The report ‘’ was co-authored by Professor Dave O’Brien, University of 51�� and and , from the . The report is published by Creative PEC, which is funded by the .

Creative PEC has published an interactive dashboard to support those responsible for local growth and cultural planning to delve further into regional and local data. .

Greater 51�� Festival of Libraries 2025

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 10:00:00 +0100

has announced the for the upcoming , which will take place in libraries across Greater 51�� from 4-8 June.

This year’s Festival of Libraries is headlined by Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock and Poet Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce, who will be joined by a host of authors, poets, historians, performers and more.

After winning Best Event at the 51�� Culture Awards in 2024, this will be the Festival’s fifth year.

has curated a series of six free events for the Festival programme, showcasing our research, in partnership with the , and .

Writing for Wellbeing workshops will see poets from the Centre for New Writing run three sessions at Middleton, Oldham and Walkden libraries, exploring how creative writing can positively impact wellbeing.

At Bolton Central Library, 51�� Histories and Creative 51�� will unveil their new Heritage for Wellbeing Toolkit, sharing insights into the toolkit’s development and inviting attendees to participate in one of the activities firsthand.

The Linguistic Diversity Collective have two workshops on offer. ‘What’s in a word, and what’s in a dictionary?’ will look at how dictionaries define words, and will take place at new Festival partner 51�� Cathedral Library.

‘Blackout the Jargon’ is a session of blackout poetry at Cheadle Library, inviting attendees to find art and meaning in scientific texts.

Find out more about the University’s Festival of Libraries workshops and book your free places by visiting .

CreaTech Network 2025: Events series returns this year to explore Creativity + AI in Music, Publishing and Fashion

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 16:38:00 +0100

, and the (TIC) 51�� are pleased to announce the return of the CreaTech Network Series, with three events taking place across 51�� from May to June 2025.

Following on from a successful series in 2024, this year's events bring together University of 51�� researchers, creatives from fashion, music and publishing and professionals from the technology industry for important conversations about emerging technologies.

Throughout this series AI will be the focus and approached via three different themes. The pace of development of this technology is rapid and leads the creative sector into previously unchartered territory, which may prove as much a threat as it provides opportunity to the future of the creative and cultural industries.

Please book your free place via .

Creativity + AI: Music
Monday 12 May, SISTER, M1 3NJ
How can creative businesses take advantage of emerging technologies and create opportunities for innovation and knowledge exchange? A panel of expert speakers will explore applications, challenges and opportunities of AI in the Music industry focussing on creative technologies for composition, inclusive economic development of regional and national creative clusters and more.

Creativity + AI: Publishing
Monday 16 June, Oddfellows Hall, M1 7HF
The rapid expansion of AI is impacting and changing the publishing industry. We will be asking a panel of publishers, authors and librarians to reflect on the pace of change in the sector, and where they see opportunities emerging for their work. We will be asking how best we can take advantage of new technologies and how new technologies are taking advantage of creatives.

Creativity + AI: Fashion
Thursday 26 June, Arbeta, M40 5BP
How can fashion businesses can take advantage of emerging technologies affecting design, materials, production and retail, and create opportunities for innovation and knowledge exchange?

Registrations for this event will open soon.

Spotlight on: Karen Gabay

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 12:41:45 +0100

Since the beginning of January 2025, has been carrying out a Simon Industrial Fellowship at 51��, with the . The Fellowship “This is our Story – Reclaiming Black British music’s his- and herstories” builds on Karen’s experience working in network radio and television including the BBC and ITV, and as an independent producer continuously creating her own connections in the music industry bringing to light stories that are culturally significant but are overlooked.

We talked about music, Karen’s interest in uncovering and showcasing forgotten artefacts of Black music history and working with Creative 51�� and the .

Tell us a bit about yourself and your areas of interest.

Where do I start - My background is in business administration, television, and radio production and in popular culture, music, and social histories.

I specialise in pop culture as I am one of those people who held on to the pop and soul magazines, music releases in its many formats, and artefacts through the years and this ultimately led to the perfect transition into working in television as I had the research in my head and in my home.

I have a deep and declared interest in Black British social affairs and music, which also extends to across the black diaspora as well as the effect of migrant communities on the neighbourhoods of 51��. I have explored this across Caribbean, Sikh, Irish, Italian, and African communities. Now I have to say that I always bring the international perspective to my work, as international musicians impact our culture, and British culture has a huge impact on international musicians of note.

I have a curious mind and realised some time ago that sharing stories is particularly uplifting to creators, collaborators and lovers of Black music. I also realise it was, and is, deeply upsetting and saddening to those, who feel consistently overlooked, to not have their stories heard and see them in popular culture. Feeding into this is also how much Northerners are overlooked in the general conversation about the culture in the UK, and in particular, the 51�� Black music scene.

For the past fifteen years I have curated for a variety of exhibitions, which has involved curating archival footage and soundscapes. This work includes the Emory Douglas exhibition – Emory is the illustrator of the Black Panthers - and also Belle Vue in 51��.

I am an advocate for women in music and artists from the R&B, soul, dance, rock, and reggae fields in 51��. I actively support all genres but artists from these areas find it difficult to have their voices heard in their hometown, irrespective of success.

I am also known for my passion to raise the profile of Black music history. With this Fellowship, I wish to bring a less selective view of how Black British music, and its history are presented. People, who know me, know I am always at a gig, exhibition, live dance or art event.

Why did you apply for the Simon Industrial Fellowship? How did you feel it could help you explore your areas of interest?

This Fellowship appealed to me as I wanted to explore further recent conversations, I had been having about the process of creating hit songs with music producers. When I chatted with Anne-Marie of Creative 51�� she suggested this pathway to explore this further. This Fellowship enables me to reconnect a random conversation that is in fact a hugely important documentation of music history with a social context.

I am passionate about expanding the knowledge base of the history around 51�� music history and also how Black musicians and DJs have impacted popular music in the UK. This fellowship gives me the opportunity to amplify the voices of those working within this sector. Why? Because audiences deserve to know their contribution and we should highlight the people, who have given us so much without recognition.

What work are you carrying out, or hoping to carry out as part of this fellowship?

My research is exploring the roots of British popular music from the Black perspective, speaking with key musicians about their entry points into pop music and what the commonalities are in these experiences. I am speaking largely, but not exclusively, to Mancunian producers and those, who had to leave the city to develop. I am also in the midst of some exciting research conversations, but I will share the results of those later this year.

What is the benefit and impact of the fellowship on Creative 51�� and the British Pop Archive at the John Rylands Library, respectively, and how are you finding working across both organisations?

I am hoping that that the and Creative 51�� will have a greater understanding of the creative talent that informed the British Pop Music experience. Through the years what is deemed as pop music shifts and changes. Commercial appeal and money-making have squeezed certain popular forms out of the so-called mainstream channels – this has not stopped the music from being loved and being played in homes, clubs, and laptops.

Due to my everlasting eclectic musical tastes coupled with my continued organic access to these music makers I feel that the history of these lived experiences will give a fuller historical context to the British Pop Archive, to the city of 51�� and re-address the narrative of those artists, producers, songwriters, who have brought the seasoning to British pop. I have interviewed hundreds of music creators from Skin and Willard White to Brinsley Forde and Lianne La Havas.

My interviews have been the spark to a few iconic meetings and music collaborations that have connected British artists to international musicians. Interviews have often been conducted through my TV producing and radio presenting work, but not always. Many of the interviews and musical experiences have been done independently, and via word of mouth. I have also often heard great musical history anecdotes from non-musicians as, of course, music is a unifier.

By continuing to have conversations that will take the form of music panels and podcasts some of these fascinating and valuable histories will be captured. Creative 51�� have been really supportive of my work and ideas over the past few months, and it is exciting to be involved with such an innovative arm of the University.

I love the fact that The British Pop Archive is based here in the city of 51��, and it has been fascinating and positively challenging to have an insight into the processes of the foundation of this archive, and to discuss where it is going – for a pop music nerd what could be better?

Sexuality Summer School 2025: ‘Intergenerationality’

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 15:55:50 +0100

This year, the SSS will focus on the theme of ‘Intergenerationality’, exploring debates about how generations are constituted and distinguished one from another in the context of feminist, queer and trans theories and practices.

Taking place from Sunday 25 – Friday 30 May, highlights of the programme include a film screening in partnership with the Women in Revolt! Exhibition at the Whitworth Gallery, Professor Richard Dyer in conversation with acclaimed music journalist Jon Savage at the John Rylands Research Institute and Library, and a lecture entitled Between Desire and Dissociation: Queer Magical Thinking in Hetero-Authoritarian Times by Tavia’ Nyong’o of Yale University.

The Sexuality Summer School is organised by the Centre for the Study of Sexuality and Culture (CSSC) and funded by 51�� Faculty of Humanities, 51�� Pride and Screen.

For more information and tickets, visit the .

David Olusoga and Kavita Puri in Conversation: Exploring the 1943 Bengal Famine

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 10:51:26 +0000

On 11 March, presented an enlightening event featuring David Olusoga OBE, Professor of Public History, in conversation with journalist, radio broadcaster, and author, .

Together, they explored the themes of Kavita’s multi-award-winning BBC podcast, . The podcast series sheds light on one of the darkest chapters in Britain’s colonial history: the 1943 Bengal Famine, where an estimated three million Indians, who were British subjects, died.

The event was introduced by Professor from the History Department at 51��.

Informed by her 25 years of experience teaching and researching the cultural and social history of colonial India, Anindita's introduction included historical and geographical context for the 1943 Bengal Famine.

David and Kavita discussed the making of the podcast, from archival research to finding interviewees who lived through the famine. Kavita explained the conditions that led to the build-up of the famine, and they explored why it has taken so long for this history to be discussed both in Britain and India. They also discussed why the public debate around the British Empire remains contentious.

The event concluded with an engaged Q&A session from the audience.

Lemn Sissay OBE to judge University's 2025 Micropoetry Competition

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 11:51:05 +0000

Esteemed poet and former Chancellor of 51��, Lemn Sissay OBE, has been unveiled as a returning judge for the 2025 edition of the annual Micropoetry competition.

As the honorary chair of creative writing, Lemn will joined by fellow judges John McAuliffe, Professor of Poetry at 51�� and 51��-based poet and critic, Maryam Hessavi.

The theme for 2025 is ‘51��ions’ and the challenge is simple - write a ‘micro poem’ of no more than 280 characters, and submit using the official competition entry form.

Lemn said: “The Micropoetry Competition sets a wonderful yet challenging task of translating a theme into a short work of art. It’s a craft to tell a story in such a manner and I’m looking forward to reading the 2025 entries, centred around the chosen theme. As someone who published a book of tweets in the form of quatrains, I urge you to pen your poem and enter the competition.”

Entries must be submitted by 23:59 on Saturday 21 June 2025, with winners to be announced by Friday 25 July 2025.

Prizes will be awarded for first place (£500) and the two runners-up (£250), with a £25 book token for winner of the under-18s category.

Professor of Poetry at 51��, John McAuliffe, said: "World Poetry Day celebrates all that is fascinating about poetry and its manifold forms. Our Micropoetry Competition explores the art of translating a set theme into a condensed poem that captures attention and shares a story.”

For the full entry details as well as the terms and conditions,

Acclaimed author Sarah Hall joins The University’s Centre for New Writing

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 18:15:53 +0000

Internationally acclaimed novelist and short story writer Sarah Hall has joined 51�� as a Professor of Creative Writing.

Sarah joins a prestigious teaching team at the University’s Centre for New Writing made up of novelists, poets, screenwriters, playwrights and non-fiction writers, including Jeanette Winterson, Ian McGuire, Jason Allen-Paisant, Beth Underdown, Horatio Clare, Tim Price and John McAuliffe.

Hailed as a ‘writer of show-stopping genius’, Sarah is a two-time Man Booker Prize nominee and an award-winning author of six novels and three short-story collections. Notably, she is the only author to win the prestigious BBC National Short Story Award twice —first in 2013 with ‘Mrs Fox’ and again in 2020 with ‘The Grotesques’. Her new novel, Helm, will be published in August 2025 by Faber who describe it as a ‘wondrous, elemental new novel … about nature, people and the sliver of time we have left’.

Director of the Centre New Writing, Dr. Kaye Mitchell, said: “It feels like a tremendous coup to have Sarah Hall join the Centre for New Writing. Personally, I’ve been beguiled by her beautiful, sensuous prose since the publication of her debut novel, Haweswater, in 2002 and she is simply one of the absolute best short story writers working today. She’s also a writer rooted in the North and in northern landscapes, histories and peoples – a writer whose elemental evocation of natural environments feels passionate and timely. Our Creative Writing students will benefit enormously from her critical eye and creative influence.”

Sarah’s work has been published in more than 15 languages, worldwide. In the UK, she is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, and has won a clutch of prizes – including the Society of Authors Betty Trask Award and Commonwealth Writers Best First Novel (for Haweswater, 2002), the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize (for The Carhullan Army, 2007), and the Portico Prize (for How to Paint a Dead Man, 2010). She has also served on the judging panels of The Booker Prize, The John Llewellyn Rhys Prize, The Northern Writers Awards, and the Commonwealth Short Story Award. In 2025, she is Chair of the judging panel for the Forward Prize for Poetry.

In addition to her fiction, Sarah frequently publishes journalistic reviews, op-eds and provocations; she has written feature length radio plays and scripts and adapted her own work for radio. She commentates for culture programmes including primetime shows on BBC Radio 3 and 4 and has presented radio and television documentaries for the BBC and Sky Arts. Currently, Sarah is working on a film adaptation of The Wolf Border with AC Chapter One/Climate Spring and an original TV series concept for Bonafide Films.

Sarah was previously Professor of Practice at the University of Cumbria, and has taught masterclasses and workshops for The Arvon Foundation, The Faber Academy, The Guardian, and universities including Cambridge and St. Andrews.

Official opening of Marian Millar Building celebrates International Women's Day

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 09:39:00 +0000

We marked International Women’s Day with the official opening of the Marian Millar Building, named in honour of the first woman to graduate with a music degree in the UK. A passionate advocate for women’s education, Marian taught at 51�� High School for Girls from 1874 to 1901, and made significant contributions to musical publications throughout her career.

The building, unveiled by President and Vice-Chancellor Duncan Ivison, provides state-of-the-art practice and rehearsal spaces for students, equipped with the latest sound-proofing technology and musical instruments.

The celebration event featured performances by students from 51�� High School for Girls, including Ethel Younge’s March of the Woman and Errolyn Wallen’s What is a Girl, commissioned for the school’s 150th anniversary.

The event also highlighted the talents of women and gender-diverse musicians through performances by the 51�� University Music Society (MUMS) MUSICA festival.

, Head of the Music Department, remarked:

A reflection on the ‘Exploring Arts-Based Participatory Research Methods’ project

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 15:33:05 +0000

Written by Research Associate, Creative 51��

Speaking to professionals who make powerful arts-based participatory research happen, we get a sense of the importance of creative practices in sustaining relationships and connecting people together. The work taking place with partners like , or , embedded in the diverse communities of the region, reveals that artistic approaches provide both wide ranging possibilities for research collaboration and nourishing experiences for public participants, arts professionals, and academics.

The unique expertise of skilled arts practitioners can enable research teams to address big questions holistically, maintaining academic rigor, while ensuring a duty of care and responsibility to those whose lives and experiences are being rendered in the research space. Arts-based participatory research collaborations can generate compelling, effective, impactful outputs, while championing responsible human-to-human connection.

Arts-based practices aren’t just a ‘nice thing to do’ or a way of adding ornament to more ‘serious’ research methods; they’re a vital force for expression, connection, and creative thinking which bridge academic, public, and professional experience. They often lead to surprising insights, and can help make complex, often sensitive topics, more concrete and accessible to a wide range of people.

Genuinely collaborative partnerships can foster meaningful participation and promote more equitable research practices. Where arts-based methods are encouraged and supported, especially through sustained long-term collaboration with arts-sector specialists, public participants can have a clearer creative agency within research projects.

But we are aware, as we have discovered in our project, how this work can be under supported, how inflexible structures can challenge, even impede, the development of mutually beneficial research relationships. Even in our own approach to conducting this research, we experienced barriers to efficiency and creative modes of engagement.

To cultivate trusting, meaningful relationships with non-academic partners, ore work is required to ensure that institutional structures support arts-based participatory research methods, by which collaborative partnerships can develop fruitfully and responsibly. We hope in our Findings Report(s) that by outlining both the affordances, and challenges, in developing arts-based participatory research, we might better understand the steps needed to enact a more reciprocal, creative, and welcoming research culture.

51�� Professor named Archaeologist of the Year in public vote

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Photo (C) Adam Stanford,

51��’s Professor Joyce Tyldesley OBE has won the 2025 Archaeologist of the Year award, as voted for by readers of Current Archaeology magazine.

As Professor of Egyptology, Joyce has a career-long determination to make the past accessible to all. With support from the Egyptology team, Joyce has developed a pioneering suite of online programmes designed to reach students who, for various reasons, could not attend traditional, face-to-face lectures.

Joyce studied the archaeology of the Eastern Mediterranean at Liverpool University, then obtained a D.Phil in prehistoric archaeology from Oxford University. She holds an honorary doctorate from the University of Bolton and is a Research Associate of the 51�� Museum. Joyce is also a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. In 2024, she was awarded the OBE in recognition of her services to Egyptology and heritage.

Dr Nicky Nielsen, Senior Lecturer in Egyptology at 51��, said: “This is a very well-deserved honour. Professor Tyldesley has shaped the study of Egyptian archaeology here at 51�� for decades, as well as her extensive work in outreach and scholarly communication, and it’s wonderful to see her get recognition from the wider field.”

The Current Archaeology awards celebrate the projects and publications that made the pages of the magazine over the past 12 months, and the people shortlisted have made outstanding contributions to archaeology. The awards were voted for by the public, with Joyce being named the people’s winner at the ceremony on Saturday 1 March.

"Joyce’s work and its impact are highly valued by all her colleagues in the department, and the University as a whole," said Professor Peter Liddel, Head of Classics, Ancient History, Archaeology and Egyptology. “Congratulations Joyce on another hugely deserved recognition of your achievements and contributions.”

Reflecting her interest in outreach, Joyce has published a series of books and articles on ancient Egypt, including three television tie-in books and Cleopatra, Last Queen of Egypt, which was a Radio 4 "Book of the Week". Her book Tutankhamen: The Search for an Egyptian King, won the Felicia A Holton Book Award from the Archaeological Institute of America.

51�� academic condemns Trump’s attacks on diversity initiatives

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 13:57:58 +0000

An expert from 51�� has strongly criticised US President Donald Trump’s recent remarks blaming a tragic aviation accident on diversity initiatives. Lecturer in Creative and Cultural Industries Dr Roaa Ali argues that these claims are not just factually baseless – they also serve to reinforce systemic racism under the guise of ‘neoliberal meritocracy’.

Following the mid-air collision between a passenger jet and a helicopter in Washington DC in January, Trump suggested that diversity programmes contributed to the crash. His remarks, which have been widely contested and refuted, reflect a broader pattern of right-wing rhetoric that Dr Ali says disguises racism as a defence of economic and social stability.

She warns that his comments are emblematic of a growing trend in which diversity is scapegoated for economic and institutional failures.

“Trump’s rhetoric is not just problematic - it is overtly racist,” she states. “His claims perpetuate the myth that racialised individuals are inherently unqualified and that diversity efforts undermine meritocracy - when, in fact, meritocracy itself is a neoliberal myth.”

She highlights that systemic barriers - not individual incompetence - shape access to education, employment and economic opportunities. “Capitalism has always been racial,” she explains, referencing Cedric Robinson’s analysis of racial capitalism. “The idea that economic decline is linked to racial equality is a dangerous falsehood that has been used time and again to justify discrimination.”

Dr Ali’s research challenges the assumption that diversity hires lack merit. In her interviews with ethnically diverse job entrants and organisations overseeing diversity initiatives in the UK, she found that these individuals are often overqualified. “They go through multiple rounds of stringent recruitment processes,” she notes, “yet their presence is still framed as a threat rather than a step towards equity.”

She further criticises the misconception that diversity schemes provide an undue advantage. “These schemes exist to address structural racism, but they do not go far enough in creating lasting change,” she says. “Instead of meaningful intervention, they serve as temporary solutions that do not dismantle the barriers faced by racialised communities.”

Dr Ali calls on policymakers, cultural institutions and the public to actively resist these harmful narratives and support genuine structural change.

Six artists from 51�� and Nanjing UNESCO Cities of Literature selected to create new work for ‘Real Contentment' artist exchange

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 15:52:35 +0000

Exploring the natural world through literature and exchange between UK and China, Real Contentment is a nine month project that will forge a lasting partnership between 51�� and Nanjing, both UNESCO Cities of Literature and UNESCO Cities of Lifelong Learning.

The artist exchange is central to the project, uniting poets, illustrators, and playwrights from both cities to create new work. As part of the exchange, artists from 51�� will visit Nanjing in March 2025. The creative collaborations will explore the ecological theme of Real Contentment, inspired by Han Dong‘s poetry.

A new bilingual illustrated poetry collection and play will be released later this year.

The programme is funded by the British Council’s International Collaboration Grants.

The six selected artists are:

Han Dong mainly writes poems and novels. He is a representative of the New Generation Novelists. To date, he has published around fifty works including collections of poems, novels, novellas, and essays. His first novel Banished! was long-listed for Man Asian Literary Prize 2008. Some of his selected poems have been translated and published in Capriccio on the Way to Buy Salt, and anthologised in The Qilin’s Gaze: Poems by 12 Contemporary Nanjing Poets. His novels include Metamorphosis of an Educated Youth, Me and You, and My Plato. His poetry collections in Chinese include Dad’s Looking Down on Me from The Sky, Miracle, and Sorrow or Eternal Life. He is a winner of the Lu Xun Literary Award, Golden Phoenix Medal, and Chinese Media Literary Award for Long Fiction.
Amy Lever is an award-winning writer/actor from 51��. As a writer her work includes the award-winning, five-star reviewed “Life Before the Line” (Cambridge University Edinburgh Fringe Prize). She was named runner up for the Alpine Fellowship Prize for Playwriting, a finalist for the Channel 4 Writing for TV Awards, selected for Channel 4 x New Writing North Development Scheme and was a part of The Warner Bros Writers Exchange Programme with Warner Bros, The Royal Exchange and Wall to Wall.
Zhou Meisen is a fiction writer and screenwriter and now serves as the Vice President of the Jiangsu Writers' Association. Influenced by Balzac and Dickens, his works are characterised by strong realism and plot twists. In his works readers can find a focus on under-class characters’ destinies and critiques of injustices from the suppressive political forces on individuals. . His novel Made in China was a winner of the National Book Award and National Bestseller Award. His other works include a twelve-volume Zhou Meisen Anthology and the TV script for In the Name of the People, among others.
Eleanor Mulhearn is a visual artist and storyteller, whose multidisciplinary practice spans illustration, animation, sculpture, and installation. Drawing inspiration from materials discovered in archives, libraries, museums and places, her work explores fragile, overlooked, and diverse histories, stories, and ecologies. Through engagement with these spaces, Eleanor creates narrative-driven, lyrical works, thematically engaging with the non-material world. Since 2002, Eleanor has collaborated across art, design, and theatre contexts, working with diverse artists and institutions, nationally and internationally, within group and solo projects. Eleanor is Programme Leader for BA (Hons) Illustration with Animation, and a researcher, at 51�� School of Art.
Charlotte Shevchenko Knight is a poet of both British and Ukrainian heritage. Her debut collection Food for the Dead, published by Jonathan Cape in 2024, was a winner of an Eric Gregory Award (2023) and the Laurel Prize for Best First Collection UK (2024). Shevchenko Knight is an NWCDTP-funded PhD candidate at the 51�� Writing School.
Yao Yuan is Director of the Landscape Painting Institute under the Nanjing Painting and Calligraphy Academy, reflecting her commitment to art for ecology, as well as Founding President of the Nanjing Kai-Ming Painting and Calligraphy Academy. Asan acknowledged expert, she is also a member of the Committee of Traditional Bird and Flower Painting of Jiangsu Artists Association. She has been featured by multiple art galleries and exhibitions at the regional and national levels in China. In 2017, her works were included at the Influence: Women in Art Exhibition at NYC Grand Central Terminal, and she gave a lecture on Chinese traditional ink painting at the UN Headquarters New York.

In addition to the artist exchange, a school engagement programme involving Year 3-6 pupils has also been launched, fostering inter-cultural understanding and addressing our relationship with the environment through creative expression. The work created by the artist exchange and schools programme will be shared at the Festival of Libraries in June 2025 when 51�� hosts the artists from Nanjing.

Anita Ngai, Creative Producer for the project, says:

Chantal Harrison-Lee, Global Lead for International Collaboration Grants at the British Council said:

This project is funded by the British Council’s International Collaboration Grants, which are designed to support UK and overseas organisations to collaborate on international arts projects. It’s delivered in partnership with Nanjing University of the Arts, University of 51��, 51�� Metropolitan University and 51�� Confucius Institute.

Read the original .

Looking back: Creative Health Research at 51��

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 15:18:49 +0000

is a key theme of the Creative 51�� research platform. In an important strand of work within this theme, we have worked closely with partners across the city region on research to support the implementation of the Greater 51�� Creative Health Strategy since its launch in November 2022.

AHRC-funded project (2022-2024) built a coalition of researchers and partners from across Greater 51�� to understand creative health better. This included working with Cartwheel Arts to understand more about communities’ access to creative health activities in their local area.

Findings from this research have been published in . We also wanted to understand the .

We are working on future publications from this research that reflect on the challenges of implementing a civic strategy and explore some of the distinctive approaches to creative health within Greater 51��.

To help build research networks we held Creative Health events in June 2023 and June 2024. In 2023 the Organisations of Hope Symposium focused on networks between research, policy and practice in Greater 51��.

In 2024, our also brought together other researchers from across the UK working on similar projects. Panels at this event focused on: ; ; and .

Attendees at the event also tried their hand at reflecting on creative health research through . Artist Domenique Brouwers ran a session and .

We are continuing to work closely with our partners at Greater 51�� Combined Authority Integrated Care Partnership, NHS Greater 51�� and other universities from across the region on an ambitious 3-year programme of work (2024-2027) supported by Arts Council England.

The Greater 51�� Creative Health Place Partnership will pioneer new ways of supporting residents to live as well as they can, by creating new, community-led approaches with culture and creativity at their heart. We have also developed strategic partnerships with key partners on creative health research, regionally and nationally, from , and in Greater 51��, to and the #BeeWell.

Look out for future reports as this work develops! For more information on any of this work please contact: creative@manchester.ac.uk.

Resources and links:

Greater 51�� Creative Health Strategy
storybook
Report on the
Creative Health Symposium 2024: ; ; ; ; .
Announcement of Place partnership 3-year programme of work (2024-2027) supported by Arts Council England

University champions disability inclusion with book launch for inspiring academic

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 11:40:51 +0000

As part of its efforts to promote disability inclusion and empowerment within the academic community, 51�� is set to host the launch of Beyond the Chair, a compelling memoir by disabled scholar Dr Paul Doyle.

Despite the profound impact of Cerebral Palsy on his motor functions and speech, Dr Doyle has completed a PhD in disability studies as well as writing this insightful book to share his experiences and inspire others.

Dr Doyle chose to launch his book at 51�� in recognition of the institution's significant efforts to increase disability inclusion in recent years. The University's commitment to fostering an inclusive environment was recently acknowledged with the prestigious Disability Confident Leader status, reflecting its dedication to supporting disabled staff and students.

The connection between Dr Doyle and the University was facilitated by Dr Hamied Haroon, a distinguished biomedical researcher based at 51�� who has overcome his own challenges with a disability, and is also renowned for his leadership in advocating for the rights and opportunities of disabled individuals in academia.

Dr Haroon introduced Dr Doyle to the university's Disabled Staff Network, the School of Arts, Languages and Cultures (SALC), and the Faculty of Humanities. These bodies have collectively agreed to fund and host the book launch, underscoring the university's commitment to inclusivity and support for disabled scholars.

The event will include a reading by Dr Doyle and his personal assistant, followed by a Q&A session hosted by the University’s Academic Lead for Disability EDI Professor Jackie Carter, a Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 lister who is celebrated for her dedication to equality, diversity and inclusion within the academic community.

After the Q&A, attendees will be able to engage with Dr Doyle and other attendees at a book signing and networking event, where they will be able to discuss his journey, and explore the themes of resilience and determination detailed in his book. Refreshments will be available.

It will take place on Friday 21 February from 4pm in Ellen Wilkinson Building Room C1.18, before moving to the Atrium. All are welcome to attend.

“My book is based on my PhD, and the fieldwork for my degree took place at a special school,” said Dr Doyle. “The young people and I formed advocacy groups in which we talked about leaving school. As I have very severe Cerebral Palsy, I was able to talk about my own experiences of leaving special school with no qualifications at all, and transitioning to a mainstream college. I have had to convince people that I am able to achieve a high educational status.”

“I’d like to thank 51�� - I feel honoured to have my book launch there. I feel that the subject and the message of my book needs to be distributed around the world, and the University is part of my journey.”

“Paul’s book offers a profound insight into his experiences, challenges and triumphs, serving as a beacon of inspiration for people facing similar obstacles – we are proud he chose 51�� to be the place where he launches his book,” said Professor Jackie Carter.

“I run the Disabled Staff Network and Disabled PGR group, and it is amazing how far the University has progressed in the past two years in its mission to promote disability inclusion and empowerment,” said Laura Howard. “What people like Jackie Carter, Kathy Bradley and Melissa Westwood have achieved in that time is mind-blowing - they've managed to raise the profile of disability so much that we now get departments coming to us to seek feedback on ways they can improve.”

For more information about 51��'s initiatives in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, visit the .

University wins prestigious AHRC Doctoral Landscape Award

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 11:22:41 +0000

51�� has been awarded an Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Doctoral Landscape Award, which will provide significant funding to support PhD students in arts and humanities disciplines, strengthening the university’s commitment to research excellence and Post Graduate Research (PGR) development.

The AHRC Doctoral Landscape Award is a major initiative designed to support the next generation of arts and humanities researchers in the UK. The funding will enable the University to offer 15 fully funded PhD studentships over five years, beginning next October. These studentships will cover tuition fees, stipends, and additional financial support for research activities and collaborations with external partners.

The award reflects the university’s strong track record in research and innovation, as well as its dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive academic environment for our PGRs

A key aspect of the programme will be its emphasis on collaboration, with funding available to facilitate partnerships between PhD researchers and non-university organisations, ensuring that their research has real-world applications.

The AHRC has also encouraged universities to use this award to widen participation in doctoral studies. 51�� is committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity in its PhD recruitment, and will align this initiative with its existing efforts to support students from underrepresented backgrounds.

As part of the AHRC Doctoral Landscape Hub, the university will work closely with other institutions to share best practice and enhance training opportunities for PhD students. A designated representative from 51�� will participate in a national hub meeting to coordinate efforts and ensure the success of the programme.

“The AHRC doctoral landscape awards provide flexible funding to allow universities to build on existing excellence in research and opportunities for innovation across the arts and humanities,” said AHRC Executive Chair Professor Christopher Smith. “They will support the development of talented people and, alongside our other doctoral schemes, contribute to a vibrant, diverse and internationally-attractive research and innovation system.”

Further details on the studentships will be announced in due course.

Businesses and academics pitch research ideas at CreaTech Innovation Lab

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 16:37:26 +0000

The CreaTech Innovation Lab is a half-day workshop convened by the research platform and the University’s Business Engagement team with facilitation by the creative consultancy .

In the course of one afternoon the teams worked on developing a research project focused on a challenge brief provided by the participating companies.

The event brought together several businesses, including , and BandShare - working within creative, cultural and digital sectors with a team of academics to inform their challenge brief by new knowledge, technology or methodology stemming from academic research.

Over the course of the workshop teams developed tangible project plans to pitch for seed funding to develop the project.

Throughout the afternoon the teams worked through a dynamic, creative process of defining their problem and generating a range of solutions. By the end each team concluded with an optimal project plan and pitch, which was presented to an expert panel of judges for seed funding, with an emphasis on projects with the potential for larger collaborations in the future.

With the third CreaTech Innovation Lab completed the project teams now look towards the next six months to develop research addressing the businesses’ challenge briefs and scope out future opportunities with the University.

Our heartful thanks go out to our panel of expert judges, industry and academic participants and our facilitators from Future Everything.

To stay informed about Creative 51��’s work in the CreaTech theme and our other events and activities please .

International Mother Language Day 2025: A series of events celebrating language diversity

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 11:01:03 +0000

2025 takes place on 21 February, with an exciting programme of local celebrations announced by and their partners.

This year will be the 9th International Mother Language Day observed in Greater 51��, a celebration of the cultural diversity and vast number of languages spoken across the city region.

, one of the University’s research platforms, will offer a series of events to mark the occasion in collaboration with partners and colleagues. All events are free to book and all are welcome.

19 February 2025 – - Hear from researchers, poets and collaborators about how they came together in the aftermath of the pandemic to create a book capturing local communities' experiences of the Covid-19 pandemic. This event will be held at Contact Theatre at 12pm.
21 February 2025 – – A talk by the 's Dr Alex Baratta on accentism within British teacher training, held at 51�� Museum at 12pm.
21 February 2025 – - A language themed trail around 51�� Museum offering visitors of all ages a chance to learn about and celebrate languages and multilingualism. The trail is held in partnership with the and 51�� Museum and takes place from 1pm.

To find out more about International Mother Language Day and the city’s celebrations, visit the .

Baroque Opera as a tool for peace: An evening with international theatre director Peter Sellars

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 12:10:28 +0000

Taking place at the on Tuesday, 4 February, Peter will deliver a lecture titled ‘How to End a War: The Living and the Dead Working Together in Baroque Opera’.

As the latest academic to deliver one of these inspiring lectures, Peter will use his talk to delve into the compelling world of Baroque opera, exploring its historical significance in promoting equality and reconciliation.

Having garnered international recognition for his advocacy of 20th century and contemporary music, Peter is a distinguished professor currently teaching in the Department of World Arts and Cultures at UCLA. He has received numerous prestigious awards for contributions to European culture, including the MacArthur Fellowship and the Erasmus Prize.

Peter’s visit to 51�� follows the launch of a major new partnership between the English National Opera (ENO) and Greater 51��. The organisation’s exciting relocation project will see the development of longer-term strategic partnerships with venues and organisations across Greater 51��, all working to create operatic experiences for communities and raise the curtain to the opera-makers of tomorrow.

Professor Maggie Gale, Vice-Dean for Research at the University of 51��’s Faculty of Humanities, said:

Following the lecture, Peter will be joined by distinguished academic, critic and curator Professor Maria Delgado, who will discuss his illustrious career and current interests. Professor Delgado is the Vice Principal at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London. Her extensive work across Spanish-language theatre, film and cultural memory has garnered her numerous accolades, including the ATHE Lifetime Achievement Award in Academic Theatre and the Cross of the Order of Alfonso X the Wise for her services to culture and education.

Reserve your spot on .

Russia's covert propaganda network is largely ineffective, new study finds

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 14:40:07 +0000

A study led by 51�� which examined the extent and effectiveness of Russian state-sponsored online propaganda efforts has found that - despite significant investment - the Kremlin's attempts to influence Western media and public opinion are largely failing.

Focusing the recent EU elections, researchers analysed the output of five outlets with confirmed Kremlin sponsorship, and uncovered a network of websites and social media accounts designed to mimic local news providers and disseminate narratives aligned with Russia’s strategic interests.

The study's findings reveal a sprawling network of covert operations aimed at disrupting and influencing Western media ecosystems. The report identifies a shift in Russian tactics following bans on state-controlled media outlets like RT and Sputnik after the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. In response, the Kremlin appears to be investing heavily in new multilingual operations that operate as proxies, adopting domain names and website designs that enable them to evade detection.

The study's most significant finding is the disconnect between the substantial resources Russia is pouring into these operations and the minimal level of influence they have achieved. Analysis of the five targeted outlets – Reliable Recent News (RRN), Berliner Tageszeitung (BTZ), Voice of Europe (VoE), France et EU, and a network of multilingual Pravda websites – revealed consistently low levels of audience engagement across websites, Telegram channels, and Twitter/X accounts. Website visitor numbers were generally modest, with some sites attracting a paltry number of views. Telegram posts, designed to automatically share content from the websites, garnered very few views and virtually no replies. Twitter/X accounts, while active, had limited follower numbers.

The researchers conclude that the Kremlin's strategy may be shifting towards ‘swamp and distract’ tactics, prioritising the generation of large volumes of content over quality and impact. This approach aims to overwhelm the information space with noise and confusion, making it difficult to distinguish legitimate news from propaganda and diverting resources away from combating more serious threats.

The report also highlights the limitations of Russia's use of new technologies in its propaganda efforts. The extensive reliance on AI tools for content aggregation and automatic translation results in poorly curated content riddled with errors and inconsistencies, further diminishing the credibility and impact of the messaging. Similarly, the use of Telegram as a primary platform has proven ineffective, failing to replicate the reach and engagement achieved by RT and Sputnik on platforms like YouTube, Facebook and Twitter/X prior to their banning.

“While Russia's attempts to influence Western media and public opinion through covert proxy operations should not be ignored, they should be viewed in the context of a broader strategy that prioritises disruption and distraction over achieving tangible political outcomes,” said Professor Stephen Hutchings from 51��.

Festival of Libraries wins ‘Best Event’ at the 2024 51�� Culture Awards

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 14:10:07 +0000

The Festival of Libraries is an annual celebration of the diverse role played by libraries, showcasing their role as service, learning and creativity hubs. The Festival spans across ten boroughs in Greater 51�� and includes internationally renowned and historic institutions such as Central Library, Chetham’s Library, The Portico Library, John Rylands Research Institute and Library and 51�� Poetry Library, alongside local community libraries.

51�� is one of three stakeholders in the organisation, and each year offers a diverse series of workshops for the Festival of Libraries. These workshops are organised by the research platform and delivered by academics across the .

The award went to the Festival of Libraries for its 2023 programme which included a vibrant selection of dance, theatre, music, comic art, poetry and family events, all of which were free.

Headline events featured Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, Drag Artist Cheddar Gorgeous, award-winning poet Raymond Antrobus and Icelandic novelist Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir in residence at John Rylands Research Institute and Library.

51��’s 2023 event offerings included a workshop looking at dictionaries and word meanings, delivered by the Linguistic Diversity Collective,‘Writing for Wellbeing’ workshops led by poets and authors from the Centre for New Writing, and a family-friendly session exploring food in children’s literature, run by the Programme in American Studies.

Head of the School of Arts, Languages and Cultures, Thomas Schmidt, commented:

The Festival team, including Creative 51�� Director John McAuliffe, took to the stage to accept the award at the ' ceremony at The Hilton, Deansgate, which took place on 23 November.

The next will take place 4-8 June 2025.

51�� awards three Honorary Research Fellowships

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 15:57:44 +0000

The three appointments are key figures in the 51��’s thriving cultural scene:

Dave Moutrey: Director of Culture and Creative Industries for 51�� City Council;
Julie McCarthy: Strategic Lead for Creative Health, NHS Greater 51�� Integrated Care / Greater 51�� Combined Authority;
Sameed Rezayan: Head of Learning, Factory International.

The appointments have been awarded an Honorary Research Fellowship in the Drama department at 51��. The Fellowships recognise the outstanding contribution and ongoing work that Dave, Julie and Sameed make to the vibrant creative and cultural industries sector in Greater 51��.

The research projects they will embark upon align with the research themes within the University’s ; Creative Industries and Innovation, Creativity, Health and Wellbeing, and Creative and Civic Futures.

Creative 51�� at BEYOND 2024: Creative Cities

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 10:24:28 +0000

From 25 to 27 November the conference took place at The Lowry in Salford, bringing together business leaders, researchers, policymakers, and creative visionaries to explore the dynamic intersection of creative research, business innovation and research and development (R&D).

As an annual nexus for thinkers and makers, the conference provided a unique platform for delegates to connect, explore pioneering R&D projects, and engage with the global conversation on creativity and opportunity, with this year focussing on creative cities.

were delighted to support the conference as a local event partner, showcasing the (OHOS) research project, which is a collaboration between the Universities of 51�� and as well as .

The event kicked off with fringe events in Media City, Salford, on 25 November, followed by the official programme that highlighted cutting-edge research and collaborative opportunities.

Throughout the conference Creative 51�� presented an engaging expo stand with representatives from the Creative 51�� team, and the Research and Business Engagement team of 51��.

As part of Creative 51��'s presence at the conference the “Our Heritage, Our Stories” R&D showcase illuminated the work of the academic team to address critical challenges in digital cultural heritage.

In an era where communities have increasingly adopted digital technologies to capture and preserve their histories, OHOS responds to the urgent need to archive and link community-generated digital content (CGDC).

The OHOS project brings together a multidisciplinary team of researchers from the Universities of Glasgow and 51��, collaborating with The National Archives and leading UK heritage organisations. Their mission to dissolve barriers preventing the discovery and integration of diverse community-generated digital content addresses the risk of CGDC being lost or isolated.

At the OHOS R&D Showcase stand Post-Doctoral Research Associate Hanna Schmueck demonstrated interactive visualisations of the project's innovative approach to archiving community narratives.

A conference highlight was the presentation by Professor Lorna Hughes (University of Glasgow), Professor Hannah Barker (University of 51��), and Professor Goran Nenadic (University of 51��) on 27 November. Their session explored the project's diverse outputs, showcasing how sophisticated automated tools can make previously hidden community stories discoverable and connected, as well as discussing the ethics and challenges of working with community-generated archival materials.

The OHOS project aims to change our understanding of historical archives by developing cutting-edge tools and AI methods. By creating meaningful links across diverse collections, the project will not only preserve but also reimagine community-generated content, ensuring these vital narratives survive and thrive for future generations.

Further information about the , , and can be found on the OHOS website.

Celebrating Entrepreneurship: A Successful Global Entrepreneurship Week 2024 by the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 15:35:45 +0000

The Masood Entrepreneurship Centre (MEC) successfully hosted Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 2024 at 51��. From November 18 to 24, MEC offered a diverse program of speaker sessions, interactive workshops, and its first-ever Startup Weekend.

Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) is an annual event that celebrates and empowers entrepreneurs worldwide. The Masood Entrepreneurship Centre offered events throughout the week, catering to individuals at all stages of their entrepreneurial journey, from newcomers to those ready to scale their ideas. The events drew 263 students and delivered over 32 hours of programming.

The week began with the inspiring Startup Spotlight with Dr. Mehdi Boutagouga Boudjadja, the visionary Founder of Metofico. He generously shared deep, invaluable insights from his entrepreneurial journey from a PhD student to a Venture Further Awards winner, captivating the audience with stories of challenges he overcame.

Throughout the week, participants had access to a comprehensive series of professional development workshops and learning opportunities:

💡 A strategic AI Marketing masterclass conducted by Peter Dickinson, focusing on advanced methodologies for business development

🎯 An executive Personal Branding 101 workshop facilitated by Jessica Lewis-Tatton, designed to enhance participants' professional presence

🎤 The Ready, Set, Pitch! competition, providing emerging entrepreneurs with a platform to present their business ideas

📚 An essential 'Introduction to Starting a Business' seminar by Jessica Lewis-Tatton delivering strategic business fundamentals

🧠 An insightful Neurodivergence & Entrepreneurship session facilitated by Matilda Page and Dr. Rob Martin, examining diverse entrepreneurial perspectives

The week concluded with the inaugural Startup Weekend, a three-day intensive program where 140 participants collaborated to develop their business concepts into viable ventures. The level of innovation and professional dedication demonstrated was exemplary.

The Masood Entrepreneurship Centre extends its gratitude to the speakers, mentors, and participants who contributed to the success of #GEW2024. The professional excellence and collaborative approach exhibited throughout the event reinforces 51��'s status as a premier destination for entrepreneurship and innovation.

MEC looks forward to seeing the exciting ventures and connections that emerge from this incredible week.

Looking back: 51�� Literature Festival 2024

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 09:39:22 +0000

This year’s 51�� Literature Festival took place 4-20 October, with an exciting programme of literary events taking place including collaborations with 51��’s research platform and the .

Events took place on campus at the Martin Harris Centre, including an in-conversation with former Green Party leader Caroline Lucas, an evening with award-winning cook and food writer Meera Sodha, and a very special appearance by poet Jackie Kay who read from her latest collection.

Over at Central Library, Scottish author Andrew O’Hagan joined us to discuss his latest novel Caledonian Road, and legendary music producer Joe Boyd celebrated his engrossing new book And the Roots of Rhythm Remain: A Journey through Global Music.

Foreign correspondent Lindsay Hilsum joined Creative 51�� director John McAuliffe to share some of her favourite poems and memories from her decades-long career, and Pulitzer Prize winner Richard Powers went on to bookend the Festival with his recent event on 8 November in support of his new novel.

HOME was host to David Peace, discussing his gripping new novel Munich, and to George Monbiot’s event, hosted by Professor of New Writing Jeanette Winterson, in support of his passionately argued new book, The Invisible Doctrine: The Secret History of Neoliberalism (& How It Came to Control Your Life).

Prolific designer Thomas Heatherwick joined Ella P. Wakatama at Contact to talk about his book Humanise: A Maker’s Guide to Building Our World and putting the human emotion at the heart of building design. At John Rylands Research Institute and Library, former National Poet of Wales Gillian Clarke ran a highly anticipated poetry workshop, then went on to deliver the annual Rylands Poetry Reading to a sold-out crowd.

Festival attendees at the Royal Northern College of Music enjoyed an audience with bestselling global sensation and Yellowface author Rebecca F. Kuang, hosted by broadcaster, producer and Chair of 51�� City of Literature Katie Popperwell.

For more information about the festival, visit the .

University Partners with English National Opera

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 15:10:00 +0000

51�� is delighted to announce a new collaboration with English National Opera, as they announce the first wave of plans for a major new partnership between the company and the city-region of Greater 51�� for the next three years, enabling ENO to be firmly established within Greater 51�� by 2029.

The ENO Greater 51�� partnership, which includes projects across the city-region, covers every aspect of opera production and celebrates new possibilities for the artform. This announcement represents the beginning of longer-term strategic partnerships with venues and organisations across Greater 51��.

It will include major contemporary works, new work development in opera, presenting ENO signature classics, interdisciplinary experimentations, creating operatic experiences by, with and for communities, and developing the opera makers of today and tomorrow.

The first wave of projects and partnerships announced, include collaborative projects with 51��, Factory International, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, The Lowry, The Bridgewater Hall, Walk the Plank, Royal Northern College of Music, and The Hallé.

51�� and ENO will work together on Tuning Into Opera. This invites the people of Greater 51�� to explore the opportunities for the artform, engage with new communities and discuss what it means to have an opera company based in the city-region.

We will bring a range of perspectives together, including artists, local communities, researchers and the wider sector to discuss how the artform can and must continue to grow. The first of these events will take place at 51�� International Festival at Aviva Studios in July 2025.

Professor John McAuliffe, Director of Creative 51�� at 51�� said: “51�� is delighted to be working in partnership with colleagues at ENO, as part of their move to the city-region. Together, we are planning a shared programme of work, that will look at opera as part of Greater 51��'s cultural landscape, listening for the sound of new collaboration and creating more opportunities for our students, staff, artists and research in creative health across the music sector.”

Jenny Mollica, Chief Executive of English National Opera, said: “The projects we are announcing today mark the first wave of our developing partnership with Greater 51��, which will be fully implemented by 2029. Working together over the last year, we could not be more clear that Greater 51�� is the right place to put down roots, a place where we can develop, expand and innovate. Where, building on the region’s legendary reputation as the heart of music making in this country, we can make a difference to audiences and communities, help invest in the next generation of talent and break new ground in the future of the artform – locally, nationally and internationally.”

ENO’s Greater 51�� partnerships and programme will continue to develop alongside the continuation of annual seasons at the London Coliseum, and ENO’s nationwide education and health programmes.

Further information:

Visit the .

Bob Dylan just finished what could be his last tour – but remains a defiant artist forging new ideas

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 17:08:02 +0000

Written by

This November, Bob Dylan performed the final concerts of his at the Royal Albert Hall in London. The tour picked up where Dylan left off just before the COVID pandemic – . But now at the age of 83, the concerts might well be Dylan’s last.

The Rough and Rowdy Ways tour was billed as running from 2021 to 2024, but at the time of publication, there seem to be no future tour dates on the horizon. As Dylan himself wondered on his most recent album:

Dylan has diced with death more than once – think of his infamous , or his serious – and death has preoccupied his songs increasingly in recent years. Throughout this tour, Dylan’s thoughts have been heavily focused on his own mortality and his own legacy.

If the Albert Hall concerts this year are to be his last on the road, then it’s a fitting venue at which to bow out, having first played it nearly 60 years ago. Back then, Dylan was a restless, hungry artist, reinventing his sound, his image, his voice with every album – sometimes, within months of release.

Between 1962 and 1966, Dylan went from being a Midwest folk singer to the , via , rewriting the popular music songbook as he went.

With each successive regeneration, he seemed determined not only to redefine rock and popular music, but to alienate his audience . He was an artist in search of answers, who didn’t give those in his wake time to catch their breath. Sixty years on, and now well into his ninth decade, things haven’t changed.

His own version

Dylan’s final night at the Albert Hall was a summation of how he remains a defiant artist still forging new ideas. The performance contained highlights from his entire career. Eight of the 17 songs were written and released before the 1990s, while everything else was from the 2020 album after which the tour is named. But each song was radically reinvented, reworked to Dylan’s ever-changing vision, with some of the songs even being rearranged during his three-day residency at the Albert Hall.

Take (2020), Dylan’s late masterpiece about the process of creation. In the song, the narrator – a modern-day Prometheus, maybe even Dylan himself – tells of his efforts to construct his vision from “limbs and livers and brains and hearts”.

The song’s arrangement at the start of the Rough and Rowdy Ways tour was as a brooding, Tex-Mex noir. But by the tour’s end, Dylan had stripped his ode to Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein to its essentials, until all that was left by the final Royal Albert Hall concert was Dylan’s voice.

He rapped the lyrics, accompanied by his own sparse piano backing and the occasional guitar flourish. It was a performance that evoked similarities to Dylan’s rapid-style solo delivery of songs like (1965) on the same stage in the 1960s.

My Own Version of You is a song in which Dylan reflects on his own artistic and creative processes. And in its radical and stark new arrangement in this final concert, Dylan was returning to how he started: as an artist whose main tools have always been . It’s the reason he was awarded the in 2016, after all.

It’s perhaps unsurprising then that the entire concert was a reflection on the process of creation. Dylan’s process is to reshape, disassemble, reassemble and strip back. While the process is undoubtedly frustrating for some in the audience, as they struggle to guess what song Dylan is performing, it is also exhilarating to watch an artist reinventing himself and his songs in real time.

They become assemblages of the old and the new, the found and the borrowed. (1971) is no longer an elegiac sing-along song, but instead a reggae-influenced tune via Dylan’s own down-and-dirty blues of the Time Out of Mind album (1997), with a bit of his born-again gospel thrown in for good measure.

(1968) is no longer Dylan’s homage to Jimi Hendrix’s career-defining cover version, but a fable of hell trapped on a loop from which the narrator seeks escape, with echoes of (1990). And (1981) becomes a melancholic requiem by an old man with no regrets, determined to rage against time. It conjures memories of Dylan’s version of , performed at the Royal Albert Hall in 2013.

If this was to be Dylan’s last ever live performance, then what does it say about him and his place in music history? Well, that he remains as vital an artist as he was in the 1960s, one who continues to reinvent himself, who continues to chase that restless, hungry feeling and who doesn’t look back, but constantly forward.

Dylan would leave behind an expansive body of work – both studio albums and live recordings – for scholars, critics and audiences alike to . And in that rediscovery, they will learn much about what it means to be an artist.

, Senior Lecturer in Creative and Cultural Industries, University of 51��

This article is republished from under a Creative Commons license. .

New musical piece inspired by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine explores tyranny, tragedy, despair and protest

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 15:18:36 +0000

The welcomes a world premiere on Friday,13 December as De Profundis, a newly crafted musical piece from , takes centre stage.

A story of despair, tragedy and protest, De Profundis is Latin for ‘From the Depths’. The piece reflects on the impact of tyranny, particularly for those who stand up to tyrannical regimes - as such, the piece is dedicated to Russian anti-corruption activist Alexei Navalny who died in prison in February.

Switching between time periods, the piece uses multiple languages - Latin, German, Russian and English. It will be performed by the Quatuor Danel string quartet, with Opera North’s Simon Grange – Philips’s son - as bass voice, who is cast as an unnamed journalist.

‘Tyranny through the ages’ is a focus, with the piece featuring quotes from Russian poet Anna Akhmatova, who suffered under Stalin’s regime.

It then moves back to 523AD, to the Roman Empire and the story of Boethius who fell foul of the Roman Court, being imprisoned and eventually executed the following year. De Profundis quotes from his The Consolation of Philosophy, which he wrote in prison. The piece also uses quotes from Todesfuge by poet and Holocaust survivor Paul Celan.

A conversation then took place between Philip and the quartet’s first violinist, Marc Danel, who enthusiastically embraced the idea of a work for bass voice and quartet. This ignited a creative journey lasting nearly three years.

For the text, Philip turned to writer Kim Ballard, who he has worked with previously. It was Kim who created the main premise for the piece following numerous conversations with Philip. By October 2023 the text was ready, and over the following year Philip wrote the music.

Friday, 13 December 2024 will be the first performance of the piece. Tickets are available .

Unleash Your Potential with Global Entrepreneurship Week 2024

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 12:14:37 +0000

Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) is here to celebrate and empower entrepreneurs! Join the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre (MEC) for a week of exciting events, whether you're just starting out or ready to take your idea to the next level.

Join inspiring speaker sessions and workshops, with highlights including AI marketing, personal branding, pitch competitions, and neurodivergence in entrepreneurship. Conclude the week with MEC’s first-ever Startup Weekend, where you'll pitch ideas, form teams, and gain hands-on startup experience in just over two days. Learn, network, and accelerate your entrepreneurial journey!

Discover MEC’s Global Entrepreneurship Week events:

Monday 18 November: Startup Spotlight with Dr Mehdi Boutagouga Boudjadja

17:00 - 18:30 | 2.008, AMBS |

Join MEC's Startup Spotlight with Dr. Mehdi Boutagouga Boudjadja, VFA23 Technology winner and Metofico Founder and CEO, in partnership with UoM Management Society.

Tuesday 19 November: AI as Your Marketing Partner: Driving Growth and Efficiency for Startups

11:00 - 13:30 | 3.013a/3.013b, AMBS |

Elevate your startup marketing in Peter Dickinson's AI workshop, blending 40+ years of expertise with cutting-edge tools for success.

Tuesday 19 November: Personal Branding 101

15:00 - 16:30 | 2A.012, Nancy Rothwell Building |

Boost your career with this workshop on crafting your personal brand, enhancing networking skills, and curating a strong digital presence.

Wednesday 20 November: Ready, Set, Pitch!

14:00 - 16:00 | 2.007, AMBS |

Join the audience for Ready, Set, Pitch! to watch early-stage student entrepreneurs pitch for prizes.

Thursday 21 November: Intro to Starting a Business - Steps to Starting

13:00 - 15:00 | Enterprise Zone (2.039), AMBS |

Gain the foundational knowledge to start your business or side hustle with this workshop on business models, customer focus, and defining your unique value.

Thursday 21 November: Neurodivergence & Entrepreneurship Workshop

14:00 - 15:30 | 3.2, Roscoe Building |

Hear from neurodiverse role models, gain insights for university success, and enhance your skills in this empowering workshop.

Friday 22 Nov, Saturday 23 Nov & Sunday 24 Nov: Startup Weekend

Starts 18:30 on Friday 22 Nov | The Hive Space, 3rd Floor, AMBS |

Join Startup Weekend to network, collaborate and turn ideas into reality, fast-tracking your entrepreneurial journey!

Head to our to find out more!

The is the focal point for enterprise and entrepreneurship teaching, learning and startup support at 51��, supporting all University of 51�� students, staff and recent graduates, across all subject disciplines.

Reimagining meanings: Co-curatorship and decolonising methods

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 13:47:50 +0000

Instead of the usual “please do not touch the exhibits”, ’s Curator of Living Cultures, Njabulo Chipangura, encouraged attendees to handle their own heritage.

These African objects, generally seized within a colonial context and often with violence, are usually held in stores concealed from public view. Herein lies the challenge - how to engage with and exhibit African history, yet in ways that are honest, respectful and true to the knowledge and meanings of people’s lived experiences.

The event was designed to support 51�� Museum’s aims to change its approach to narrating the past, and to reinforce how important local communities are to these developing understandings and approaches to decolonisation.

It was particularly fitting this workshop was held in 51��, next door to the site of the 1945 Pan African Congress, widely celebrated as a turning point in the journey of African nations to freedom from colonial powers. This poignant connection was pointed out by one attendee while discussing the considerable challenge ahead for a museum committed to decolonising their exhibitions.

With input from people from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Nigeria, the objects literally came to life as people shared feelings, ritual practices and stories.

For many objects, their meanings emerge through experiences or knowledge about their use, hence the terminology of ‘living cultures’. Sometimes recounting these stories and uses drew excitement and laughter but other reflections warranted a serious tone and quiet contemplation.

An object described simply as “a wooden cup” by its label was so much more. We learnt of the vessel’s potential use for divination purposes, in meaningful rituals for special blessings and protective reasons. What looked at first glance like a decorative pattern etched onto its surface likely symbolised a particular community, and in this case the gift of such an object could symbolise friendship or support between communities.

The “wooden cup” represents so many things but reduced to this simple label “the knowledge is dead” as one participant so eloquently remarked.

Unsettling memories and historical facts were recounted. One example being the instruction to stop using particular objects - threats by Christian missionaries that heaven wouldn’t be an option if populations continued with African practices and customs: “now we are reclaiming them” said one woman.

And that’s what this workshop was all about. Using an innovative and interdisciplinary approach to help the Museum discover the values and meanings these objects have for African diaspora. This essentially is at the heart of the Museum’s decolonisation methodology, hence the importance of this collaboration to . Centring those histories and narratives that are often omitted or ignored allows the return of the “living” to these objects encouraging those who know to reclaim and narrate their stories.

What’s next?

We hope to continue with this collaboration between methods@manchester, 51��, 51�� Museum and the African diaspora community groups who very generously shared their stories during the workshop.

Filmmaker, Dr Sophie Everest is currently leading with the development of a co-produced film featuring the workshop, the stories and the museum’s attempts to decolonise its exhibits, and we hope to release a digital mini-exhibition and Dr Njabulo Chipangura will appear on an episode of , the methods@manchester podcast.

To keep up-to-date with methods@manchester activities and events please or connect with us via our .

Keep it Human: How video games can help us learn about our impact on our planet

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 15:51:47 +0000

The 2024 51�� Science Festival took place between Friday, 18 and Sunday, 28 October.

This year was themed around tackling the extremes of our world, with approximately 30,000 visitors having the opportunity to get hands-on with some of science's most cutting-edge developments through multi-sensory experiences, immersive events and hands-on family fun.

A series of interactive events were held throughout the 10 days of the festival. It was in the fun-filled at the Museum of Science and industry where visitors were able to look at the extremes of human performance and our planet.

Colleagues from the NOVARS Research Centre at 51�� showcased a series of hand-on video game activities that emphasise the positive impact we can all have on the planet.

Professor Ricardo Climent, NOVARS Researcher, said:

The 51�� Science Festival is a highlight of the city's cultural calendar and the team are proud to be part of one of the most popular science festivals in the UK.

Discover more about the research on the .

The US Election result - expert reaction

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 16:38:28 +0000

In the end it seems that the endorsement of Hulk Hogan mattered more than the backing of Taylor Swift. If the 2024 presidential election wasn’t confusing enough before the polls delivered their verdict, then Donald Trump’s decisive victory on Tuesday proved that you could turn any sort of popularity – or infamy – on its head.

In The Guardian, Rebecca Solnit suggested that the nation’s problem in the wake of this result was that too many of its citizens believed that they lived in a better country than they really did. Solnit laid the root of the problem at the doors of toxic masculinity, the power of Silicon Valley – and for the benefit of this election cycle and era, that may as well be shorthand for Elon Musk – and “the failure of the news media”.

Solnit may well be right about the first two elements, but I’m not so sure about the third. Political incompetence, misogyny, criminal conviction, a litany of cases filed against him, two attempts at impeachment and a riot in the US Capitol building that was as good an endorsement of insurrection in America as anything since the Civil War. It’s true that this list - which would be a death knell for any other politician - barely scratches the surface of Trump’s crimes and misdemeanours, but were these and much else besides given scant coverage by the media, at home or abroad?

If the media were at all culpable in the second coming of Donald Trump, it is perhaps in writing his obituary just one too many times, as well as boosting the popularity of Harris just a touch further than was translated into ballots cast for her. At its height, in late August, Harris’s bump in the polls on the back of her taking over the Democratic nomination from Joe Biden and securing that endorsement at a very successful party convention, still amounted to no more than a four-point advantage over Trump.

It’s also a striking indictment of some polling that post-election analysis has started picking up on crypto betting markets in the US like Polymarket offering much more accurate odds on a Trump victory weeks ago, and that set against accusations the site was being manipulated at the time by pro-Trump supporters trying to inflate his chances.

If tracking polls can’t be trusted anymore, and if gamblers know the inside story more than political analysts, then we might as well just listen to the celebrity endorsements and track where popular reaction goes from there.

At the Republican National Convention in July former wrestler Hogan ripped his shirt open and declared, “Let Trumpmania run wild, brother! Let Trumpmania make America great again!” In September, best-selling artist Swift endorsed Harris just after the one and only presidential debate had taken place between the two candidates. “I believe we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos," she said in an Instagram post that was signed off with the phrase, ‘childless cat lady’ a reference to vice-presidential nominee J.D. Vance’s comment in a 2021 Fox News interview about the kind of people he thought were running the country. Swift’s post got as many as 340,000 Americans registering to vote within hours. In interview, meanwhile, Hogan thought he’d make a good vice-president one day.

On Tuesday, over 72 million Americans decided that the country’s future was in safer hands with Trumpmania and wrestling celebrities who thought they had a shot at public office, than calm and sober judgement as practiced by the biggest pop star on the planet. In four years’ time, one of them is likely to have the last laugh.

Ian Scott, Professor of American Film and History

British Council to fund 51��-Nanjing cultural exchange project

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 16:56:41 +0000

, funded by the British Council’s programme, will forge a lasting relationship between 51�� in the UK and Nanjing in China, both UNESCO Cities of Literature. It will explore the natural world through literature and art, uniting poets, illustrators, and playwrights from both cities to create new work.

John McAuliffe, Professor of Poetry and Director of , said:

Karen Wang, Deputy Director, , said:

As part of the exchange, artists from 51�� will visit Nanjing in March 2025. Outputs will include a bilingual illustrated poetry collection and a play, ensuring representation from under-represented groups, including female artists.

The creative collaborations will explore the ecological theme of Real Contentment, inspired by ‘s poetry. Additionally, a schools engagement programme will involve 300 young people, fostering inter-cultural understanding and addressing the climate emergency through creative expression. The work created by the artist exchange and schools programme will be shared at the Festival of Libraries in June 2025 when 51�� hosts the artists from Nanjing.

Partners in the programme also include and .

The British Council’s International Collaboration Grants are designed to support UK and overseas organisations to collaborate on international arts projects.

New report launches on engaging young people in place-making in Stretford

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 10:00:00 +0000

The is based on research from the Placeholders project, which emerged out of a collaboration between Bruntwood Group Ltd. and 51��.

Conducted from April to November 2022, the project engaged over 100 young people in the Stretford area, and partnered with more than 50 community organisations.

The initiative aimed to amplify the voices of under-represented groups, particularly young women, in the town centre's development planning.

During the project the team focussed on designing an inclusive process for engaging young people in place-making in Stretford and produced this report co-written by Carl Fraser, Professor Abigail Gilmore, Dr Elena Brearley and Dr Ailbhe Treacy.

The report offers recommendations for future participatory processes in urban development, and highlights the need to carry out participatory engagement with young people earlier in the process of regeneration projects.

Finally, the report recommends a continuous point of contact within the stakeholder organisation to ensure continuous engagement with young people in Stretford, both during the time of participation to maintain ongoing dialogue.

For more information, contact Creative 51��.

The report is also available to .

Investigations in Black Representation: with contribution from Art History and Cultural Practices lecturer

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 14:04:09 +0100

Being Here is the first major solo exhibition from artist Barbara Walker. Charting the engagement with figuration and portraiture since the 1990s, the exhibition opened at the Whitworth Art Gallery in October 2024.

Alice Correia, our Lecturer in Modern and Contemporary Art History, has contributed an essay to the catalogue accompanying the exhibition, in which she positions Walker’s work with narratives of British art in the 1990s.

Alice addresses the ways in which Walker and other artists of colour were often overlooked and excluded from the hype of 1990s BritArt. Correia discusses how Walker’s work is driven by extensive research, during which the artist excavates and engages with the histories of Black representation in art history and the contemporary news media.

Alice took a group of First Year Art History students to the Whitworth to consider Walker’s use of drawing as a method for contesting racist stereotyping, and the group was fortunate to have a special introduction to Walker’s work by the exhibition’s curator Hannah Vollum, in the Whitworth’s Study Centre.

Edward Wouk, Head of Art History and Cultural Practices (AHCP) said:

Further information

Barbara Walker was born in Birmingham, England, in 1964. She studied at the University of Central England, Birmingham, and completed post-graduate studies at Wolverhampton University. Her work is informed by the social, political and cultural realities that affect her life and the lives of those around her.

Growing up in Birmingham, her experiences have directly shaped a practice concerned with issues of class and power, gender, race, representation and belonging. Her figurative drawings and paintings tell contemporary stories hinged on historical circumstances, making them universally understood and reflecting a human perspective on the state of affairs in her native Britain and elsewhere.

In 2023 Walker was elected to the Royal Academy of Arts and shortlisted for the Turner Prize.

Walker's show at the Whitworth is her first major retrospective exhibition in the UK.

MA Library & Archive Studies Receives Highly Commended Award

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 16:09:46 +0100

As part of the Faculty of Humanities’ Outstanding Staff Awards for Teaching, Learning, and Student Experience, this recognition highlights programmes that have not only met but exceeded students' expectations, thanks to inspiring, motivating, and innovative teaching teams.

Launched in September 2023, the MA Library and Archive Studies has already made a significant impact by offering a curriculum that blends academic excellence with practical insights into the evolving field of library and archive management.

Student feedback played a crucial role in this recognition, with nominations highlighting the programme's commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment, encouraging students to push their boundaries, and promoting critical thinking.

Speaking ahead of the award, Programme Director Benjamin Wiggins expressed his gratitude, saying:

Kenneth Atuma, another academic actively contributing to the programme’s development, also said:

The Faculty awards panel reviewed numerous student nominations across various categories, and the programme’s recognition stands as a testament to the dedication and hard work of the teaching staff, who have consistently delivered a high-quality educational experience.

The official awards event will take place on Wednesday, 6 November 2024, at Christie’s Bistro, where this outstanding achievement will be formally celebrated.

Stand out from the crowd: sharpen your skills with Key 5!

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 14:00:05 +0100

"Entrepreneurship" may sound like something only future business founders need to care about, but entrepreneurial skills aren’t just for launching companies. They can help you navigate any job and stand out from the crowd.

That’s why Masood Entrepreneurship Centre (MEC) created ‘Key 5’—a new flexible, interactive learning experience designed to equip students with essential entrepreneurial skills for any career path, whether you're interested in starting your own business or excelling within an organisation.

Key 5 delivers valuable, real-world skills in an interactive and flexible format. Even if you don’t yet know the career you want, you’ll gain skills you can use right now - from acing your next interview to leading group projects like a boss.

What is ‘Key 5’?

Key 5 is an innovative microlearning suite - five bite-sized modules you can finish in just 10-15 minutes each:

Effective and Powerful Communication: Learn how to express ideas clearly and persuasively.
Networking: Discover how to build connections that can open doors to new opportunities.
Market Awareness: Understand the environment you’re operating in and how to respond to it.
Opportunity Recognition: Develop the ability to spot potential and act on it.
Building Confidence: Strengthen your ability to lead, present, and excel in group settings.

What Makes It Fun?

What sets Key 5 apart is its scenario-based learning design. You'll engage in dynamic, interactive challenges - negotiating with aliens, slaying dragons, and inventing world-changing products in a futuristic multiverse – all while boosting your skills.

Learn in Your Own Time, No Pressure

You can do it all on your own schedule, wherever you are. Do you have 15 minutes between lectures? Perhaps you’re waiting for the bus? You can access Key 5 anywhere, anytime, on any device. And it’s risk-free – no need to worry about assessments or grades, learn without pressure.

Who Should Try It?

Whether you are new to entrepreneurship or a seasoned pro, Key 5 will help you sharpen your skills, but we expect first- and second-year undergraduates will benefit most.

See what it's like! Find out more about Key 5 with our short video:

Ready to Start?

Are you ready to start your journey? Jump into Key 5 and start building the skills that will make you stand out in any career.

Let us know what you think! Leaving feedback at the end of each module helps us know what works for you so we can design future learning experiences.

Find out more about the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre (MEC) .

Digital platform highlights discoveries and insights of pioneering British chemist

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 12:17:09 +0100

A new digital platform has been launched which offers unprecedented access to the thoughts, discoveries and personal reflections of pioneering British chemist Sir Humphry Davy, the man best remembered for the invention of the miner’s safety lamp which bore his name.

This - made possible by the collaboration of experts including Dr Joanna Taylor from 51�� and the work of thousands of volunteers - highlights Davy's immense contributions to science, and even reveals that two common chemical elements could have had different names.

The platform, funded by the UKRI Arts and Humanities Research Council, allows the public to explore Davy's notebooks and gain insight into his groundbreaking discoveries, such as the isolation of potassium and sodium – which his notes reveal were almost labelled "potarchium" and "sodarchium."

In addition to scientific insights, the platform includes fascinating details of Davy’s experiments with nitrous oxide, including his personal experience as the first person to inhale the gas and recognise its pain-relieving properties. The notebooks also reveal Davy's frustrations over the lack of recognition for his inventions, such as his miner’s safety lamp which saved tens of thousands of lives.

Led by Professor Sharon Ruston of Lancaster University, the project is the result of a major international effort involving , the Adler Planetarium in Chicago, University College London, and .

The platform, which launches officially on Saturday 19 October, was made possible through the work of 3,841 volunteers who transcribed more than 13,000 pages of Davy’s notes, creating a valuable resource for researchers and the general public alike. The collection is now publicly available on Lancaster University Library’s digital platform.

Dr Taylor’s expertise in understanding how Davy’s scientific work intertwined with his personal reflections on nature and poetry was pivotal in interpreting the notebooks in a way that reveals Davy’s deep intellectual engagement with the world around him.

“The publication of these notebooks, images of the pages, their transcription and explicatory notes is a beginning rather than the end of a project,” said Professor Ruston. “Now everyone can read what Davy wrote 200 years ago and, I hope, will make full use of this new resource.”

Book of the Year nomination for pathbreaking new volume bridging textile studies, critical cultural theory, and material culture studies

Fri, 20 Sep 2024 15:29:25 +0100

, a volume created between colleagues at the University of 51�� and the University of Liverpool, has been unveiled as a contender for the Association of Dress Historians Book of the Year Award.

The volume is a decentred study of how textiles shaped, disrupted, and transformed identities in the age of the first globalisation.

The research and work in the shortlisted book have been undertaken by (Professor of Early Modern History and Deputy Director and Scientific Lead of the John Rylands Research Institute, University of 51��) and (Derby Fellow in Historical Legacies of Empire) from the University of Liverpool’s archaeology and history departments, who brought together researchers from a plethora of disciplines.

Professor Hanß said: “The diversity of topics, disciplines, geographies, and contributors in these 16 chapters is so exciting! We bring together world-leading anthropologists, archaeologists, art historians, conservators, curators, historians, scientists, and weavers, establishing cutting-edge conversations across disciplines to examine how textiles created and challenged experiences of subjectivity, relatedness, and dis/location that transformed social fabrics around the early modern globe.

“We’re really proud to be named on the shortlist for this year’s Book of the Year award, particularly because we are the only pre-modern study and the only edited volume to feature in the shortlisted works. It’s a real honour!”

The project has received funding from various streams and Professor Hanß added: “All of our funding contributors and supporters are integral to the work we have been able to conduct. From the School of Arts, Languages and Cultures at 51��, we were awarded funds from the Research Development and Support Fund. We were also able to secure funding from The Leverhulme Trust, Churchill College Cambridge and St. John’s College Cambridge.”

The volume has received stellar praise, among others, by Indian literary critic Homi K. Bhabha (Harvard University): “This outstanding volume provides us with the warp and woof of historical exchange and cultural co-existence. These enthralling essays engage with material practices of weaving across genres and geographies, displaying the travelling world of textiles as they record the shifting global communities of a ‘woven imaginary.’ Reading In-Between Textiles, brought to life the migratory memory of my mother’s Parsi garas: a traditional sari, commissioned in Bombay from Chinese sailors who offered her a range of silks and motifs, and brought her the sari, months later, when they docked again in Bombay harbour. Set out on this wondrous voyage of the woven world.”

Autumn music season at the Confucius Institute

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 17:23:54 +0100

Each talk will focus on a different instrument, illustrated through performances by guests from the University of 51��’s and the .

The erhu (Chinese fiddle)

The first talk will focus on the historical development of the erhu. We will explore how the instrument is made and learn about its diverse repertoire since the early 20th century.

Guest: Xinjie Yang (MA Conducting, RNCM)

Date & time: 6-7pm on 30 October
Venue: 51�� Central Library

The violin

The second talk is on the violin. It examines the transmission of violin culture from Europe to China. We will discuss how the violin influenced Chinese musical development and explore various compositions written over the last century.

Guest: Ziluo Huang (PhD Musicology student, University of 51��)

Date & time: 6-7pm on 20 November
Venue: 51�� Central Library

The guzheng

The last instrument in the series is the guzheng. The talk will introduce composing for the guzheng. It will discuss how our guest reimagined the instrument’s musical tradition by integrating Chinese philosophies found in painting and ancient literature.

Guest: Li Yang (MA Performance Studies student, University of 51��)

Date & time: 6-7pm on 11 December
Venue: 51�� Central Library

Watch .

New anthology highlights talented graduates from the Centre for New Writing

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 15:44:20 +0100

A new anthology is set to be published in September, celebrating the wealth of literary talent produced by 51��’s Centre for New Writing.

The 51�� Anthology, Volume Fourteen highlights the work of twenty-one writers who have recently completed their Creative Writing MA, offering them a platform to share their voices and kickstart their careers. It will include short stories, poetry, non-fiction and novel extracts.

Each year, the MA students are given a budget and have creative control over everything from editing submissions to the design of the cover, gaining valuable insight into the particulars of book production. This year’s cohort collaborated with artist Georgia Harmey and designer David Webb to develop a distinctive look and feel for the anthology. Each element of Georgia’s cover art draws on themes and characters from across the twenty-one pieces, while David took a classic approach with his design.

The anthology will be launched on the evening of October 21st at the International Anthony Burgess Foundation, a centre devoted to the legacy of the renowned 51��-born writer. The event will feature live readings from the contributors and presentation of the PFD Prize, as well as opportunities to connect with peers, editors and literary agents.

Students who contributed to previous volumes have gone on to become successful writers. Beth Underdown’s debut novel, The Witchfinder’s Sister, was a Richard and Judy bestseller; Alys Conran was shortlisted for the Dylan Thomas Prize for her debut novel, Pigeon; Nat Ogle, author of In The Seeing Hands of Others, was shortlisted for The White Review Poet's Prize; Joe Carrick-Varty’s collection, More Sky, was shortlisted for the T.S. Eliot Prize; Thomas D. Lee’s novel, Perilous Times, was a Sunday Times bestseller; and Jessica Moor was named one of the ten best debut novelists of 2020 by Observer New Review, and was shortlisted for the Desmond Elliot Prize.

Everyone who attends the launch event will have the opportunity to buy a physical copy of the anthology, which will also be made available in Blackwell’s 51�� bookshop and online as a PDF.

To learn more, visit .

University partners with 51�� Literature Festival to launch 2024 events

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 15:46:23 +0100

An exciting programme of literature events returns this October, hosted by .

Celebrating a series of collaborations with 51��’s Centre for New Writing and Creative 51�� research platform, the 2024 events programme will be held between 4 and 20 October.

The 2024 events begin on campus at the University’s Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama as we welcome former Green Party leader Caroline Lucas who launches her fascinating book Another England: How to Reclaim Our National Story.

As Higher Education Partner, 51�� works closely with the festival team to co-host a variety of events that showcase and highlight the impact of literature across the city. Other partnership events showcase new publications by celebrated authors – including:

Former Scottish Makar and firm festival favourite,  performs poems from her new collection May Day and celebrates A Life in Poetry and Protest at a special event hosted by actor Julie Hesmondhalgh (Saturday 5 October, 7pm, Martin Harris Centre for Music & Drama)

Throughout her four decades as a foreign correspondent, has always carried a book of poetry with her as ‘a vaccination against despair’. She will share some of her favourite poems and reflect on her career as a war reporter (Sunday 6 October, 4.30pm, Central Library)

(The Damned United) explores the grief, the heartbreak and the resurrection of a club (51�� United), a city and a country in his compelling new book Munichs (Sunday 6 October, 7pm, HOME)

, one of the world’s most prolific designers, talks about his mission to end soulless, boring buildings and put human emotion back at the heart of building design (Tuesday 8 October, 7pm, Contact)

Bestselling cook and Guardian food columnist  shares her passion for East and South Asian cuisine and reveals the dishes she creates when she wants to cook for herself, family and friends in her delicious new book Dinner (Wednesday 9 October, 7.30pm, Martin Harris Centre for Music & Drama)

Legendary music producer (White Bicycle) invites audiences to open their ‘minds and ears to a wider, richer musical world’ via his engrossing new book And the Roots of Rhythm Remain: A Journey through Global Music (Monday 14 October, 7pm, Central Library)

Scottish author  (Mayflies) joins us to discuss his epic, new state-of-the-nation novel Caledonian Road with host Dave Haslam (Wednesday 16 October, 7pm, Central Library)

Bestselling novelist  (Babel) visits 51�� to discuss her number one global sensation Yellowface, a provocative satire set in the cut-throat world of publishing seen through the eyes of failed writer June. She also discusses navigating genres, creating characters and her literary influences (Thursday 17 October, 7.30pm, RNCM)

Post-Festival, Pulitzer Prize winner (The Overstory) makes a rare visit to the UK in support of his compelling new novel. Longlisted for the 2024 Booker Prize, Playground interweaves themes of science, technology, nature, the environment and our shared humanity beautifully (Friday 8 November, 7pm, Central Library)

Our annual Rylands Poetry Reading takes place on Thursday 10 October, 7pm and welcomes poet, playwright and educator, . One of the most acclaimed and widely read poets of recent decades, Gillian will also run a Poetry Masterclass, sharing insights into the craft of poetry, and how to bend language into original and musical verse.

Cathy Bolton and Sarah-Jane Roberts, Co-Directors of 51�� Literature Festival said: “Over the last 200 years, 51�� has shown itself to be one of the most innovative and groundbreaking universities in the UK and we are delighted to have the Centre for New Writing and Creative 51�� as our Higher Education Partner once again. New perspectives and reimagining are at the heart of this year’s 51�� Literature Festival. Caroline Lucas asks us to reimagine a greener, more inclusive England. George Monbiot encourages us to reimagine the end of neoliberalism. Thomas Heatherwick invites us to reimagine our cities without soulless, boring buildings. David Peace reimagines the grief, heartbreak and resurrection of 51�� United after the 1958 Munich air disaster. We also welcome a multitude of brilliant novelists, poets and artists to the city, and invite you to join us to revisit familiar narratives from a place of freshness, curiosity and hope.”

Find out more about 51�� Literature Festival and view the full programme by visiting .

University teaching stars celebrate double win in national awards

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 10:05:07 +0100

51��’s teaching staff are celebrating two prestigious national award wins, the Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence (CATE) and an appointment to the National Teaching Fellowship Scheme.

For the second year in a row, the University of 51�� has been awarded the CATE by Advance HE - with this year’s accolade going to 51�� Library Student Team (UMLST). Developed and led by , Head of Teaching and Learning Development for the University of 51�� Library and the University’s Academic Lead for Student Success, UMLST is a driving force behind student-led teaching and learning activity in the Library.

This year’s CATE award makes Jennie, also a National Teaching Fellow, the University’s first ever recipient of both accolades. Student members of the team have also been recognised for their own individual achievements with Fellow and Senior Fellow accreditation from Advance HE.

Under the UMLST model, current students work collaboratively with University staff over extended periods of time to enhance Library services, create inclusive learning resources such as the award-winning My Learning Essentials academic skills programme, and foster a welcoming, supportive environment for students. Student members take the lead on initiatives that give their peers a powerful voice and represent the diversity of the communities found at 51��, taking part in local outreach sessions and workshops at national conferences. UMLST members also participate in consultations and contribute to shaping University-wide policies and practices, and their influence is felt across the whole institution, driving positive change and fostering a culture of inclusivity.

UMLST student member Durian (Divya) Malhotra said: “Every day is always so exciting, and with a wonderful team to support you every step of the way, you’re never alone. Being an ST has made me feel like my voice as a student has made a truly important impact at the University.”

The University is also celebrating the announcement of a new National Teaching Fellow among its ranks this year. , Senior Language Tutor in the , is passionate about promoting research-informed approaches to language teaching and fostering the development of learning communities. Across the UK, Europe and China, she is recognised for her expertise in multimodal interactive learning pedagogy, language for specific purposes and intercultural communication.

Minjie was previously a professor of Applied Linguistics at the Harbin Institute of Technology in China. She was also a guest professor at Shanghai Jiaotong University and Zhejiang University. After pursuing her PhD in Multimedia Language Learning in the UK under a full scholarship fund, she started teaching Chinese at Nottingham University before joining the team at 51��.

With her extensive knowledge and experience, Minjie has made an outstanding impact at the University. Her focus on ‘real-life’ language learning promotes connections between native speakers and non-native speakers, helping to build intercultural understanding through friendships.

51�� is one of a few British universities with a significant and popular offering in Chinese Studies that caters for all levels– in no small part down to Minjie’s high standards and strong professional networks. She is incredibly active in outreach activities too, bringing the joy of language learning to schools, colleges and the local community.

Alison Johns, Advance HE Chief Executive, said: “We know that higher education has the power to transform lives but this doesn’t happen by default. Outstanding teaching is the result of knowledge, commitment, passion, energy and creativity. All of these 2024 winners demonstrate these attributes and put them into practice with excellent results.

“It is vital for student success that we invest in higher education teaching and promote the value of excellence. Congratulations to each and every one of you for this prestigious prize.”

The 2024 Awards Ceremony will be held at Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh on Thursday 3^rd October.

An ancient lake supported human life in the Namib Sand Sea, say experts

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 11:22:07 +0100

, and ,

Desert regions in and the have been well studied by archaeologists as the and as routes of along “”. The archaeology of southern Africa’s west coast desert belt has not received the same attention.

The Namib Sand Sea, part of the Namib Desert, is on the west coast of Namibia. It is a hyperarid landscape of towering dunes, occupying about 34,000km² between the towns of Lüderitz in the south and Walvis Bay in the north. However, there are clues that this environment was not always so dry and inhospitable, suggesting that there is more to be learnt about ancient human life here.

We are part of an interdisciplinary research team of physical geographers, archaeologists and geospatial scientists, interested in the long-term history of deserts and human-environmental interactions.

Our provides a timeframe for the presence of a small freshwater lake that once existed in the Namib Sand Sea. This lake was fed by an ancient river and is surrounded by a rich record of stone tools from the (made between about 300,000 years ago and 20,000 years ago), indicating that people ventured into this landscape and used this occasional water source.

Dating the former lake site, Narabeb, makes it clearer when ancient humans would have been able to live here. It draws attention to the Namib Sand Sea as a place archaeologists should study to learn more about far-reaching and deep human connections across southern Africa.

An ancient lake and shifting sand dunes

Today, Narabeb is a landscape dominated by long sand dunes that tower more than 100 metres high over the former lake site. There is no standing water here and the landscape receives little to no rain most years. However, that’s probably not what our ancient ancestors would have seen here. Away from the lake, they might have seen a relatively flat plain, seasonally covered by grasses, beside a river.

The clue is in sediments at the site: mud layers that were laid down by water. To find out how long ago the lake was at Narabeb, we needed to date these layers.

We used a technique called – basically, making sand glow to tell the time. Sand grains release a trapped signal that builds up when sand is buried underground, and is reset when sand is exposed to sunlight. Using this technique, we can date when different layers were last on the surface before they got buried. We dated the sand beneath and above layers of mud that were deposited by water. Our results show that the lake was present at Narabeb at some point between 231,000 ± 20,000 and 223,000 ± 19,000 years ago and again about 135,000 ± 11,000 years ago.

Another clue is the shape of the landscape east of Narabeb. It is dune free, reminding us that ancient humans were not the only things migrating in the Namib Sand Sea. Have the dunes been on the move? For how long? And how quickly?

Drilling to the centre of these dunes to work that out remains logistically impossible. Instead, we used .

The modelling suggests that it would have taken around 210,000 years to accumulate the amount of sand around Narabeb (those 110m high dunes). This number is remarkably close to the oldest age for the lake. This suggests that the dunes may only just have been starting to form and that a river was supplying the lake with fresh water, supporting animals and attracting people. The sediments at Narabeb also clearly tell us that a river once flowed where there are now dunes.

The winds have pushed dunes from the south and west to north and east, creating barriers for the river and hindering movement of people and animals along the water course.

Ancient human presence

At we have found tools from an earlier species of the Homo genus. This is part of a growing body of evidence, adding to research in the Kalahari desert in the centre of southern Africa, that suggests to the story of human evolution and technological innovation than has been supposed.

The artefacts from Narabeb fit into the Middle Stone Age type of stone tool technology. Narabeb is a particularly rich site for stone tools, suggesting people made tools here for a long time and perhaps visited the site over many generations.

This research illustrates the need for a comprehensive study of areas that have not been on the map of the major routes of human and animal migration. These might reveal exciting records of diffusion, innovation and adaptation to marginal and changing environments.

Our results also make us think about the dynamic nature of environmental conditions in one of Earth’s oldest desert regions. It has long been thought that the Namib has been consistently very and not a place capable of containing “green corridors” at the times of interest for archaeologists. Now we can challenge that idea.

Future steps

Recent funding from the will allow us to extend our fieldwork, documenting archaeological sites and dating these “green corridors” across more of this landscape. along the ancient river course has revealed an expansive artefact-littered landscape. We also need to know more about where ancient populations found the materials they used to make stone tools.

This will allow us to piece together a network of archaeological sites and show where human migration might have been possible in this part of southern Africa. Up to now, it’s been a gap in the archaeological map.

More work is also needed to understand the shifts in climate that allowed the rivers to flow into the Namib. This Southern Hemisphere, west coast desert has a very different setting to north Africa and Arabia, which have for understanding their periodic “green corridors”. Ongoing work with the wider scientific community, including climate modellers, may create a clearer picture of the Namib’s “green corridors”.

, Reader in Physical Geography, and , Professor of Archaeology,

This article is republished from under a Creative Commons license. Read the .

New exhibition outlines how LGBTQ+ performers shaped popular culture

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 10:39:25 +0100

A new exhibition is to open next Spring which will examine the profound influence of LGBTQ+ performers, artists and activists on mainstream popular culture.

Influenced by the recently published book The Secret Public - How LGBTQ Performers Shaped Popular Culture 1955 - 1979 by Jon Savage, the exhibition will present key pieces from Savage’s extensive collection of archive and research materials which form part of the housed at the John Rylands Research Institute and Library.

The exhibition will foreground the artists, figures, social issues and political discourse from within which a lasting creative explosion happened, and which is still felt today.

It extends the date range of the book through to 1984, a peak year for ‘Gay Pop’, and will showcase rare materials from the archive alongside connected materials from the Rylands world-leading special collections.

The Secret Public will be the inaugural exhibition in the newly refurbished Special Exhibition gallery, part of the project, a major redevelopment and improvement programme that will enrich and transform the researcher and visitor experience.

ICP student placement with Creative 51��: Jinghan Tong

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 11:14:00 +0100

Hi, my name is Jinghan Tong, and I am currently a student at 51��, majoring in Creative and Cultural Studies. I am passionate about the intersection of creativity and social impact, which drives my dedication to exploring and contributing to the cultural and creative industries. Through my recent internship at , I gained hands-on experience in event planning, audience development, and communication strategy.

This role allowed me to apply my academic knowledge in a practical setting, enhancing my skills and preparing me for a dynamic career in the arts and cultural sector. I am enthusiastic about leveraging my experience and skills to foster innovation and inclusivity in the creative field.

The primary project I worked on was the , an event funded by Arts Council England (ACE) celebrating 51��'s rich literary heritage and extensive local library network. My responsibilities included event planning and coordination, audience development, and communication strategy, and I participated in Zoom meetings with key stakeholders to finalize event details.

Implementing audience development strategies was crucial, involving tailored communication plans and outreach efforts to engage specific demographics. Crafting engaging news stories and social media posts using platforms like Hootsuite and Canva was also a key part of my role, ensuring content resonated with the target audience.

As part of the event, I helped to establish detailed communication planning and implementing audience growth strategies for four key seminars in the Festival of Libraries schedule. Each session was carefully crafted to appeal to a wide variety of age groups and interests, providing participants with a rich and immersive experience suited to their preferences and expectations. I hoped that by implementing these ideas, we would not only broaden the festival's reach, but also deepen engagement and foster long-term relationships with our audience.

To illustrate, take the "Tasting Children’s Literature – An Edible Readathon" workshop, for instance, which was designed to captivate young children up to the age of 8, along with their parents, caregivers, and educators. Employing audience development strategies, we orchestrated targeted social media plans and community outreach endeavors to ensure broad participation and robust engagement.

This is also one of the highlights of my placement. This event was a resounding success and a truly delightful experience. The workshop's innovative approach combined the joys of reading with sensory play, allowing children to explore literature through interactive and edible elements.

Promotional materials emphasized the educational benefits and fun nature of the event, which helped in drawing a significant number of participants. The event featured a variety of activities where children could taste food items inspired by their favourite storybooks, making the experience both memorable and educational.

The atmosphere was filled with excitement and laughter as children immersed themselves in the stories, transforming the act of reading into a multi-sensory adventure.

The success of the "Tasting Children’s Literature – An Edible Readathon" workshop not only demonstrated the power of creative engagement in fostering a love for reading among children but also highlighted the importance of community involvement in cultural events. It was incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact of our efforts on the participants, reinforcing the value of inclusive and accessible cultural programming.

American Studies students receive national recognition for outstanding essays

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 08:14:33 +0100

Final-year History and American Studies student Anya Carr was named winner of the British Association for American Studies undergraduate essay award, and Xavi Goodall, a third-year student currently studying at Rutgers University in New Jersey, received an honourable mention in the same competition. Both students were honoured as part of the BAAS award ceremony, which took place in June this year.

Anya’s essay offered a sparkling account of the African American actor, singer, and activist Paul Robeson’s 1949 visit to 51��. The project used Robeson’s brief trip to lens the local and global agendas that came together in this moment, as civil rights, decolonization, and the Cold War intermingled, and as various groups competed around Moss Side, Chorlton-on-Medlock, and Belle Vue to win Robeson’s support. The project argued that we should think of the city of 51�� as akin to ‘the global activist hubs of London, Paris, and Harlem’ that other scholars have written about, and it made an innovative attempt to ‘ground the global in the local, and to offer a new perspective on the complex interplay between the Red, white, and Black Atlantics.’ A short blog post that Anya wrote describing the research .

The BAAS judges “were incredibly impressed by this well-argued essay” which “situated Robeson within intersecting contexts” and which “highlighted the complexities of post-war organising and solidarity.” Anya’s work drew extensively on the University’s US newspaper holdings, as well as materials at the , the People’s History Museum archive, and the Working Class Movement Library and Archive, in Salford.

Xavi Goodall’s essay looked at references to American writer Harriet Beecher Stowe’s novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin (1851-52) in The Century Magazine, America’s most popular periodical in the late nineteenth century. Xavi uncovered a handful of references to Stowe’s novel between the 1880s and late 1890s, and used these to show that, while Stowe’s novel exerted a lasting influence on American opinions about slavery, The Century Magazine seldom discussed the literary merits of Stowe’s work or offered a neutral account of her politics. As Xavi argued, ‘Uncle Tom’s Cabin’s appearances in The Century were defined more by the magazine’s context than the book’s contents.’ The judges described the piece as “a beautifully written and accomplished essay,” and thought Xavi’s “careful and detailed analysis of The Century magazine’s complex engagement with Stowe was very strong.”

Both students’ essays were developed and written within second-year American Studies modules. Xavi’s work on Stowe began in Dr. Gordon Fraser’s AMER22662 Uncle Tom’s Cabin as Global Media Event, while Anya’s study on Robeson was written in Dr. Andrew Fearnley’s AMER20022 US History Long Essay module. Each project made use of the printed and electronic resources held by the University, and the physical archives available around the city of 51��.

Celebrating the Summer Solstice with a day of literature events at Jodrell Bank

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 15:35:00 +0100

On 21 June, an audience of literature enthusiasts, lovers of astronomy and archaeology and academics gathered on the stunning UNESCO Heritage site of Jodrell Bank to celebrate the Summer Solstice and one of the UK's most influential contemporary novelists, Alan Garner. This day-long event, consisting of panels, screenings, and guided walks, paid tribute to Garner’s literary work and his profound connection to Alderley Edge.

The day commenced with a panel discussion on “Archaeotecture” chaired by Professor Teresa Anderson, with Professor Clive Ruggles and Professor Bob Cwyinski, to explore the intersection of ancient cosmologies and modern scientific discoveries. The panel discussed how Garner's fiction has bridged dialogues between disciplines such as archaeology and physics, offering imaginative continuities that enrich our understanding of the universe. The discussions were a testament to Garner’s ability to weave complex, interdisciplinary ideas into his narratives, making his work a subject of academic interest and admiration.

One of the highlights of the day was "A Walk in Time" with archaeologist Melanie Giles. Participants were taken on a journey through the Jodrell Bank site, where Giles reflected on the objects and ideas that have inspired Garner’s writing. The walk included hands-on experiences with archaeological artefacts and replicas, bringing to life themes of landscape lore, craft skills, and protective charms that are prevalent in Garner's novels.

Following the walk attendees were invited to a film screening of To The Round Meadow: Alan Garner & Jodrell Bank by Al Kenny. The film featured an intimate conversation between Alan Garner and his daughter, Elizabeth Garner, discussing his connection to the Lovell Telescope at Jodrell Bank. This conversation delved into Garner's personal memories and reflections on the site, highlighting how it has influenced his writing and enriched his imaginative landscapes.

The day continued with the panel discussion "Archaeology & the Imagination of Place" chaired by Melanie Giles. The panel, Tim Campbell-Green, Richard Morris, and Rose Ferraby, explored how Garner’s work, deeply rooted in the past, has woven archaeological knowledge, discoveries, and folklore into his narratives. Melanie Giles and Rose Ferraby discussed how their professional practices have been influenced and enriched by Garner’s storytelling and explorations of histories in the Cheshire landscape.

The final panel, "A Place Across Time" chaired by , featured Elizabeth Garner and medieval scholar David Matthews. This discussion centred on the intersections of historical and mythological time within imaginative fictions, poetry, and actual landscapes, drawing on Alan Garner’s vivid depictions of place across time in his works.

In the evening our Solstice celebrations culminated with a reading and discussion of Sarah Perry’s latest novel, Enlightenment. Set in a small town in Essex, the novel intricately weaves a narrative of entangled relationships and emotional turmoil, exploring the conflict between faith and fact. Perry, renowned for her award-winning works such as The Essex Serpent, explored the novel's themes with Chair Teresa Anderson, and wowed guests with her seamless integration of astronomical principles into the storytelling.

Festival of Libraries 2024: Celebrating libraries and creativity across Greater 51��

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 17:09:34 +0100

12-16 June saw the return of , taking place across the whole of Greater 51�� to celebrate the vital role that libraries play in wellbeing, culture and creativity.

– the University’s creativity-championing research platform – hosted five workshop sessions in partnership with the , , and .

‘Writing for Wellbeing’ took place at Tameside, Rochdale and Bury Libraries on 13 - 15 June. Facilitators Rebecca Hurst, Tessa Harris and John McAuliffe worked with participants to explore the benefits of creative writing on personal wellbeing.

One attendee commented:

‘Tasting Children’s Literature – An Edible Readathon’ returned on Friday, 14 June with two sessions: a private workshop for Reception children at St. Andrew’s C of E Primary School Levenshulme, held at Arcadia Library, and a public session at 51�� Central Library. Children enjoyed a storytime session with play food, colouring activities, and fruits to eat.

The Linguistic Diversity Collective held two well-attended workshops at The Portico Library on 12 and 14 June. The first, ‘What’s in a word and what’s in a dictionary?’ saw attendees take part in activities looking at how dictionaries define words and phrases.

‘Blackout the jargon’ then invited participants to engage with scientific literature in a unique way through blackout poetry.

Supported by , the Festival of Libraries 2024 was a testament to 51��’s enduring commitment to literacy, learning, and inclusivity.

Find out more about the Festival of Libraries .

New Future You podcast about studying humanitarianism at 51��, with Dr Amanda Mccorkindale

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 12:41:51 +0100

Senior Lecturer Dr Amanda McCordkindale spoke with careers guidance podcast Future You about life and study at HCRI, reflecting on the benefits and challenges of studying difficult global issues.

The latest Future You podcast delves into the history of the University’s and looks at the day-to-day life of students on our courses.

Listen to on Spotify.

In this podcast, Dr Amanda Mccorkindale describes the rationale behind HCRI’s foundation – to apply critical refection to the real-world practices of humanitarian response and improve the outcomes of those affected by natural and man-made disasters and emergencies.

Since its founding in 2008, HCRI has moved from being a strictly research-focused institute to providing a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD courses, for those working as or aspiring to become humanitarian practitioners. This includes our unique Leadership Education Academic Partnership (LEAP) online course, which provides critical and theoretically-informed education to those working for humanitarian NGOs.

In the , Dr Mccorkindale discusses the mental health challenges of studying heavy topics, such as conflict, genocide and disasters, but also the measures HCRI takes to support its students, including trigger warnings, peer mentoring programmes, reflection on ethical positionality, and access to a wide variety of support services at University of 51��.

The podcast also covers the wide range of career outcomes for those studying at HCRI and the multidisciplinary nature of our courses and student cohorts.

The Future You podcast is published by Prospects, an organisation that supports graduates in finding employment and educational opportunities. You can find out more information on the website.

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