Art / lecture series
University of Bristol’s annual Autumn Art Lecture series continues
The University of Bristol has been running free public lectures since 1905.
This season, the Autumn Art Lecture series returns, hosted by the Faculty of Arts, with support from the Centre for Black Humanities and Bristol Ideas.
Its chosen topic this year, Art and the City: Bristol at 650 is in keeping with the year-long celebration in which the city is engaged, marking the anniversary of Bristol’s independent county status.
is needed now More than ever
Through a wide-ranging programme of events, Bristol as a city is exploring ‘who we are, where we come from, what we’ve done – and where we’re going’.
Cleo Lake – photo: courtesy of University of Bristol
Following October talks on the history and future of Bristol Cathedral and Gandhi at Sea, there will be a trio of lectures in November, opening with The Art of Liberation: Political Art and Allyship, which will see former city Lord Mayer Cleo Lake in conversation with Bristol visual artist Oshii.
Discussion points will include the need for more Black curators, as well as an exploration of how creativity can challenge or unlock social narratives and connect us more authentically to our own culture and history.
Royal West of England Academy (RWA), c.1900 – photo: collection of Bristol Archives
The Secrets of Bristol’s Royal Academy of Art will be delivered by its director, Alison Bevan, diving deep into an extraordinary and little-known history as an institution long campaigning for equality: from announcing an influential abolitionist John Scandrett Harford as its founding President in 1844, to an enduring mission to champion women artists.
Lastly, Along a Spectrum: A conversation with Veronica Ryan will see Turner-Prize winning artist in discussion with Spike Island director Robert Leckie, delving into Ryan’s solo exhibition in 2021, as well as situating Spike Island’s place within the wider Bristol cultural landscape.
Veronica Ryan, Along A Spectrum (2021) Installation View, Spike Island, Bristol – photo: Max Mcclure
‘The Art of Liberation’ and ‘Secrets of Bristol’s Royal Academy of Art’ are on November 9 and 16 respectvely, both at the University of Bristol’s Arts Complex Lecture Theatre on Woodland Road.
The Veronica Ryan lecture is on November 30 at Spike Island Arts Centre.
All lectures in the series are at 6.30-7.45pm, and are free to attend, but tickets can be reserved at www.tickettailor.com.
Main photo: Oshii, St Pauls 1980, original painting. Courtesy and © the artist
Read more: Watershed to host Bristol 650 showcase and book launch
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