Ripple Effects: Microsymposium

We are living at a time of global water bankruptcy on one hand and an increased risk of extreme rainfall and flooding on the other. At a time of growing demand for clean water and a complex web of sources of water pollution. At a time when we are realizing how fragile our water systems are, and what we need to do to increase their resilience for the future – not least by making space for nature-based solutions.

How can the arts contribute to water system resilience? What value do the arts have in conjunction with other forms of communication – and how can they contribute to the vital work being done by water scientists? How do they reveal the wonder of our waterscapes as well as their precarity?

In this microsymposium on water resilience and the role of the arts, chaired by Dr. Ellen Wiles, leading South West artists whose work focuses on water and ecology will introduce their work and perspectives in advance of their performances in the evening showcase. The artists will be joined by leading scientists who work on water resilience. Together, the panel will discuss the value and challenges of art-science collaborations on the theme of water systems and environmental resilience, and the audience will be invited to ask questions. After the discussion, pizza will be served in the foyer and participants will have the chance to continue informal conversations on this theme and build new connections and networks.

Dr. Ellen Wiles is Artist-in-Residence at the Centre for Resilience in Environment, Water and Waste, and Project Lead for Storying Water. She is a novelist, multidisciplinary artist and academic, and a former barrister. Artists on the panel will include Jason Singh, Kathy Hinde, John Wedgwood Clarke, Sarah Blissett and Bryony Gillard. Scientists will include Professors Richard Brazier and Ceri Lewis, both leading experts on water resilience, researching topics ranging from nature-based solutions to microplastics pollution.

This event consists of two parts:

1. Round table. Key questions: How are these artists working across varied forms and media to engage with issues of water system resilience? How can art-science collaborations increase the value and impact of work being produced by both? What value do the arts have in conjunction with other forms of communication on these issues?
2. Informal ideas-exchange and networking over pizza: open to all microsymposium ticket holders.

This event is part of Ripple Effects: A Micro-festival of Environmental Artists on Water Systems and Ecologies.

Water is making headlines more than ever before, often in alarming ways. This microfestival showcases environmental artists who focus on water, and celebrates the power of the arts to re-imagine and re-story our water systems, increasing their resilience.

Also in the festival:

Aquatic walking and listening workshop with artist Kathy Hinde

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Ripple Effects Performance Showcase

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