• Loughborough University celebrates World Meteorological Day
• Enjoy a family day with hands-on activities from artists and scientists
• Launch of two new art projects responding to the weather

Loughborough University will celebrate World Meteorological Day on Sunday 23 March with a special event aimed for all the family.

Visitors can experience a number of interactive activities led by artists and scientists, including ‘Smog Tasting’. An ongoing project by the Centre for Genomic Gastronomy, Smog Tasting uses the egg foam in meringues as a means of harvesting air pollution. Smog from different locations can be tasted and compared, with the meringue a snapshot of the air quality from different locations.

The fair will include the launch of two new art projects, commissioned by Radar, Loughborough University’s programme for contemporary art.

Artist Alistair McClymont will create Sun and Wind Simulacrum – an art installation powered by the weather. A makeshift turbine and solar panel will create energy to power a domestic fan and light: when the wind blows, the fan will blow, and when the sun shines, the light will shine. Using natural phenomena as inspiration for his art, Alistair McClymont’s previous works have included the creation of night-time rainbows, raindrops suspended in mid-air and the creation of tornadoes using machines.

The Prediction Machine by Rachel Jacobs is a machine which will mark the experience of climate change, using the data collected by the university’s Weather Station. Due to be developed throughout 2014, the finished artwork will be an interactive device providing a display of the current weather conditions and offering personalised climate fortunes based upon weather data. Visitors to the event can find out how they can get involved in the project with a series of workshops looking at how we experience, mark and respond to climate change in our lives. The Prediction Machine will be installed at Loughborough University during October 2014, also travelling to science festivals around the UK later in the year.

Jo Mardell, Radar Programme Co-ordinator, commented “After the recent extreme weather across the UK it's a pertinent time to be thinking about the future of our weather and its impact upon everyday lives. The event will provide a fun and interactive afternoon of hands on activities and artists' projects, with a chance to learn more about the science behind our weather system. From creating clouds in jars to demonstrations of the weather instruments, there should be something for all ages to enjoy.”

The event forms part of Nowcasting, a project linking artists with the latest thinking on meteorology, climate change and forecasting. Over the spring and summer 2014, Nowcasting will look at the role that artists can play in communicating scientific thinking.

Nowcasting Launch

Sunday 23 March, 1-4pm

Loughborough University Weather Station (opposite Pilkington Library), Loughborough University, Loughborough, LE11 3TU

This is a FREE event. No booking required.

More information at www.arts.lboro.ac.uk/radar/