The University will host its first arts festival next month and it promises to have something for everyone!
From 6-15 June, an exhibition, theatre performances and a number of discussions between academics and top industry names will be taking place on campus.
The ‘Loughborough University Arts Festival’ is a new multi-day event, organised by the University’s arts programme LU Arts and the School of the Arts, English and Drama, that looks to celebrate the institution’s creative arts.
The talented Michael Landy – who is best known for his possession-destroying performance piece installation Break Down (2001) and for the South London Gallery Art Bin project (2010) – will open the festival on 6 June.
Michael is a Loughborough alumnus and a member of the Young British Artists and the Royal Academy of Arts. He will be at the University discussing the ideas behind his work, and possibly his student days, with Professor of Fine Art Craig Richardson.
William Sitwell, one of Britain’s foremost food writers and a familiar face on BBC’s Masterchef, will also be joining in the festival fun on 15 June.
The Waitrose Food editor will talk about the history of food with Dr Joan Fitzpatrick, a Senior Lecturer in English at Loughborough whose research specialism is Renaissance literature and culinary culture.
Other creatives that are to speak about their craft and careers include writer and poet Kate Rhodes, portraitist Alastair Adams and illustrator and alumna Katy Halford – the creator of Moz the Monster (John Lewis Christmas ad 2017).
A number of Loughborough alumni-led events will also take place during the festival as will performances of a comedic musical, developed by final year Drama students, that explores gender roles and gender fluidity.
The line-up also features a live Skype call with the acclaimed installation and performance artist Tania Bruguera on 11 June.
Tania will discuss what it is like being a citizen-artist with Loughborough’s Dr Gillian Whiteley, Dr Fred Dalmasso and Professor Ruth Kinna.
Her talk is accompanied by an exhibition titled ‘Re-Imagining Citizenship’ that has been jointly curated by the Politicized Practice Research Group, the Anarchist Research Group and the Theatre and Performance Research Group.
It will be on display in the Martin Hall during the festival and will showcase items from the Working Class Movement Library, Salford archive collection.
The Arts Festival also coincides with the University’s popular Arts Degree Show (9-17 June) and Design School Degree Show (14-18 June), giving attendees the perfect opportunity to check out up and coming talent.
Nick Slater, Director of LU Arts, said: “We hope that the events and exhibitions will provide an opportunity to see or hear more about the creative activities undertaken within the School.
“You can hear about some of the fascinating research taking place during your lunch break or join us after work for a drink and refreshments while listening to a range of inspiring speakers.
“I would encourage attendees to combine an event with a visit to one of the exhibitions – whether that be the degree shows of the School of Arts, English and Drama and the Design School, or the Re-Imagining Citizenship exhibition in Martin Hall Exhibition Space.
“The festival will be a visual and intellectual treat with something for everyone to enjoy.”
Professor Alison Yarrington, Dean of the School of the Arts, English and Drama, commented: “The Arts Festival celebrates the success of some of our notable alumni, offers an introduction into some of the fascinating research with which we are engaged in, and presents exhibitions and events that will enable you to explore ideas and issues within current arts practice.
“There is much to enjoy and we look forward to sharing with you the talent and diverse creative work of our School.”
Many of the events are free to attend and the festival is open to all. More information on the festival and the full event programme can be found on the dedicated website.
The programme may be subject to change. Those interested in attending should check the Festival webpage for the latest information.