Professor Elaine Hobby and Dr Catie Gill are working with Canterbury Christ Church University to deliver the programme from September 2023 to July 2024. This programme follows on from their work as part of the campaign group A Is for Aphra which lobbied for a bronze figure of the writer to be placed in Canterbury, her birthplace. The statue is expected to be unveiled in early 2024.
The programme aims to develop sustained, collaborative partnerships with local stakeholders to extend their knowledge of Behn and her Canterbury connections, demonstrating her potential to engender civic pride and have a substantial impact on the cultural landscape and tourism. It also aims to demonstrate how Behn's work relates to contemporary issues, such as the impact of violence on people's lives, rebellion against enslavement, and cultural perceptions of sexuality.
There will be a series of research-informed cultural events including a Behn-focused three-month exhibition at The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge and the first production in 350 years of Behn’s second play ‘The Amorous Prince’, as well a wide range of other public engagement activities. There will be also mentoring and development opportunities for an early career Researcher in a post focused on public engagement, impact and evaluation.
The programme is delivered in partnership with Canterbury Cathedral, the Aphra Behn Society of Canterbury, and Canterbury Business Improvement District.
For more information please contact Professor Hobby via E.A.Hobby@lboro.ac.uk