Goldsmiths at Being Human 2016

Article

Written bySarah Cox and Will Cenci

Published on 26 Oct 2016

Goldsmiths researchers will introduce a multimedia response to migrant journeys, present an exhibition created by the academically marginalised, and collaborate with refugees in Paris, at the only UK-wide national festival of the humanities.

Teenage Eritrean boys in Calais. "They are now represented by UK lawyers who consider they have a strong case for UK asylum under the Dubs amendment," explains Sue Clayton. Photograph © Sue Clayton

Taking place from 17 – 25 November, Being Human 2016 is this year themed on ‘Hope and Fear’. Led by the School of Advanced Study, University of London, in partnership with the AHRC and British Academy, the festival is a national forum for public engagement with humanities research, highlighting how the humanities can inspire and enrich our lives.

I Am Human: Precarious Journeys

On Friday 18 November at Goldsmiths’ New Cross campus, Professor Sue Clayton (Department of Media and Communications) will introduce her new multimedia installation at the university’s St James Hatcham Building exhibition space and discuss her recent experiences in the Calais ‘Jungle’.

A soundscape of whispered voices, and the throb of tides, motorways and the human heart will lead you through a space featuring three short films activated by movement. The installation will be accompanied by photographic images and an original music score composed by Brian Eno.

Precarious Journeys can be experienced from 11-6pm on Saturday 19 November and 12-5pm Sunday 20 November. Professor Clayton is currently working on a feature length documentary, I Am Human.

Open Book

As part of the University of London hub at Senate House, staff and students from Goldsmiths’ award-winning Open Book project present an exhibition of written and recorded words, photography and art addressing the hopes and fears experienced by the academically marginalised.

The exhibition will have an afterlife, appearing online and at future Open Book events, as the group continue to open up debate on access and accessibility in higher education. At Being Human, Open Book will also host drama and creative writing workshops and a panel discussion, all at Senate House.

Down and Out in Paris and London

In a project led by the University of London Institute in Paris, researchers have been working with 18-25 year old refugees in Paris to creatively represent their aspirations to cross the channel and settle in London. Writing and photographic work will be displayed at Senate House throughout this year’s Being Human, supported by Goldsmiths urban photographers Peter Coles and Paul Halliday and migration expert Professor Caroline Knowles.

View the full Being Human programme at beinghumanfestival.org

Our world renowned experts

Professor Sue Clayton

Sue is a UK feature film director, writer and composer. She has written and directed features, shorts and documentaries.