Why Optimism Wins
What does Ernest Shackleton’s Antarctic expedition have in common with the chicken that crossed the road? Or James Baldwin’s campaign for civil rights with the development of AI? Or even Crossrail with George Bush’s ‘mission accomplished’? Optimism, irrational though it might seem, is central to the human psyche: it appears to provide us with an […]
Single and Thriving
Around 40 per cent of UK adults are single at any one time. Far from being a transitional state between relationships, singledom offers freedom, self-discovery, and self-determination. However, there are challenges, both social and economic. How do you handle being ill alone? Who do you call if you’re stranded late at night? If you can’t […]
Redefining Consent, Work and Rights
As part of our Sexpectations season, we host former sex worker and campaigner Elizabeth G, alongside representatives from the East London Stripper Collective to discuss sex work in the UK and the fight for the rights of those involved. Elizabeth is a British author and podcaster, campaigning for equality for sex workers. She is currently working […]
Mavericks: Lessons from History’s Most Extraordinary Misfits
Witty and engaging TikTok historian J Draper digs out unusual stories of individuals who have shaped the world, uncovering the lessons their unique experiences can teach us. Breaking away from history told through the lens of kings, queens, and nobles, this book instead lifts the lid on 24 fascinating stories of little-known underdogs, mavericks, trailblazers, […]
A Secret History of Thinking on Paper
In this Ethical Matters talk, Irving Finkel, founder of The Great Diary Project, and Roland Allen, author of The Notebook: A History of Thinking on Paper, will delve into the profound role diaries and notebooks have played in documenting personal histories and preserving cultural heritage. Exploring the intersection of ethics, memory, and creativity, they will discuss […]
Seeing Truth in Museums Conference
This half-day conference brings together artists, curators, and Indigenous knowledge holders to critically examine the colonial legacies of museum collections. British artist and art historian Dr Jane Wildgoose and Tasmanian Aboriginal artist Janice Ross will lead discussions on how museums can address the violent and coercive histories behind many collections, tackle intergenerational trauma, and advocate […]
Seeing Truth in Museums
Seeing Truth in Museums brings together artists, curators and Indigenous knowledge holders to offer critical perspectives on visual and material culture historically collected for museums in situations of unequal power, in often violent and/or coercive circumstances, during the British colonial era. Centring on a conversation between British artist /art historian Dr Jane Wildgoose and Tasmanian Aboriginal artist Janice Ross, Seeing […]
Seeing Truth in Museums
This exhibition explores the colonial legacies of museum collections through a powerful collaboration between British artist and historian Dr Jane Wildgoose and Tasmanian Aboriginal artist Janice Ross. Centring on their research into 19th-century Tasmanian artefacts, it uncovers histories of stolen children, racial science, and intergenerational trauma, while addressing how museums can navigate power structures to […]
The Burnout Paradox: Breaking Free
Burnout is often described as the defining feeling of the post-pandemic world – but why are we all so exhausted? Some grapple with perfectionism, while others are overwhelmed by the demands of modern life. From confronting our inner critics to understanding how the drive for productivity can stifle freedom, cultural historian and burnout coach Anna […]