Talks, exhibition & networking exploring circular economy, sustainable materials and cross-disciplinary practice. Sunken Studio Leeds, 5 Jun
The 'Material Response: shaping sustainable practices from clay and waste' Symposium will bring together speakers from policy, industry and creative practice for a day of talks relating to the circular economy, sustainable art and design practice, and the benefits of cross-disciplinary collaboration. Led by the Material Cognition Research group at the University of Leeds in collaboration with local ceramics studio Sunken Studio - the day will be fuelled by the underlying belief that the most interesting work happens when we follow our curiosity, and work across disciplines. From art to science, design to engineering, craft to industry - these cross-disciplinary collaborations are where new ideas are made. Furthermore these entangled approaches to working are becoming increasingly important as we face the realities of climate breakdown and resource scarcity.
The Symposium concludes a 6 week co-research programme hosted at Sunken Studio. This program was backed by the Cultural Institute IGNITE fund at the University of Leeds. It saw a group of students from the school of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies (FAHACS) embedded with Sunken Studio members and other collaborators in 6 investigative sessions looking at how recycled clay derived from construction and demolition waste could be used to craft more sustainable ways of making - both in ceramics as well as unfired applications of clay drawing on traditional earthen building techniques.
The day will include talks from professionals within the West Yorkshire Waste to Resources network, as well as guest speakers from across the country, and across different fields, with a shared objective to find less extractive and more sustainable ways of designing, crafting and manufacturing. Speakers will discuss their own practice as well as their own perspectives on sustainability and the benefits of cross-disciplinary working. We will also be hosting an exhibition of research including work undertaken across the 6 week co-research activities with University of Leeds Students, Sunken Studio members and other collaborators. There will be ample opportunity to network with like-minded professionals and find new opportunities for collaboration and extension of existing research.
Speakers will be announced soon!
Location: Sunken Studio Leeds - Unit 3 Butterley Street, Leeds, LS10 1AW
Date: Friday 5th June
Time: 13.00 - 18.30
Booking Queries: hello@sunkenstudio.co.uk
Lineup
Michaela Lesayova
James Thompson
Jamie Saye
Victor Pedrosa
Zephie
Isaac Lassey
Good to know
Highlights
- 5 hours
- In person
Location
Sunken Studio
Butterley Street
#Unit 3 Leeds LS10 1AW
How do you want to get there?
Agenda
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Research in Progress Exhibition at Sunken Studio
Meet and greet at Sunken Studio. View research in progress outputs from the Material Response project, ongoing research and contributions from other collaborators and speakers. This will include both fired (ceramic) and unfired uses for recycled clay produced by the Mone Bros construction and demolition waste wash plant in North Leeds as well as other materials produced from locally sourced industrial by-products and bio materials.
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First Session - talks at The Attic
Our first session of talks includes contributions from: Chris Crawford, Will Rea, Michaela Lesayova and Victor Pedrosa. Hosted by The Attic - an independent Arts Venue 5-10 mins walk from Sunken Studio
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Break
The Attic cafe and bar will be open for refreshments