Symposium: Virtual Reality

Virtual technologies have become increasingly prevalent in the modern world. The affordability of such technologies have made them accessible across disciplines and we continue to see a growing interest in using virtual tools and simulated realities, not only in the playground of game-related development but now across several research divisions.

This interdisciplinary symposium will explore applications of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) in various fields across the arts, the humanities, and the social sciences.

There are three main aims for the day:
1) To introduce the concept of VR
2) To explore the value, impact, and contribution of using VR in various fields
3) To provide hands-on and interactive experiences for individuals who are interested in utilising these technologies

 

Entry is free but booking ahead is essential – click here to book tickets

Art Department Degree Show

The Department of Art presents their final year degree show, showcasing exciting work from our talented artists at Reading.

See thoughtful, witty and striking pieces, including paintings, installations, performances and film from graduating students.

Admission free. No booking required.

For more information, head to www.reading.ac.uk/art

On high AALERT: can art help research into nature?

The visual, performing and literary arts play an important and evolving role in shaping experiences and appreciations of landscapes as well as providing critical and cultural understanding of them.

In recent years, the significance of the arts in landscape and environmental research has been increasingly emphasised, with arts and humanities components now a common, if not required, element in research proposals, such as activities delivered through the Valuing Nature research programme. Similarly, many and diverse landscape management projects with arts-based elements are funded by public money.

Event details >

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AALERT: Arts and the Artist in Landscape and Environmental Research Today

AALERT

A one-day workshop to explore the role of Arts and the Artist in Landscape and Environmental Research Today.

15th February 2018; 9.30 am – 6.00 pm

Central London

Get more details on the project in this blog post >

Schedule

  • 9.30 Registration opens – Tea and Coffee
  • 10.00 Opening of workshop – Introductions
  • 10.10 Scope and Prospects – by organisers and funders
  • 10.30 Keynote 1 – Prof Stephen Daniels – Followed by questions
  • 10.55 Keynote 2 – Prof Lise Autogena with Joshua Portway – Followed by questions
  • 11.20 Introduction to discussion themes
  • 11.40 Refreshments
  • 11.55 Group discussions – session 1
  • 12.55 Lunch
  • 13.55 Group discussions – session 2
  • 14.55 Coffee break
  • 15.05 Merging outcomes per theme
  • 15.15 Feedback to the room
  • 16.15 Closing remarks
  • 16.30 Workshop ends
  • 16.45 – 17.45 – Guided tours

More information on the AALERT project >

Room to Rhyme: Poetry, Arts Policy and Crisis

Afternoon Workshop

Room to Rhyme is a British Academy funded research project investigating literature, crisis, arts policy and the public sphere, with special attention to poetry in Northern Ireland between 1968 and 1978. The first project workshop will take place at the University of Reading on the afternoon of 29th April 2107. The afternoon will have an informal, interdisciplinary and collaborative atmosphere and is designed to promote discussion and facilitate contact between participants.

We are delighted to welcome Professor Marie Breen-Smyth, who will speak on her extensive and acclaimed work on conflict resolution, and poet, activist and film maker Damien Gorman, who will speak on, and present a short film about, his work in peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland. Conor Carville will also present the results of recent research in the Northern Irish poetry archives at Emory University and the Arts Council Northern Ireland Archives. Other invited participants include:

  • Siobhan Campbell (poet, Open University)
  • George Legg (academic, Kings College, London)
  • Steven Matthews (poet and critic, University of Reading)
  • Peter Robinson (poet and critic, University of Reading)
  • Derval Tubridy (artist and critic, Goldsmiths University)

The three papers and film are intended to provoke open discussion on the following areas: the impact of literary and artistic culture on political crisis; the relationship between art and state funding during crisis; the extent to which crisis can be represented; the role of art in conflict resolution and reconciliation; the role of literary and artistic culture in the maintenance of a narrowing public sphere; opportunities and directions for further research.

The event is free and open to anyone interested. A sandwich lunch, plus tea and coffee, will be provided. If you would like to attend, please email the organiser, Conor Carville on c.carville@reading.ac.uk

As places are limited, we urge you to get in touch soon (definitely by Wednesday 22nd November) – places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Department of History Seminar Series

‘A Model of Engagement Between Artwork and Architecture- The Use of Transitional Space in Suzanne Lacy’s Between The Door And The Street (2013)’ – a seminar by Donna Yamani (Reading)