Samples of diatoms gathered from river and lake beds by Dr David Ryves, used to determine information about climate change

Latest Radar project commissions artists to explore risk and its social, ecological and economic relations

Radar has launched its latest project, Risk-Related: a year-long series of artist residencies, commissions, performances and events.

The programme responds to the idea that we live in a ‘risk society’, in which ecological crises, global politics and rapid technological advances combine to create a heightened sense of danger and uncertainty. Looking at the ways in which risk is produced, exploited and managed, the project will see academics and artists come together to create a string of playful, creative commissions.

The programme features two year-long commissions, as well as three artists in residence who will work closely with º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ researchers to explore the topic from a range of disciplines and perspectives.

Sonia Levy and Stine Marie-Jacobsen began researching their projects at the University this autumn. Sonia has been working closely with colleagues from the Department of Geography to explore climate risks relating to the changing ecosystems in lakes and rivers in the local region.

Organised by Professor Paul Wood and Dr David Ryves, Levy will develop a film exploring the invasive and non-native species finding homes in East Midlands lakes, rivers and canals as the temperature rises.

Speaking about the project, Sonia Levy said: "Working closely with scientists at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ on this project has provided timely context and proximity, helping to frame my understanding of the issues that are affecting bodies of water in the Midlands.

“I hope this dialogue between research and art, that I will be developing through this commission, will help to create a description of the kinds of lives that are made in human-disturbed landscapes and, importantly, question the kind of futures that are possible in them.”

Body Weather is Stine Marie-Jacobsen’s art and healthcare commission, in which she will collaborate with scientists and designers to develop a toolkit designed to measure physical responses to pollution in air, water, earth and changing temperatures (fire). Jacobsen’s project explores processes of translation and the science of measurement, which is central to risk management.

In addition, three artists in residence will develop new projects: duo FRAUD, Libby Heaney and researcher Theo Reeves-Evison. FRAUD will trace the risks produced by the global trade in phosphate to Western Sahara, where much of the world’s supply is made illegally creating conflict and dangerous labour conditions. Libby Heaney is producing a musical performance for a singer (Nabihah Iqbal) and an AI bot, utilising inherent chance within machine learning. Theo-Reeves-Evison is devising guided walks through forests which explore the ‘financialisation’ of nature.

The programme of events related to this project taking place next year will comprise performance, workshops and talks and includes a new composition by Helen Papaioannou, who will develop a series of musical strategies which introduce risk to social relations.

The academic lead for the Risk-Related project is Senior Lecturer in Sustainable and Resilient Urbanism, Dr Ksenia Chmutina.

Radar Producer Laura Purseglove commented: “The Risk-Related programme allows us to work with academics from across the University, as so much interesting research at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ touches on risk. It also allows us to address some of the most pressing issues of our time, and to work with exciting artistic voices.”

More information about Risk-Related can be found on the Radar website.

Radar is LU Arts’ commissioning and research programme, which invites artists to produce new work in response to and as part of research undertaken across the University’s two campuses, bringing artistic and academic work together.

For more information, please contact LU Arts by emailing LUArts@lboro.ac.uk or calling 01509 222948.

Notes for editors

Press release reference number: 19/205

º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ is equipped with a live in-house broadcast unit via the Globelynx network. To arrange an interview with one of our experts please contact the press office on 01509 223491. Bookings can be made online via www.globelynx.com

º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ is one of the country’s leading universities, with an international reputation for research that matters, excellence in teaching, strong links with industry, and unrivalled achievement in sport and its underpinning academic disciplines.

It has been awarded five stars in the independent QS Stars university rating scheme, named the best university in the world for sports-related subjects in the 2019 QS World University Rankings, University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times University Guide 2019 and top in the country for its student experience in the 2018 THE Student Experience Survey.

º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ is in the top 10 of every national league table, being ranked 4th in the Guardian University League Table 2020, 5th in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019 and 8th in The UK Complete University Guide 2020.

º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ is consistently ranked in the top twenty of UK universities in the Times Higher Education’s ‘table of tables’ and is in the top 10 in England for research intensity. In recognition of its contribution to the sector, º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ has been awarded seven Queen's Anniversary Prizes.

The º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ London campus is based on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and offers postgraduate and executive-level education, as well as research and enterprise opportunities. It is home to influential thought leaders, pioneering researchers and creative innovators who provide students with the highest quality of teaching and the very latest in modern thinking.

 

º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ staff, students and alumni make a real difference. They challenge convention, think creatively and find solutions to some of the biggest challenges facing society today and in the future.

Meet the #LboroGameChangers at lboro.ac.uk/lborogamechangers

Categories