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Mechanimal shares its ongoing, creative exploration into mining, climate and technology. While mining has its many issues (such as a colonial past and present), currently human civilization is dependent on extracting metal ores from rocks. Just about all of the technology we use comes from mining. Climate change is causing seismic new extraction challenges - for example, we need 5 x more copper (if we are to electrify everything and get off fossil fuels) in order to reach Net Zero targets. Equally, the paradigm by which humans seem to have been operating since the Neolithic origin of mining (more mining = more metal = more tech + more commodities = more growth) is also coming under scrutiny.



Following an award-winning theatre show, Megalith (2022), Mechanimal is now expanding its exploration of these themes in collaboration with Limbic Cinema. Supported by Innovate UK, the company is researching a new live, immersive platform combining audio, projection mapping, motion sensor technology and lots of rocks. Inspired by the Neolithic origins of mining, Stonehenge and ancient stone patterning, we’re in the early stages of developing an engaging hybrid experience, inviting people into a fresh new encounter with rocks and tech. We’d love to share our ongoing research and questions as we go.



Mechanimal is an awarding-winning Bristol-based creative company. It creates live performance and immersive installations that explore what it means to live on a changing planet, touring work in the UK and internationally. Projects have focused on bird migration, extinction, resource extraction, Arctic geopolitics, cancer and AI. Making art within the grey space between Humans and non-Human Others, Mechanimal’s work is an evolving exploration of Anthropocene life. The talk is delivered by Mechanimal performance artist Tom Bailey and sound artist Xavier Velastin, creating this project in conjunction with Limbic Cinema.

Join us online on YouTube Live, or in the building on Friday 22nd September 2023 at 1pm for the talk and to take part in the Q and A discussion afterwards. 

The Pervasive Media Studio is a partnership between the Watershed, University of the West of England and University of Bristol. The lunchtime talks are partly supported by MyWorld, a project led by the University of Bristol to support creative industries in the region. Watershed is supported by Arts Council England. 

Address:

Watershed, 1 Canon's Rd, Bristol BS1 5TX

Directions:

The Lunchtime talks take place in the Pervasive Media Studio Event Space. To access the Studio, please go to the Main Watershed Box Office entrance and go upstairs to the Café Bar. Walk across the cafe bar, turn right and walk towards the double doors. Go through into the corridor and walk all the way down until you reach the Studio. A member of staff will sign you in, and check your ticket, if you have booked.

The Studio is wheelchair accessible, and the events space has a hearing loop. The last talk of every month is BSL interpreted. 

For more information on accessing the studio take a look here.

*Please note this is a hybrid event and will be live streamed so please be aware you will be in the live broadcast and recording when watching in the Studio.