Grounding Technologies explores how creative technology can be utilized locally in service of a just future. The West of England is home to a rich ecosystem of climate and biodiversity action. How, in the hands of people, can creative technology support, enhance and build on the work already happening? How can the skills of the creative sector support climate action?

From mud batteries to commoning the greenbelt, we’ve been exploring new ideas, processes, ways of making and experiencing. At this lunchtime talk, Melissa Blackburn, Executive Producer for Bristol + Bath Creative R+D at UWE, will talk about what inspired this new programme, the kind of work they’ve been able to support, and what’s next. If we in the West of England pride ourselves on climate action, how can creative technology and the creative sector support that action? And how can we do that in a just, community-led and participatory way?



This lunch time talk is followed by a free sharing event online and in-person, and Grounding Technologies First Friday takeover, where you can hear from the teams and interact with their projects.

Grounding Technologies is a 6 month pilot programme and is part of Bristol+Bath Creative R+D, a collaboration between UWE Bristol, Bath Spa, University of Bath, University of Bristol and Watershed which has spent five years working to create a more equitable environment for innovation to raise the bar for the region’s creative industries. Grounding Technologies funding is part of a national AHRC ‘Demonstrator’ programme which aims to understand new pathways for funding in the creative sector. We’re delighted to be joined in this partnership by the West of England Combined Authority for the first time.

 

Join us online on YouTube Live, or in the building on Friday 1st December 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.