In a city like Bristol (UK) – named by the 2017 Runnymede report as one of the most diverse yet divided cities in the UK – how might creative technologies offer us ways to facilitate embodied dialogue and invite young residents of a city to imagine new ways of using and sharing the city? 

In this lunchtime talk Jess will discuss and reflect on the first and second iteration of the ‘Dancing Cities’ project. Jess worked with Helen Wilson, Director of RISE Youth Dance to design this project that brought together young people and facilitators RISE Youth Dance, young people from BSA Level 3 Dance course, with VR filmmaker Aayush Dudhiya and choreographer and filmmaker Sam Amos to experiment with co-creating 360° Dancing Postcards. 

The young people worked to explore site-responsive and technology-responsive choreographic approaches and co-create films that explore specific locations chosen by the young people.  This project aimed to ask questions about the possibilities for creative practice to deepen residents’ understanding of each other’s experiences of place and seeks to imagine a better model for navigating our shared co-existence in public space. 

 Dr Jess McCormack is a Lecturer in Theatre and Performance at the University of Bristol.

Her current research focuses on collaborative performance practices, applied performance practices and adaptation and translation for live/virtual reality/mixed reality performance.

Join us online on YouTube Live, or in the building on Friday 11th October 2024 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.