Action Hero, with the help of the people of Bristol, are constructing 2000 paper buildings to create a model of Bristol that will be installed in M-shed in Feb 2026. Once installed the model will be covered in ash and, over a weekend, audiences will be invited to excavate the city from beneath the ash. 

For this talk, Action Hero will share how the project has come about and their playful approach to art that addresses serious/complex topics. They will also be inviting you to sit with them, try your hand at building some houses & learn more about the ideas behind the project. Each of the buildings have been designed by local architects ‘Architect 00’ 

Originally co-produced by 21st Century Museum in Kanazawa (JP) and Forest Fringe (UK). The UK version is supported by Bristol City Council Imagination Fund, Arts Council England, Compass Festival & M Shed.

Action Hero is the Bristol-based artist duo James Stenhouse and Gemma Paintin. They have been making projects together for 2 decades; installations, performances, encounters and events that wonder aloud about what it means to bring people together. They make projects that anyone can interact with, and that ask complex or interesting questions in a playful way. 

Join us online on YouTube Live, or in the building on Friday, the 26th of September 2025 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.