In this talk, Lara Luna-Bartley and Rhiannon Craft will discuss Laundry Justice, a co-produced trans-disciplinary research project exploring off-grid laundry practices and knowledge with Vehicle Dwellers in Bristol. 

Through our research, which uses Circus art as a form of critical making and enquiry, we have uncovered some of the expertise and ingenuity of Vehicle Dwellers who are less likely to have easy access to modern appliances such as the washing machine. These findings can inform how we might think about – or indeed, make - home in a way that may help us move towards a more economically, ecologically and culturally resilient future. This work comes at an important time, as a new policy affecting vehicle dwellers is rolled out in the city of Bristol, following a period of inflammatory media attention.

 Lara Luna-Bartley is a UWE Bristol: Digital Culture Research Centre (DCRC) affiliated artist/researcher completing a PhD which explores finance as a form of sorcery through participatory performance/rituals. Her other recent projects include Laundry Justice, and Bristol Living Soil.

 Dr Rhiannon Craft is a sociologist and circus performer based at Cardiff University, with experience living in vehicles, as well as carrying out research with vehicle dwelling communities. She is interested in the concept of home, the impact of law and regulation on alternative housing, and exploring the use of circus art within creative research methods.

Join us online on YouTube Live, or in the building on Friday, the 6th of February 2026 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.