Being Human Festival 2021 will return between 11-20 November with Swansea University featuring as one of four UK hubs for the seventh consecutive year.
Being Human, the UK’s only national festival of the humanities, is led by the School of Advanced Study, University of London, in partnership with the Arts & Humanities Research Council and the British Academy. This partnership draws together the three major bodies dedicated to supporting and promoting humanities research in the UK and internationally.
The festival aims to celebrate and demonstrate the ways in which the humanities inspire and enrich our everyday lives, help us to understand ourselves, our relationships with others, and the challenges we face in a changing world. Each year the festival invites researchers at universities and other research organisations to collaborate with local community and cultural partners to create exciting and engaging events and projects for all to enjoy. Being Human is a national festival by virtue of being local, with events taking place across the UK.
Under the theme of ‘Renewal’, Swansea University’s hub programme, led by the Cultural Institute within the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, invites people to explore renewal of communities and environments, memories and perspectives, through activities dedicated to climate change, disability, multiculturalism and citizenship in the 21st century.
Highlights from the free programme of events include a documentary project looking at the effects of coal mining on the Dulais Valley, a new podcast based on memories of working in industrial and manufacturing jobs, and activities such as a cook-a-long, bunting and wreath making, Welsh language sessions for asylum seekers and refugees and digital narratives on climate change.
Dr Elaine Canning, Head of Special Projects, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, said: “We are delighted to be hosting one of four hubs for the 2021 Being Human Festival and look forward very much to sharing our hybrid programme of events. The festival continues to be a significant part of our annual calendar and the theme of ‘Renewal’ offers us an opportunity to explore a range of important subjects. Special thanks to all of our partners who are supporting this year’s programme.”