After the Grenfell Tower fire and the Manchester Arena bombing, communities spontaneously came together to reflect, share and heal through the creation of memorials and collective, creative activity.
In this conversation, you’ll hear from socially engaged artist and curator Lisa Nash and the University of Manchester’s Dr Robert Simpson, who will share their lived experience of the immediate aftermath of those tragedies. They will discuss their emerging research into spontaneous memorials around the world and explore the role of creativity and the arts after such events. Their discussion will include reflections on how a mosaic project gave a community a chance to stand in solidarity and remembrance and how a song brought a city together in the face of collective trauma.
Please note that this event takes place at the Bluecoat, School Lane, Liverpool. L1 3BX.
Following the conversation and as we approach the 9th anniversary of the Grenfell fire on 14th June, Lisa will lead a brief creative, memorial activity with those who wish to take part.
Biographies
Lisa Nash
Working across curatorial projects, public interventions, and participatory processes, Lisa is interested in the relationship between art, activism, and memorialisation as social practice. A North Kensington resident, following the Grenfell Tower fire she worked to ensure local people had access to safe and welcoming creative spaces to support wellbeing, and spearheaded the Grenfell Memorial Community Mosaic, a four-year public realm programme. She continues to develop this work through writing and research, and an ongoing practice that holds space for creative reflection after collective trauma.
Dr Robert Simpson
Robert’s research explores grassroots community responses to disasters and conflict, focusing mainly on spontaneous memorials, commemorative practices in digital spaces, and other cultural responses to trauma. This contributes to a growing body of work around memorialisation, collective memory, identity and belonging, resilience, and social solidarity. He is the co-founder and developer of PLAN-CARE-HEAL, an online framework supporting heritage professionals and community groups in the collection and documentation of contemporary disasters.
Accessibility
This event will be BSL interpreted.
The Bluecoat is located on School Lane in Liverpool. There is step free access to all area of Bluecoat's new wing and garden. The Bluecoat is a Grade 1 listed building so there is limited access to the older parts of the building.
There are lifts to all floors. Alternatively you can take the stairs.
- Toilets are located on the ground and first floor, including disabled toilet facilities
- There are baby changing facilities located on the ground floor
- The nearest Changing Places toilet is located in Liverpool One
- Assistance dogs are welcome in the gallery
- Induction loops are fitted in a number of areas of the building including Tickets & Information, the cafe, the Performance Space and the Sandon Room
Additional seating is also available. Please ask a member of staff if you require assistance.
For more information before your visit:
- Email: info@thebluecoat.org.uk
- Call: 0151 702 5324 (Open Tuesday-Sunday, 11.00-17.00)