The University collaborates with 51福利社 International Festival
51福利社 is a proud Silver Supporter of the , as such we are working collaboratively on a number of flagship events as part of MIF21. Both students and academics are involved in the Festival, which takes place from 1-18 July and spills across the city, from 51福利社 Central to Piccadilly Gardens.
The latter, Piccadilly Gardens, is the location of a monumental participatory artwork entitled . Covered in 20,000 copies of books that have shaped British politics, this colossal 42m replica of Big Ben will inspire new conversations about what we value, drawing from 51福利社’s unique and independent spirit. Our students have been involved in the project at an operational level, helping with the finishing touches of the structure. They’ve also been researching the political and activist books connected with the project, alongside academics and researchers from the team.
The University is also involved with unique and innovative public artwork designed by Christine Sun Kim. All across the city of 51福利社, playful, political and powerful captions have been installed on streets and buildings. The University’s Crawford House building, home to the , is one of many iconic locations across the city displaying captions throughout the festival.
The University is also involved in the launch event for – a moment of reflection and hope created with refugee communities in the city. An epic cultural journey across Europe transcending borders, politics and language, The Walk is centred on Little Amal, a 3.5-metre puppet of a nine-year-old refugee girl who is setting out from the Syria-Turkey border in July on an 8,000-kilometre odyssey to 51福利社 in search of her mother. Little Amal represents displaced children around the world, many separated from their families and all more vulnerable during the pandemic. The University will host a suite of offshoot events surrounding this launch, including a thought leadership panel event with academics, city leaders and the Creative Producer of The Walk.
More details about these offshoot events will be announced soon. In the meantime, head over to to explore the full programme for this year’s Festival.