The University of Liverpool’s School of the Arts is rolling out a fortnightly series of FREE public lectures seeking to engage with some of the most pressing questions in heritage and the arts, as we move into a new decade.
Join a leading Liverpool academic every fortnight as they invite you into their world of research, as well as revealing some of the contexts, approaches and frustrations in their work, across philosophy, music, architecture, cultural regeneration and literature.
Drop Dead Gorgeous? Natural vs Artificial Beauty
On Wednesday 29 January, Philosopher, Dr Yiota Vassilopoulou argues that an artificial conception of beauty motivates many current and increasingly popular cosmetic treatments, from make-up to complex surgeries.
Is it possible to balance the needs of cultural preservation and modern development?
On Wednesday 12 February, Architect, Professor Soumyen Bandyopadhyay will give a vividly illustrated talk showing some of the architectural solutions to the cultural tensions between past and present he has helped to negotiate as architectural advisor at National and World Heritage Sites in the oases and the new urban environments of Oman and Abu Dhabi.
How does the film music of John Williams help to create fictional worlds?
On Wednesday 26 February, self-confessed John Williams fanatic, Dr Giles Hooper explores the deeper role and function of film music by explaining how John Williams’ film scores not only support but actively direct the filmic narrative and the viewer’s emotional investment in the storylines.
Is reading good for you?
On Wednesday 11 March: Interest in reading as a force for good, particularly in relation to health, has blossomed in recent years but Dr Josie Billington asks is it simply a healthy activity? Might literature’s true power be to extend and deepen our experience of both joy and sorrow?
How do cities tell their stories?
On Wednesday 28 March: How have cultural enterprises, from the Universal Exhibition in London (1851) to the European Capital of Culture, influenced international cultural policy, major events and city narratives? Communication and Media expert, Dr Beatriz Garcia will identify trends that started more than a century ago and still influence event-led cultural regeneration across the globe.
All lectures take place in 502 Teaching Hub, Lecture Theatre 2, 150 Mount Pleasant, L3 5TR, with the opportunity to ask questions after. Advance booking is recommended. To secure your spot, visit: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/arts/events/public-lecture-series-2019-20/