Watershed

I am so proud of Jo Lansdowne and so excited by what this award means for her and for Watershed. They dont usually give money out like this to arts and culture organisations - or to non academics. The grant is a testament to the research culture Jo has established and her leadership in this space. Bring on a Carrier Bag Theory of Innovation.

I am super excited to share that I am one of the new UK Research and Innovation Future Leaders Fellows. I've been awarded a cool £1.5m to lead a piece of work I care deeply about. Creative practitioners have the potential to make extraordinary change; to develop technologies for a healthier, wealthier, more just future. But too often brilliant ideas that emerge at the margins fall through the gaps. My fellowship, called A Carrier Bag Theory of Innovation in reference to Ursula Le Guin’s 1986 essay, will develop systems of support that enable marginalised creative technology practitioners to succeed. I'll be working with our extraordinary Pervasive Media Studio residents, colleagues at Watershed and a brilliant team including Erinma Ochu and Simon Moreton from the Digital Cultures Research Centre, Sam Howey Nunn and simon johnson at Free Ice Cream and Rachel Coldicutt of Careful Industries. Thanks to them for their ideas so far, I can't wait to get going. And also to Nema Hart at Arts Council England, Nona Hunter at West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, Dr Damian Whittard at The Brunel Centre, Alison Davis with her crack team University of the West of England and a host of good folk at University of Bristol who supported my application. Special appreciation to Erinma Ochu, Clare Reddington and duncan speakman a phenomenal trio of love and challenge who got me here. And to Jon Aitken for taking photos of me that I don't hate. https://lnkd.in/eAmFwSTe

Catching up on CAF's recent Corporate Giving Report which talks about how expectations of businesses are changing. Employees and customers increasingly expect organisations to play a greater role in addressing social challenges. At a time where costs are rising and less and less people can afford to give, corporate giving is so, so important for charities. The report shares that: - When giving becomes part of how an organisation works there are benefits across culture and performance. A more consistent approach helps organisations build credibility and trust when stakeholders can see a clear link between values and action. - 75% of people feel more favourable toward companies they can see doing good in their local area. - 68% of private sector employees would like their employer to give to charity. - Young people feel more positive about companies that do good. - Companies that give more to their communities, gain more in the long term. But we know it isn't always easy! It's been a fantastic start to our Values Circle - Watershed's partnership programme that works with companies seeking to reimagine the world and the way they work. It gives corporates the opportunity not only to support a much-loved cultural charity, but also to engage in our sector leading work on social and climate justice, creativity and technology. https://lnkd.in/etwZQXyG If you'd like to hear more, do drop me a message. ☕ 😊

🚀 Introducing the Radius Open Forum Series 🚀 Radius is excited to launch a new programme of online Open Forums designed to support those presenting and exhibiting immersive work, while also providing valuable insights for producers and artists as they develop their work and touring plans. Each 90-minute session includes a 30-minute presentation from Radius partners, followed by a 60-minute open conversation where participants can ask questions, share experiences and exchange knowledge. 📅 First event: 4 November 2026 | 11:00am–12:30pm (London Time) Front of House, Ticketing & Audience Care: ✅ Front of House practice for immersive experiences ✅ How staff are trained and supported ✅ Ticketing approaches ✅ Dos and don'ts for audience care Amy Rose (Radius Member and Undershed's Lead Curator) will also introduce new resources for venues offered by Radius on these subjects. Book your place 🔗 4 November 2026 – Front of House, Ticketing & Audience Care https://lnkd.in/eXEPh8fP 📅 Coming up next: 19 January 2027 | 11:30am–1:00pm (London Time) Accessibility Best Practice in Immersive Exhibition Installation & Presentation https://lnkd.in/e78RaTeu Stay tuned for future events in the Radius Open Forum series or register your interest via our Expression of Interest form to be the first to hear about upcoming sessions. All sessions are recorded and shared for future reference. Radius' partners: Abi Fitzgerald and David Massey (Canolfan Mileniwm Cymru | Wales Millennium Centre) Lee Nicholls and Niki Harman (Broadway Cinema) Maitreyi Maheshwari (FACT Liverpool) Radius is a project led by Watershed and funded by Arts Council England #ImmersiveArts #ImmersiveAudiences #CulturalVenues #Accessibility #KnowledgeSharing #VisitorExperience #ImmersiveExhibition #CreativeTechnology #ArtsAndCulture #ImmersiveTouring

Today we are happy to share an article written by Victoria Tillotson, Head of Talent Development at Watershed / Pervasive Media Studio to launch 'Making the World Differently', a report by Frazer Meakin, who spent ten months as a MyWorld - Bristol Bath Fellow. The article reflects on our work with young people by exploring how they can access opportunities in the sector. Read the article: https://lnkd.in/ewMwtVWi  Read the report: https://lnkd.in/eYjqW4t4 Image credit: Charley Williams

I can’t recommend going to see Derek vs Derek enough! Such a brilliant, funny and clever way to explore the importance of rewilding and rewetting British farmland. The film is genuinely hilarious, but it also tells a much bigger story about biodiversity, the food chain and just how much wildlife we’ve lost through intensive farming practices. It really made me think about how little wildlife we see when travelling through the British countryside, and how much we’ve come to accept that as normal. Derek Gow is an absolute legend, and I loved every minute of this film. A brilliant reminder of what our landscapes could look like if we gave nature the space to thrive again. 🌱 Team #MakeWetlandsWetAgain always! Watershed

❤️ Love is beautiful ♥️ and I'm feeling a tad misty eyed looking back at Watersheds Weddings that we were privileged to be a part of this year! Discover more about our wedding services, overlooking Bristol harbourside on our website - https://lnkd.in/ef9rVvnW #Bristol #BristolWeddings #Weddings

October has just begun and we have a jam-packed seasonal blog in store for you. We’re sharing immersive events and experiences you can see and get involved in across the UK which includes many from our funded projects. Read our blog here: https://lnkd.in/e-vMbtUd Sara Al Ghanem María Cuervo Aoi + Esteban: AΦE Natalia Mamcarczyk ilā Kamalagharan XR Diversity Initiative Vidal Montgomery Cryptic Belfast International Arts Festival Belfast XR Festival Deepa Mann-Kler Belfast Media Festival Foyle Film Festival Nerve Centre Canolfan Mileniwm Cymru | Wales Millennium Centre

Do you work solo but crave the clichés of the Office Christmas Party? If you’re a freelancer, solo creative or otherwise self-employed and miss the annual excuse to clock off, dress up and let loose, our Freelancer Christmas Party's for you! With a DJ Set by local legend GAROËSS to help you shake off the year that was 2026, your ticket also includes a welcome drink and festive street food (Spiced pulled pork baps, with stuffing and apple sauce or, vegan jackfruit option) from our Festive Menu. Join us Fri 11 Dec 19:00. https://lnkd.in/gpDE_4Yn