Ticket Alert: The British Academy's Summer Showcase Returns This July

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Last Updated 13 June 2024

Ticket Alert: The British Academy's Summer Showcase Returns This July

This is a sponsored article on behalf of The British Academy.

For two days this July, you're invited to step inside the British Academy, and learn about the latest social sciences and humanities research that's shaping our world.

The British Academy's Summer Showcase is a free event, open to everyone and spanning talks, performances, workshops, screenings and exhibitions. Topics range from homelessness to migration to archaeology to the history of sunscreen.

It begins with a relaxed late on Friday evening (5pm-8pm), where highlights include a dance duet, performed together by two dancers — despite the fact that they're miles apart in separate locations. The show offers an insight into the latest motion capture streaming technology, and you're invited to try out the software yourself after the performance.

Also on Friday night, catch BAFTA-winning filmmaker, Professor David Olusoga Hon FBA in conversation with broadcast journalist Zeinab Badawi, exploring the UK's history of migration. Badawi also gives a quick-fire introduction to her new book, An African History of Africa: From the Dawn of Humanity to Independence, one of several 10 Minute Talks on the programme.

Saturday's a family-friendly day with an eclectic programme. Those 10-minute talks continue: the health benefits of litter-picking; the importance of music in pubs; what newspapers can tell us about attitudes towards people with autism — offering an insight into current research in these areas.

Alternatively, get your teeth into longer discussions with Guardian journalist Gary Younge about the literature that's influenced his life, and The British Academy's own Chief Executive Hetan Shah about whether the media is broken. Plus, disability activist and broadcaster Dr Shani Dhanda joins an 'ask the experts' panel on how to fix the UK housing crisis.

Keen to get more hands-on? Take part in an interactive workshop about women's role in bookbinding, where you can create your own notepad to take home, or make a pinch-pot with clay while learning about the material's history. Other workshops include exploring the fascinating world of voice cloning, and how financial markets work. Whatever your interests, you'll find something to suit you: have a browse of the programme and get booking.

Exhibits running throughout the Showcase include a series of interactive activities focusing on the medical, commercial, and cultural histories of sun protection from the 18th-20th centuries, as well a deep dive into what it's like to experience homelessness

The Summer Showcase is also a chance to get inside the British Academy's building — including viewing its collection of contemporary British art, with works by Paula Rego, Yinka Shonibare and Terry Frost, among others. A brand new artwork by Guyanese-British sculptor Hew Locke OBE will be on public display for the first time too, with a chance to hear from the artist.

The British Academy Summer Showcase 2024 takes place Friday 12-Saturday 13 July. It's free — book your tickets in advance.