Friday Selection Box: 17th December 2021

The January Challenge 2022

64 million artists are running their wonderful programme again.  This year you can choose from

‘We are Human – 31 challenges to explore the senses, the natural world and what makes us human.
We are Culture – 31 challenges to explore our identities, cultures and communities. 
We are Connected – 31 challenges to explore what happens when we create together’

Much better than dieting!

In midwinter

Wisdom from the marvellous Francois Matarasso.

So, in this bleak midwinter, despite the darkness and the circling wolves—or rather, because of them—I will try to take some time. I will try to stop a little, to see where I am and pay attention to the miraculous world. I will try to rest and be a little kinder to myself. I will try to do that because, if I don’t, I won’t be much help in meeting the tasks to come. We all need rest and recovery; now is a good time to find it.

You won’t survive the apocalypse alone

A thoughtful counterpoint to the dystopias of fiction and collapse narratives in popular archaeology.

Most archaeologists now look at situations of “collapse” like these and see flexibility and adaptability. While some things end, other things persist. This continuity can be more impressive and important than the disappearance of certain elements from the archaeological record.

Stereotypes damage us all

Gender stereotypes strike early. From the age of six, children associate traits like ‘intelligence’ with being a boy and ‘niceness’ with being a girl.

Powerful campaign from the Fawcett Society, a reminder that cultural norms are established at an early age – #SmashSterotypes

The Future of Work

I know this time of year is often marks a point of reflection but we also need to be thinking about the future too. Some interesting observations on the future of work by the OECD. It’s important to think about how these factors will influence the creative sectors.

Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2021

Not sure why this came to mind (it’s one of the joys of these selection boxes for me!), perhaps it’s important to have a reminder of our place in the multiverse. I feel like the world could do with some humility at the moment (if this is something that interests you this blog might be helpful). Some of the astronomy images are mesmerising and it’s a wonderful example of the diversity of creativity. Do watch the video if you have time.