Creativity, imagination and critical thinking explored in first Festival of Arts and Humanities

28th April 2015

University showcases expertise in a month-long programme of concerts, film screenings, talks and lectures Themes include social and political cultures, sights and sounds, the digital age, place and spaces and thinking about thinking The University of Sheffield is hosting its first Festival of Arts and Humanities with a month-long programme of inspirational events exploring what it means to be creatively and thoughtfully human.

A series of activities across the University and city will delve beneath the surface of literature, films, culture and philosophy between 1 May and 1 June 2015. The programme is structured around five themes promoting social and political cultures, sights and sounds, the digital age, places and spaces and thinking about thinking. From Bollywood cinema to the secrets of ancient woodland in Sheffield, there will be plenty to stir curiosity with discussions, talks and activities. Staff and students from the University's Faculty of Arts and Humanities will be showcasing their expertise throughout the festival. Angie Hobbs, Professor for the Public Understanding of Philosophy, will chair a panel discussion exploring Victorian thinker John Ruskin's ideology in Wealthy City - Rethinking Sheffield's Parks and Public Spaces. Lecturer in Musicology, Dr Dominic McHugh, will share the unheard songs of My Fair Lady after discovering lost manuscripts in 2008, hidden in an uncatalogued collection at the Library of Congress. As well as the University's own experts, it is also welcoming renowned scientist Professor Lord Robert Winston to launch the Department of  Music's new research unit, Music and Wellbeing. Other events include: The Great War Remembered  a tour of the World War One trenches at Redmire, led by archaeologist Helen Ullathorne Death Café  a discussion about death and mortality over tea and cake The Sheffield Animatograph  bringing together film and artefacts to create an installation of Sheffield's collective memory to mark the 70th anniversary of World War Two This is What Articulate Sounds Like  why are some accents perceived as more articulate than others? Film screenings in partnership with the Showroom Cinema will bring thought-provoking theatre to the big screen, while Sheffield playwright Laura Wade will give a question and answer session after a screening of The Riot Club a film version of her acclaimed play, Posh. Professor Jackie Labbe, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, said: -This is Sheffield's first Faculty-wide celebration of the arts and humanities showcasing some of the best and most exciting work of our students and academic staff.  We think there's something for everyone and welcome the University and city community along to its many highlights. To view the full programme, visit www.sheffield.ac.uk/festivalah. For more information, visitwww.twitter.com/festivalah.