(UN)EARTHING SOIL - A DAY OF EXPLORATION

Presented in collaboration with Gaia Art Foundation as part of the public programme for SOIL: The World at Our Feet, this symposium explores how we can learn from the diverse rhizomatic nature of soil to rethink and reconnect with the land, others and ourselves.

We are honoured to welcome Satish Kumar as our keynote speaker. Peace-pilgrim, life-long activist and former monk, Satish has been inspiring global change for over 50 years. He undertook a pilgrimage for peace, walking for two years without money from India to America for the cause of nuclear disarmament. Now in his 80s, Satish Kumar has devoted his life to campaigning for ecological regeneration and social justice.  

10am Welcome/Housekeeping - The Land Gardeners

10.20am Keynote – Satish Kumar

10.50am Break

11am | Session 1: Tending to the Earth’s cycles – an exploration into how we tune into the natural cyclical systems
Speakers: ffin Jordão, Marc-André Selosse and Iman Datoo
Chair: Jennifer Wong  

12pm | Session 2: Nurturing Urban Soils – focussing on London’s soil and its caretakers ranging from community gardening, urban green policy and guerilla activism
Speakers - Land in Our Names, Groundworks, Community Apothecary
Chair: Errol Rueben Fernandes  

1.15pm  Lunch  

2pm | Session 3: Building Blocks – looking at the material potential of soil across the fashion, architecture and production
Speakers: Chris Bellamy, Takeshi Hayatsu, Felicity Mangan and Materra  
Chair: Seetal Solanki  

3pm | Performance Lecture:  Ling Tan  

4pm Break  

4.15pm | Session 4: Extending our Thinking on Food Systems – looking at microbes, regenerative farming, artistic interventions and zero-waste initiatives
Speakers: Caroline Wahome and Black Farmers Market  
Chair:  May Rosenthal Sloan

5.30pm | Closing Remarks  

5.45 - 7pm | Optional Networking and Drinks with Familia Torres

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