Fracking and the imagination: Scraping the barrel or saving the day?
A public forum of science, art and politics (Admission/participation free)
Convened by Adrian Plant and Kelvin Mason in collaboration with the Department of Geography and Earth Sciences
In the light of Ceredigion becoming the first frack-free local authority in Wales, we ask: what does that mean? What is the science and technology of fracking? Where is energy policy made and contested? And how do we imagine fracking: how do we experience it emotionally and so represent the process and its effects? Extreme energy technologies such as fracking could shape the physical, human and cultural geography of the future. This forum brings together scientists, activists and artists to participate in a public depiction of fracking.
Forum programme
9.30 – 10 Registration (cinema foyer)
10 – 11.30 Session 1 (cinema): Fracking and the Anthropocene
In the anthropocene, the era when human activity is reputed to be the dominant force of/over nature, this session considers the science of fracking and the responses of some citizens and artists to extreme energy.
Fracking 101: ‘Geology, technology and climate’
Professor Stephen Tooth (20 minutes)
Department of Geography and Earth Sciences, Aberystwyth University
Introducing extreme energy technologies and their impacts on the Earth.
Energy and environment: two artists’ perspectives
Jessica Lloyd-Jones and Ant Dickson (25 minutes)
Merging art, science and technology, Jessica Lloyd-Jones' energy inspired sculpture
and installations manipulate materials and light to reveal new perspectives on the
world in which we live. In his sound works Ant Dickson uses unconventional instrumentation and digital practices, integrating elements of improvisation, indeterminism and mechanics.
Bodies on the line: Physically contesting energy policy
Participants in Borras and Holt Community Protection Camp (Wrexham) in conversation with Kelvin Mason (20 mins): What’s it like to camp out all winter as a protest, be forcibly evicted, and start again? Why develop sustainable living practices in the camp? Why learn Welsh...
Cross-questioning and discussion (25 mins)
Julian Ruddock (Chair) asks participants in Session 1 to articulate the compelling questions they have for each other before inviting questions and contributions from the audience.
11.30 – 12 Tea/coffee/comfort break
12 – 1.30 Session 2 (cinema): Engagement: people, politics and art
Fracking in Wales: devolution and alternative energy pathways
Gareth Clubb, FoE Cymru (30 minutes)
Is the Welsh Government’s moratorium on planning bids the end of fracking in Wales? When is a moratorium not a moratorium? Who makes decisions on energy projects in Wales?
Extreme energy as a human rights issue
Damien Short, University of London (30 minutes)
What is the impact of extreme energy production on human rights to water, food, health and freedom of expression and association, and indigenous people’s rights?
(Re)Framing (Re)Thinking (Re)Imagining the Environment
Ariana Jordao and Rosie Leach in conversation with Avi Allen (30mins): Bringing together insights from the arts and research about communications, this session will encourage personal and collective reflection on how we feel, talk and think about fracking and wider environmental discourse.
1.30 – 2.15 Lunch
2.15 – 3.45 Session 3 (cinema): Gaslands or pastures green(er)?
Panel discussion
Mark Whitehead (Chair) reflects on the forum, introduces short presentations by panelists, and opens the discussion to questions and contributions from the audience.
Panelists: Damien Short, Gareth Clubb, Alun Williams (Ceredigion County Council), Nicki Wilkins (Frack Free Wales); Julian Ruddock (Visual Artist).
7.30 onwards
The imaginary market-place (Round Theatre)
Will a market-place appear, bursting with stalls for environmental organisations, artists, galleries, think-tanks, media and cultural forums? Explore this space.
The F-Word Café (upstairs bar) music from Quercus Burlesque, The Hittites, Mark Morgan, and Côr Gobaith
Explore fracking and forum participants:
Stephen Tooth https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/iges/staff/academic-staff/set/
Jessica Lloyd-Jones http://jessicalloyd-jones.com/
Ant Dickson http://www.antdickinson.co.uk/
Borras and Holt Community Protection Camp
https://www.facebook.com/groups/855723537795460/
Julian Ruddock http://cargocollective.com/artscienceclimatechange
Friends of the Earth Cymru http://www.foe.co.uk/cymru/english/cymru_english.html
Avi Allen (Capel Y Griaig) http://capelygraig.wordpress.com
Ariana Jordao http://cambridgesustainabilityresidency.com/2014/03/26/ariana-jordao/
Rosie Leach http://www.greenstagetheatre.co.uk/wp/about-2/
Damien Short (Extreme Energy initiative) http://extremeenergy.org/
Mark Whitehead (Placing the Anthropocene) https://anthropocenedotcom.wordpress.com/
Frack Free Wales http://www.frackfreewales.org/
Quercus Burlesque http://quercusburlesque.weebly.com/
The Hittites https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Hittites/159887754024208
Côr Gobaith https://corgobaith.wordpress.com/
