One day, ten deaths: a talk by Gary Younge

Another Day in the Death of America is a book by award-winning journalist Gary Younge.

For his book he picked one day in America at random (23/11/2013) and looked at the number of deaths by shootings on that day.

His research found that 10 people had been shot on that one day, yet not a single one made national news.

In his book he looks past the usual take of expressing extreme amounts of sympathy to the victims, but instead looks at how the average American can become a powerless victim. He does not focus on gun control, but what happens to a country when there is no gun control.

On Tuesday 27th February, Gary will be attending cultural exchanges festival to talk about his book. He will be speaking in the Clephan building, room 3.03 from 6:00 to 7:00. To see him Book tickets here (ticket numbers limited).

To read more about his book click here.

M.J. Dickinson

Be inspired by the Demon Crew!

Come along to this free event and take inspiration from DMU's final-year Creative Writing students as they treat you to readings from their latest work. This event will showcase the remarkable potential of young writers as they launch their publications projects and is an exciting opportunity to see what the next generation of authors has to offer.

Over their degree course, students develop their craft by practicing a range of craft techniques, and their final year projects represent the culmination of their efforts. Prepare to be impressed, for the skill they demonstrate is truly impressive. You may even get the chance to purchase a copy of your favorite
piece!

For a chance to experience young creativity at its best, book your free tickets here.


L Robertson

Fine art for sale!

Every year De Montfort University holds a fine art auction. This is an exciting opportunity to purchase some fine pieces of art work from current students and recent graduates.

Previous years have showcased work in a huge range of different mediums including digital print, oils on foamboard and even acrylic and LED light boxes.

 

Artist: Catherine Keen. Piece: Residue, 2012

With such a delicious and peculiar mix of varied materials, I for one will not be missing out on a chance to be the first to purchase some spectacular works in this year’s auction. Taking place on Monday 26^th February from 6:30pm this year’s work will be shown in the brand-new Vijay Patel building, room 4.05 and the Fletcher Suite.    

Not only is admission free but, as a glorious bonus, all funds raised will go to the student Degree Show catalogue fund. Win Win! See you there!


Mary Roberts

Taking over the world

"Breaking Bread: a dinner to hatch plans and take over the world"

My eyes are instantly drawn to the title and my interest is piqued. I should advise you that the world take-over probably isn't today. But there is a chance to sit down and meet new people while discussing interesting topics. I don't want to miss out. Ane by the way, there is also free food!

Of all of the cultural exchange events this one intrigues me most. Living in today's society it is important that we dare to have conversations with people who might have different views from us or who come from different backgrounds. This is a way we can learn more than we expected and encounter new knowledge and ideas. 

The event's focus is on LGBTQ folk, Women folk, Invisible Dis/ability folk and BAME folk. It seems like a good mix of learning in a safe space as well as coming out to have a good time. I looking forward to meeting new and interesting people who can, I hope, teach me something and, of course, an evening of fun.

If you want to learn more about this event, which takes place tonight, click here.


Rebecka Nakell

Josette Simon - in pursuit of the truth

“I like pursuing the truth and the exploration of human nature – that’s what I really love.” So said multi-award-winning actor Josette Simon, on her role as Shakespeare's Cleopatra in a Guardian interview last year.

“The only person who does her justice and seems to understand there is so much more to her than a bewitching enchantress is Shakespeare," Simon added." This is not just a play about passion, it’s a play about politics – and she’s as much a player in the political narrative as Octavius or Antony." 

With any luck, Simon will talk more about her sense of this and other roles when she's in conversation at De Montfort University's Cultural Exchanges Festival tonight.

Simon seems to be the kind of actor who has a hands-on approach for all the work she does. At Central School of Speech and Drama she was warned by the principal not to expect to get the classic roles because of her skin colour. This didn't deter her. Instead it inspired her to work harder than anybody and made her excel at those very roles.

If you're quick - and lucky - you might still get a ticket to see her tonight. Book here.


Regina Toth

Don't forget the fringes

Headline Acts:
- Jazzie B!
I do like Soul II Soul.
- Gary Younge!
Hmm, interesting journalism.
- Josette Simon!
Oh BOY, some SHAKESPEARE.

I booked all three.
But in my excitement, I'd neglected to consider the fringe events: the ones I knew little about. I looked further, and found:

CLAIRE FOX (FESTIVAL FRINGE EVENT) FREE SPEECH ON CAMPUS?

This question seemed to be addressed to me personally.


The event offers a discussion between Dr Greg Scorzo and Claire Fox, Director of the Institute of Ideas, on the rise of safe spaces and trigger warnings.

Booked.

Most appealing about this event is its potential for discussion. I'm sure there will be many audience members armed and ready to debate. But that's great! This is one of those topics that requires people to share opinions and experiences. How else can we educate each other?

As someone who's currently undecided on the subject, I look forward to finding out more and forming an opinion. I chose this event for its potential to make me think, and I believe all of us, at DMU and elsewhere, should consider that when booking.

So don't just book what you know you will enjoy. Book something that might challenge you!

Learn more about Cultural Exchanges. Click here



Araminta Jürgen-Romrig

A Festival of Discovery

The Cultural Exchanges Festival organized by De Montfort University is a great occasion and way of discovering more about writers, publishers, actors or even YouTube stars. As a creative writer, I've signed up for a range of events including the Demon Crew, Kizuna Dance and Imogen Sutton on 'Daughters of De Beauvoir.' 

Why not come and have a look for yourself and see what you think? Most events are free or very cheap, and those taking part include journalist Gary Younge,  actor Josette Simon, TV presenter Anne Davies, script-writer Vinay Patel and many more.

It's an opportunity to pursue your interests - or find interests you never knew you had. You can book tickets here.

Solene Fleming