The Cultural Engine

CERG Event at Conway Hall London - What is the point of Modern Universities?
2023-09-07 19:00 - 22:00 (Europe/Paris)
A Cultural Engine Research Group Event – Is Toby Young, former non-executive director at the Office for Students, right to denigrate (modern) university provision when he states, ‘why spend three years doing media studies at a second-rate university when you could find a better-paid job after getting a qualification in a skilled occupation at a further education college – and without a debt of £50,000?’
Or should we extend the novelist David Lodge’s defence of pre-92 universities – ‘cathedrals of the modern age [that] shouldn’t have to justify their existence by utilitarian criteria’ – to all institutions, enabling economically deprived students over-represented at ‘second-rate’ ones the opportunity to value education for its own sake?
Join the debate at Conway Hall in London from 7pm. Speakers include Tom Owolade (Writer/Author New Statesman and Unherd), Dr Alka Sehgal Cuthbert (Director of ‘Don’t Divide Us’), Dr Tania Phipps-Rufus (Research & Innovation Lead University of East London), Dr Tony Sampson (Reader in Digital Communications at University of Essex), Carl Hayden-Smith (Associate Professor Media University of East London). Chaired by Dr Andrew Branch (University of East London)
Conway Hall – 25 Red Lion Square London WC1R 4RL

CERG Talk at Royal Geographical Society – 1st September 2023 (2pm)
2023-09-01 14:00 - 16:30 (Europe/Paris)
A Cultural Engine Research Group talk, we will present an initial paper blending interdisciplinary emotion research (from mental health, social psychology and affect theory) and ‘on the ground’ non-academic expertise of delivering local heritage projects in Essex. The ambition will be to influence and impact local policy around levelling-up and pride in place policy. Giles Tofield (Cultural Engine), Tony Sampson (University of Essex), Andrew Branch (University of East London), Ian Tucker (University of East London).

Cherry Orchard Country Park
2023-03-24 19:00 - 21:00 UTC | WI Hall Rochford, West Street
An open session to discuss how future Events and Cultural programming at Cherry Orchard Country Park could support broad engagement with Culture and Heritage. With free food and drinks!
The Cultural Engine are holding an event to discuss the potential for an events programme at Cherry Orchard Country Park, and how this can play a key role in developing the heritage and cultural profile of the Rochford District.
We will have a number of speakers that will focus on the opportunities and share knowledge about Cherry Orchard Country Park. This will be followed by opportunities for anyone attending to share their thoughts, insights, ideas and concerns.
We are keen for anyone that has an interest in the Park to attend and get involved – wherever you live. Please get in contact for more information or if you would like to talk to us beforehand. Please also share with anyone else you think might be interested in attending.
