‘The Speculative Space of Galleries, Libraries, Archives and Museums’ is a network of scholars, curators, artist and activists with a shared interest in exploring critical ground that exists between science fiction (sf) and Gallery, Library, Archive and Museum (GLAM) spaces and collections. Led by Amy Brookes and Megen de Bruiin-Molé, this project considers depictions of GLAM spaces in sf media, existing collections and exhibitions which contain sf media, and sf as a creative practice for engagement and critical reflection within GLAM spaces, looking to the imaginative futures and alternate presents of sf to critically reflect on the futures of these spaces and institutions.
Details of the project so far can be found here: https://speculativespace.wordpress.com/
We have been exploring these issues through creative workshops where we gather and discuss these themes through small acts of making. We have found that the creative aspect of these workshops supports imaginative and constructive discussion. Participants do not need to prepare anything in advance, or have any previous experience in making or creative practice.
Our next workshop will be held on Thursday the 16th of July in God’s House Tower in Southampton running from 10am – 1pm. We are hoping that this session will involve discussions of curatorial practices, as well as further small acts of making to directly engage with the project materials. We also have provisional details for subsequent workshops in Glasgow and the Highlands, and we will email with further details as they are confirmed.
If you are interested, we would ask you to please sign up using this Google doc:
If participants are self-employed, unwaged, freelance, or on an academic contract which does not cover research time we do have some funding to cover travel costs and provide a small bursary for your time. While this would not reflect the true value of your time, we hope it will mitigate any financial burden of attendance.
Each workshop will be running both in-person and online. Please choose the option which suits your needs best. They will have a maximum capacity of 10-15 people and will be two hours in duration, with an optional one hour introduction/visit to the host institution’s collection. While we endeavour to make these events as accessible as possible, if you have any specific access needs for attending in-person or online please do let us know.
It is our hope that these workshops continue to be a joyful opportunity to meet other scholars and practitioners to foster sustained connections and collaborations. We are keen to ensure that the workshops prioritise and support the involvement of emerging scholars and practitioners, and those who have been historically marginalised by these institutions or spaces. We would very warmly welcome any further suggestions you might have for individuals or groups who would be interested in this project.
The Speculative Space of Galleries, Libraries, Archives and Museums is currently supported by a BA / Leverhulme Small Research Grant [SRG25/250355].
Annie Jael Kwan 