Responding, Repairing and Creating Together
About
Hear about the role of creativity and the arts in the aftermath of tragedy, reflecting on experiences after the Grenfell Tower fire and Manchester Arena bombing.
After the Grenfell Tower fire and the Manchester Arena bombing, communities spontaneously came together to share, reflect and heal through collective, creative activity and the creation of spontaneous memorials.
In this conversation, you’ll hear from socially engaged artist and curator Lisa Nash and the University of Manchester’s Dr Robert Simpson, who will share their experiences of the immediate aftermath of those tragedies. They will discuss their emerging research into spontaneous memorials around the world and explore the role of creativity and the arts after such events. Their discussion will include reflections on how a mosaic project gave a community a chance to stand together in solidarity and remembrance and how a song helped to unite a city in the face of collective trauma.
As part of Lisa Nash’s ongoing memorial practice, in collaboration with the Grenfell Foundation, floral tributes left at the base of Grenfell Tower on the eight-year anniversary were carefully preserved and transformed into memorial paper and printing ink. Following the conversation and as we approach the nine-year anniversary of the Grenfell fire on 14th June, Lisa will lead a creative memorial activity using this memorial paper with those who wish to take part.
Please note that this conversation will discuss traumatic incidents and loss. If at any point you feel uncomfortable or need support, you are welcome to step out or speak to a member of staff.
The national tour of Grenfell by Steve McQueen is made possible with support using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England and from Art Fund. Each presentation will be free to visit and will be accompanied by a public engagement programme of talks, workshops and community events supported by the Grenfell Foundation.
If you would like to attend a screening of 'Grenfell' by Steve McQueen on the day, you will need to book a screening separately in advance here.
This event will have BSL interpretation.
Free, booking required
More information about Lisa Nash and Dr Robert Simpson is available on the Bluecoat website.
Date
Sunday 7 June 2026 3:15 PM - 4:30 PM (UTC+01)Location
Bluecoat
School Lane, Liverpool, L1 3BX
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