Art + Astronomy

About

Dr Marek Kukula and Dr Joanna Griffin exchange ideas and discuss issues around the science of space and the night sky in relation to visual art. Part of Fermynwoods' Free Exchange programme, this event is made possible with support from Northamptonshire Community Foundation and Arts Council England.

Dr Marek Kukula is a Public Astronomer at Greenwich Royal Observatory, part of a team of outreach specialists focused on engaging with the public. Marek recieved his PhD in Radio Astronomy from Jodrell Bank Observatory, he has conducted research into galaxies and black holes for a number of institutions including Space Telescope Science Institute, site of the Hubble Space Telescope. In 2015 Marek co-curated the exhibition "dark frame/deep field", an exhibition of contemporary art and vintage NASA photographs; he was also a key speaker at "Are we darkened by light?", a conference at Tate Modern on light, energy and dark matter.

Dr Joanna Griffin is a multidisciplinary artist and researcher who completed her Doctorate in 2014 with Transtechnology Research at Plymouth University. Much of her doctoral work was based in Bangalore, India where she developed her project Moon Vehicle in response the launch of India’s Chandrayaan-1 Moon mission. She has taught at University of Southampton, University of Wolverhampton and also at Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology. She has been commissioned by Arts Catalyst on a number of occasions and in 2006/7 recieved an Arts Council Fellowship at NASA Space Sciences Lab, UC Berkeley.

Opportunities for open discussion between the speakers and the public will also be available. Booking is essential spaces are limited:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/art-astronomy-tickets-25545373901

If you can't attend in person, follow the livestream and contribute to the discussion on Twitter:

fermynwoods.co.uk/current-programme/free-exchange/discussions/live-stream

Join the conversation:
@fermynwoods
#TheFreeExchange

Booking and Travel

Please book a place before your arrival as there is a limited number of spaces for public attendance.

Newton Field Centre is a converted limestone church and might be tricky to find for those who have not visited before so we suggest planning your journey.

Visitors arriving by car: The village of Newton is located between Corby and Kettering on Newton Road which is accessible by both the A43. Once you reach the village  look for signage and follow the lane right to the end where there is parking.

Visitors arriving by public transport: If you are a travelling by train we recommend booking a taxi service from Corby Rail Station to the venue.