Exhibitors announced for the British Academy Summer Showcase 2019

Today the British Academy announces the 15 humanities and social sciences research projects chosen to exhibit at its annual Summer Showcase, a free festival of ideas for curious minds, to take place on 21-22 June in the Academy’s central London home.

After the inaugural British Academy Summer Showcase in 2018 attracted 1,750 visitors, the British Academy will once again throw open the doors of its Regency building and gardens, as 15 researchers from across the UK and beyond present their work through hands-on activities, performances, interactive displays and talks.

For example, visitors will be able to:

• try their hand at the sorts of tasks that led the earliest humans to develop the first very stone tools

• explore how 3D printing is changing lives, at work and at home

• experience sensory electronic art produced by indigenous Brazilian communities in collaboration with non-indigenous artists, including ‘playing’ a net to hear ‘the voice of the sea

• investigate how creative, food-themed activities can promote wellbeing and life skills, empowering and engaging marginalised groups, including homeless people

• discover objects that were collected and prized by Renaissance Italian elites, and what they can tell us about diplomacy, trade, and cultural exchange during this period.

In addition to the interactive exhibits designed by the academics we fund, visitors will also be treated to lively pop-up talks and performances.The Summer Showcase helps to demystify academic research and demonstrate the importance of the humanities and social sciences.

The British Academy Summer Showcase is free to attend, and open 10am-4pm on Friday 21 and 11am-5pm on Saturday 22 June. There will also be a Summer Showcase late-night view on Friday 21 June (6.30-9pm), offering evening visitors the chance to enjoy exclusive talks and performances over a drink at the bar – programme details will be announced in May. 

Meanwhile, hundreds of young students will enjoy a free Summer Showcase Schools Day on 21 June, featuring interactive activities, talks and performance. The day will be curated by broadcaster Dan Snow, who will be welcoming special guests to join him in conversation, including the author, presenter and research scientist Professor Lewis Dartnell; archaeologist and broadcaster Raksha Dave and historian Professor Sarah Churchwell.