We’re delighted to announce the online launch of facing Extinction, a publication produced in collaboration with partners at University of Leeds and Manchester Museum, part of The University of Manchester. It features new writing by Daisy Hildyard and Anna Souter, reflecting on human and non-human perspectives, a reflective text by Dominic O’Key and foreword by Lara Eggleton and Stefan Skrimshire.
In the absence of a live launch, we’d love to hear your thoughts or reflections on Twitter, using #facingExtinction
facing Extinction draws on the Voicing Silence residency led by Liverpool-based artist Laurence Payot, culminating in a holographic video installation exploring the emotional impact of biodiversity loss. Originally designed to engage visitors to Manchester Museum, the COVID-19 lockdown led to an online workshop programme with collaborating artists Scott Farlow, Jon Hughes, Laura Spark, Stacey Atkinson and Mark Hilditch, involving over 150 participants in the summer of 2020.
Alongside newly commissioned writing, facing Extinction features artwork by workshop attendees, including two groups of refugees and asylum seekers invited through Manchester City of Sanctuary and Welcome to English (Hull), home-educated children, families and other members of the public invited through an open call.
The microsite was designed by Piper Haywood and Ashleigh Armitage (dust design collective), following a limited-edition print version posted to 150 international recipients in November 2020.