Saturday 14 June 2025  

In an age dominated by environmental crises, what is the future of making? It is clear that we cannot justify continuing to extract the planet’s dwindling resources and create objects which neither last, nor can be recycled; and so, as a species, we must find a new, sustainable way to exist, or face extinction. Key to this development is a consideration of materials and processes of making. This applies to the arts as much as any other sphere of human activity, and this one-day symposium at Messums West takes art as a starting point to explore new materials and new ways of making that could shape our futures.

We have invited artists, designers, makers, researchers and institutional representatives to talk on and discuss how they are thinking about materiality in the 21st century. The day will be split into three parts; the first focusing on new and exciting research into materials which are beginning to be harnessed to re-shape the fabric of the human-made world. The second explores design and making, considering techniques – modern and historic – which are being adopted to create a more sustainable culture of manufacture and consumption. Lastly, we will think about the art world and the artists who are leading the charge in championing sustainable making practices, thinking about ephemerality and permanence.

A link to access the talk will be emailed to those booking an online ticket before the event.