The programme of events for the ARCadia Festival of Ideas, the two-week long festival celebrating the opening of the Mazumdar Shaw ARC, has been launched.  

Colleagues, students and members of the public are invited to more than 65 events over two weeks, featuring brass bands, a retro video game arcade, comedy and drag shows, an outdoor ceilidh, art exhibits, a virtual reality celebration of Robert Burns, and much more. 

ARCadia runs from Friday 16 September until Friday 30 September and includes movie screenings, comedy shows and live music for an adult audience. On the opening night, the atrium will be transformed into a cinema for a screening of 90s classic ‘Mars Attacks!’, followed by a discussion with scientists working on Martian research. 

Many events in the festival feature are hosted by members of the University community and visitors can learn about quantum technologies, ultrasound, social robots, gender inequality in STEM, African film, fake news, blood borne virus research, the art of Whistler, Colombian river stories, dementia, the return of salmon to the river Clyde, healthy ageing, and palliative care.  

Local community groups will contribute, including childrens’ storytelling sessions curated by The Children’s Wood, hands-on stalls from Partick Community Growing Project and The Annexe Healthy Living Centre. Music collective Hen Hoose will curate an evening of music for the closing night. 

The ARC will also platform voices from communities who are underserved or underrepresented in universities, with events involving the Maryhill Integration Network, local charities, and the Africa in Motion Film Festival. There will also be events led by LGBTQ+ and Gypsy, Traveller, Roma, Showmen and Boater communities. 

ARCadia Festival Manager Dr Zara Gladman said: “The ARC is a stunning new building but it’s the people who will bring it to life. ARCadia is an invitation to the whole community to get involved, and this is reflected in our diverse programme. At ARCadia you can meet a cute robot, watch comedy and drag, dip into the latest health research, explore virtual reality and even dance in an outdoor ceilidh.   

“Many events are being led in partnership with groups outside of the University, from charities to local businesses and artists. The ARC is a new focal point for Glasgow to come together, share ideas and shape the future of the research happening here. ARCadia is just the beginning - and I hope to see you there!” 

To view the full ARCadia programme and book tickets, visit glasgow.ac.uk/arcadia  

First published: 25 August 2022

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