(Un)earthing Soil - A Day of Exploration
Across the world, stories of humankind’s creation were born from soil. It is the giver of life, an abundant universe within a universe full of possibilities. This symposium explores how we can learn from the diverse rhizomatic nature of soil to rethink and reconnect with the land, others and ourselves.
Archived Event
| Dates | Fri 04 Apr 2025 |
| Times | 10.00 - 18.00 |
| Space | Portico Room South Wing |
| Price | Day Pass £40/£30 concessions |
We are honoured to welcome Satish Kumar as our keynote speaker. Peace-pilgrim, life-long activist and former monk, Satish has been inspiring global change for over 50 years. He undertook a pilgrimage for peace, walking for two years without money from India to America for the cause of nuclear disarmament. Now in his 80s, Satish Kumar has devoted his life to campaigning for ecological regeneration and social justice.
As part of the event, we’ve partnered with Café Petiole to offer a special meal deal just for attendees.
Enjoy a delicious sandwich and salad for just £10 – with the option to add sweet treats. See the menu for options available.
To reserve your meal, simply sign up in advance via https://forms.office.com/e/GBj2c4n1AN by Wednesday 02 April.
Payment will be made in person on the day of the event. Availability is limited, so be sure to book early to secure your meal.
Timings
10.00 - 10.00 | Welcomes/Housekeeping - The Land Gardeners
10.20 - 10.50 | Keynote – Satish Kumar
10.50 - 11.00 | Break
11.00 - 12.00 | Session 1: Tending to the Earth’s cycles – an exploration into how we tune into the natural cyclical systems
Speakers: ffin Jordão, Marc-André Selosse and Iman Datoo
Chair: Jennifer Wong
12.00 - 13.15 | Session 2: Nurturing Urban Soils – focussing on London’s soil and its caretakers ranging from community gardening, urban green policy and guerilla activism
Speakers - Land in Our Names, Groundworks, Community Apothecary
Chair: Errol Rueben Fernandes
13.15 - 14.00 | Lunch
14.00 - 15.00 | Session 3: Building Blocks – looking at the material potential of soil across the fashion, architecture and production
Speakers: Chris Bellamy, Takeshi Hayatsu, Felicity Mangan and Materra
Chair: Seetal Solanki
15.00 - 15.30 | Performance Lecture: Ling Tan
16.00 - 16.15 | Break
16.15 - 17.30 | Session 4: Extending our Thinking on Food Systems – looking at microbes, regenerative farming, artistic interventions and zero-waste initiatives
Speakers: Caroline Wahome and Black Farmers Market
Chair: May Rosenthal Sloan
17.30 - 17.45 | Closing Remarks
17.45 - 19.00 | Optional Networking and Drinks with Familia Torres
Presented in collaboration with Gaia Art Foundation, and with support from the World Living Soils Forum by Moët Hennessy
