9 March – 17 April 2016
The David Attenborough Building
Wednesday – Sundays, 10am – 5pm
New Museums Site, University of Cambridge, CB2 3QZ
An art commission by the University of Cambridge
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The University of Cambridge presents an exhibition of new works by Ackroyd & Harvey at the David Attenborough Building. The artists have been awarded a major public art commission in response to the redevelopment of the iconic brutalist building designed originally by Arup. Following a period of consultation with the Department of Zoology, Museum of Zoology and the Cambridge Conservation Initiative, Ackroyd & Harvey initiated a series of works that addresses the interdependence between the partners who inhabit the David Attenborough Building and focuses on the links between fundamental biology, global conservation, the Museum’s collections and human ecologies.
This is the first showing of work by Ackroyd & Harvey in Cambridge and includes a mixed-media living artwork, a twin-screen film projection, a large-scale wall text and an existing sculptural work – a 6m long crystallised whale skeleton. Two large-scale permanent works composed of intensively layered slate are currently being installed at the Corn Exchange and New Museum entrances to the building.
The redevelopment of the David Attenborough Building has been designed by Nicholas Hare Architects and is home to the Cambridge Conservation Initiative and the University Museum of Zoology. This pioneering relationship celebrates the advancement of research, practice and public engagement with the natural world and protection of biodiversity. It houses over 500 academics, practitioners and students from the University and the Cambridge Conservation Initiative partner organisations.
Ackroyd & Harvey in conversation with CCI’s John Fanshawe
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Ackroyd & Harvey: Conversation on Conservation
17 March 2016, 1pm
Ackroyd & Harvey in conversation with Professor Andrew Balmford (Conservation Science, Dept. of Zoology) and Anastasiya Timoshyna (Programme Leader, Medicinal Plants, TRAFFIC.). Themes: challenges and benefits of conservation, biodiversity loss, frontline field successes.
Booking needed: rsvp@conflictedseeds.com
24 March 2016, 1pm
Ackroyd & Harvey in conversation with David Gill (Programme Leader, Fauna & Flora International/Global Trees Campaign) and Dr. Tony Whitten (Regional Manager, SE Asia, Fauna & Flora International). Themes: why trees matter, interdependence of nature, diversity of wildlife and threats posed.
Booking needed: rsvp@conflictedseeds.com
7 April 2016, 1pm
Ackroyd & Harvey in conversation with Professor Rebecca Kilner (Evolutionary Biology, Department of Zoology) and Dr. Roz Wade (Interpretation and Learning, Museum of Zoology). Themes: natural selection, education and evolution, adaptation in a changing world.
Booking needed: rsvp@conflictedseeds.com
12 March, 19 March, 2nd April 2016
All tours begin at 2pm.
Booking needed: rsvp@conflictedseeds.com
16 April 2016
Soapbox Saturday Event, 2pm