Microbiome Innovation Centre takes part in community art project
Dr Thomas Willmott, a postdoctoral researcher within the University of Liverpool’s Microbiome Innovation Centre, recently took part in a programme of participatory art events exploring intersections between microbiomes, fermentation, political and personal empowerment and human health.
'The Instinct Lab’ a programme developed and delivered by artistic collaboration Unfinished Business, (Leo Kay and Anna Smith) took up residence in Make on the Corner, a community space in Huyton Village, Knowsley from 14th -16th November to facilitate a range of workshops, talks and activities intended to inspire the local community to think creatively about how the microbiome is connected to instinct, intuition and human capacity to make positive change within the world around them.
Tom took part as a resident microbiologist in a panel discussion entitled, “Me, myself and my microbiome”, answering questions on the emergence of microbiome science as a discipline, the relationship between gut microbiota and human health, the gut-brain axis and more. Tom also participated in a range of workshops including making fermented chilli sauce and creating art with kvass – a fermented drink noted rich in probiotics.
Reflecting on the experience, Tom said, “It was a genuine privilege to take part in this project. Opportunities to discuss scientific research so extensively in a non-scientific context are rare and extremely valuable. Often, the most-thought provoking questions come from people outside of your immediate field, and this was certainly the case here. I am very grateful to have had the chance to have shared my own knowledge but also to learn from both the questions and perspectives of others and I hope those who took part learnt something valuable too. I’d like to thank Leo and Anna at Unfinished Business for approaching the MIC and giving us the opportunity to take part.”
Leo Kay, Artistic Director of Unfinished Business, said “The Bakery of Slow ideas (the larger project) and The Instinct Lab, is an ongoing artistic research project which brings together creative, scientific and political concepts surrounding our relationship to nature and the world around us. We approached the Microbiome Innovation Centre as the centralising of new scientific ideas surrounding the microbiome within this project is fundamental to a growing body of knowledge that we are developing collectively: we were over the moon that the MIC could take part and that Tom could join us to share his expertise and perspectives. We are excited at the prospect of continued collaboration as the project continues to evolve”
This collaboration is just one example of the MIC's commitment to meaningful public engagement with diverse audiences. This summer, the centre had a stand at Liverpool's Africa Oyé festival and engaged audiences in a range of interactive activities aimed to stimulate curiosity and wonder about the microbial world. To hear about forthcoming events, follow the MIC on Linkedin. To learn more about Unfinished Business, you can visit their website or follow the project on Instagram @thebakeryofslowideas