Bidston Observatory Artistic Research Centre

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

25 November 2023

Bidston Observatory now houses an Artistic Research Centre, however research work which used to happen here was in the Natural Earth Sciences: important Astronomical, Meteorological and Oceanographic research was conducted at Bidston. This year, we will be running our usual guided tours, and in addition, we will hold a presentation and creative workshops for families with small children.

The presentation will be on the crossovers between the creative work which now happens at the artistic research centre, and the different types of scientific research which happened over the years at Bidston. This talk is for history buffs, people interested in science and in the arts! The presentation will be 30 mins, with a Q&A afterwards.

The creative workshops will give each group a little arts project on the history of the building, activating one room in the building like artists do when they come here! The workshops are 1 hour long.

Donations welcome on the day!

Public Tour of Bidston Observatory, HECS

visit external event site

Guided Tours:

Saturday 9th September 2023: 12:00
Saturday 9th September 2023: 13:00
Saturday 9th September 2023: 14:00
Sunday 10th September 2023: 12:00
Sunday 10th September 2023: 13:00
Sunday 10th September 2023: 14:00
Saturday 16th September 2023: 12:00
Saturday 16th September 2023: 13:00

Creative Workshop for Families

Saturday 9th September 2023: 15:00
Sunday 10th September 2023: 15:00

Wirral Heritage Presentation

Saturday 16th September 2023: 14:00

Book your free tickets via Eventbrite here:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/bidston-observatory-artistic-research-centre-25121700497

Booking is essential.

Please note: Accessing the whole building includes some uneven floors and many stairs. Unfortunately there is limited disabled access; however for people who use chairs, or have limited mobility, the ground floor is accessible. All bodies are welcome to join.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an artistic research centre?

In the arts, just like in the sciences, research is conducted in the process of making or experimenting. Practitioners take time, and focus attention on the way that they conduct their practice – however it fits into a discipline, or sits outside many. The process of doing research in the arts varies greatly, and there is no one methodology which applies to all. This artistic research centre is a space where people can come to explore different methods of working, have time for reflection, and get feedback from other practitioners.

What do you mean by self-organising?

The stewards are here to support the building and its resources. The building and its resources are here to support you and your work. While the project is all about trying to make things possible, stewards are already fully occupied with administration and practicalities and can not be expected to support the needs of your personal practice too.

Why is it only possible to stay for a minimum of two nights?

It’s not possible for people to stay for one night only, as this tends to take away from the community’s resources rather than add to it - not to mention the extra laundry costs!

Why is it only possible to stay for a maximum of one month?

In order for this resource to be shared by multiple different groups and individuals, stay is capped at one month. This keeps the space flowing and stops areas becoming territorialised unintentionally. As this is a study site, it is not possible to just live here, though we understand study takes many different forms and doesn’t always appear “productive”.

Why is there a sliding scale?

Many of the decisions we make here at BOARC focus on keeping this resource available for practitioners. The sliding scale helps us to offer a subsidised rate to people who would benefit.

Why is it important to read the values?

through the values carefully and make a decision for themselves about whether they feel aligned. It is not important to share all of these values exactly as they are written, but you should be aware that this is an actively anti-racist, anti-ableist, intersectional feminist site, and there are accountability guidelines in place here for users, stayers, stewards and organisers alike.[Link to values here]