Growing Cultures Artist Talk

Growing Cultures – Peter Jones and Joanna Hejmej Artist Talk

What is the connection between Stoke-on-Trent and the development of penicillin?
During this informal event, artists Peter Jones and Joanna Hejmej will discuss Growing Cultures – new work created for this year’s British Ceramics Biennial.
 
A visual prompt and starting point for the Growing Cultures project was a culture-growing vessel, made in Stoke-on-Trent and key in enabling the mass production of penicillin. During 2019, Studio Manager Joanne Ayre and BCB Associate Artist Joanna Hejmej worked alongside local education, community and health groups to explore narratives of place and production and reflect on how the current use of antibiotics may impact on our health. For the 2019 British Ceramics Biennial, Peter Jones has created ambitious new work in response to the vessel and myths surrounding early uses of penicillin. 
 
This event is for the general public and will be particularly interesting to people passionate about Stoke-on-Trent’s heritage, the arts and public health. 
  • Peter Jones, will discuss his installation A M R / A Mere Rose, a modern allegory.
  • Joanna Hejmej will show a short film created by filmmaker Thea Stallwood and discuss how Stoke-on-Trent residents responded to the project’s themes. 
Information on antimicrobial resistance and becoming an antibiotic guardian will be available during the British Ceramics Biennial. https://antibioticguardian.com
 
 
Growing Cultures was supported by Burslem Jubilee Group, Haywood Hospital, Sneyd Stroke Rehabilitation Ward, Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, Public Health England, Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Weston Jerwood.