RSA Newcastle Network Encounter: Newcastles of the World

This February, join the Newcastle Network Encounter for an entertaining and insightful evening with three varied sessions and an opportunity to meet the RSA North Fellowship Councillor.

Newcastle Encounter meets on the third Wednesday of every month, combining bi-monthly social gatherings with themed talks from local Fellows. This month we will delve into Newcastle’s history and culture, and use satire and creative improvisation to explore world issues. 

Sue Wilson CBE FRSA, author of Newcastles of the World - The history, culture and diversity of places called Newcastle:
There are many places named Newcastle around the globe, a number of which mined coal. Some of them have seen spectacular battles. Some have castles more spectacular than Newcastle upon Tyne’s, where the railway was driven brutally through the remaining site. Sue Wilson CBE FRSA will present her new book which explores the family of Newcastles; Neuchatel, Nyborg, Nove Hrady, Neuburg, Shinshiro, and over a hundred others, some of which belong to the 20-year-old Alliance of the Newcastles of the World.

The ImPOXsters - “How to save the world in ten minutes, inconvenient truths about the planet and other important matters”:
This will be a satirical session presented by Tracey Tofield, Dawn Furness and Emma Pace. This explorative part of the evening looks at the value and significance of paradox, creativity, trial and error. They will use music, text, costume and images framed in the format of a performance to educate, inform and entertain. Chocolate dipped strawberries may or may not be provided too!

Tracey Tofield FRSA - performance collective Pox (co-founder):
'Pox is a movable feast of people working, improvising and activating the live moment as part of a working practice as an artist. It also brilliantly demonstrates the significant value satire and humour have in attracting attention, and promoting learning. Human beings look for knowledge, safety and the static within a world of misinterpretations and mistakes, change and uncertainty. It’s not rocket science but it is basically about how creativity can help.'

There will also be the opportunity for attendees to meet the local RSA Fellowship Councillor, Maurice Ward FRSA, to share their views and suggestions. With experience in business, project and arts management, and start-ups in both the private and public sectors, Maurice wants to be a bridge between all Fellows, active or otherwise, and the RSA itself. It will be a great opportunity for participants to share views, and request or provide support for each other’s projects, and budding initiatives too.

Everyone is welcome and these events are free to attend. Register your place by following the ‘Book now’ link above.

If you have any access requirements or require any reasonable adjustments, please let the team know: networks@rsa.org.uk. Please also let us know if you have any dietary requirements or severe allergies.

Location: Ampersand Inventions - Floor 4, Commercial Union House, 39 Pilgrim St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6QE