We invite expressions of interest from GW4 academics from any discipline with research interests in immersive experience design, creative technologies, and new audiences for public history and heritage to join us for an experimental workshop at the Bath Assembly Rooms. The workshop provides an opportunity to meet designers, digital creators, heritage professionals and academics from across the region and experiment with some rapid prototyping of site-specific work in this iconic space.

We will hear about the National Trust’s ambitions for the Bath Assembly Rooms and the history of this building and its role in Bath society. We will also hear from colleagues undertaking new research and practice in the heritage sector to learn from a range of existing projects: Professor Anthony Mandal, Professor of Print and Digital Cultures at Cardiff University and interactive experience designers Stand+Stare. In the afternoon, there will be a chance to playfully experiment with some of the histories, ideas and technologies introduced in the morning and to rapid prototype possible digital interventions and experiences in the space.

This is the first event convened in the GW4-National Trust Research Theme Creative Industries and Audience Experience, one of five strategic priorities the Partnership currently supports. The GW4-National Partnerships brings academics in the GW4 universities together with National Trust practitioners and researchers across South-West England and Wales to co-create new research and innovation projects. Follow-on funding to enable further exploration of emerging ideas may be available depending on outcomes of the workshop.

On the day, the event will open at 10:00 for a 10.30 start and end at 16.30pm. Lunch will be provided and refreshments will be available throughout the day.

Travel expenses for GW4 academics will be reimbursed by employing universities. Further information will be provided once your place is confirmed.