Culture in crisis?

With cultural institutions closed or subject to social distancing rules, the uncertainty of the future for culture is profoundly troubling. Creatives have risen to the challenge of sharing – and championing – culture online, but fear for the future of the entire sector remains. Can virtual venues ever replace the thrill of a live performance? How many of our magnificent cultural institutions will be forced to close? What has this period taught us about the value of culture? And how will culture continue in the post-COVID world? In this event we ask four Fellows of the British Academy to discuss these questions and their hopes and fears for the future.

The British Academy's Shape the Future programme examines the societal, economic and cultural implications of the pandemic

Chair:
Dr Matthew Sweet, Writer and Broadcaster

Speakers:
Professor Isobel Armstrong FBA Emeritus Professor of English, Birkbeck, University of London; Senior Research Fellow, Institute of English Studies; International Scholar, American Academy
Professor Ian Christie FBA Anniversary Professor of Film and Media History, Birkbeck, University of London
Professor John Sloboda FBA, Research Professor, Guildhall School of Music and Drama; Emeritus Professor, Keele University
Professor Dame Marina Warner FBA, Professor of English and Creative Writing, Birkbeck; Professorial Research Fellow, SOAS

Part of the British Academy Virtual Summer Showcase

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