The events are part of Being Human 2015, the UK’s only national festival of the humanities, in which researchers and the public explore what it means to be human.

Swansea University’s Research Institute for Arts and Humanities (RIAH) has been chosen as one of five hubs for the Festival, and is organising the events around the theme of  ‘Heritage, Health and Wellbeing’.

The events are made possible by a grant from the festival organisers, the School of Advanced Study, University of London, in partnership with the Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC), the British Academy (BA) and the Wellcome Trust.

Find out more and book your place at these FREE events

Wednesday 11 November 2015, 6.30pm

The Annual Richard Burton Lecture 2015:

‘Educating Richard:  Actors and Educators in Port Talbot, 1925-55’ 

Angela V. John, (Honorary Professor, College of Arts and Humanities, Swansea University)

Dyffryn Lower School, Talcennau Road, Port Talbot, SA13 1EP

Thursday 12 November 2015, 12 noon-2.30pm

‘The Young Heritage Apprentice’

This event, aimed at 14–18-year olds, challenges school teams to develop a project associated with Cu @ Swansea, focusing on the Hafod Morfa copperworks in the Lower Swansea Valley (application process applies)

Friday 13 November 2015, 8.00pm-10.30pm

Open Mic Event – ‘Poetry and Happiness’

Steam Coffee Shop and Tea Room, 75 Uplands Crescent, Uplands, Swansea, SA2 0EX

Monday 16 November 2015, 11.00am-4pm

‘Art @ the Hafod - the spirit of place’ (live art session)

Hafod Morfa Copperworks, Swansea

Tuesday 17 November 2015, 6.00pm-7.30pm

‘Disability and Wellbeing: past, present and future’ (public debate)

The Council Chamber, Abbey Building, Swansea University (Singleton Campus)

Wednesday 18 November 2015, 1pm

‘Windsongs of the Blessed Bay’ (interactive performance workshop)

Clyne Farm Centre, Swansea

Wednesday 18 November 2015, 7pm

‘Y TRI Meuryn (neu Strictly, Come Barddoni)’ (an evening of competitive poetry)

Capel Soar Pontardawe - Holly Street, Pontardawe, Abertawe, SA48 4ET

(This is a Welsh-medium event.  No booking required.)

Friday 20 November 2015, 1pm-2pm

‘Experiencing the Enclosed Garden’ (discover how the medieval garden was filled with plants with theological, sensory and medicinal uses)

Castle Room, Fulton House, Swansea University (Singleton Campus) (No booking required.)

Find out more and book your place at these FREE events

‌ Dr Elaine Canning, Head of the Research Institute for Arts and Humanities at Swansea University, said:

“We are delighted to be hosting a festival hub as part of Being Human 2015 and wish to thank the festival organisers for giving us this exciting opportunity to bring our research into the community.

‘Heritage, Health and Wellbeing’ will provide meaningful ways for us to engage with the public and encourage a re-evaluation of the importance of wellbeing and the heritage of our region.

The general public and schools will be able to participate in a wide range of activities including drama, art and poetry sessions and competitions at a variety of venues across the city”.

‌Writer and broadcaster Professor Peter Stead, regional ambassador for the festival said:

'In 2015 I am delighted that Swansea University has closer and richer links with surrounding communities than at any other time.  In recent years the University has secured an international reputation for cutting edge research right across the academic spectrum and yet, thrillingly, has continued to engage with local people.

The enthusiasm, flair and genius of its scholars is being transmitted fully into local lives which are in the process enriched and I am honoured to act as regional ambassador for Being Human 2015.'

 ‘Heritage, Health and Wellbeing’ will be part of an 11 day national programme of big ideas, big debates and engaging activities for all ages. The festival will inform, extend and ignite contemporary thinking and imagination around the humanities.

Picture:  Hafod copperworks, venue for a live art session as part of the Festival