APR Talks with Keisha Thompson
About Keisha:
Keisha Thompson FRSA is a Manchester based writer, performance artist and producer. She is currently the Programme Manager for Legacies of Enslavement Programme at The Guardian. She is Co-Chair of the Independent Theatre Council, a trustee of Olympias Music Foundation and recipient of the DARE Art Prize 2024 from Opera North and the University of Leeds in association with National Science and Media Museum and The Tetley.
Formerly, she has been Artistic Director and CEO of Contact, Manchester, Chair of radical arts funding body, Future’s Venture Foundation and was the first recipient of The Arts Foundation Theatre Makers Award in 2021.
Recent works include The Bell Curves. Commissioned by Lancaster University and Manchester DNA. An all-female show that clashes science and culture by looking at the medical ethics linked to CRISPR-Cas9 technology; Children’s show, Issy, BOSSS & Fractal. Commissioned by Fuel Theatre. Directed by Alan Lane (Slung Low); and 14% supported by Talawa Firsts, an immersive theatre piece looking DNA tests and structural racism particularly within the context British football culture.
About A Particular Reality (APR):
Founded in 2018, A Particular Reality is a collective formed by students, alumni and educators from the Fine Art departments at Goldsmiths University of London, Kingston School of Art, Manchester Metropolitan University’s School of Digital Arts and Middlesex University; with a commitment to building creative learning environments upon the values of equity and care.
A Particular Reality intends to forge connections across creative disciplines amongst students, educators and makers. We intend to elevate individuals who identify with feeling isolated in respect of their cultural identity and lived experience. Students from Goldsmiths and Kingston expressed a desire to be proactive in helping to address this feeling, not only for themselves but for the benefit of future students.
We are a space for sharing rather than telling. We are committed to providing a non-hierarchical space to support marginalised students and staff and cultivate creative expression.
We call for institutions to serve people’s differences better. We strive for those who make up the institution to feel more connected to a network of practitioners, creatives and collaborators.
Associated Badges:
In A Nutshell...
- About the Talk... An inspiring talk by Keisha Thompson, Manchester-based writer, performance artist and cultural leader, sharing her creative practice, career journey and lived experience.
- Why Attend... Gain insight into interdisciplinary, socially engaged art-making, with reflections on race, science, education and storytelling from an award-winning artist and producer.
- Artist Expertise... Learn from Keisha’s extensive experience across theatre, music and live art, including leadership roles, international residencies and major commissions.
- Shared Practice Session... Take part in an informal afternoon session where students can discuss their own work, ask questions and explore creative ideas directly with Keisha.
- Time & Commitment...Attend the talk and optional practice session for a supportive, engaging day designed to encourage reflection, conversation and creative growth.
- Earn up to 15 Rise points ... which can be recognised within your degree.
Ticket Options
Schedule
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10:30 to 13:30 on 13/02/26 - SODA 1.10
Attend the first APR Talk of the year This talk will connect students with a leading artist to inspire reflection, expand creative perspectives, and support their own practice through shared knowledge, lived experience and open dialogue.