Dear friends and colleagues,

The mind works in mysterious ways. Life in lockdown feels familiar and eternal, helped no doubt by political events and injustices that beat on in the background irrespective of a pandemic. We talk about a new normality creeping into our lives, as though we are no longer experiencing the crisis anymore. But we are still acclimitising to the shock. The links to appeals at the bottom of this newsletter are no less relevant than they were in April. Please support them with what you can. 

In July we will be reminded of what normal was. Besides the pubs and restaurants, you will be able to visit the Foundling Museum and the British Library, who have taken every precaution to ensure your visit is a safe one. 

Far from being in hibernation, KQ organisations continue to produce an impressive catalogue of online content, performances and events, a sample of which you can see below.

Towards the end of the month, we treat newsletter subscribers to a virtual discussion and special performance about the neurological science behind misinformation – why does it thrive in a pandemic? Actor Christopher Bailey, who leads the World Health Organisation's Arts and Health campaign, will tell stories from war zones and outbreaks that illustrate the connections between fear and susceptibility, while academics at UCL School of Pharmacy will annotate these stories by illuminating the chemistry of our minds in times of crisis.

We look forward to waving an emoji at many of you soon. 

With best wishes,

Knowledge Quarter Team

Visit our KQ COVID-19 page for a selection of the latest developments and resources relating to COVID-19 from Knowledge Quarter partners, including information on local business support and the latest scientific and humanities research in the area. We will try to update it weekly.

KQ Private Tour: The Angel and Clerkenwell over time

Join the KQ for this Virtual 'Walking' Tour around the Angel and Clerkenwell provided by the Camden and Islington Tour Guides Associations.

This virtual walk takes in the pleasure gardens, coaching inns, spas, elegant city squares and turbulent history of this varied corner of London, now a creative, media and information hub and home to seven Knowledge Quarter partners.

Thursday 16 July 16:30-17:30

Sign up via eventbrite to receive a link to Zoom.

KQ Private View: The Second Pandemic: Misinformation and Perception with UCL Pharmacy & WHO

Join the KQ for a special performance and discussion in partnership with UCL Pharmacy and the World Health Organisation.

What happens to our perception of truth during a pandemic? What happens in our brains that makes us more susceptible to believing and spreading false information in times of crisis? Mixing storytelling and science, Christopher Bailey, Arts and Health Lead at the World Health Organization, will draw on real life examples, taken from pandemics and wars, to explore how rumours and false narratives proliferate in a crisis.

Thursday 23 July 15:00-16:00

Sign up via eventbrite to receive a link to Zoom.

Cultural venues across the Knowledge Quarter have temporarily shut their doors to help contain the spread of the coronavirus. 

However, there are myriad ways for you to enjoy their collections online and stay connected with national and local treasures. Visit our Virtual What's On site for a selection of the digital resources, streamed performances and webinars that are still happening in the Knowledge Quarter.

Find out what's on.

Long Views of London: Rocque and Hogarth
Explore 18th Century London through the eyes of two of its most celebrated artists. Long Views of London is a series of online journeys through 500 years of London history.
Tuesday 7 July 14:00-15:00 – London Metropolitan Archvies

Construction as Theatre
Beautiful sculptures and buildings provide a wonderful experience. Can they be equally fascinating during construction? A special online event with sculptor Antony Gormley.
Thursday 9 July 18:00 – Arup

Summer of Stamps Virtual Festival
Stamp collecting is back! Enjoy video presentations from experts, including curators of the British Library Philatelic Collections; competitions for both adults and young collectors, supported by the Association of British Philatelic Societies; and much, much more.
9 July - 9 August – The Postal Museum

Introduction to the Study of Islam and Muslims – short course
Running on consecutive Tuesdays and Thursdays at 15:30-17:30  from July 14 to July 30th, the course provides an introduction to the development of Islamic thought and institutions from the seventh century to the present day.
14 July - 30 July – Aga Khan Centre, Institute for the study of Muslim Civilisations

Thinking on Sunday: How to be a failure and still live well
Professor Beverley Clack explores that often-neglected theme of failure, not just as the opposite of achievement, but also, and more importantly, how it has been conflated with loss: that which haunts all transient, mortal human experience.
Sunday 26 July 15:00-16:00 – Conway Hall

Turing Lecture: Is education AI-ready?
COVID-19 has precipitated a major experiment for the UK’s education system that may change the way we teach and learn forever, but what role can and should AI play in this transformation? Professor Luckin will discuss the current stage of AI's application in education and the ways in which AI has supported teachers and learners during the pandemic.
Wednesday 29 July 15:00-16:30 – Alan Turing Institute

Webinar Wednesdays: Free online resources for professional dance artists 
A series of free resources for professional dance artists. Each session focuses on skills that may be particularly resonant, practical and nourishing now and that may help you reimagine future realities.
Until Wednesday 29 July – The Place

4.48 Psychosis
Available to stream for one month, this extraordinary production of Sarah Kane's provocative play, featuring a cast of deaf and hearing actors performing in sign language.
Available throughout July – New Diorama Theatre

Lockdown Live
London Sinfonietta orchestra is live streaming a series of concerts and educational programmes and activities, including a creative music competition.
Performances throughout June – London Sinfonietta

KPlayer
Every Wednesday at 19:00 Kings Place release a free full-length show via the KPlayer portal.
Wednesdays 19:00 – Kings Place

Dancing at Dusk — A moment with Pina Bausch’s The Rite of Spring

On the eve of an international tour, the specially assembled company of 38 dancers from 14 African countries, rehearsed this modern dance classic for film, against a stunning Senegalese backdrop, little knowing that it would be their last rehearsal before the world went into lockdown. An extraordinary film.

Available to stream until 31 July

Black Lives Matter

In a two-part blog series, the British Library's Americas Collection team explores the parallels between the protest movement led by Dr Martin Luther King, and those in the wake of his assassination, with the civil rights movement reignited by the killing of George Floyd. 

How can the craft world diversify? Seven practitioners share their thoughts with Crafts Council.

Video

Explore the Jewish Museum London's Facebook page for short live talks from staff on the history behind the unique objects in the collection.

Students on the renowned Fashion course at Central Saint Martins held their degree show online, introducing a film collectively produced by the students to showcase their work and talent. 

Family Fun

Learn how to make a bubble print thanks to this fun play-along video from the Foundling Museum.

Issue 4 of Global Generation's The Stay At Home Garden, the hit series of colourful arts and crafts activity packs, is now available to download. 

Education

Try some experimental physics with ordinary household items, helpfully explained by scientists at the Institute of Physics in their new series: Do Try This At Home.

The Royal Veterinary College has launched Animal Academy, a member programme for young people from under-represented backgrounds to help them reach their goals of studying and working with animals.

Website Product Manager – British Museum
Salary: £41k. Closes: 12 July

Science Writer – Alan Turing Institute
Salary: £35k. Closes: 26 July

Impact Hub is offering 50 per cent off the first month of membership for social enterprises who wish to make use of its affordable workspace and entrepreneurial environment. 

To prevent vulnerable students from missing out on an education, Camden Council is encouraging people and businesses to donate spare technology equipment. You can donate any surplus tech here.

As rates of infection begin to pick up throughout the developing world, the Aga Khan Foundation has launched a Global Pandemic Relief Fund across its network.

Donate to the Pioneering Fund from The Place and support new commissions, groundbreaking projects, innovation and creativity across the organisation.

Support Conway Hall's #SaveOurVenues campaign. The home of humanism, radical and ethical thinking, depends on revenues from use of its auditorium, which like most else is shut at this time.   

In partnership with the Somers Town Community Association, Life After Hummus is providing critical support to Somers Town residents through food donations and assistance with Universal Credit applications. Donate or volunteer.

Age UK Camden is raising money through its Coronavirus emergency appeal. 

Donate to Camden Giving's COVID-19 Charity Fund, to be dispersed among numerous Camden charities.

C4WS Homeless Project has an Amazon wish list of essential items that you can order and send to St Pancras Church House, 1 Lancing Street, NW1 1NA.

New Horizon Youth Centre is having to work remotely with its young people. Donate to the Centre to support its vital work.