iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

OpenARC Research Centre @openarc.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

📖 Opening up history: teaching transatlantic slavery in British schools Dr Katie Donington discusses her work on the teaching of transatlantic slavery in British schools, developed in partnership with professional educators. www.open.edu/openlearn/hi... #OpenARC #History #Education

000

OpenARC Research Centre @openarc.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Why was John Vanbrugh called “the Shakespeare of architecture”? For #Vanbrugh300, Susie West explores the drama of his buildings—and the collaboration behind them—in The Conversation. 👉 theconversation.com/john-vanbrug... @shaftowheed.bsky.social @ou-gcsj.bsky.social

000

OpenARC Research Centre @openarc.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

🚬 Opening up history: tobacco consumption and modern war What can something as ordinary as a cigarette tell us about the experience of war? Dr Michael Reeve’s research examines smoking in British wartime society and culture from around 1850 to 1950. www.open.edu/openlearn/hi... #OpenARC #History

021

OpenARC Research Centre @openarc.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

☮️ Opening up history: anti-nuclear activism during the Cold War How much influence can protest movements have on government policy? Dr Luc-André Brunet explores the global history of anti-nuclear activism during the 1980s. www.open.edu/openlearn/hi... #OpenARC #History #ColdWar

002

Reposted by OpenARC Research Centre

Centre for the Sciences of Place and Memory @memoryplace.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

What happens when urban rivers disappear underground? Philip Hayward explores ghost rivers, river daylighting and the cultural life of buried waterways, including London’s Fleet River. Fri 2 Oct | 09:00–11:30 (UK) | Online Advance reading required Register: forms.gle/QizUrN2ACjuu...

forms.gle

Ghost Rivers and Daylighting in Urban Landscapes

In this online seminar, Philip Hayward will introduce the River Cities Network and the developing field of river studies before discussing his research on ‘ghost rivers’ — waterways that have been cov...

075

OpenARC Research Centre @openarc.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

👑 Opening up history: religion and politics in the Elizabethan era Dr Neil Younger’s research focuses on Sir Christopher Hatton, a favourite of Elizabeth I whose position at court gave him considerable political influence. www.open.edu/openlearn/hi...

000

OpenARC Research Centre @openarc.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

📚 Where Is the Future of Criticism? Online Platforms and Literary Discussion Join this free online conference exploring how digital platforms are shaping literary criticism and discussion. 📅 2 & 5 October 2026 ⏰ Register by 30 September Programme & details: university.open.ac.uk/arts/researc...

000

OpenARC Research Centre @openarc.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

🌍 Opening up history: eighteenth-century ideas of national independence What did “liberty” mean in the eighteenth century? Dr Anna Plassart explores movements for independence across Corsica, Poland, America, France, Ireland and Haiti. www.open.edu/openlearn/hi...

000

OpenARC Research Centre @openarc.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

📢 Funding opportunity for OU Early Career Researchers! The British Academy ECR Network Seed Fund offers up to £5,000 to develop new research collaborations and innovative ideas. 📅 Deadline: 18 Nov 2026 📩 ris-ba-ecrn@open.ac.uk #ECR #ResearchFunding #OpenUniversity

012

OpenARC Research Centre @openarc.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

📜 Bringing medieval Icelandic history to new audiences | Samuel Sargeant Samuel explains how research trips to Icelandic archives support his historical fiction writing. 🎥 Video: youtu.be/DHb1jSta1wk?...

031

OpenARC Research Centre @openarc.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

📖 Why study bad poetry? | Richard Danson Brown Two publishing projects supported by OpenARC: an edited collection on Renaissance bad poetry and a major new edition of Spenser's Complaints. Watch how scholarly editions continue to open new perspectives on literary history🎥 youtu.be/ix4xjcs8JGc?...

030

OpenARC Research Centre @openarc.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

🎭 Madness, identity and power on the early modern stage | Molly Ziegler Molly explores how representations of madness in Shakespeare and his contemporaries intersect with questions of race, gender and social power. 🎥 Video: youtu.be/k8b6n1X36XE?...

010

OpenARC Research Centre @openarc.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

🎼 The remarkable story behind the music of Lili Boulanger | Laura Hamer By exploring family archives, correspondence and performance records, Laura sheds light on how Boulanger's music secured a lasting place in the concert repertoire. 🎥 Video: youtu.be/3-n5UZjMRhA?...

010

OpenARC Research Centre @openarc.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

📢 Funding opportunity for Early Career Researchers Looking to develop a new research idea, build collaborations or explore an innovative project? 👇 #ResearchFunding #EarlyCareerResearch #ResearchImpact #Humanities #SocialSciences

100

OpenARC Research Centre @openarc.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

🎨 Creativity, neurodivergence and building more inclusive research spaces | Lania Knight Lania reflects on organising a conference that brought together artists, writers, researchers and practitioners to explore neurodivergence through creative practice. 🎥 Video: youtu.be/xx6HYdsT00o?...

010

OpenARC Research Centre @openarc.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

📢 Research Careers Day 2026 Join us for a day of career development, expert insights and networking. Hear from Prof Craig Mahoney, discover the Researcher Development Programme, and explore new opportunities within and beyond academia. 📅 23 Sept | 🕘 09:00–15:00 📝 Register via My Learning Centre

030

OpenARC Research Centre @openarc.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

💻 How can digital humanities and AI support cultural wellbeing? | Francesca Benatti From bibliotherapy to AI-assisted storytelling, the project explores how digital tools can support wellbeing while opening new opportunities for interdisciplinary research. 🎥 Video: youtu.be/qe7jwSUyYSE?...

020

OpenARC Research Centre @openarc.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

📖 What happens when autobiography, fiction and multiple voices collide? Fiona Doloughan explores Karl Ove Knausgård's work through voice, autofiction and adaptation, reflecting on research presented at the American Comparative Literature Association conference. 🎥 youtu.be/Gk1vPJx_lK4?...

050

OpenARC Research Centre @openarc.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

👻 From manuscript to publication | Emily Bullock Emily Bullock shares how OpenARC funding supported the development of Almost a Ghost Story, highlighting the value of expert feedback and the creative journey from manuscript to publication. 🎥 youtu.be/2j5nza4hLvE?... #CreativeWriting #Publishing

050

OpenARC Research Centre @openarc.bsky.social · 05/07/2026

🌿 How can art help us reconnect with the natural world? | the National Trust Nature Weekend Sam Shaw explored how creative practice can deepen our relationship with nature and foster environmental awareness. Read more: fass.open.ac.uk/news/ou-art-...

041

OpenARC Research Centre @openarc.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

⚔️ Revisiting one of England's most famous battles | David Grummitt David Grummitt explores how new historical and archaeological research is reshaping our understanding of the Battle of Towton and the Palm Sunday campaign of 1461. 🎥 youtu.be/JEuN8I01McM?... #History #PublicHistory #Archaeology

030

OpenARC Research Centre @openarc.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

📚 Remediating the Early Book: Pasts and Futures conference in Dublin. PhD student Ruth Allen presented her collaborative doctoral research with the National Trust on medieval books in its collections. Supervisors: Dr Andy Murray & Dr Susie West. #BookHistory #ArtHistory @shaftowheed.bsky.social

063

OpenARC Research Centre @openarc.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

🖼️ Why does bringing people together around objects matter? Clare Taylor reflects on how a workshop on wallpaper, design and imperial trade networks helped shape a major international research bid, highlighting the value of archives, collections and collaboration. 🎥 youtu.be/9QF8JmcI0hQ?...

011

OpenARC Research Centre @openarc.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

⚖️ Can ancient legal speeches reshape how we think about people and the environment? Christine Plastow explores how environmental humanities and "dark ecology" offer a new perspective on an ancient Greek legal dispute, revealing how landscapes can shape human conflict. 🎥 youtu.be/Wei56sS5wUg?...

010

OpenARC Research Centre @openarc.bsky.social · 27/06/2026

🎶 What can music reveal about connections between communities, cultures and social spaces? Byron Dueck discusses his research with xylophone musicians in Cameroon, exploring how musical traditions connect celebrations, religious life & popular culture. 🎥 Watch: youtu.be/C6w8I917Jig?...

021

OpenARC Research Centre @openarc.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

🏛️ How can seed funding spark international research opportunities? Angeliki Lymberopoulou reflects on how OpenARC support helped develop new research on Byzantine monumental painting, leading to fellowships at Dumbarton Oaks and Meiji University. 🎥Watch: youtu.be/pnf8GbFuXdA?... #ByzantineStudies

010

OpenARC Research Centre @openarc.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

🔭 Explore what’s coming up at OpenARC - The Open University Arts & Humanities Research Centre! We host research groups, facilitate disciplinary and interdisciplinary research, events & funding support. 🔗 Discover all upcoming activities and news here:

fass.open.ac.uk

The Open University

OpenARC, The Open University Arts & Humanities Research Centre, is the hub for research in the School of Arts and Humanities at The Open University. It hosts a broad range of research groups, and…

010

OpenARC Research Centre @openarc.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

📚 How can open-access publishing create impact beyond academia? In this OpenARC Spring Festival talk, Andrew Murray explores how the Open Arts Journal builds research communities & encourages public engagement through accessible scholarship. 🎥 Watch: youtu.be/oknbUVZONSM?... #OpenAccess

130

OpenARC Research Centre @openarc.bsky.social · 21/06/2026

🌸 Earlier this year, OpenARC hosted its Spring Festival of the Arts & Humanities. 🎥 Over the coming weeks, we'll be sharing recordings from the event in March 2026, showcasing research, partnerships, and impact across The Open University’s School of Arts & Humanities. More soon...

010

OpenARC Research Centre @openarc.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

🏛️ Vanbrugh300 blog | Grimsthorpe Castle: At Home with Rome How did ancient Rome inspire Sir John Vanbrugh's vision for Grimsthorpe Castle? In this blog, Susie West explores the classical influences behind one of Vanbrugh's final architectural masterpieces. 🔗

vanbrugh300.co.uk

Grimsthorpe Castle: At Home with Rome

This insightful article by Susie West focuses on Vanbrugh designing Grimsthorpe Castle and its connection to ancient Roman history.

010

OpenARC Research Centre @openarc.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

🌍✍️ How can creative writing help us respond to the climate crisis? OU Researchers are exploring how storytelling, poetry and creative practice can deepen understanding of environmental challenges and inspire action towards more sustainable futures. 🔗 fass.open.ac.uk/news/ou-crea... #ClimateChange

010

OpenARC Research Centre @openarc.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

🖊️ The afternoon sessions of OpenARC's conference The Public Humanities in the 21st Century are now underway. 🔹 Christine Plastow – Why co-creation matters 🔹 Veronica Davies – Art History in the community 🔹 David Grummitt – The Wars of the Roses: Negotiating the Battlefield of History and Heritage

010

OpenARC Research Centre @openarc.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

📢 We’re about to begin OpenARC’s conference, The Public Humanities in the 21st Century. Looking forward to a day of discussion, debate and exchange on the role of the Arts & Humanities in a changing world. Stay tuned for updates and outputs from the conference. 🔗 fass.open.ac.uk/events/confe...

010

OpenARC Research Centre @openarc.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

📢 This Wednesday: What is the role of the public humanities in the 21st century? Join OpenARC for a free online conference bringing together researchers, teachers and learners to explore some of the key challenges facing Arts & Humanities education and research today. @shaftowheed.bsky.social

132

OpenARC Research Centre @openarc.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Emily Bullock (Senior Lecturer, Creative Writing), whose novel For Always Only has been shortlisted for the Virginia Prize for Fiction. 📖 The novel is one of four works selected for the 2025 shortlist. 🔗 Read more: fass.open.ac.uk/news/creativ... @aurorametro.bsky.social

051

Reposted by OpenARC Research Centre

Art and Ecology @artandecology.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

Why are meadows important? I'll be joining various groups at Attingham Park this weekend to talk nature, art and restoration.... youtu.be/p-Uyr-5jI8A?... @floodplainmead.bsky.social @nationaltrust.org.uk @openarc.bsky.social #meadows #attinghampark #nature #bees #birds

youtu.be

Inside Outside – Restoring Floodplain Meadows at the National Teaser 2 (Meadows)

YouTube video by FloodplainMeadows

031

OpenARC Research Centre @openarc.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

🏛️ Hidden Treasures of the National Trust is now airing on BBC Two. The six-part OU/BBC series goes behind the velvet rope at the UK's historic homes and the people saving Britain's priceless heritage. 🔗 connect.open.ac.uk/hiddentreasu... #HiddenTreasures #NationalTrust #Heritage

connect.open.ac.uk

Hidden Treasures of the National Trust - An OU/BBC Co-production

Find out more about the OU's involvement with Hidden Treasures of the National Trust

020

OpenARC Research Centre @openarc.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

🎓 What is the role of the humanities in the 21st century? Join OpenARC's free online conference exploring the challenges and opportunities facing Arts & Humanities education and research today. 📅 17 June 2026 ⏰ From 9:30am 📍 Online #PublicHumanities #ArtsAndHumanities

121

OpenARC Research Centre @openarc.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

🎼 Research by Dr Robert Samuels has been featured by Brill on its Kudos research showcase platform. His article examines the relationship between music and language through Robert Schumann’s first published critical text (1831). 🔗 fass.open.ac.uk/news/music-a...

020

OpenARC Research Centre @openarc.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

✍️ Can taste, touch, smell and sight inspire creative writing? Join Dr Lania Knight for a sensory writing workshop featuring tea tasting, historic objects, and creative practice. 📅 11 June 2026 | London 🔗 www.goldsmiths-centre.org/whats-on/cre... @ouliterature.bsky.social @laniaknight.bsky.social

064

OpenARC Research Centre @openarc.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

🎓 Congratulations to Michael Terry on successfully passing his PhD viva 🎉 The title of Michael’s thesis is "The Representation of Aerial Combat in First World War Literature". Supervisors: Sara Haslam & Edmund King. #PhD #VivaSuccess #DoctoralResearch #FirstWorldWar

051

OpenARC Research Centre @openarc.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

Congratulations to Emily Bullock who has been shortlisted for the Aurora Metro Virginia Prize for Fiction 👏

021

OpenARC Research Centre @openarc.bsky.social · 25/05/2026

🏛️ Prof Elizabeth McKellar and Prof Clare Taylor attended the Vanbrugh Panel Discussion at Blenheim Palace, exploring the legacy of Sir John Vanbrugh. Sharing photos from the evening — including Blenheim Palace wrapped in scaffolding during ongoing conservation work. #Architecture #BlenheimPalace

021

OpenARC Research Centre @openarc.bsky.social · 24/05/2026

fass.open.ac.uk

The Open University

OpenARC, The Open University Arts & Humanities Research Centre, is the hub for research in the School of Arts and Humanities at The Open University. It hosts a broad range of research groups, and…

021

OpenARC Research Centre @openarc.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

📚 Book Launch Event: Cybernetic Imaginations 📅 Wed 20 May ⏰ 12.00–1.30pm (GMT) Join The Open University Film and Media Research Group for the launch of Cybernetic Imaginations (Peter Lang), the first title in the Speculations series. #BookLaunch #Cybernetics #AI #MediaStudies #DigitalCulture

160

OpenARC Research Centre @openarc.bsky.social · 10/05/2026

📢 OpenARC Conference | The Public Humanities in the 21st Century | 17 June 2026 - Save the date 💡 What is the role of the public humanities today? 📅 17 June 2026 🕤 Starting 9:30am 💻 Online | Free 🔗 fass.open.ac.uk/events/confe... #PublicHumanities #ArtsAndHumanities

193

OpenARC Research Centre @openarc.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

🎉 Grant success | Leverhulme Research Fellowship | Congrats to Prof Byron Dueck The project explores xylophone traditions in central Cameroon and the movement of music across ritual & performance contexts 💡 fass.open.ac.uk/news/byron-d... #ArtsAndHumanities #MusicResearch

092

OpenARC Research Centre @openarc.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

🎉 Award news | Historian David Grummitt wins the Templer Medal (Society for Army Historical Research, National Army Museum) His Wars of the Roses (OUP, 2025) is the first book on a medieval subject to receive the award. 🔗 profiles.open.ac.uk/david-grummitt #History #MedievalHistory

061

OpenARC Research Centre @openarc.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

📖 We are history: community storytelling & new research How does community-led storytelling reshape the past? When #communities tell their own histories, they preserve overlooked voices & challenge dominant narratives. 🔗 fass.open.ac.uk/news/we-are-...

010