What is the ARC and ARCadia?
Amy and Aniela are Events and Communications interns who worked on the ARCadia festival, which took place in the Advanced Research Centre (ARC) from 16-30 September 2022.
[Q1] Firstly, what was the ARC? And what was ARCadia?
[AMY] The ARC is the University's newly-opened Advanced Research Centre, situated in the heart of the West End- just a short walk from the main campus. The building will bridge the boundaries between research, cross subject collaboration and true societal impact.
[ANIELA] ARCadia was a two-week free festival which ran from 16th to 30th September. People from Glasgow and beyond were welcome, with the ARC playing host to more than 65, all-ages events such as brass bands, workshops, art exhibitions, live music and comedy, a ceilidh, VR, video games, and so much more! Throughout the two weeks we had over 6500 people visit the ARC, which is an amazing success!
[Q2] What was the most fascinating aspect of working on the festival during your internship?
[AMY] ARCadia has been brilliant at introducing me to such important and interesting research that is happening across the University that I probably wouldn’t have known about otherwise. As well as educating me on, and providing a platform for, the many amazing community projects and initiatives that are happening in Glasgow.
[ANIELA] For me putting the programme together has been the most fascinating. Just seeing the number and diversity of the events, exhibitions and workshops was so impressive. We really did have something for everyone! And then seeing it all come to life was very special!
[Q4] What do you hope will happen in the ARC in the long term as ARCadia is really the beginning?
[AMY] It would be great to see students, specifically undergrad, continue their involvement with the ARC past ARCadia. The festival allowed us to collaborate with SRC, Gilchrist, UofGMusic and UofGSport to name a few! I think the ARC provides a perfect space for student run societies to host stalls, workshops and events and it would be great to see this student collaboration continue.
[ANIELA] ARCadia was such an amazing opportunity for local charities and companies to get involved in a festival of this scale. We’ve got events in collaboration with local artists, musicians, a gaming company, community groups and many more! I am hoping that all these groups will be welcomed back into the ARC past ARCadia and will be able to use these incredible facilities, strengthening the bond between the University and local community.
[Q5] Do you think this festival is different to ones Glasgow has seen already? If so, how?
[ANIELA] Definitely! I do not think Glasgow has ever seen a festival that has so perfectly combined events for an academic and general audience! Like we offered readings for toddlers, drag and comedy nights and talks from some of the most prestigious researchers in the country. It was really something unique!
[AMY] Like Aniela said, ARCadia had such a strong focus on community and really prioritised making the festival accessible and enjoyable to people of all ages and interests, not just UofG staff and students. I think ARCadia did a perfect job of balancing a wide variety of events, which isn’t something I've seen other festivals in Glasgow nail so well.
[Q6] What was one event you really enjoyed during ARCadia?
[AMY] There were so many fab events happening during ARCadia which makes it so hard to choose! One of my favourites had to be Drag 101. The event was packed and hosted by the hilarious Dharma Geddon and Alana Duvey, who created a super fun and chilled night. It would be great if they could make this a regular event in the ARC.
[ANIELA] I absolutely loved the ARCade Night. It was amazing to see how people were having so much fun, while also contributing to gaming research. Guests also seemed to have learnt so much about costumes and sound and other aspects of games, that they did not think about before. Such a special evening!
[Q7] Sum up ARCadia in 3 words
[AMY] A great experience!
[ANIELA] Totally awesome extravaganza!
For more information about the ARC and future events make sure to follow @UofGARCadia on Instagram and @UofGARC on Twitter.
First published: 25 May 2022
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