For GGRiP 2025 we’re hosting an icebreaker with a difference, as a Fringe-style event in the inspiring environment of the Lapworth Museum of Geology. This will include an Art and Photography competition, as well as an Open Mic night, in aid of raising money for the Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) Green Futures campaign.
Science is all about discovering universal truths – music and art are universal languages and are incredibly important to our society. At the centre of the MAC’s Green Futures campaign is the belief that all young people deserve to feel educated and empowered in the face of the climate crisis. Green Futures raises money to programme free arts-based workshops and events that help children process climate change with clear eyes and hopeful hearts.
We encourage you to get involved by contributing to either (or both) the Art and Photo competition or the Open Mic night. Prizes will be given to the best entries!
The icebreaker event will be held on Tuesday 8th April, from 17:30 till late, at the Lapworth Musuem of Geology. Drinks and light food will be provided. Details for donations to the MAC will be available on the night.
Art and Photography Competition
We’re searching for photos or artwork which fit the wide research theme of geochemistry, including submissions which showcase fieldwork, laboratory work, teaching and teamwork, to help celebrate GGRiPs first Fringe-style event!
A selection of the best contributions will be printed and displayed during the conference, where winners will be voted for by the community.
To enter your sumbission please click here. The password for this form is GGRIP2025
Deadline for entries is Monday 17th March, full competition details are listed on the above link.
Open Mic Night
We’re looking for singers, poets, spoken word artists, storytellers and comedians to take the mic and perform. Anyone can take part!
A PA system and guitars (electric and acoustic) will be available for use. If you require any other instruments please feel free to bring them along.
Some suggested entry formats include (but are not limited to):
- Music, from earnest covers to original science themed compositions
- Rap your PhD or research project
- Spoken word / anecdotes/ science related stand-up
Get creative! Please click here to sign-up, this form will stay open until the icebreaker.
Not a performer? Just come along and support all our entries!
This event is inspired by geochemist Mark Pagani who passed away in 2016. Mark was a pioneering and creative scientist, who was probably the only geochemist who was a professional rock musician before he came to the field.
The Midlands Art Centre
For over 60 years, the Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) has connected people with creativity. They are a contemporary arts centre and independent charity, with the mission to make art an important part of people’s lives.
The arts should be available to everyone, no matter what your circumstance. The MAC’s central mission is to promote innovative, creative activities to establish arts and culture as an important part of people’s everyday lives. At the heart of the MAC is a focus on sustainability, accessibility, and inclusion.
As an independent charity, the MAC relies on vital support from their visitors, audiences, trusts and businesses.
The Lapworth Museum of Geology
The Lapworth Museum is one of the oldest geological museums in the UK! It was founded in 1880, and is named after Charles Lapworth, the first Professor of Geology at Mason College (the forerunner to the University of Birmingham).
The Museum is located at the centre of the University of Birmingham campus, within the Aston Webb A Block building. This building is marked as R4 on the campus map, and is a short walk from the Alan Walters building.