In this SCRAP TALK Dr Beer will explore the concept and ethos of Wild Service, a Right to Roam call to action outlined in the 2024 book of the same name, co-authored by 13 diverse voices from the campaign and its associates.

Dr Amy-Jane Beer is a biologist, naturalist, writer, science editor and campaigner. She is a Country Diarist and reviewer of books for The Guardian, a columnist for British Wildlife and Waterlife magazine, and has authored several dozen books on wildlife and natural history.

In this SCRAP Talk Dom Barry of Trash Free Trails will delve into their A-TEAM’s pioneering work and share the shocking science about the trash they’ve collected in the attempt to protect beloved outdoor spaces from single-use pollution.

Dom Barry is a longstanding member of the dynamic Trash Free Trails A-TEAM, national and international Ambassadors helping communities protect their bike trails and beloved outdoor spaces from single-use pollution (SUP).

Briony Spandler, a Leeds poet, artist, and activist, will discuss her collaboration with ecologists, scientists, and activists, which led to the creation of her poem and the Wild Service Festival.

Join us for the Launch of the Wild Service Festival at Scrap, 2pm – 5pm on Saturday 11 October.

The Wild Service Festival is a combination of free and paid events encompassing visual poetry, music, spoken word, talks, and workshops, the Wild Service Festival celebrates the creative and practical ways we can simultaneously reconnect with and become better guardians of nature, while improving our well-being through the power of participation.

Winsor & Newton and the palette of Turner with Stephanie Nebbia, Winsor & Newton

Organic and inorganic pigments have changed dramatically over time, replaced by many synthetic organic and inorganic equivalents. What do these changes look like and what does this mean to the palette?

This talk looks at how colours of the past inform the palettes of today. Through Winsor & Newton’s archives and the notebooks of 19th century, chemist George Field, this is an insight into how the palette has evolved over time and the impact on artists today

Jane Austen, Her Writing and Her Craft with Professor Jennie Batchelor, University of York

We all know that Jane Austen was an accomplished and uniquely talented and innovative author. She was also a highly skilled embroiderer, patchworker and stitcher.

An introduction to the artist in six paintings with Professor Richard Johns, University of York.

Discover the range and ambition of JMW Turner’s creativity through six extraordinary paintings: one for each decade of the artist’s working life. We will look closely at each carefully selected work – then closer still – to see why the world keeps coming back to Turner. The talk will begin and end with a key work from the current exhibition, Austen and Turner: A Country House Encounter, with a few surprises in between!

Ever wondered how the concept behind an exhibition comes together? And what exactly happens during an artist research residency?

Join artist Sarah Roberts and curator RJ Wade in conversation about the development of SICK TOO. Currently on display in Treasures of the Brotherton, SICK TOO asks questions about what we owe to one another, in sickness and in health.

Churches are increasingly being called upon to meet the urgent needs in our communities. But how do we balance this important work with the Christian call to be a prophetic voice for change?

Are handouts really the answer? How do we find time while pulling people out of the river, to go upstream and find out who is pushing them in?

For this year's Hook Lecture, we welcome Jon Kuhrt to Leeds to explore our theme: is the church called to be 'Prophet' or 'Provider'?

"Stevie Vayne is a legend of the Punk-Rock’n’Roll world, also known as Stevie Hulme, a global player in the world of House Music. His autobiography, ‘Vainglorious: A Punk In The House’ will be available on general release from Nov 4th, and also available in numbered and signed format at this pre-release concert extravaganza on Nov 2nd at The Brudenell, where a £15 ticket will not only grant entry but it will also secure you a copy of the book.