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The Thirst Symposium

  • Free
  • Symposium
Gaylene Gould standing in a park holding a large patterned bowl.
Black Mary Project Nov 2024. © Nina Photography.

What you’ll do

Join us for a weekend of performances, panel discussions, tours and workshops exploring the questions raised by our ‘Thirst: In search of Freshwater’ exhibition.   

You’ll have the chance to hear a wide variety of perspectives on our relationship with water, and engage with the artists, activists, practitioners and researchers from the exhibition and beyond.   

If you want a break from the activities, you can head to our Chill-Out Room to lie down or relax. There will be low lighting, comfortable seating, cushions, mats, ear defenders, earplugs and sensory toys. 

Dates

Events

Friday 19 September 2025

  • Symposium
The Thirst Symposium Day One
Throughout our building
Join us for an exciting evening of film, music and conversation about our relationship with water to mark the opening of ‘The Thirst Symposium’.

Tickets via Eventbrite

Saturday 20 September 2025

  • Symposium
The Thirst Symposium Day Two
Explore the ways water shapes our lives, communities and environments on day two of ‘The Thirst Symposium’.

Throughout our building

Livestream event

Tickets via Eventbrite

  • British Sign Language interpreted
  • British Sign Language interpreted (online)
  • Speech-to-text
  • Speech-to-text (online)

Sunday 21 September 2025

  • Symposium
The Thirst Symposium Day Three
Throughout our building
Day three of ‘The Thirst Symposium’ features drop-in creative workshops, talks and walks exploring water, healing and heritage.
Just turn up
  • British Sign Language interpreted

Need to know

Location

This is an event with several different activities. Check specific sub-events for their locations.

Multi-part programme

This is a large-scale event with several different activities, which may include drop-in sessions, scheduled performances, workshops or talks. Check specific activities for details and to see if you need to book a ticket or just show up. Spaces for drop-in activities are limited and may run out if we are busy.

For more information, please visit our Accessibility page. If you have any queries about accessibility, please email us at access@wellcomecollection.org or call 0 2 0. 7 6 1 1. 2 2 2 2

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