Open Mic(roscope) Night

Have you ever questioned the true meaning of a "pinch" of salt, the reliability of a "banana equivalent dose," or how soon "a tad later" really is? Everyday life is filled with vague measurements and undefined standards, some cultural, some scientific, and many somewhere in between.

For over a decade, artists and researchers Cansu Cürgen and Avsar Gürpinar have been curating and investigating these embedded standards—the informal, yet deeply ingrained ways we measure, define, and understand the world around us. Through their semi-fictional research project, the Ambiguous Standards Institute (ASI), they explore the hidden logic behind objects, policies, and practices that shape our daily experiences.

In their latest exploration, The Ambiguous Standards of Time, ASI unravels the fascinating relationship between precision and perception. From railway timetables to atomic clocks, history has been shaped by the quest for exact timekeeping, yet our personal experience of time remains fluid and deeply cultural. Is standardization a necessity, or does it erase the richness of diverse temporal experiences?

Join us for an immersive journey into the paradoxes of time, where clocks dictate order, but lived moments defy strict measurement. Discover, question, and engage with the fascinating world of ambiguous standards.

Don't miss the chance to experience this thought-provoking showcase!

Join us for a witty and thought-provoking stand-up performance blending humour, storytelling, and a touch of literary flair. Travel back to 1980s Ireland as you hear a hilarious tale of learning science from nuns, followed by a sharp, self-reflective story about being an older, eco-conscious artist exploring the rich, mysterious landscapes of Irish bogs.

With nods to Joyce-inspired research woven throughout, this unique performance offers a playful yet poignant take on memory, nature, and artistic discovery.

Join us for a powerful open mic night showcasing innovative, wordless storytelling. Inspired by collaboration with Barnardo’s National Counter Trafficking Centre, this event features visual narratives that explore the child exploitation crisis in the UK.

Told through the eyes of a young boy, the stories depict the harsh realities of online grooming, criminal exploitation, county lines, and debt bondage. Designed as an educational tool, these striking visual accounts aim to spark meaningful conversations among children, parents, and teachers.

Come share your own stories, reflections, or creative responses in this open mic session—a space for powerful expression and dialogue.