The Cubicle: Body Positive Café
Photo by Anna Barclay
A series of informal discussions and inspiration around questions about body positivity!
Across four nights, we will hear from several body image experts from the University of Bath and the Centre for Appearance Research (UWE Bristol), who will share cutting-edge research findings related to body image and provide some food for thought. We’ll also hear from inspiring activists already forging ahead to create body positive communities – including Carly Wilkinson, fitness instructor and co-founder of Female Empowerment Network Bristol, and Hollie-Ann Hart, Bristol-based illustrator and social media influencer.
But that’s not even the half of it! Each evening we will engage in smaller discussion groups to throw around different questions, learn from each other’s experiences and ideas, and generate new ideas for creating a body positive community. There will also be a chance to nibble and mingle!
This event has ended. Peruse our current events here, or click here to learn more about The Cubicle.
What’s On
Your Body and You!
Thursday 31 May 2018, 19:00
What can you personally do to combat negative thoughts and feelings about your own body and appearance? This evening’s session will teach you about mindfulness and acceptance (learning how to stay in the moment and ditch the self-judgements and criticism) and body functionality (appreciating what your body can do, rather than how it looks), along with some quick an easy exercises to practice yourself (and to tell others about of course). Come and learn some new strategies for improving your own body image, and engage in some hearty discussion around creating body positivity on a personal level!
Positively Next Gen!
Friday 1 June 2018, 19:00
They say never work with children or animals. But, unfortunately, our children and teenagers are just as dissatisfied with their bodies and appearance as the 'adults'. What can be done about this? This evening’s session will explore strategies to create positive body image in our youngsters - including education in schools, and upskilling parents to be body positive role models. Do you have young people wandering around you? Come and contribute to a conversation about how we can create an environment for the next generation to really flourish!
Media Onslaught!
Saturday 2 June 2018, 19:00
How can we feel good about ourselves when we are constantly surrounded by those 'perfect' looking models in the media? And now we’ve got our 'perfect' looking friends on social media to contend with (insta filter anyone?)! This evening’s session will explore some of the findings from brand new research into media’s impact on body image, and new forms of social media in particular, and what we can do to stem the tide. Come and be inspired to think more critically about messages presented through media, and be empowered to choose your own social media adventure!
To Infinity and Beyond!
Sunday 3 June 2018, 19:00
It’s all well and good to try and improve personal body image to combat the pressures and messages around us. But think of the impact if we can begin to change the world around us too! This evening’s session will take a look at broader strategies for reforming our society into a place that promotes and accepts diversity of bodies and appearance, and reduces the unrealistic pressures. From the grass roots (let’s change the conversation around exercise from "lose weight” to “have fun and be empowered!” to the glass ceiling (anyone up for some policy reform?), we’ll consider strategies such as social activism, partnership with business and industry, and informing policy makers. Come and find out about social change you can get behind, or even start yourself!
Date: 31st May - 3rd June 2018
Price: Free!
Location: FaB1 - Fringe Arts Bath
Time: 7pm
Ages: All welcome.
All welcome - under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
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Drinks and nibbles provided. Let us know of any specific access requirements on booking.
Hosted by Melissa Atkinson (University of Bristol) and Jessica Alleva (Maastricht University, Netherlands). With guest speaker Fabio Zucchelli (Centre for Appearance Research, UWE).
Hosted by Melissa Atkinson (University of Bristol) and Jessica Alleva (Maastricht University, Netherlands). With guest speakers Kirsty Garbett (UWE), Niamh Ni Shuilleabhain (University of Bath), campaigner/activist Emi Lou Howe and artist Hollie-Ann Hart.
Hosted by Melissa Atkinson (University of Bristol) and Jessica Alleva (Maastricht University, Netherlands). With guest speakers Jade Parnell (UWE) and Nadia Craddock (UWE).
Hosted by Melissa Atkinson (University of Bristol) and Jessica Alleva (Maastricht University, Netherlands). With guest speakers Nadia Craddock (UWE), Jasmine Fardouly (Macquarie University Australia), and mindful eating and body image coach Lisa Beasley.
