Artists in Times of Upheaval

This series of talks explores the experience of artists working against the backdrop of a world in flux

Focusing on artists in and from some of the areas most exposed to current global forces, Artists in Times of Upheaval asks what space is there for artists when life ‘as normal’ no longer seems possible? Why do they continue to create art? And how?

The series began in Spring 2024 with conversations with Amir Nizar Zuabi, director of The Walk: Little Amal, and Oleksiy Radynski, co-creator of Intervention – two Factory International co-produced projects which have responded to key world events. The series continued with talks from celebrated artist Samson Young, award-winning writer Adania Shibli, and a special panel in the summer responding to the UK riots with local artists Keisha Thompson, Jardel Rodriques, Mahboobeh Rajabi and Keith Saha. 

Artists featured in 2025 included Kemang Wa Lehulere, Ai Weiwei and Kaneza Schaal.

Now, Artists in Times of Upheaval returns for 2026 with special presentations by Mojisola Adebaoy, Tetiana Kytsenko and Tribe Arts.