The Science and Arts Festival is launching its new edition, dedicated to the theme: “Human / Animal: A Shared Adventure?” What if we rethought our relationship with animals?
For our campus in particular:
Tuesday, September 15 – Schuman Campus – Aix-en-Provence – School of Law
An afternoon dedicated to changes in the legal status of animals, ranging from the recognition of animal sentience to the regulation of experimental practices, featuring roundtable discussions, legal consultations, and workshops.
At the end of the day, a screening and discussion of the film *Animus Femina*, which follows four women committed to the animal world and wildlands and, together with them, explores how we coexist with other living beings.
Wednesday, September 16 – Aix-en-Provence
A festival day in Aix-en-Provence featuring readings, discussions, workshops, screenings, and theater, followed by a large communal picnic, before a back-to-school concert at 6MIC.
- 3 bis f, Contemporary Art Center – Montperrin Psychiatric Hospital
A morning dedicated to the work of artist-in-residence Ludovic Hadjeras on the theme of large-scale animal migrations, featuring a performance-style reading and a conversation with ethologist Pascal Carlier.
- Schuman Campus – Le Cube, Maison de la Recherche, Théâtre Antoine Vitez
On the plaza in front of Le Cube: free large picnic, dance performance
Throughout the day: a staged reading by Valère Novarina, a photo exhibition featuring cats of the Cyclades (Hans Silvester), an interdisciplinary roundtable discussion titled “Animal Presences: From the Bestiary to Science Fiction,” writing workshop on the “animal kiss,” documentary screenings, and a discussion dedicated to the camel in Palestinian folklore
In the evening: performance of *Garder*, a documentary-style play and raw poetry piece centered on a shepherd and his dog.
Grand Back-to-School Concert – 6MIC
At 8 p.m.: DEARR, CARLALA, MAICEE, and EVE LA MARKA; free concert for students and all amU staff.
As you can see, this year’s festival explores our often ambivalent relationships with animals: from biological history to cultural imaginaries, all the way to today’s major political debates.
By bringing together science, the arts, and practical knowledge, it examines the boundaries between humans and animals: alliances, conflicts, shared vulnerabilities, and the transformation of our perspectives on living beings. All disciplines are invited to shed light on this “shared adventure,” whether it involves domestic or wild animals, real or imaginary.
Over four days, in several cities and open to everyone: lectures, screenings, performances, shows, workshops, concerts, exhibitions, debates, and meetups… amU’s back-to-school event, dedicated to knowledge, culture, and hospitality.
The full program—be sure to check out Marseille and Arles as well
