Discover how technology, science, culture and creativity are reshaping the workplace through an eclectic programme of interactive activities, experiments, games, workshops and presentations — all set against the backdrop of J. B. Bowler’s historic factory. You’ll also get free access the museum’s usual exhibits.
This free, family-friendly evening offers a rare chance to explore the museum by night and engage with cutting-edge research on how our working lives are being transformed by technology, science, culture and changing attitudes. Check out the full programme below.
Want to come? Please book a FREE ticket so we know how many people to expect.
Important note: If you need to use the accessible entrance, please call the museum beforehand on 01225 318 348
Programme
Costume Detectives: Investigating the Archive
Step into the archive of celebrated British designer Julia Trevelyan Oman and investigate a real design mystery: why were the snowflake costumes for The Nutcracker redesigned after they appeared on stage?
Using designs, fabric samples, and recreated costumes, visitors weigh the evidence like detectives, before discovering what the archive really suggests about the inner workings of performance history.
AI Family Festival: Imagine, Create, Collaborate
The AI Family Festival is an interactive, family-friendly creative activity where participants collaborate with generative AI to imagine, design and develop their own future festival experience.
Working together, families will become festival creators, making decisions about the festival’s theme, location, activities, branding, accessibility, and communication. The activity introduces participants to the possibilities of generative AI as a creative partner while encouraging critical thinking, imagination, collaboration, and reflection on how humans shape and guide AI-generated ideas.
How can we build more environmentally friendly office blocks?
Come find out how we are researching the effect of building sway on people with virtual reality, computer-based tasks, muscle activity and more.
Tall buildings like skyscrapers are built with lots of material so they don’t sway in the wind. We could save a lot of concrete and steel by allowing them to sway a little while still being safe. However, we don’t know how the people inside the buildings will respond to sway.
Is Gen AI or Working from Home (WFH) changing your job? Discover how your AI skills are valued in the region.
Discover which jobs in our region are most exposed to Gen AI, whether the intersection of AI and WFH arrangements bring opportunities or challenges for graduates.
We will also explore what skills employers value more. Come and explore our interactive dashboard!
Women in Leadership: Barriers, Enablers and Well-being Outcomes
Why do women remain underrepresented in leadership, despite decades of progress? Across business, politics, education, healthcare and many other sectors, women continue to be less likely than men to reach the most senior leadership roles.
While more women are entering leadership than ever before, the path to the top is often shaped by unequal opportunities, hidden obstacles and persistent stereotypes. This exhibition explores the experiences of women leaders through my latest research, revealing the visible and invisible barriers that influence career progression. But the story is not only about barriers… my research also highlights the enablers, the positive aspects, such as people, policies and practices that help women leaders thrive.
Women @ Work: Thriving not Surviving
Reflect on your “wheel of life” and “wheel of work” and think about any changes you would like to implement.
Join us for discussions and activities around the concept of impostor syndrome, to find out more about how you can thrive, rather than just survive, in the workplace!
Spot the Hidden Economics
Explore the breadth of economics and let’s have a chat about how we all make everyday choices under limited information.
Using cards showcasing everyday items and situations, participants will discuss the extent to which economics is involved in the choices being made. The activity encourages both instinctive and critical thinking about the factors that influence our decisions, particularly when we have limited information. It provides an opportunity to reflect on the wide range of everyday choices that economics affects, whether we are aware of it or not.
Conceptualising “Digital Fallout” – what are the costs of the digital economy?
Poster exhibition and discussion
Meeting Sprinkle: Embracing Your Own Voice
Are you naturally shy? Or do you enjoy speaking up in class? Sprinkle, a fictional character, represents the diverse ways we express our willingness to communicate and participate.
The session includes two playful activities. One is “What do you see in Sprinkle?” where you can apply a Sprinkle tattoo to your hand and discuss your interpretations and reflections. The other is a poker chip game including a Wild token that allows you to have your say. Remember, you have your own voice. Let it Sparkle!
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