UP:RISE is a groundbreaking nationwide Augmented Reality public artwork from artist Baff Akoto exploring the pathology, history and underlying drivers of English civil unrest in the digital age.
Marking the 10th anniversary of the August 2011 “UK riots”, UP:RISE exhibits from 6 - 30 August 2021 via QR codes located nationwide in communities where incidents of unrest were recorded in the summer of 2011. Akoto’s UP:RISE exhibition is accompanied by community workshops and a conversation series bringing together artists and thought leaders with community and youth voices to explore the inherent themes of the work, delving into how digital networks connect marginalised people and shape real-world mass dissent.
You can experience the artwork by visiting FACT to activate the QR code, joining us for an event, or exploring the themes of the work online in a podcast or live stream.
Baff Akoto. Photo: Roberta Mataityte
Baff’s UP:RISE continues (and is a 21st century update on) the artistic tradition of works which memorialise and commemorate previously denigrated sociopolitical and historical moments - including Picasso (Guernica), Accra Shepp (Occupy Portraits), Kara Walker (Gone, Battle of Atlanta), Mark Wallinger (State Britain), John Akomfrah (Riot, Handsworth Songs), Jeremy Deller (Orgreave) and Steve McQueen (Small Axe).
UP:RISE is funded by by Arts Council England and Recurring Dreams with support from GAP, Bluecoat, BOM, Bernie Grants Art Centre and FACT.
Talk
UP:RISE In Conversation: Jamming the Signal
Join us for a conversation with artists and activists as we consider how we might use technology to bring about meaningful change. This event is part of UP:RISE by Baff Akoto and will take place at FACT.
Film
UP:RISE TV
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Online
Watch award-winning artist Baff Akoto’s UP:RISE TV in an all day streaming event which marks 10 years since the UK “riots” announced the arrival of 21st Century Britain.
Podcast - UP:RISE Community Radio with Go Off Sis
Join Go Off Sis for a Josh Ramsden, Chloe Muldoon, Maleka & Baff Akoto to discuss the role of Liverpool in the 2011 UK Riots in response to the shooting of Mark Duggan.
by FACT
Watch: UP:RISE Jamming the Signal
This conversation invites artists and activists to consider how we might use these technologies to bring about meaningful change. This talk was part of UP:RISE by Baff Akoto and includes BSL interpretation.
by FACT
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