Epigram issue 363 by Epigram

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• The University of Bristol has announced that graduation ceremonies for current final year students will take place in November 2022 • This comes as a result of Covid-19 delaying previous years' graduations to this Summer • Students have voiced their disappointment over the lack of a summer ceremony Megan Evans News Editor

n an email sent to all final year students last week, the university’s Graduation Office stated

that graduation ceremonies for 2022 finalists will take place between Monday 7 and Monday 14 November. The university states that the decision was made ‘reluctantly,’ due to a backlog of ceremonies delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic, that will be taking place in April and July. The announcement states: ‘November was the most appropriate month to ensure you get the graduation ceremony you deserve given the time needed to plan and deliver nearly 20 ceremonies and to fit into a very busy teaching schedule.’ Those who are unable to attend will have their degree certificate posted after the event. The exact timetable of ceremonies will be released in July, with updates being released on the university’s graduation website. The university states that students will be contacted when their date of ceremony is finalised.

Image credit: University of Bristol Flickr/ Bhagesh Sachania

Covid pushback: Summer graduations moved to autumn

Continued on page 3

Editorial

Epigram 17.03.2022

To contact the Editors in Chief: editor.epigram@gmail.com

Masthead News: Editor: Megan Evans Co-Deputy Editors: Roya Shahidi and Jess Millsom Digital Editor: Jack Crockford Subeditor: Isobel Turner SU Correspondent: Alice Clarke Investigations Editors: Helen March, Alfie-Neville-Jones, Joe Green News Reporters: Louis Chandor, Joe Sharp, Bibi Lebersorger, Freya Shaw BAME Affairs Correspondent: Tia Bahia Features:

Editor: Flossie Palmer

omehow March is here already. For those of us in our final year, it is the point in the term where the city begins to be distorted by an already-nostalgic lens, the point at which you get overly sentimental about late night study sessions at the ASS, now numbered, that you never would have dreamed of missing. Following last month’s strike period, and with further industrial action announced, every second spent in university feels particularly precious. For many of us it is the lull, the calm before the storm of deadlines and exam periods — take it all in while you can. Enjoy those moments of calm: the overpriced coffees with friends, the rare sunny days. This is not to say that university life has been uneventful — the dramatic occupation of Wills Memorial building by student protestors was a new sight for all of us. You can learn more about their actions in the news section, alongside a roundup of the recent drama regarding the university’s announcement of a November graduation date for those finishing their course in summer. Meanwhile the team at features have collaborated to set the ever-eventful Bristol protests in the context of a legacy of resistance. As always, this edition features interviews with leading creative minds: check out a discussion with a BAFTA-nominated director in Film & TV, or with gender-disrupting rock stars in Music. Take a break, have a read, and look after yourself.

Deputy Editor: Alexander Sampson Digital Editor: Allegra Letts Subeditors and Columnists: Thea Powell and Marine Saint Investigations Editor: Billy Stockwell Opinion: Editor: Mark Ross Co-Deputy Editors: Katie Sowerby and Caitlin Palmer O-Shaughnessy Digital Editor: Charlie Osborne Subeditor: Mansi Virmani Arts: Editor: Katie Chalk Co-Deputy Editors: Oscar Hunter and Kate Bowie Digital Editor: Greg Evans Arts Critic: Bamidele Madamidola Subeditor: Sophie Sherman Film & TV: Editor: Ben Carpenter Co-Deputy Editors: Evelyn Heis and Isha Vibhakar Digital Editor: Madeleine Ellis Subeditor: Chezelle Bingham SCI-TECH: Editor: Sarah Dalton Deputy Editor: James Emery Digital Editor: Bethany Winget Subeditor: Isabella Ferguson Music: Editor: Mia Smith Co-Deputy Editors: Emma Pope and Theo Kent Digital Editor: Josh Templeman Subeditor: Chezelle Bingham Sport: Editor: Nischal Schwager-Patel Deputy Editor: Lexi-Bothamley-Dakin Digital Editor: Artemis Denton Investigations Editor: Charlie Wilbraham Subeditor: Leo Harland Chief Proofreader: Hester Cameron

Business Team Managing Director Tim Edwards Deputy Director Joshua Ang Head of Finance Matthew Chang

Head of Marketing Sophie Brassey Head of Ads and Sales Lucas Arthur Head of Alumni Elena Venturelli

In print and online, Epigram is the independent student newspaper of the University of Bristol. We are run for students, by students, and have a combined readership of over 20,000. Our content is not controlled by the University or the Students Union and we remain politically neutral. Views expressed in this publication are not those of the University or Bristol SU. The design, text, and photography are copyright of Epigram and its individual contributors that may not be reproduced without permission. Epigram is printed regularly and can be found around campus, in cafes and student accommodation. We have a large editorial and business team who work hard, alongside their degrees, to create Epigram for both print and online. Printed by: Newsquest Media Group, 4th Floor, Queens House, 55/56 Lincolns Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3LJ

Clarifications, Corrections and Retractions

As an independent publication, Epigram strives to be as accurate and impartial on student news as possible. However, should you wish to raise any editorial, commercial or legal concerns, please email editor@epigram.org.uk with the problem, addressed to the Editors-in-Chief. Please be sure to include the issue number and article headline if the article was in print, or the URL if the article was online. We endeavour to correct any inaccuracies as soon as they are raised with us.

Co-Editor in Chief Co-Editor in Chief Deputy Editor Deputy Digital Editor

Holly Beaumont Filiz Gurer Joseph Marshall Flora Pick

News

Editor Megan Evans Co-Deputy Jess Millsom Editor Roya Shahidi

Final year students at Bristol University to graduate in November

Continued from front page:

peaking to final year students, many

expressed their disappointment that their graduation ceremonies had not been given the green light for summer, even after their university experiences of suffering setbacks throughout their degree because of Covid-19. A final year student studying History commented that 'It makes no sense to hold the grad-

uation in November when people will be in work and unable to have all their family and friends with them. The 2022 cohort deserve a summer graduation too'. A similar sentiment was expressed on a Bristruth which stated 'Most of us will have actual jobs and most likely moved out of Bristol by then making it so much more difficult to sctually make it. I'd rather they postpone to next year so we could actually get the summer graduation we deserve'.

University of Bristol Flickr

11 day Wills occupation ends after occupiers secure two of their demands

• The occupation of Wills Memorial Building's Great Hall ended on 10 March. • The university implemented two of the occupiers' demands, despite claims that concessions would not be upheld. • Despite this, further strike action is expected to take place before Easter.

casualisation of contracts. During their occupation, the students made contact with university management, and on Saturday 5 March reached an agreement on a 'counter proposal,' according to a statement from Rent Strike Bristol. However, the university U-turned before their decision was finalised, citing 'arrguably violent acts' on behalf of the occupiers as the reason for ending negotiations. While this resulted in continued occupation, two of the prervious-

ly agreed-upon concessions were implemented by the unievrsity on Tuesday 8 March. These were: a clarification of the terms under which Action Short of Strike (ASOS) is triggered, and a cap of 5 days per month pay losses applied to strike action, staggered throughout paychecks. In response to this, Rent Strrike Bristol released a statement claiming that 'despite the management’s insistene that they have rejected the negotiations, they have in fact ful-

filled two of the occupiers’ demands.' A spokesperson for the university stated: ‘Throughout the current period of Industrial Action called by UCU, the University of Bristol and the Bristol branch of UCU have maintained dialogue in relation to withholding of pay for Strike Action. The University has agreed with the Bristol branch executive that - as in previous periods of action - pay will be withheld over multiple months. ‘In terms of withholding pay from staff who decide to undertake partial

Epigram News Team

he occupiers of the Great Hall left Wills Memorial Building on Thursday 10 March, on the eleventh day of their occupation. The occupiers appeared on the Wills Memorial steps to applause from supporters, including UCU members and students. The group of 12 students barricaded themselves in the building's Great Hall in support of the UCU strikes, telling Epigram that they were protesting due to the pension disputes as well as the so-called ‘Four Fights’ : pay, workload, equality, and the

Epigram / Megan Evans

performance of duty, we have reiterated to the occupiers that pay will only be deducted when such action has had a direct impact on the student experience.' The occupiers ultimately left on Thursday, after the meeting of these demands. Further strike action is still expected to be undertaken by UCU members, , unless vice chancellors revoke pension cuts and meet staff demands over pay and working conditions. The dispute once again centres on the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), with the UCU (University and College Union) arguing that university employers are slashing a typical member's guaranteed pension income by 35 per cent. University staff will continue to take action short of strike (ASOS), which means staff will continue to work strictly to contracted hours, and will not undertake any more work than required, such as covering for absent colleagues. Jo Grady, the UCU general secretary, said: ‘Vice chancellors could easily end this dispute and prevent further disruption in our universities, but they would rather attack the pensions, pay and working conditions of their own staff and damage the sector at the same time.’ The University is yet to make an official statement to students.

epigram 17.03.2022

News 4

Meet your new SU officers for 2022-23 Undergraduate Education Officer: Nicole Veronica Antoine

Alice Clarke

SU Correspondent

• With over 8,000 votes cast by 3,995 voters, Bristol SU’s March elections are over and the new full-time officer team for 2022-23 has been announced

What is the role? The Undergraduate Education Officer represents undergraduate students in all areas of the undergraduate experience from teaching, welfare-related support and academic issues. Nicole’s Aims for the Year: > Increase Student Support - Utilising feedback to develop appropriate and reliable student support systems, such as through the personal tutor scheme, extensions, and extenuating circumstances. > Promote inclusivity, diversity, and access - Collaborating with networks and societies, as well as adapting and developing the university campus to be universally accessible for all. > Develop transparency of student services - Frequent signposting of university services and conscious effort for necessary adapta-

Union Affairs Officer: Adam Michael Union Affairs Officer represents students in how they interact or get involved with Bristol SU. This ranges from democracy, communications and services that the SU offers to supporting societies, volunteering and RAG. Adam’s Aims for the Year: >Democratic Reforms - Two monthly public forums, for all students, and society heads respectively to address concerns, criticise or scrutinise SU leadership. - Introduce approval ratings for SU Officers. Designed to eliminate the disconnect between students and SU leadership. > Deadlines - Extend deadlines to 5 PM, reducing the strain all-nighters have on our physical and mental health. > Housing - Lobby the university to provide a guarantor service to ease housing burdens.

Postgraduate Education Officer: Lu Macey The Postgraduate Education Officer represents postgraduate taught and research students on academic and welfare matters. Lu's Aims for the Year: Wellbeing and Community - improving study spaces, implementing mandatory consultation with students, making student groups more accessible Accessibility and Attainment - securing additional funding opportunities for self-funded and international Postgraduates introducing specialised information sessions for first generation Postgraduates, removing barriers to Postgraduate-level study for students from liberation groups Equality and Equity in Learning and Teaching - providing PGRs who teach with information about their rights, redeveloping Personal Tutor and Supervisor roles, expanding Postgraduate-focused study skills and careers support

International Students Officer: Trevor Ntutu International Students' Officer represents international students on all aspects of the international student experience, making sure they are represented and supported. Trevor’s Aims for the Year: > Easy Entry for International students : Lobby the university to acquire funding and make the current £40 airport transfers to the University of Bristol service free and available for all incoming students. > Inclusion: work with cultural societies as well as the Global Lounge to set up food festivals, socials, and sports days to give everyone the chance to interact and create an integrated experience with different cultures > Careers: work with the careers office to develop guides and workshops tackling CV writing, interview skills, assessment days and any language barriers necessary. > Housing - Lobby the university to provide a guarantor service to ease housing burdens.

Student Living Officer: Izzy Russell Student Living Officer represents students on issues ranging from accommodation and finances to wellbeing issues and how students fit into the wider-Bristol community. Izzy’s Aims for the Year: > Increase disability and wellbeing budget, improve training for counsellors, tutors, and committee members, continue harm reduction work > Hold the University accountable to sustainability promises, to support student activism, push for all buildings to be sustainable and accessible, push for sustainability to be incorporated into subjects and careers > Talk with University about capping expansion, re-evaluate security powers, improve SU Lettings and better support students finding housing, freeze halls prices, stop using external washing machine companies

Equality, Liberation and Access Officer: Saranya Thambirajah

Equality, Liberation and Access Officer represents students on equality, diversity and widening participation issues, and ensures that all students’ voices are represented within both the SU and University. Saranya’s Aims for the Year: > A Liberated University - Rename buildings connected with the slave trade, challenge hateful speakers, fight campus securitisation, and end University complicity with the arms trade. > Proper Care - Real support for sexual violence victims, put eating disorders and diet culture on the agenda, and provide free testing & contraception on campus. > Equal Access for Equal Outcomes - expand bursaries and hardship funding, push for gender-affirming healthcare in Student Health, and make extensions and ECs accessible

Sport and Student Development Officer: Lucy Matthews Sport and Student Development Officer represents students on sport, exercise and health issues, as well as on issues relating to students' personal development. Lucy’s Aims for the Year: > Increase participation levels of LGBTQ+ athletes: Develop a code of conduct for whats expected in sport, introduce ‘genderless’ leagues, work with SEH to provide gender-neutral facilities at Coombe, organise talks with LGBTQ+ athletes. > Injured athletes : Develop rehab programmes for injured athletes, make coaching qualifications more accessible and affordable for clubs with injured athletes > Increase the transparency between Clubs, the SU and SEH: Develop a checklist system everyone can identify what has been achieved and what is still needing attention, produce a survey to raise any issues or concerns, improve the equality of pitch allocation between clubs.

Features 5

epigram 17.03.2022

Over 10 per cent of Bristol’s student population have a hidden disability, but how would you know?

Epigram investigates the experiences of students with hidden disabilities at Bristol University Flossie Palmer

Features Editor oing unnoticed is a common experience for those with hidden disabilities – after all, they are ‘non-visible’ conditions, and are therefore difficult to identify. However, 11.2 per cent of students in the academic year 2021/2022 have a hidden disability, making up over a tenth of the student population, including those with: social or communication impairments, mental health conditions, cognitive or learning disabilities and sensory, medical or physical impairments. Whilst there are many students at Bristol who have hidden disabilities, awareness of these is often incredibly low, with students reporting feeling a lack of safety for their own wellbeing on campus and around the city more generally. In a recent survey, Epigram found that all respondents with hidden disabilities, do not feel safe in the wider city of Bristol, such as in public spaces. Third year English student, Thea Powell, who has temporal lobe epilepsy, agreed, stating that; ‘I know that my housemate and my parents worry that [I’ll have a seizure] when I’m out. Nobody would really know that I was having an epileptic seizure because if you see someone sat on the side of the street looking dazed and confused, you’d just think they’ve gone crazy.’ Thea also explained that a greater awareness and recognition of those with hidden disabilities is needed, stating that ‘It is not just the disability that is hidden, but the crisis moment too.’ The Sunflower Scheme, first launched in 2016, has established the symbol of the sunflower as one representative of those with a hidden or non-visible disability. Those with a hidden disability can pick up a sunflower lanyard and wear it in public spaces to discreetly inform those around them that they have a non-visible condition. On the Sunflower Scheme website, the University of Bristol is listed as an affiliated institution, meaning that students can collect sunflower lanyards on campus. However, after enquiring about the University’s involvement in The Sunflower Scheme, Bristol SU, Bristol SU Disability and Accessibility Network and the Disability Services could not provide any

Epigram / Cameron Scheijde

information about the University’s co-operation within the Scheme. So, just how aware of hidden disabilities is the University of Bristol? All disabled students at the University are entitled to support and reasonable adjustments to assessments and exams, for example. Once the Disability Services receives a referral, students will receive help to create a personal disability support summary (DSS) which details their needs and suggests adjustments. Holly Bailey, a Senior Disability Advisor at the University’s Disability Services, told Epigram that the Disability Services also offer a series of workshops which students can attend. These include: study skills workshops aimed at students with specific learning difficulties, such as dyslexia and dyspraxia, ‘Am I Dyslexic?’ workshops which help students identify their difficulties and seek a referral route, as well as post-diagnosis sessions for those newly diagnosed with a learning disability. When asked if they felt satisfied with the support the Disability Services had provided them, all respondents to Epigram’s survey agreed, with students highlighting the range of assistance the Services provided them with, from help with accommodation accessibility to simply putting them in contact with the right person. However, although in the academic year 2021/2022, there have been 4, 455 total students identified as having a disability, 2.5 per cent of the student population are still not known by the Disability Services to either have or not have a disability.

Holly posed the theory that this could be due to students feeling ‘uncomfortable’ with the term ‘disability,’ stating that ‘I think sometimes what might put students off coming to Disability Services is potentially the term ‘disability.’ She recognised that ‘Conditions such as dyslexia to chronic fatigue syndrome to ADHD to depression - they are all disabilities, but some people might not consider themselves disabled.’ While the Disability Service is a primary support hub, 100 per cent of respondents to Epigram’s survey reported that they were unsure of their safety on campus. These responses were largely given due to the perceived lack of awareness students felt about hidden disabilities on campus. Lucy Chippett, a preliminary year Physics student who suffers from chronic pain, told Epigram about the judgement she has faced on campus for her condition; ‘I’ve been made to feel shamed around campus for needing to take the lift as I don’t look physically disabled.’ She further explained, ‘There are signs around the physics building telling you to burn calories and not electricity by taking the stairs, which makes me feel guilty for needing to take the lift and is also an upsetting choice of words for someone who has previously suffered with an eating disorder.’ Lucy related that on another occasion in the geography building, a member of staff approached her waiting for the lift and advised that it would be a better and quicker option for her to take the stairs. ‘I told him I had a disability, to which he

replied “oh, there’s something wrong with you” and walked off. This was very upsetting and unsettling.' One anonymous student reported sharing a similar experience; ‘I have been told by staff that I shouldn't use the 'wheelchair lift' because it's only for disabled people. I live my life afraid of being called lazy or a liar, and it would be good to feel that campus is a safe space at least.’ They added that; ‘I think that staff should be trained to understand that hidden disabilities exist and not to prejudge someone. Not all of us use mobility aids, and some people use them occasionally - this doesn't make us less disabled.’ Epigram found that although staff are encouraged to undertake training sessions regarding hidden disabilities, only one of these courses is mandatory regarding mental illness awareness, while the rest are voluntary. Personal tutors also have access to online resources surrounding hidden disabilities, but these are selfserve optional resources rather than training courses. Helena Thornton, Chair of the Bristol SU Disability and Accessibility Network, is working with her committee and Bristol SU to ensure wider awareness is raised across campus concerning both non-visible and visible disabilities. One of the most recent difficulties Helena has dealt with in her role as Chair has been the University’s transition to ‘blended learning’ post-Covid. Helena acknowledged, ‘In some ways, having online learning was so

much more accessible, and when the University invested in infrastructure to bring learning online, students were able to do it from home where they were having flare ups and mobility difficulties, and that made such a big difference. But then there were other issues which students had, often through disability, which meant that online learning had been a nightmare!’ One student, who has autism and processing delay, told Epigram of their difficulty adjusting to online learning during the academic year 2020/2021; ‘There have been a few challenges, especially regarding trying to access subtitles during online sessions.’ It took the student six weeks to have their tutors switch to Microsoft Teams so that they could access subtitles. Another student, who struggles with multiple chronic illnesses, including chronic fatigue, PoTS and fibromyalgia, explained their experience adjusting back to in-person learning and the need for ‘basic accessibility without having to ask’ while on campus. This encompasses: ‘always having enough chairs in a room, allowing students to use laptops and eat/ drink without having to disclose personal medical information first, automatically putting CC on videos, not questioning why someone is in an accessible toilet if they aren't in a wheelchair…’ The student stated that, ‘All of this applies to everyone, but staff should be trained to understand and recognise these things.’ So, how can the University its improve its consideration of those with hidden disabilities? In Helena’s view, it starts with basic awareness and inter-personal relationships; ‘I think a lot of it is about awareness and a campus culture,’ she began. ‘I think because there is such a wide range of invisible disabilities and different impairments that people face, awareness needs to be improved at a student level and at an academic level,’ ‘There also must be understanding of what is needed to shape policy rather than a policy being created with able-bodied people in mind .' However, Helena also recognised that, ‘It’s also difficult because there is such a wide range of disabilities that it’s hard to suggest that people understand a blanket sense of accommodation.’ As Helena stated, ‘just because I appear fine, it doesn’t mean I’m not experiencing difficulties,’ which, when there is a lack of awareness, allows people to make incorrect presumptions.

Features

Editor Flossie Palmer Digital Editor Allegra Letts Deputy Editor Alexander Sampson

A rich history of protest: why

striking example of suffragette action in Bristol is that of the Horfield Five, who during the visit of Churchill to the city in November 1909 were imprisoned for their acts of protest. The five women of the group, named

Epigram / Charlotte Carpenter

the Horfield Five due to their incarcerations at Horfield Prison, were researched and celebrated as part of a collaboration between Weston College resident artist and lecturer Emma Lilwall, HMP Horfield, Bristol Museum and Bristol Civic Society. A prominent figure of the five was Theresa Garnett, who on 15 November 1909 notoriously struck former Prime Minister and Chancellor of the University of Bristol, Winston Churchill, with a horsewhip upon his arrival at Temple Meads train station for an upcoming speech at Bristol Beacon, formerly named Colston Hall. For this act, Garnett was charged with disturbing the peace and sentenced to a month long prison sentence. Giving her name as ‘Votes for Women’ in prison, Garnett reportedly cried ‘take that in the name of the insulted women in England!’ to Churchill and continued her protest in prison by setting fire to her cell and going on hunger strike. Garnett suffered from force feeding during her imprisonment, a key part of the government’s attempt to avoid suffragette martyrs and first decided upon as a policy by the then Home Secretary, Churchill himself.

breaking windows at the Liberal Club in Bristol, to Nurse Ellen Pitman sending a direct message to Churchill on a brick through the glass window of the Small Street Post Office. The remaining two women, Mary Sophia Allen and Jessie Lawes, broke windows of the Board of Trade Office in Bristol. Even a f t e r Garnett’s arrest, Bristol Suffragettes still disrupted Churchi l l ’ s meeting at Beacon Hall. Speeches, marches, and demonstrations prevailed long after the efforts of the Horfield Five in November 1909 to continue the struggle for equal voting rights.

1968: Occupation of Senate House Billy Stockwell Investigations Editor

n December 1968, around 300 students occupied Senate House, demanding that the new Bristol SU opened its doors to all students of the city, including those from other educational institutions. ‘End Privilege in Higher Education!’ and ‘Down with the binary system!’ read their placards, as they marched towards the heart of campus. Petitions hadn’t worked, neither had meetings with University management, including the then Vice-Chancellor Arthur Collar. In a talk arranged by Bristol Radical History Group in 2018, Sue Tate, who was a second-year undergraduate at the time of the occupation, describes the different strategies that were tried before the occupation: ‘18 months before the sit in there was a lot of agitation, organisation, campaigning, meetings and debate, around these issues, and within that a very keen awareness and class analysis of our privileged position as an elite,; she says. According to Sue, only around 7 per cent of her age group went to University. Senate House was targeted as it was the ‘administrative power hub’ of the University, Sue says. Once

students got in, they took over the entire building. Electricity supplies were turned off, in what one can assume to be an attempt by the University to bring the occupation to a

screeching halt. However, after students lit candles instead, resulting in Bristol’s Fire Department telling the University that there was a fire risk, the electricity was turned on again. The occupation lasted 11 days and was seen to be a success by the students for increasing the representation of students on University bodies. However, not all were so pleased, with the Western Evening Herald

1980: St Paul's Riots Thea Powell

Features Subeditor he St Pauls riots of 1980 and 1986 were some of the most significant protests to ever disturb Bristol’s harmony, and many of those involved have described them as pivotal moments, not only for black communities in Bristol but for the whole of the UK. On 2 April 1980 trouble first erupted when police raided the Black and White Café on Grosvenor Road, attempting to remove alcohol from the premises which did not have a drinks licence. The riots occurred against a backdrop of significant social tension. Unemployment in Bristol became increasingly prominent throughout the 1970s – the era also saw a deterioration in race relations, as the rightwing National Front Party campaigned in local and national elections. The development of the M32 in 1970 had a detrimental effect on St Pauls; much of the housing and education services were in a poor state and failed to provide for local inhabitants. With St Paul’s large Afro-Caribbean community, increased police use of sus laws to stop and search youths contributed to increased racial tension in the area. After the police raid of the café, a crowd soon gathered and police were pelted with bottles, bricks and other missiles; unprepared, police officers defended themselves against rioters with milk crates. Damage was caused to a Lloyds Bank branch, a post office, several fire engines and police cars. 130 people were arrested and 90 were charged. Relations between police and the local community remained tense, before plummeting in 1986 when 600 police officers raided the Black and White Café again. Nonetheless, the event led to the Home Secretary at the time, William Whitelaw, visiting the city to hold meetings with local authorities and representatives of the black community. The riot certainly started an important process between police and locals, and thrust the issues affecting the community into the limelight.

Epigram / Charlotte Carpenter

Features Columnist & Subeditor

Garnett has since been commemorated through a mural on the wall outside HMP Horfield during a collaborative project between current prisoners and feminist local Bristol artist Rozalita, and with a Bristol Civic Society commissioned blue plaque visible from Cambridge Road. The four other women who made up the Horfield Five equally retaliated against Churchill. These were all militant acts, from Vera Wentworth

Epigram / Charlotte Carpenter

1909: The Horfield Five Marine Saint

branding the students ‘invaders’. Around ten years later, in 1977, another occupation targeted Senate House, this time demanding that the University should not introduce tuition fees for overseas students. At this point, UK students didn’t have to pay fees, and the students believed this move by the University would ‘open the door to fees for all.’ Epigram spoke to an organiser about how they took over the building. ‘We realised that when the staff left at 5 o’clock in the evening we could run in. We wore balaclavas and we went in and secured the doors,’ he tells Epigram. The University had taken legal action against previous occupiers, according to the organiser, so they wore the balaclavas for anonymity. ‘All the staff left, and security left. Then loads of supporters came in and took over the building … we went round all of the halls of residence that night saying there was an emergency general meeting at the student’s union the next day,’ they say. Since these occupations, Senate House has continued to be a central part of student protests This year alone, Senate House has been spray painted twice with the words ‘PAY YOUR STAFF’ and ‘GREENWASHING,’ with further direct action sure to come.

Features

epigram 17.03.2022

Bristol is the UK's heart of activism

made 45 arrests in connection with the riots. At the end of the night of protest, which continued till after 4am, the Tesco was severely damaged, sporting smashed windows, graffiti, stolen goods and broken shutters. Protestors upheld that their action was

Although the Tesco has provided amenities for Bristol’s students living in the area, consequently bringing in more money to the Stokes Croft community, the riot of 2011 with its focus on local, independent businesses is something still prevalent in the city of Bristol today.

Epigram / Charlotte Carpenter

2020: Black Lives Matter Protests Allegra Letts Digital Features Editor

e all know 7 June 2020 as the monumental day that marked the fall of the Colston Statue in Bristol, and the start of a widespread outcry

2021: Free Hong Kong Protests Alexander Sampson s the world focuses on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a slower but incredibly serious erosion of autonomy is occurring in Asia. China’s aggressive actions towards Hong Kong have led to multiple serious protests since 2019, which have slowly been curtailed by increasingly unforgiving crackdowns on protesting. Since 1997, Hong Kong’s citizens have enjoyed greater freedom of speech and assembly than their mainland Chinese counterparts owing to the ‘one country, two systems’ arrangement. In 2019, a new extradition bill was introduced, stating that ‘criminals’, defined by the Chinese-dominated Hong Kong government, could be extradited to China for detainment. China’s reputation for violating human rights meant this bill was seen as a serious erosion of Hong Kong’s semi-autonomy and presented a serious threat to its democracy. Serious protests ensued, which initially forced the Hong Kong government to back down. However, the issue of China’s encroaching pow-

were often peaceful but met with live rounds, tear gas and riot police. In 2020, the pandemic offered a sudden respite from these tensions. Utilising this distraction, a new security bill was suddenly introduced, notably when gatherings were illegal. This bill gave significantly more power to Beijing over Hong Kong’s affairs; it criminalised vaguely defined acts of ‘secession’, ‘subversion’, ‘terrorism’ and ‘collusion with foreign or external forces’ and allowed seriously severe punishments to be placed on those who do protest, including the ability to extradite some cases to China. Since then, many protesters have been afraid to go out. The protests have spread to other cities worldwide, including Bristol owing to its large community of Hong Kongers. In June 2020, over 500 people joined a protest on College Green to condemn China’s actions and show support for those still in Hong Kong. Marching up from the harbourside, the protesters held banners with slogans reading ‘Free HK’ and ‘5 demands, no less!’ Similar protests took place up and down the country in many UK cities. Sadly, many see Hong Kong as slowly dissolving into China, prompting numerous Western companies and expatriates to leave. Native Hong Kongers have also begun a diaspora, with the population now declining as those who can leave have begun emigrating to other

er had now been openly breached; more protests occurred over two years and were met with excessive state crackdowns. These protests

countries, including the UK. Future protests are possible, but for many, China’s power is too great, and Hong Kong’s future decided.

Deputy Features Editor

against the previous slave trader’s hold on Bristol’s history and commemorative landmarks. The Black Lives Matter protests were the product of an international outrage at demonstrations of police brutality charged by racial bias against black minorities. These episodes of police brutality became particularly evident following a viral video circling social media which displayed the unjust killing of a 46-year old black man, George Floyd, by white police officer Derek Chauvin on 25 May. Whilst the particular video originated from Minneapolis, it shocked the world and created impetus for global activism. Two weeks later, protests in Bristol took inspiration from those in the USA and the Black Lives Matter rally began. Marches of over 10,000 people made way towards the statue of commemorated slave trader Edward Colston in city centre, and four protestors proceeded to remove the bronze statue from its plinth using ropes, rolling it towards the harbour. The now-known ‘Colston Four’ then threw the statue over the harbourside. And so Colston's removal from Bristol has continued, with Bristol Beacon recently removing his name from theirs. Clearly, the Bristol Black Lives Matter protest was a turning point in the city’s history, which will remain prominent for years to come.

Epigram / Charlotte Carpenter

Features Editor n April 2011, over 300 locals in the Stokes Croft area of Bristol congregated in protest over the opening of a new Tesco Express store on Cheltenham Road. Only a stone’s throw from Gloucester Road, the longest road of independent businesses in the UK, locals living nearby felt that the introduction of a chain supermarket to the area was inappropriate. Out of loyalty to their favourite local shops, residents took to the streets armed with bottles, rocks and other paraphernalia to use in their attack on the Tesco store, but also attending police officers. Police later received reports of petrol bombs being assembled in a nearby squat to be used during the riots; however, residents of the squat denied this accusation. Despite this, police raided the nearby squat, exacerbating further action and violence. At the time, Avon and Somerset police maintained that their raid was justified, and that they did find petrol bombs on the roof. More than 160 officers attended the scene in riot gear, including reinforcements from neighbouring forces and officers on horseback. It was reported that eight police officers and several protesters were injured, albeit not severely, and police

necessary, as the local community felt betrayed that they had not been consulted by the Council about the introduction of the Tesco Express to the area. What began as a series of challenges on legal grounds from members of the ‘No Tesco’ campaign escalated into violence as soon as locals were ignored. They integrated a passion for their community and independent businesses by fighting against the power of large corporations and the destruction of what they coined ‘local culture’ in a bid to prevent the slow gentrification of Bristol’s most artistic quarter. In an interview with Bristol Post in April 2021, Chris Chalkley, founder of the People’s Republic of Stokes Croft and a participant in the ‘No Tesco’ campaign stated that at the forefront of the campaign was democracy and the matter of who gets to shape what Bristol looks like. Over ten years on from the protest, some locals still feel strongly enough to not use the Tesco Express, which is evident in the abundance of thriving independent grocery stores which line Cheltenham Road.

Epigram / Charlotte Carpenter

2011: Stokes Croft Riots Flossie Palmer

Features 8

epigram 17.03.2022

Alumni Series: Epigram interviews Miranda Krestovnikoff

mirandak.co.uk /Miranda Krestovnikoff

An overview of the celebrations for Women's History Month in Bristol Marine Saint

After university, Miranda went onto work with the BBC’s acclaimed Natural History Film Unit before breaking into a presenting role for Fox Television. After twenty years in the media, Miranda’s portfolio includes documentaries, radio appearDeputy Features Editor ances, conservation projects, and n mountain peaks and in concerts. Miranda is also a pivotal figure in underwater caves, the acclaimed wildlife presenter the underwater presenting scene. As Miranda Krestovnikoff has studied one of a handful of female diving the world’s creeping, soaring, teem- presenters, she’s paved the way for ing and crawling zoological mar- women in a mostly male-dominated vels. Marrying conservation, music, space. In recognition of this feat, she diving and presenting, Miranda’s was chosen as one of PADI’s 2021 AmbassaDivers enjoyed a caMiranda has paved the but has never reer successfully taming the wild way for women in a mostly forgotten where she first learnt: for a sofa-based male-dominated space ‘I was talking audience. at a dive show Miranda’s fledgling career was launched in before lockdown and my old diving Freshers’ Week. Taking the plunge, instructor from university turned she learnt to dive, experimented with up. I said to him, “Look what you’ve hot air ballooning, and acted in dra- done - you’ve given me this incredma productions. She was involved in ible opportunity and now it’s a part various church groups and sang with of my career.”’ In 2013, Miranda was snapped up an a cappella group, named the Madby the RSPB and has remained Presrigal Ensemble. Later, while volunteering at a ident ever since. Leading the organwildlife centre in Gloucestershire, isation’s 1.2m members, Miranda’s Miranda discovered her love for con- role has included numerous camservation and began to search for paigns, volunteer events, parliaopportunities in wildlife filming, pre- mentary committee meetings and a short Aardman Animations film for senting and conservation projects. ‘I never said no. I did work expe- Netflix. Amongst all her ‘bonkers’ experirience with cameramen, shadowed presenters, and generally just gave ences, Miranda is very down to earth; things a go. [Bristol] was an amaz- her continued television success over ing, amazing university that really the last twenty years is clearly inhelped shaped my career. A few very formed by her personable character influential people there really guided and ready smile. Alongside her work me as to where I wanted to go, [and] in presenting, Miranda has also aphelped give me my first step on the peared on Pointless Celebrities and Celebrity MasterChef, while travelladder.’

Epigram speaks to wildlife presenter and Bristol graduate Miranda Krestovnikoff. Alexander Sampson

ling all over the world as patron of numerous conservation trusts. Grounded by the pandemic, Miranda enjoyed a lockdown listening to birdsong, home schooling her children and learning to appreciate wildlife a lot closer to home: ‘In lockdown I fell in love with our “local patch”, and I realised I didn’t spend enough time in it. [Before] I was busy going away everywhere, going to far flung places and having amazing wildlife experiences but forgetting how beautiful it is on the doorstep here. Post-COVID, Miranda’s landscape is a changing world. Media production has become more accessible, local and individual. The ‘big presenting roles’ aren’t needed in the same ways because everyone has their own podcast, YouTube channel or social media presence. Miranda's choice is to invest locally; she is currently focusing on working in schools and giving talks on climate change, conservation, and how to get out into nature. Her fierce passion for the outdoors persists – she is currently writing books on Puffins and UK wild swimming – yet her focus now lies on Bristol: ‘You spend your life taking out of the system but now I’d like to put back in. I’d like to help young people get up onto the ladder or help around the city in schools with disadvantaged children.' It is these smaller interactions with young conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts that Miranda finds the most meaningful: ‘Those are the projects which are most rewarding at the end of the day – when you come home and realise you may have just changed someone’s life.’

phy exhibition ‘Holding the Baby’ examines the impact of austerity measures on UK families, and Paula Rego’s ‘Subversive Stories’ showcasing 80 prints reinterpreting classic stories which span the artist’s career. Features Columnist & Subeditor The University of Bristol has set a precedent of celebrating the histo*Content Warning: Sexual Violence ry of its female alumni, as it is the omen providing heal- first university in England to accept ing, promoting hope is women on an equal basis to men. the theme selected by Available to see in the Great Hall the National History Alliance for this of the Wills Memorial Building, the year’s Women’s History Month. A portraits from the 2018 Vote 100 protribute to the tireless efforts of front- ject display current members of the line workers and caregivers during University holding portraits of influthe pandemic, it also acknowledges ential researchers and educators who the historic and influential contri- attended Bristol University. At a time bution of women and non-binary where members of staff who are UCU people to society. In Bristol specifi- members are striking over demands cally, this history has received recent including the gender and ethnic pay attention from author Jane Duffus gap, we can learn how there continin her series of books ‘The Women ues to be a need to break this bias in Who Built Bristol’. Duffus spoke at education. Equally, student societies at Bristol an event held by Bristol Libraries on International Women’s Day, and the held events related to IWD and Womlibrary itself is promoting their abun- en’s History Month, notably led by dance of online resources as part of Bristol Feminist Society. With activities across March the month’s celeThere is an incentive such as self-debrations. I n t e r n a t i o n - amongst students to bring fence classes and a collaborative al Women’s gendered issues to light event with PeriDay (IWD) on 8 odSoc to discuss March saw the launch of its 2022 theme ‘Break the menstrual health, it is clear that there Bias’. Celebrated worldwide, there is an incentive amongst the student were numerous events online and community to bring gendered issues local to students in Bristol which ad- to light. Inclusivity is consistently dressed gender inequality, inclusion, a key topic addressed through this and celebrated female and non-bina- month’s events, with talks such as ry artists, activists, and other profes- an LGBTQ+ panel event with SocSoc and Femsoc. sionals. Hope is one of the key words to A highlight of this year’s ongoing Women’s History Month, IWD boast- consider for this month, and it is espeed a wealth of celebrations across cially pertinent in the ongoing camthis city. The weekend leading up to paign for student safety and generIWD included workshops and activi- ating a discourse on sexual violence. ties as part of Bristol Women’s Voice The University of Bristol has recently Break the Bias event held at City Hall signed the nationwide pledge to comon 5 March, to a music event ‘WOM- mit to end the use of Non-Disclosure XN UP!’ hosted at Lost Horizon on Agreements to silence complainants of sexual har8 March, as well as The Uni should join the assment and starting an entirely original cultural ex- ‘Erase the Grey' campaign abuse in universities, and hibition on the 8, 10 the NUS campaign hopes to extend and 12 March. In a city renowned for its diverse participation to include all UK uninightlife venues, this month is prov- versities. As we approach the end of ing to be a perfect occasion to show- a month of celebrations and educacase local talent and inspire the crea- tional events related to Women’s Histive interests of Bristol’s inhabitants. tory Month, it would be encouraging Moreover, from last month, Bris- for the University to join the ‘Erase tol’s art scene has been strongly fe- the Grey’ campaign to raise awaremale-focused, with new exhibitions ness of how sexual assault affects launched at the Arnolfini. For free, campus members of all genders and visitors can see collections of works to promote the end of victim-blamfrom Polly Braden, whose photogra- ing.

Opinion

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The OfS' latest plans punish students, not universities The Office for Students plans to punish universities with high drop out rates and low graduate numbers. This will only reinforce existing Lois Ryan

English and Philosphy, Second Year

ast month the Office for Students’ annual review outlined plans to punish universities based on student drop-out rates and the number of graduates who go into ‘skilled employment’. The proposed sanctions include fines and restricted student loan eligibility for universities where more than 20 per cent of students drop out after their first year, more than 25 per cent don’t complete their degree within the previous four years, or more than 40 per cent of graduates do not go into ‘skilled employment’. The Office for Students regulates higher education in England and aims to ensure that every student ‘Has a fulfilling experience of higher education that enriches their lives and careers.’ Universities Minister Michelle Donelan says the review is aimed at ‘Protecting students from being let down by these institutions’ which represent ‘Poor pockets of quality education’ in the country’s ‘world class’ university sector. OfS Chief Executive Nicola Dandridge says the measures are aimed at targeting universities with ‘Poor quality courses and outcomes which are letting students down and don’t reflect students’ ambition and effort.’ So, what will the measures actually mean for students?

Michelle Donelan, Courtesy of gov.uk

Sciences, where at this point in the The OfS acknowledges that the very fluid, ever-changing, enduniversities targeted are disproporless-economic-growth driven job tionately made up of students from market, graduates are less likely to disadvantaged and underrepresented find a job in their subject area and backgrounds. more likely to take up jobs in retail The report marks that ‘Regulating or hospitality - or, as the OfS calls minimum requirements for qualithem, ‘Unskilled jobs’. ty and standards safeguards both Unsurprisingly, in their review, quality and equality of opportunity, the OfS proposes even more funding because it ensures that all students for ‘Subject areas where skills are (including those with protected in high demand’ - like those STEM characteristics) receive an education subjects at big rich universities (like that meets these requirements’. Bristol) which already receive huge Supposedly then, the new measamounts of money every year. ures - set to eliminate those courses Which might not sound so bad for with lower graduate prospects - will STEM students now, but explicitly help, and even ‘protect’ these stubasing course funding on our curdents. rent position within a very fluid job But how is penalising universities market, whilst refreshingly honest, offering courses studied by students pushes us further down the dangerfrom underrepresented backgrounds ous slope of decline. safeguarding ‘equality of opportuThis is true not just of the Arts nity’? (which is over a £100-billion-a-year Surely ‘equality of opportunity’ industry in the UK), but more spewould consist of some measures to cifically for disadvantaged students’ either improve those courses which access to the arts. underrepresented students are alAccess to education is not just ready studying, or to help those stuimportant for employability as the dents get onto ‘better’ courses? OfS’ ‘skilled jobs' focus implies. It is As opposed to removing the fundimportant for providing a means for ing for the at-risk courses which social change. over 60,000 students are already enPouring more money into STEM rolled on, and blocking prospective courses in rich universities, taken students from getting a student loan away from smaller Arts courses at to go to university at all? ‘Poor pockets of quality education’ The new measures are set to rereinforces the preeminent social inforce the huge educational inestructures and restricts the opporqualities underpinning the system, tunities for disadvantaged students offering huge cuts and barriers to to actually be students on targetchange-makers. The plans take away ed courses and the It is not, then, universities which students' opportunities a student-focused offer them. to study what they want ‘value for money’ It’s also importhat the OfS’ plans tant to look at really hinge on. If it was then they what the OfS means by ‘Positive outwould be looking to increase stucomes’ and ‘High-quality courses’ in dents’ value for money. order to understand exactly what Instead, the plans take away prothe country’s higher-education secspective students’ opportunities to tor will look like after the proposed study what they want, where they sanctions. want, and access a bare-minimum The sanctions target subjects in tuition loan to do so. the Arts, Humanities and Social With the UCU strikes steamrolling ahead this week, it is a good time to ask ourselves what we want from universities, versus what we’re getting, and look and listen to those underrepresented in our student body. Because whilst Bristol lounges in its rich, white, private school bubble, our ability to look beyond the horizons from the top of Brandon Hill and reassure ourselves with the knowledge that not every university is quite so privileged and elitist, is under threat. Soon, every university will be similarly constrained. So maybe it’s time to pop the bubble.

Mark Ross Charlie Osborne Katie Sowerby Caitlin Palmer O'Shaughnessy Mansi Virmani

‘Dare to Care' was a success, but we can't stop there The SU's campaign created a conversation around mental health, but more needs to be done. Lauren Thompson English, Second Year

hame still surrounds many mental health issues and, when unspoken, it can thrive. It is important for universities to have structures in place to help dismantle these damaging tendencies. From 28 February until 4 March, Bristol University ran it’s ‘Dare to Care’ campaign in a conscious effort to combat the stigma surrounding conversations about mental health and suicide. For its students, this week created a space to talk openly about the University’s shortcomings, and to widen its wellbeing scope and engagement with students. There was the opportunity to share personal concerns, gain online suicide alliance training and become part of a wellbeing network forum. And I, like many students, appreciate the importance of these events. My first weeks at university affected my own mental health in a way I’d never previously experienced. I was isolated in a flat, then moved to one

per cent of students perceived their biggest barriers to seeking help as ‘Feeling problems aren’t important enough’, ‘Concerns that no one will understand’ and a ‘Fear of academic consequences’. By attending talks this week with senior staff, students had the opportunity to build a support system based upon transparency. A reform of the University’s support system is long overdue. This week provided the first step in the road to change. Simply too many students have gone too long without adequate support, mirrored in an annual rise in levels of depression and anxiety up from 37 to 47 per cent and from 28 to 41 per cent respectively compared to pre-pandemic. Considerable changes to student life over the past 18 months have also increased mental health inequalities. This campaign offered an opportunity to tackle these trends and to receive support from the University. Clearly, the University is trying to change its ways. But there is still a long way to go. The Wellbeing Survey also revealed that a greater number of students this year (7 per cent) found it harder to seek help from the University. The most accessible support available is still provided by non-specialists, such as residential life advisors, tutors, and the student

The University is trying to change its ways where I was on the receiving end of another person’s mental struggle. When I reached out to the University, I was provided with a minimum of support in my moment of trauma. For many years now, the University of Bristol has appeared in headlines for all the wrong reasons surrounding mental health. A Freedom of Information request revealed that Bristol students’ wait for counselling is three times the national average, (52 days versus 15). Our vulnerable students are not listened to. We face the longest wait in Britain. For some, seeing this figure alone can discourage them to reach out; be it due to fear of not being heard, or of their case being belittled. By intentionally crafting an open space to listen and to accept criticism, the ‘Dare to Care’ campaign was a positive step in the right direction. According to the University’s Student Wellbeing Survey last year, 53

union. With an increasing demand, it is unsurprising that student counselling, disability services and student health professionals are perceived as hardest to access. I remain hopeful that this institution strives to be a place where those who are vulnerable are prioritised and listened to. By taking responsibility for supporting students, the University places the onus on itself, taking pressure off its students. Putting yourself forward can be daunting, especially concerning an intensely personal topic. By choosing to take part, students had the opportunity to reshape conversations about a topic which is and should be increasingly at the top of the University’s agenda. This campaign week was a great example of Bristol University’s conscious efforts to create a functioning student support system, but we cannot rest on our laurels. To create lasting change, this week must be only the first of many similar events.

Opinion 10

epigram 17.03.2022

Tarzan and trigger warnings: should Bristol relabel its library? Why triggers warnings distract from the real problem at hand Alex O'Brien

History, Second Year

he time is six minutes past nine in the morning, the kettle’s boiling, and the Baltic wasteland that is my university house mocks me, as I shiver in my dressing gown and crocs. It has taken little more than three downward scrolls on ‘Tiktok’ to reach a video concerning the strain that this life can have on students’ mental well-being. *Sips tea* But all is not lost, with the arrival of the news that the University of Leeds has placed trigger warnings on 43 pieces of literature. This allows students to mentally prepare themselves to digest topics which may cause internal discomfort before beginning their studies. Does this signify a much-needed change? Is this the beginning of a new culture at these institutions?

University should prepare us for the One that places the wellbeing of its harsh realities of adult life. But it’s a students at paramount importance. simplistic and often underdeveloped I think not. line of reason, which undermines the I’ll concede that, at first, any real issues at hand here. warning which might make the life Firstly, the selection of what topics of a student who has experienced constitute as worthy of being cited trauma easier certainly sounds like a as a ‘trigger warning’ will always be positive idea. subjective. Students with wide rangHowever, this governance of liting experiences and identities are erature comes with more complicacertain to have different ‘triggers’, tions than the issues which it seeks like everybody else on the planet. to solve. Not only this, but it draws Somebody must select those warnattention away from the fundamenings that they tal issues that deem to be the Universities are This governance of most important. struggling to deal literature comes with I think the with; namely the complications majority of us supply of student subscribe to the mental-health idea that no one support netperson’s experience on this planet works, and attitudes towards the should necessarily outweigh anothtopic in general. er’s, and so the implementation of Far be it for me to start blathering trigger warnings is the beginning of about ‘bubbles’ that keep students an impractical system that has no out of the real world, as I know that end in sight. there are a great many who would This is not to say that just because argue the case ‘the real world doesn’t we cannot encompass the triggers of come with trigger warnings.’ everybody, that it’s not worth trying You’ve probably heard the arat all. gument, and it has some merit.

But rather that the list of triggers, if it is to fulfil its true purpose for everyone, is surely indefinite in its quantity, and the more warnings added to the top of that list, the further the entire concept becomes undermined. If this were truly carried out fairly, we would reach a point in which every book had a huge number of triggers, many of them shared between one another, achieving the effect of no triggers at all. ‘Oh, this has X and X and X etc, but so does everything else, thanks for telling me.’ Instead of throwing out easy initiatives that look good in a headline, (or look good to most university stu-

dents, who have often felt the distance between themselves and the aid of their institutions), let’s promote practical, intimate relationships between student and University that help to properly tackle the issues and individual traumas being experienced. Increase the supply of councillors, shorten the waiting list, make the idea of seeking help seem more possible in the first place. For the University of Bristol to employ this concept would be little more than to continue a process of meek mental health management from afar, when what students need is to know that there is actually somebody there to support them.

The Southmead by-election is a ‘byebye' for the Tories the Conservatives and towards Labour and the Greens in Bristol. It is clear that Bristol is demanding progressive policies: both parties want to tackle climate change and social inequality, amongst other issues. But the problem is that neither Politics and IR, Second Year the Greens nor Labour want to cooperate. abour’s Kye Dudd recently won Indeed, Mayor Marvin Rees has the Southmead by-election, had varying success with implebeating the Green Party candimenting his agenda. The council date by just 52 votes. What does this has already struggled to agree upon mean for Bristol? a budget, with the previous attempt Despite the low turnout of 21.2 ending in deadlock and a weak per cent (1,891 votes cast), the Green agreement to fiParty vote experia plan by enced an unpreceIt is clear that Bristol is nalise the 2nd March. dented surge of 19 demanding progressive Although both per cent. The ConLabour and the policies servative Party’s Greens operate on vote was halved, the left wing of the with the candidate political spectrum, there is clearly no receiving only 279 votes and placing guarantee that they will be able to a distant third. cooperate. In the short term, this does not But, if Labour and the Greens can change much. The previous councilfoster good working relations, their lor (whose resignation triggered the time in power could be transformaelection) was also a Labour repretional for Bristol. sentative. But what this does show Shockingly, 21 per cent of Bristol’s is the swing in popularity away from

It is time for the Greens and Labour to co-operate Isobel Downie

children live in low-income families and the city is ranked 55 in the country for the size of inequality in employment between white British and ethnic minorities. This cannot be allowed to continue. The Mayor and the Council have the opportunity to truly invest in the Bristol is City and create lasttraditional ing change, for exvative ample through the ‘No Child Goes Hungry’ campaign. But, if the Greens and Labour continue to disagree, then this opportunity for change will pass the City by. The Greens must be willing to cooperate on shared goals, rather than solely opposing the Mayor’s agenda. Labour’s victory in the Southmead-by-election confirms Bristol’s reputation as a progressive and leftwing city. However, it must be noted that the Conservative Party does also hold 14 council seats. This is not an insignificant number and suggests that there are pockets of Conservative support in the city, for example in the suburb of

Stoke Bishop. The election result shows that It is likely that Conservative CounBristol is replacing the traditioncillors will clash with the Mayor, al Labour-Conservative dichotomy particularly over issues of spending. with a race between two left-wing This reinforces the need for the Laparties. bour Party and Greens to cooperate In a city with two large universiif they are to achieve shared goals. ties, the Green Party’s more radical The by-elecmessage is likely to gain greater tion also brought traction in the years to come. replacing the the issue of the The Green Party's support of labour-conser- resurgence of scrapping tuition fees, reintroducthe Green Party dichotomy ing student grants, increasing fundto the forefront ing for higher education and imof Bristol's polplementing better quality housing itics. are all proposals that will appeal to A growing awareness about clistudents, whilst starkly contrasting mate change, combined with a more with the Labour Party’s lack of a firm moderte Labour Parcommitment to ty likely inspired If Bristol is to be rescrapping tuimany progressive tion fees. formed, the two leftist voters to switch to If Bristol is parties will need to learn to be reformed, the Greens. how to work together The Mayor has althe two leftready taken signifiist parties will cant steps towards need to learn tackling the climate crisis, for examhow to work together. The Southple, in 2018 Bristol was the first city mead-by-election reminds Labour to declare a climate emergency and and the Greens that they will need to it aims to become carbon neutral by cooperate in order to truly advance 2030. social and climate justice goals.

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Mark Ross Charlie Osborne Katie Sowerby Caitlin Palmer O'Shaughnessy Mansi Virmani

What do rising Removing free COVID testing on campus shows living costs mean for students? what the government thinks of students cent next year, the future appears in an effort to shift blame away from bleak for students who find themWestminster. The government has selves having to dig ever deeper into The narrative pushed by many again prioritsed itself their pockets. politicians, including the former over students by no With the cost of living rising exHealth Secretary, also aimed to paint ponentially, Johnson’s government students as reckless and selfish parlonger providing has failed to keep pace and take tygoers responsible for passing the free covid testing on meaningful action to meet the needs virus over to Grandma. campus of students. Meanwhile, behind closed doors What makes this entire fiasco at Whitehall, politicians exhibited Will Peters more infuriating is the government’s behaviour one would expect from, Law, First Year ambivalence and well, reckless vacillation. This and selfish parost-Partygate, the governhas made things It is clear the government tygoers: popment is in damage control far more complicares little for the safety ping champagne mode, producing rushed cated than they and busting out of students and un-informed policies with the need to be. the Twister mat sole intent of clawing back public Nadhim Zawhilst the general approval. hawi, for example, the Secretary of public abided by the rules. Like a serial love-cheat, BoState for Education, has called for Now that the appalling behavris Johnson has showered us with universities to publish a breakdown iour of our government has come to guilt-ridden gifts of ‘freedom’ and of the proportion of in-person teachlight, it is obvious that the decision ‘liberty’. ing compared to online learning. to abandon all restrictions was guidHe is ditching the tunes of ‘YMCA’ It is hard to understand why the ed by the desire to stave off an imand ‘Party Rock Anthem’ in Number government pending vote of no confidence rather 10’s corridors in fais demanding than the science. vour of a contrived more in-perIt is clear that the government Students have been sold swan-song anson teaching cares little for the safety of students. nouncing the end of a university experience from univer- We will have to wait and see as to all restrictions. All in plagued with disruption sities whilst whether they really do care about an effort to make us decreasing the the quality of university education. so giddy with excitesafety of our The considerable cost of self-testment at the promise learning environments through dising means the safety and wellbeof normality that we just so happen couraging self-testing. ing of students has been cast aside. to forget the ongoing police investiThis is all in the context of stuThose who are anxious or vulnerable gation unfolding in Westminster. dents having been sold a university will soon be forced to spend great One such policy is the sudden end experience plagued with disruption, amounts of money simply for reasof free lateral flow testing for uniexacerbated by under-developed surance. versities. student wellbeing services. Unbelievably, the government has As a result, students will soon Thankfully, the National Union shown that self-preservation is their have to pay for tests themselves, of Students has successfully camtop priority rather than the wellwith retailers being responsible for paigned for over £174 million in being of young people. How Boris setting their own pricing. student support since the start of Johnson has clung on for this long Boots Pharmacy recently anthe pandemic and has accused the is a miracle to everyone, but he renounced that a single Covid test will government of treating students as mains, laughing it up and rocking it cost up to £5.99. Despite the recent ‘Scapegoats’ out to the tune of ‘I’m still standing’. government announcement, the University of Bristol has continued What does Bristol think... to encourage students to test twice a week if they are planning on accessing university facilities. ...about the government's plans to extend the repayThis means students will be exment period on student loans from 30 to 40 years? pected to potentially pay over £10 a week simply as a precautionary Is this fair? measure. Of course, free testing could not have remained forever, Yes - 16.4% No - 83.6% but forcing students to fork out their Could this deter students from going to Uni? own money in the midst of a costof-living crisis, will have dire finanYes - 84% No - 16% cial implications. Coupled with the recent an*Results from a poll conducted via Epigram's social media. The first nouncement by the University of question recieved 239 responses. The second received 238 responses. Bristol that rent for university accommodation will increase by 5 per

sleep has increased in each category compared to the last year. These findings are shocking, especially when we consider the consequences that covid restrictions and online learning has had on the mental health of students nationwide. Marina Jones Meads The added stress of making ends meet seems like a kick in the teeth. English, Third Year Perhaps it would feel more manhe spiralling cost of the living ageable if there was a sense that we crisis will exacerbate and shed were all in it together – but the reala light upon the gross inequality is that we’re not. ities within our student body. Now is It’s old news that Bristol Universithe time to face this disparity head ty is an incredibly privileged instituon. tion, and that higher education does For many, the university experinot act as some magical leveller. ence involves three years of playing Obtaining a place here to begin grown-ups; working hard, having with can be a completely different fun, and making mistakes with the accomplishment based on socioecomonopoly money of mum and dad’s nomic factors. Private education, for generous weekly instalments. Howstarters, is a distant world from the ever, many students at the Universistandard of education at underfundty of Bristol do not have this luxury ed local comprehensives. and are forced to face the precariIt’s important to also consider ousness of living on very little. other factors that make getting into With inflation at its highest in university just that little bit smooth30 years, the dreaded weekly food er. Examples of these include private shop is becoming a deeply sobering tutors, music lessons, holidays, two experience. The official consumer educated parents in the household, price index (CPI) a desk to do homerose to 5.4 per cent work, your own in December with The weekly food shop room and even just warnings of further is becoming a sobering having books in the increases peaking at family home. experience 6 per cent in April. This is not to For those, like undermine the me, who zone out achievements of as soon as percentages and graphs students from upper middle-class enter the equation, Jack Monroe’s backgrounds, but we must acknowltwitter thread helps put this into edge what is taken for granted. perspective. Thankfully, over the last few years, The activist and food writer uses the University has pushed access inbold statistics to argue for a more itiatives that aim to increase the inaccurate index to present the dratake of state educated pupils. In fact, matic rise in the cost of basic prodas a former recipient of free school ucts. meals, I qualify for the bursary and So, with the prices of student maximum maintenance loan, which kitchen essentials such as rice, pasta, has allowed me to have a fulfilling and baked beans more than doubling university experience that otherwise in the last year - why are our mainwould have been very difficult. tenance loans stagnant? Furthermore, The 93% Club has With landlords shamelessly indone some amazing work in spreadcreasing the rent year after year, ing awareness on the disparity bein what is already one of the most tween the meagre 7% of privately expensive student cities in the UK, educated pupils nationwide, comwe must think of the impact on our pared with almost a third here at students. Bristol. The National Student Money SurDespite all of this, as I look out vey 2021 revealed that: into the looming graduate waste- Each month, the average stuland, I cannot help but feel disheartdent’s Maintenance Loan is £340 ened as yet another acquaintance less than their living costs. reveals that their dad just happens - Just over three quarters of stuto own an empty flat in central Londents struggle to make ends meet don - where they can live rent free - The proportions of students after graduating. Rising costs, unless saying that money worries have afactively addressed by the University, fected their diet, social life, grades, will clearly affect some more than relationships, mental health and/or others.

Why are our maintenance loans not keeping up with costs?

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Sarah Dalton Bethany Winget James Emery Isabella Ferguson

Local primary school student's fight against air pollution

Matthew Jackson Second Year, Biology

xposure to poor air quality has been repeatedly proven to affect learning and long-term exposure can cause devastating effects on the heart and lungs. For the children of Parson Street Primary School, exposure to noxious air was once a routine occurrence. As commuters pile up each morning on to one of the busiest roads in Bristol, clouds of toxic nitrogen dioxide are emmitted by car engines left running beside the primary

proposing Clean Air zones across the city centre, which will charge more polluting vehicles for driving in these zones. Alexander Provins, Dice rector of Blueair EMEA came f o r ward to say: 'Only recently has the UN recognised children’s right to clean air... We really admire Jakub’s drive and encourage him to continue campaigning for what he believes in.' Fiona Price, the business managaP ri

school gates. Parson Street student airborne particles and reduce the Jakub Kozlowski claims he could abundance of airborne Covid-19 visometimes 'taste the pollution', as rus particles by 99.99 per cent. air quality regularly dropped under Whilst this development marks a legal levels. necessary change for Kozlowski and Just last year, the nine--year-old his classmates, the vicious effects began campaigning for better air that polluted air can have on young quality for the school. His recent children is still a reality in many push for cleaner air involved conparts of the UK and across the world. tacting air purifiIt is estimated er manufacturer, that nine out 'We really admire Jakub’s Blueair, for an of ten children drive and encourage him to across the globe air purifier to use continue campaigning for inhale unsafe in the classroom. what he believes in.' What Kozlowski particles which didn't expect is can lead to isfor Blueair to respond with air purisues relating to organ development, fiers for the entire school. according to the World Health OrUsing electrostatic technology, the ganisation (WHO). UNICEF predicts air purifiers donated by Blueair use that in less than 30 years’ time, air activated carbon filters to remove pollution will become the leading smaller particles, such as odours cause of child mortality. from pets and cooking. Bristol is at the forefront of the These air purifiers have been air pollution crisis. Martin Rees, the shown to remove 99.97 per cent of mayor of Bristol, has responded by

Parson Street School/F ion

Nine-year-old Jakub Kozlowski has gained attention from air purification experts, after his plea for unpolluted air is answered

er for Parson Street Primary School, further comments that 'since the units some students say they can feel the difference when they breathe.' Whilst these air purifiers have been a great help to the children of Parson Street Primary School, it is not a sustainable solution and we cannot buy our way out of a harmful living environment. These statistics, and the work done by Kozlowski, is a huge call to governing bodies to implement more strategies to reduce these devastating effects.

The planet made of metal clouds and ruby rain Latest research finds clouds made of metal on the planet WASP-121b. Our SciTech Deputy Editor asks Bristol Physics researchers what it's all about James Emery

SciTech Deputy Editor

recent study has taken the first detailed measurements of a water cycle on an alien exoplanet, and found clouds made from metal. The planet that the research fo-

cuses on is WASP-121b which was found in the constellation Puppis in 2015 and is classified as a hot Jupiter. This is a Jupiter-like giant gas planet that orbits only a few stellar dimensions from its parent star – which is pretty close! WASP121b has a mass which is 20 per cent larger than our own Jupiter and a diameter that is near to double the size. The team use the Hubble Space Telescope to observe the water cycle and how water

changes physical state as well as the curious atmosphere of WASP-121b. WASP-121b has two hemispheres that have drastically different temperatures; a hot hemisphere which can reach highs of 3000 degrees Celsius and a cooler side which is around 1500 degrees Celsius. On the hot Unsplash/Laura Vinck hemisphere it was discovered that the temperatures are hot enough to evaporate metals in

the atmosphere and make water molecules glow and even split into their atomic constituents of hydrogen and oxygen. The evaporated metals and disrupted water molecules are then blown around to the cool hemisphere by strong west to east winds. Once they reach the cool side, the evaporated metals are able to condense and form metal clouds which are predominantly made up of metals like iron, magnesium, chromium and vanadium. The lower temperatures also allow the hydrogen and oxygen atoms to reform into water molecules but it’s still too hot for the water to form clouds like on Earth, much less fall as liquid rain.

Dr Hannah Wakeford of the University of Bristol’s School of Physics said: 'The water cycle on earth is trapped close to the ground constantly changing from liquid to gas to solid. However, the new Hubble data reveals a water cycle on WASP-121b high in the atmosphere that is completely alien to us on Earth.' For their next steps, the team are planning to use the recently launched James Webb Telescope within the first year of it being functional. It is hoped that they will be able to determine the amount of carbon in the atmosphere of WASP-121b. This is an abridged article. To read more, visit: www.epigram.org.uk

PhD Spotlight Series - Physics Epigram/Edward Deacon

By Edward Deacon, Physics PhD

My research is in the area of integrated quantum photonics (IQP) for quantum computation and simulation. IQP devices are millimetre scale chips typically made of semiconductor materials like silicon, that have microscopic structures built into them. These structures are arranged into circuits in an analogous way to electronic circuits in chips, like you’d get in phones for example, but carry particles of light instead. These particles are manipulated with the states and properties of the photons being described by quantum mechanics. The hope is that IQP devices could be used to create a quantum computer that would be capable of performing calculations that not even the most powerful computers today or in the future would ever be able to complete; one example would be in the simulation of drug molecules - which is very hard to do on current computers - and would significantly enhance the ability to discover new effective drugs. I am interested in researching IQP for quantum computing as it contains lots of interesting physics and it is an exciting technology that could have a profound impact on society.

SciTech 13

epigram 17.03.2022

Bristol graduate co-creates sustainable investing app

Second Year, Computer Science

f you’ve ever decided to dip your toes into the turbulent waters of trading, chances are your mind was thinking more about your Wolfof-Wall-Street riches than the environmental consequences of your gains. However, for Bristol graduate Daniel Gold and his cofounder Nikki Hawkes, their focus was on two kinds of green - building a platform where both cash and environment were king. After raising more than £440,000 from 700 investors across 53 countries, the graduates from Bristol and

ical choices.’ Southampton created Stratiphy: an Gold is a former maths student at app that encourages sustainable inthe University of Bristol who then vesting. With trading apps becomwent on to complete a PhD in aling increasingly popular, Stratiphy gebraic geometry. After his studies, aims to join the movement towards he set up a business with his brother democratising investment, whilst to help isolated communities in the adding the ability to customise the Middle East get access to solar enethical and environmental implicaergy. tions of your trades. Along with Stratiphy, Gold conThe app allows users to personalise tinues to demonstrate his interest their investments across risk level, in sustainable industry entrepreneurship, prefer‘My time at the University of ences and Bristol instilled a deep sense of nurtured by his ESG (Enhard work, ethical and healthy time at Bristol, which he claims vironliving.’ ‘instilled a deep mental, sense of hard Social, work, ethical and healthy living.’ He Governance) criteria, without the also worked for 10 years as a risk anhigh-fees of old-school financial alyst and in bond yield forecasting advisers. To help users new to tradfor a banking giant, observing the ing make sensible choices - it offers investing strategies used by high-net them an education in portfolio risk worth clients. management. In Gold’s own words, After this, Gold decided to create Stratiphy seeks to ‘reduce the time, Stratiphy, as he believes it combines effort and risk involved in trading,’ his three passions - maths, finance with the option ‘to make more eth-

and sustainability - into one vision. He saw that there weren’t many online tools to allow average people to build their investment portfolios, and so set about making investing more accessible by designing a system to mimic an expert approach. Whilst juggling a full-time job, he started developing Stratiphy and after one year had built an interface for users to implement strategies like the quantitative approach used by professionals. Gold then brought in tech advisor David Adler and Southampton alumna Nikki Hawkes, who became a cofound-

m/Sarah Dalto Epigra n

Carla Rosario takes a look at Stratiphy the new sustainable investing app cocreated by former University of Bristol Maths student Carla Rosario

er. Hawkes, who previously worked as an actuary, shares a mutual interest in promoting accessibility and sustainability in investing. Stratiphy, which has gone through the SETsquared accelerator programme, has already won a contract with Sustainalytics, a global leader in ESG research, and has obtained advisors from the likes of Monzo and Hargreaves&Lansdown. It has saved 150,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions to date - this is equivalent to planting over 3,705,000 trees or removing 28,100 cars from the road for a year! The app goes live next year and has a growing team and waiting list. Gold emphasised the importance of Stratiphy, stating that: ‘It has shown me that the financial decisions we make can have a physical impact on the world – and we need more of this.’

The cause of a rise in ‘O-zone depleting substance' discovered by Bristol scientists Bristol's School of Chemistry releases their findings on the increased destruction of the o-zone layer, causing the Chinese Government to take action Charlie Rodwell Third Year, Biology

espite the 1987 Montreal Protocol agreeing to globally protect the o-zone layer, the last decade has seen considerable rises in the emissions of dichloromethane. Dichloromethane is a harmful substance that destroys the o-zone layer. Scientists from the University of Bristol and Peking University’s have conducted a study aiming to identify the cause of these increases. The scientists utilised newly collected data from within China in order to determine the cause of increased dichloromethane. Their results, published in Nature Communications, found

that China’s share of total global emissions grew from around a third to two thirds over the past decade. The o-zone is a vital region in the Earth’s Stratosphere that absorbs much of the harmful radiation. In the past there have been serious concerns about severe o-zone depletion, leading to both human health and environmental effects. This is why these rises in Dichloromethane are so troubling. Minde An, lead author of the study and visiting researcher at the University of Bristol, believes the rise in dichloromethane to be down to its solvent use within industrial processing. One concern researchers identified is the lack of regulations surrounding dichloromethane, for it is not currently

have known that global atmospherthe close collaboration between sciic concentrations of dichloromethentists from around the world. ane have been rising rapidly over This study has not only helped the last decade, to enFindings have led to the but until now, it sure that was unclear ozone Chinese Government listing what was dichloromethane as a pollutant recovery driving stays on and proposing its banning in the int r a c k several sectors but also highcrease.’ lights the vital importance of colHowever, findlaboration between scientists from ings from Brisdifferent nations to provide answers tol and Peking and solutions to problems such as University ozone depletion and climate change have led which affects us all. to the Rigby added: ‘One of the most Chinese important outcomes of this work is Governin showing what can be achieved ment listing through the close collaboration beit as a pollutant tween scientists from around the and even proposworld. ing its banning in We’re looking forward to continseveral sectors. Prouing this work in future, to provide fessor Matt Rigby from the parties to the Montreal Protocol the University of Bristol’s with increasingly accurate informaSchool of Chemistry, detion to help ensure that the recovery scribed this as an example of of the ozone layer stays on track.’ Epigram/University of Bristol what can be achieved through

being controlled under the Montreal Agreement. Dr Luke Western from the University of Bristol’s School of Chemistry, told Epigram that: ‘International monitoring networks

Music

Editor Mia Smith Co -Deputy Editor Emma Pope Co -Deputy Editor Theo Kent Digital Editor Josh Templeman Subeditor Chezelle Bingham

Twitter: @EpigramCulture

Should music award shows be abolished? Over the last 40 years, music award shows have become a mainstay in how we celebrate music. But do they hold much significance besides culturally? Do they suggest a bright future for music? Maximus Watins

Third Year Mechanical Engineering

ocial media lights up with lists of nominees. Vindictive stans infest with tweets and posts – “[blank] was robbed”, apparently – and the comments get shut off. Clips are posted that will be remembered as moments in pop culture for years to come. Then, the cycle repeats. But do these music award shows really accomplish what they set out to do: give recognition to those who have contributed most to modern music (at least, according to some committee or another)?

Award Show Categories – do they mean anything? The BRIT awards took great strides this year towards inclusive recognition of the music industry’s best talents by introducing genderneutral categories. While this is an amazing step - with hopefully other award shows following suit (looking at you, Oscars) – the question of whether the categories themselves hold much meaning is still very much at the forefront. A prime example of this is being awarded as a ‘Best New Artist’. Just this year there have been artists such as Little Simz and Glass Animals nominated for these categories - in the BRITs and Grammys, respectively - despite having made music for the best part of a decade. While these musicians certainly deserve to be recognised for their incredible work (definitely listen to Sometimes I Might Be Introvert if you haven’t already), it suggests that the category title could be reconsidered altogether. Part of this increase in the number of established artists being nominated for a ‘Best New Artist’ Grammy may be due to the Academy recently overturning the rule restricting the category to those only with fewer than 30 songs or 3 albums. Do newcomers to the industry stand a chance against giants like FINNEAS,

Mia Smith / Epigram who has already been nominated this year’s ceremony?

Award Shows as Platforms for Exposure While “entry-level” categories are already partially dominated by those with immense industry experience, the amount of fame needed to even step-foot on the red carpet is already high. Award shows are undoubtedly great exposure for up-and-coming artists, but the argument remains that a lot of musicians will have already received a chunk of their fanbase through other means before getting to appear on television screens. All it takes is a look at the cult-following of popular reviewers such as The Needle Drop to see that those actively seeking out new music will likely have found an artist from the internet or radio before the cold glass of a BRIT is even within reach. So, does winning a category accomplish much aside from being able to shove an extra sticker on your LP in Rough Trade? It can also be argued that becoming a meme, at least for the evening, can create a bigger buzz than winning a category ever would. Keith Caulfield, associate director of charts at Billboard, spoke about the Grammys when it comes to giving artists exposure: ‘…it's not necessarily about who's going to be the biggest winner of the night, it’s going to be about those moments on

TV that you won't see anywhere else that will resonate with the public and move them to go stream or buy a song or an album.' An example of this phenomenon was the 2013 MTV VMAs, a potentially huge year for artists like Justin Timberlake who won the ‘Video Vanguard Award’ along with the biggest category of ‘Video of the Year’. However, most of the chatter surrounding the ceremony was about Miley Cyrus’ very memorable live performance, despite the singer not winning any awards that night. Not a joke, just a fact.

The Award Carpet

Show

Red

Having a memorable performance isn’t the only way an artist may aim to give themselves a career boost – what you wear can have a major impact on the public aftermath of any awards show. Award show red carpets act as cultural breeding grounds for designers and musicians to collaborate, generating fame for those involved for (hopefully) the right reasons. In some cases, the clothes on your skin are gawked at far more than the number of trophies you’re holding at the end of the night. An infamous example of this comes from the 2010 MTV VMAs. That year, Lady Gaga swept 8 out of the 13 categories she was nominated

for. An amazing achievement in award show history. But what a lot of people remember instead about Lady Gaga that year was what she wore on the red carpet – a dress made entirely out of cuts of meat. If the impact of winning an award – let alone almost three-quarters of the ones you were nominated for – isn’t enough to be particularly remembered alongside your outfit, how much power do these awards really have? Should musicians be investing more in pushing fashion boundaries rather than within their craft? Did they have to push meat through a sewing machine for that dress?

Melodrama’s experimental and cinematic instrumentation compared to 24K Magic’s largely popular funk sound acts as a key culprit to the Academy’s decision, in spite of the general consensus reached by a lot of music journalists. The result – a lot of jilted Lorde fans – lead to further discussion surrounding the integrity of the Grammys themselves on social media. This controversy was combined with the New Zealand singer being the only nominee, let alone woman, in that major category to not be allowed a live performance slot during the ceremony. (I shall neither confirm nor deny that I am a jilted Lorde fan). If these award shows are not willing to uplift successful artists pushing musical boundaries in the mainstream, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, what else are they except for a chance for executives to pat themselves on the back? Have award shows become more about advertising and garnering social media attention than celebrating that year of music in itself? If artists feel the need to “play it safe” musically in order to be commercially successful and receive an award, is this really the future of music we want?

Traditionalism within Category Decision-Making Those artists who choose to dedicate their time to exploring their musical talents and push the envelope have usually been snubbed when it comes to award recognition. The Recording Academy has been known to select “safe” winners when it comes to some of their bigger Grammy categories, nominating those with rule-bending and experimental projects mostly for brownie points with the fans. At the 60th Annual Grammy Awards, Lorde’s Melodrama lost ‘Album of the Year’ to Bruno Mars’ 24K Magic, despite the former receiving much more allaround positive critical reception. While reviews are not everything,

Mia Smith / Epigram

Music 15

epigram 17.03.2022

In the vegetarian aisle with Walt Disco Epigram catches up with the coolest band around in anticipation of their debut album due April 1st Mia Smith Music Editor

turns out it’s a lot. ‘There’s a lot of things about yourself that you aren’t taught’, James explains. ‘Whether that be your understanding of your gender, sexuality - or you might find out that your mum or dad had taught you to cook eggs really badly’, they laugh. Walt Disco are unlearning the small things and the big things everything from fry-ups to colonialism: ‘Obviously we live in the UK, so colonialism wasn’t taught as a bad thing. You have to learn that yourself.’ This unlearning always returns

yourself as in the world, but you’re a bit sad that it took you this long’, James offers. Charlie nods, “It’s like the opening line "I feel I was far too late to the party"’ But now the Walt Disco party is in full swing, and we’re all invited. ‘At the core there’s hope’, James continues. ‘It’s never too late to find things out about yourself whether that’s your gender or even something like your career.’ The band has been vital to James’ navigation of their gender expression: ‘I listen back to songs I was writing earlier

Walt Disco / 2022

t is always funny hearing someone’s normal voice when their singing voice is so distinctive. In Walt Disco, frontperson James is deep and brooding. Over Zoom, they sound comfortingly Scottish. I caught the band at Dot To Dot festival back in September, and have been gasping to chat to them ever since. I’m mainly desperate for their approval, as they truly are the coolest band going. James, Charlie, Finlay and Jack agree that my hair is cool, and it’s the best day of my life. James beams when I mention Dot To Dot: ‘Oh my God, I loved that show’, and Charlie smiles too: ‘that was so much fun!’. A Walt Disco gig is one big queer party, brimming with camp choreography, gaudy makeup and plenty of tartan. Finlay explains that performing is a huge part of the band: ‘The resulting live show is something that we always think about when we write a song.’ Jack agrees: ‘We’ve had a lot of people say that they’ve listened to us and not been bothered, but then seen us live and it clicked.’ I wonder whether being so unashamedly extravagant on stage has always come naturally to the band. Finlay laughs, ‘that has not come naturally - but I think that’s what’s so great about it.’ ‘That’s what this kind of band gives us all as well’, Charlie adds. ‘An outlet to wear what we want and act how we like.’ And the Walt Disco uniform has given

the band confidence off-stage too. James explains that they ‘started to buy outfits for going on stage - outfits that felt like you, but that you were scared to see yourself wear in day to day life. But then you owned it, and one day you just wore it to the shop.’ I jest that they should go to Big Sainsbury’s in their flamboyant garb, but Finlay’s completely serious: ‘I love getting dressed up to go to the shops!’ Looking mysterious in a dress with a box of Linda McCartney sausages in hand sums up

Drug Store Romeos

the Walt Disco experience. ‘You have to flirt with people in the vegetarian section’, James laughs. In between looking cool in supermarkets, the band are preparing for the release of their debut album ‘Unlearning’, due April 1st. I’ve already had a sneaky listen, and it’s magical. I’m curious as to what exactly the band are ‘unlearning’, and

to the queer expression so intrinsic to the band: ‘Of course, colonialism has been bad for the entire world in terms of understanding different genders and sexualities.’ The album carefully explores gender identity, right from opener ‘Weightless’. ‘It’s about the bittersweet feeling of when you’ve made a big breakthrough of who you see

on and go, "Oh, now I know what that lyric is about."’ James is grateful that Walt Disco has allowed them ‘a stage to perform on and try new things, and just figure out if you like them. You can kind of put on a character and see if it’s right for you, and a lot of the time it is.’ These characters empower the band to explore their most au-

thentic selves - Walt Disco is ‘like a larger version of ourselves’, Finlay explains. ‘This is gonna sound so-’ James groans ‘-but you’re probably acting more in real life than you are when you’re doing music and performing.’ It does sound awfully cringey, but they’re right. Jack agrees: ‘I think in normal life people have expectations of you to maintain a certain amount of normality, and that can be very restricting.’ The Walt Disco freedom extends to the audience too: ‘everyone is there to do exactly the same thing you are - to come out of your shell - well at least that’s what we hope.’ For their latest music video ‘How Cool Are You?’, the band tried the characters of Torvil and Dean on for size. I ask if they had any previous experience ice-skating, and Finlay laughs: ‘There were varying degrees of skill involved.’ There’s a really great moment in the video where Charlie falls over, and Finlay’s still laughing ‘unfortunately most of the falls weren’t actually caught on camera’. The top comment on another music video begs the band to go on Eurovision, and they've considered it. ‘I’ve always said we couldn’t do it for the UK’, James laughs. ‘But in an independent Scotland…’ Even if Eurovision isn’t on the cards, opening for Duran Duran is. They’ve been invited back after supporting them last year, where Jack says they got an ‘antipasti platter and and a potted plant that we were allowed to take home’. Walt Disco will be headlining Rough Trade Bristol on the 18th April. There probably won’t be an antipasti platter, but tickets are still available through DICE.

Jazz Funk & Soul soc are back! Epigram music writers review their latest show Catrin Rees & Natasha Srivinas Third Year Sociology and Social Policy, Third Year English.

sation of live jazz (and of course the help of a pint or two). And, like the crowd around us, we were buzzing with anticipation for Zoe’s Shanghai, the incredibly well dressed and très cool French band. Side-note – we were very taken with their hatgame which might just prove that bucket hats should never go out of fashion. The band put everyone at ease, encouraging us to dance “because we’re alive” – a statement which, in any other context might have made us groan, but was the perfect thing to say in that moment. Seeing live music still feels like a novel event after so many months of cancelled concerts and postponed dates, and a mutual sense remains, for both audi-

ences and performers alike, of how surreal it is to experience or play live music. Although it sounds corny, the pandemic has made us realise the importance of crowd energy and interaction with performers that make a gig memorable. The band seemed to share these feelings with us, appearing just as excited to take the stage as we were to see them on it. Zoe’s Shanghai’s music lends itself perfectly to a live setting. Hearing their songs, many for the first time, was almost hypnotic, definitely enhanced by the unique characteristics of experiencing them in person. The bass rippled through the room and Zoé Renié’s smooth vocals coated the room in an ethereal glow, carrying us into a trance.

The evening was a great way to kick off a new term for JFS, and Zoe’s Shanghai’s performance was truly wonderful. We can’t wait to see what JFS has in store for us next. Until then we will be impatiently awaiting our next jazz fix.

Epigram / Catrin Rees & Natasha Srivinas

ristol’s smoothest society has returned! After a short hiatus over a long, dreary, and seemingly endless January exam season, Jazz, Funk, and Soul Society (JFS) have come swinging back into our weeknights with their first jam of 2022, featuring a guest performance from Zoe’s Shanghai. Surrounded by the familiar faces of JFS’s loyal appreciators, we felt a sense of home.

For a few short, sweet hours, dissertations and deadlines felt far away. We have to applaud JFS for sticking by their principles, avoiding Mr Wolf’s after they failed to react sufficiently to a number of sexual assault cases. JFS have been seeking new venues to host their weekly jams, places which align with their values of safety and comfort for everyone. The jam that followed the house band was as impressive as ever: people hopped out of the crowd, impressively spontaneous, to join the band on stage, putting on performances where neither vocals nor instrumental solos failed to amaze. By the end of the jam, we were feeling giddy from the thrill of the long-awaited and much missed sen-

Music

Editor Mia Smith Co -Deputy Editor Emma Pope Co -Deputy Editor Theo Kent Digital Editor Josh Templeman Subeditor Chezelle Bingham

Twitter: @EpigramCulture

Summer 2022: What's on in Bristol? Epigramm / Mia Smith

Second Year, English

midst the storms and miserable weather which have characterised 2022 thus far, we look towards brighter days on the horizon with a run down of events in Bristol this summer.

legends of Nile Rodgers and CHIC. They will play two consecutive nights, guaranteeing a vibrant party atmosphere. On the 15th June, indiepop group Belle and Sebastian will take to the stage in a special gig which marks the group’s biggest ever concert in Bristol after 25 years of entertaining fans.

genres covering disco, reggae and techno.

Forwards Festival Sat 3rd – Sun 4th September Hosting its inaugural event on the Clifton Downs, Forwards Festival will be headlined by big names such as Jamie XX, The Chemical Brothers and Little Simz. With an aim to rethink t h e modern Epigramm / Mia Smith

folk duo First Aid Kit. These exciting few days promise something for every music fan.

Plan your summer with Hannah Thompson's guide to Bristol's most unmissable music events in 2022 Hannah Thompson

Dot to Dot Festival Saturday 28th May

Motion’s garden opens once again to enjoy the beginning of summer. The party will begin at 1pm, with

Archives. With stages across the city filled with live music all day and even more acts to be announced, it is a great way to celebrate and discover new and upcoming talent.

Love Saves The Day Thurs 2nd – Fri 3rd June Bristol’s biggest music festival is hosted this year at a new location: the wonderfully scenic Ashton Court Estate. With a line-up headlined by Bicep, Chase& Status, Caroline Polachek and Arlo Parks, this year marks a decade of providing great music to Bristol, promising to be the biggest Love Saves the Day yet.

the funfilled h o u r s of daylight hosting the delightful combination of House and Disco DJs alongside BBQ food and cocktails.

Bristol Sounds Concerts Weds 22nd – Sun 26th June This series of open-air concerts have provided an eclectic bill at the heart of the city’s harbourside. Following a two-year hiatus, the concerts will begin with Noel Gallagher taking the stage on the 22nd June. Electronic music collective, Jungle, will headline on Saturday 25th June and Sunday 26th June will welcome Swedish

St Paul's Carnival Sat 2nd July The vibrant annual event which was first held in 1968 will include masquerade processions, professional performers and sound systems from a wide range of cultures. As an important platform for African and Caribbean artists, it is hoped that it will go ahead this year, after funding was withdrawn in the years of 2015 to 2017 and last year’s event was held online.

Nass Festival Thurs 7th – Sun 10th July Whilst held a short journey away at the Bath & West Showground, Nass celebrates everything Bristol does best. The four-day festival will showcase not only urban and dance music, but also street art, skate and BMX. Headliners include AJ Tracey, Becky Hill, Wilkinson and Ocean Wisdom.

Bristol Beacon concerts (Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Belle and Sebastian) Weds 13th - Fri 15th July Also hosted at the glimmering waterfront of Lloyds Amphitheatre, are the trail-blazing disco

festival, t h e event also hopes to create positive change through social initiatives and a space for discussion and debate.

Bristol Harbour Festival Fri 15th – Sun 17th July

Tokyo World Festival Sat 17th – Sun 18th September

Celebrating a mighty fifty years of music, markets and fun, the Bristol Harbour Festival returns this year after two years of cancellation. As one of the UK’s largest public festivals, the free events showcase the best of the city’s musical and performance roots, with a diverse range of

The popular urban and dance music festival returns to Eastville Park in September. Although the lineup is yet to be released, last year’s festival saw the likes of Basement Jaxx, Central Cee and Rudimental on stage, with the organisers stating that this year will be the best yet. Whatever your musical preferences may be, summer in Bristol is sure to provide something exciting to fill the long, sun-drenched days hiding just around the corner.

Epigramm / Mia Smith

Motion’s Summer Solstice Garden Party Sat 18th June

Epigram / Maddy Clegg

One of Bristol’s most popular day festivals will return in May, kicking off the 2022 summer events season with a bang. It will take place across various venues in Bristol, with the first wave of announcements including names such as Frankie Stew & Harvey Gunn, Alfie Templeman and Nia

Discover all of our recommendations on our Spotify @Epigram_Music

Music

epigram 17.03.2022

Editors' Picks

Big Thief / 4AD

Mia Smith Music Editor Big Thief’s latest project is as overflowing as its title. Clocking in at 1 hour and 20 minutes, the album is a 20-song epic, each song better than the last. There’s lyrics about Velcro and vaping, garlic bread and onions. Sometimes there’s not a chorus, often there’s twanging guitars. The album never stays in one place too long: tracks like ‘Sparrow’ brim with a classic Big Thief-ian melancholy, but tracks like ‘Spud Infinity’ are joyous and full of country jest. Every day I’m grateful that Adrianne Lenker and Buck Meek kept the band going after their divorce. Long live Big Thief.

The Dream / Canvasback

Texas Moon / Dead Oceans

Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You Big Thief

Emma Pope Co-Deputy Music Editor After the most recent collaboration between Khruangbin and Leon Bridges made a huge impression on me, I had high expectations for theiir next joint venture. Texas Sun' was one of my most played songs last summer, and I'm pleased to say Texas Moon did not disappoint, and is sure to be another staple this year. The electric mix of funky vocals and grooves is a perfect continuation of their previous project, this time with more of an introspecgtive nighttime feel. A collaboration not just between the two artists but between the genres of R&B and country, the five tracks elicit a range of emotions. Perfect listening for any mood, three weeks in and I'm already loving this album.

in the mirror, in the night Donna Missal

Ants From Up There Black Country, New Road

The Dream alt-J

Theo Kent Co-Deputy Music Editor Following a five-year hiatus from recording new music, alt-J have returned with what I see as their best album yet. In a collection which sprawls across genres in a typically eclectic effort, we see Joe Newman’s song-writing reach more personal depths than we’ve experienced before. Anywhere from the sprawling, Celtic-inspired riff from Bane to the genuinely hilarious critique of cryptoculture in Hard Drive Gold, this album seems more mature and welldeveloped than the trio’s previous efforts. In a music industry which thrives on regular releases of singles, alt-J have taken a break to develop their song-writing and sound, and they’re all the better for it.

Josh Templeman Digital Editor 2022 has been a mixed year for Black Country, New Road so far. With the huge announcement the lead singer Isaac Wood would be stepping back from the band and the postponement of the group’s tour, their future was in doubt. This didn’t stop the release of the brilliant Ants From Up There, which is surely album of the year so far. More mellow than their previous effort, the album is incredible, with luscious, horn-infused instrumentals accompanied by Isaac Wood’s expertly crafted storytelling. The group’s future may be uncertain, but what is certain is that Ants From Up There will go down as a classic in years to come.

in the mirror, in the night / harvest records

Texas Moon Khruangbin, Leon Bridges

Ants From Up There / Ninja Tune

February's finest albums according to the music team

Chezelle Bingham Subeditor Donna Missal, the almost countrypop singer turned alternative synth artist, shines magnetically on her newest project in the mirror, in the night. Much of what is good about the project is Missal’s novelty, breaking successfully from her past of generic Dua Lipa-like singles and evolving into an almost spectrallike lo-fi. Her lyrics are hard-hitting and, at times almost simple, most effective on the tracks ‘sex is good but have you tried’, where Missal takes us on a seductive journey of what she thinks succeeds intimacy, and ‘(to me) your face is love', where she articulates how she would 'give all earthly posessions' for love.

Arts

Editor Digital Editor Co-Deputy Editor Co-Deputy Editor

Katie Chalk Greg Evans Oscar Hunter Kate Bowie

Twitter: @EpigramCulture Courtesy of Andrey Metelev

The World of Art NFTs: What are they? What are the benefits? What are the issues? Epigram Arts investigates...

An Introduction to NFTs Hope Talbot Arts Writer

eemingly the latest buzzword for amateur investors and the super-rich, NFTs are constantly being hyped up as the next getrich-quick scheme. With stories of dizzying wealth hitting headlines, such as the man selling NFTs of his selfies for $1 million, it’s no wonder we’re all keen to get clued in on exactly what NFTs are. While NFTs are an exciting prospect for economists and finance nerds alike, many rightfully have their doubts over their morality, sustainability and wider implications for the art world.

What does NFT stand for? What is an NFT?

An NFT stands for a non-fungible token. Non-fungible refers to an NFT’s uniqueness and inability to be replaced; if you traded an NFT for another NFT, you would have something completely different.

The token element of the NFT acronym refers to the individual token that can be traded as a type of digital currency. While NFTs usually take the form of digital art, NFTs can be any unique digital object with a traceable history on the blockchain.

What is a blockchain? A blockchain is akin to a public record for all transactions and sales of NFTs. Currently, Ethereum, a type of cryptocurrency, has its own blockchain which supports NFTs and can be used to track specific NFTs.

Why do people buy NFTs?

As many NFTs are essentially digital art, many see buying an NFT as equivalent to buying artwork. Some buy NFTs to support an artist, or to own an artwork they particularly enjoy. In the same way that people buy art as an investment, NFTs can be traded and sold for profit.

How do you buy NFTs? Depending on the marketplace, NFTs can be bought and sold through either cryptocurrency or through credit cards and ‘normal’ means of purchase.

Are NFTs expensive? Much like the art world, prices for NFTs range greatly, with some being sold for millions, and others being sold for far more modest sums. Many artists prefer to create work that is accessible to the wider market, with prices reflective of that.

What do NFTs mean for artists? While NFTs remain highly controversial, they allow digital artists to sell and promote their work in new and innovative ways. While previously, digital artists had to rely on social media as a means of promoting works, the sale of NFTs allows for greater access to their art. However, NFTs also come with issues around authenticity and copyright, which could also act as barriers to artists’ financial gain on the NFT market.

Why is there scep-

ticism surrounding NFTs? While there are ways of proving the authenticity of NFTs, there remain many NFT scams and attempts to plagiarise NFTs through schemes known as ‘copyminting’. Critics also assert the difficulty of trying to claim ownership of something that can be indefinitely reproduced. Another issue is that of the environmental costs associated with blockchain operation.

What is the environmental impact of NFTs?

In order to run blockchains, which allow for the tracking of NFTs sales, mass amounts of energy are needed to sustain its servers. Whilst many suggest that clean energy sources can be used to run these servers, it remains a hotly contested issue.

What do NFTs mean for the art world? NFTs are still a new edition to the art world and their place in the wider scope of art is still contested. However, major auctioneering houses such as Christie’s have begun to deal in sales of NFTs, allowing the commercial art world to gain from new NFT innovations. Courtesy of Pierre Borthiry

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‘Technology like this helps artists get paid’: The Advantages of NFTs Epigram talks to students involved with NFT creation about the pros, cons, and everything in between Dayana So

Third Year, English Literature

ver the last year you’ve probably heard both the term NFT. You might have even heard about how the computers that run them contribute to the climate crisis. To understand the pros and cons of NFT a bit more, I interviewed Josh — a former Warwick student and a central player in the success of the Sappy Seals NFT collection. Being only in their infancy, NFT’s can be grossly misunderstood by the general public. Josh explains that ‘for every JPEG you see, there is an underlying token bound to it, making it unique’. This

‘underlying token’ is what makes NFT’s useful across society; think uses that span from birth certificates and deeds, to electronic locking systems and healthcare. Josh highlights Sweden as country that utilizes these such systems, it taking just minutes for citizens to change their surname online since all the data is held on an open source network. He also notes that by pursuing making NFT’s, he has personally benefited from the ‘nerdy’ side of things. United under the name ‘JPEGS’, NFT creators can witness and be a part of communities of people from highly diverse backgrounds from all over the world. Another UoB student says they’ve witnessed their friends who have grown up on free school meals purchase cars for their parents. Further, they’ve seen people who wouldn’t have a means to earn this kind of money in less developed countries

be able to provide for their family all from their computer. Ellie, a Loughborough Art student, says that they’ve given her opportunities to ‘connect with other designers and people with experience in marketing that I don’t necessarily have’. Despite being an extremely gifted artist, Ellie found it hard to learn how to market her work and ultimately get paid. Designing NFT’s helped her ‘learn about digital design’ and how she can ‘apply design skills to generate money’. These student’s stories alone are evidence that technology like this helps artists get paid, as well as create opportunities to make huge amounts of money for people who wouldn’t have otherwise been able to. But, you might say, you can make money in other ways. In response I might highlight that humans have been creating NFT’s since the dawn

of time. Let me explain: as soon as humans have their basic needs met (food, water, shelter), the next thing is to create value in the things that have no inherent value. The entire art industry is based on a bunch of people deciding that a bit of paint on canvas slabbed onto wood is valuable, and thus, it becomes valuable. NFT’s are just a technologically advanced manifestation of this. The only difference today is the technology that aids in the process. The reality is that while The Blockchain relies on computers doing infinite calculations 24/7, and thus uses up energy and fossil fuels, this technology is here to stay. When the internet came to fruition in the 90s an explosive hype grew around it. Markets soared as people realised their businesses could be revolutionised with the internet. As the new millennium came around

the corner, however, the value of the internet plummeted. This was not because it was less useful, but rather because the hype died down. As we now know, the internet is integral to our daily lives and livelihoods. Therefore, we must admit that the technology that has allowed the blockchain to exist will stay, whether NFT’s are a hyped up trend or not. The power consumption of the Ethereum blockchain is exploding and shows no sign of slowing down, and thus the solution may not be to cancel NFT’s, but rather find an alternative, sustainable way to continue to expand the metaverse. We must learn to understand digital money whether we like it or not. As always, there will be ways for people to exploit this technology but it also has tremendous power to change lives, pay artists and create jobs. This technology will indefinitely restructure and remodel how we think about money transactions. Who knows, maybe banks will be an obsolete concept in the next millennium?

‘They're Capitalism's Best Invention': Are NFTs a scam? In this opinion piece, Epigram's Deputy Arts Editor weighs in on the the case against NFTs and the cypto industry at large Oscar Hunter Arts Deputy Editor

omebody who owns an NFT will most probably tell you that they are like a piece of fine art, look pretty and increase in value with time. They’re capitalism’s best invention, an aesthetic investment that is almost entirely useless beyond being a tool for finance bros to measure their… ‘wealth’. But realistically, owning the original jpeg of the “overly attached girlfriend” meme – which sold for $411,000 recently* – means almost nothing, which begs the question, why do they exist? Many may think that NFTs are a form of art, which can be true. After all, why am I tearing his hair out in Will’s Memorial Library trying to figure out why this monkey jpeg is so desirable? In theory, being able to sell art on the internet and guard against fraud or robbery is a good thing. The problem lies with NFTs’ underlying villainy:

crypto. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum are a pyramid scheme for men. It isn’t literally an MLM, but it has the same premise. Crypto bros will tell you that it’s the ‘future of finance’, and that crypto is a currency that is decentralised, so it can do anything, and free people form the tyranny of the banks. This is mostly true, but it is also basically a pyramid scheme for men. In order to sell crypto, you need a buyer, (because why keep a currency that is almost useless) and in order to make a profit, you have to convince the buyer that your coin is worth more now than what you bought it for. Essentially, to make money off crypto, you need to suck some idiot into it, and make them spend more than you did, similarly to an MLM. What does this have to do with monkey jpegs? Well, cryptocurrencies have the problem that you can’t buy anything with them, thus, not too many people buy crypto, because it is functionally useless, so nobody makes money (apart from the few who bought in early and now control the market like a mafia). How does one solve this problem? Find or invent something that you can spend coins on, so that people buy coins in order to use them. Thats where NFTS come in. So are NFTs art? Are they a way to

free artists on the internet, push us into the brave new world of crypto, and wrestle control of the finance industry from JP Morgan and corrupt governments? No. they’re a tool to legitimise capitalism’s attempts to financialise every single thing in the world. If NFTs weren’t just about making white boys who idolise Patrick Bateman (American Psycho) rich, then they wouldn’t be stealing art from digital artists and selling them as NFTs! This has happened many times, to many people, and when they complain, the Elon Musk-stans come out of the woodwork to say that they should’ve got in early and done it themselves, the personal finance equivalent of the gamers ‘git gud’ burn. This isn’t about freedom, or decentralisation, it’s about getting rich quick at the expense of others, whether it be artists or your peers. Youtuber and video-essayist Dan Olson (Folding Ideas) sums up the problem with crypto and NFTs perfectly, he says its “a socially destructive experiment in financial organisation”. NFTs are a scam, as they have no use, and only serve to suck people into the world of crypto, where the early adopters rule supreme, and everyone is trying to sell you coins to make a quick buck and move on to whatever weird coin Elon Musk tweets about in between his union-busting sessions.

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Don't forget about the planet! NFTs and energy consumption Following the Crypto-art boom last year, increasing concern has mounted around the environmental impact of the craze. We’ve enlisted some experts to explain these implications and speculate on the future of the industry Katie Chalk Arts Editor

‘So I'm going to be completely honest and not hold back. NFTs are (at least at present) environmentally disastrous’, Tom begins. Tom Greenwood is the co-founder of web-design agency Wholegrain Digital and author of the recently released book Sustainable Web Design. His company are world leaders in digital sustainability having developed the first ever methodology for calculating the energy and carbon emissions of web pages. So, I am inclined to listen to him. Essentially, the environmental issues Tom outlines emerge from the

systems used to verify NFT ownership. To make a piece of digital artwork an NFT, it has to be irreplicable. This is achieved through blockchain technology, the most prominent of which, ethurium, uses a system called ‘Proof of Work’ (PoW) to create a kind of digital ‘receipt’ of ownership to verify the asset. As Tom explains, this is ‘a fancy way of saying that a computer has to solve an insanely difficult maths problem, which requires a lot of energy to complete’. This energy adds up. Independent researcher Kyle Mcdonald estimates Ethereum is currently using around 23 terawatt hours per year (TWh/year) which is comparable to the entire country of Ecuador or the US state of Massachusetts. It is only 0.1% of global electricity—people in the USA use three times as much electricity each year just watching television, but considering the relatively low numbers of individuals actively benefiting from NFT trading, compared to television, for example, the energy-consumption-per-user level is extortionate. Is it worth it? ‘In effect, what you have with NFTs is a techno elite finding a new way to create false

scarcity of assets that are cheap and abundant (like digital images) so that they can profit from it. Most NFTs have no intrinsic value.’ Tom claims. ‘A small number of people are going to make a lot of money selling worthless assets and burn a huge amount of electricity in the process’. Thats a no, then. In a weird oxymoronic twist in the tale, however, this past summer, a United Nations-associated non-profit organization launched a new initiative that would support young artists in creating block-

chain-powered digital artwork to promote climate activism. How on earth can crypto-art possibly promote environmental causes you might ask? The solution lies in an alternative blockchain verification method called Proof of Stake (PoS). Called DigitalArt4Climate, the initiative will use this vastly more environmentally-friendly verification technology for the NFTs produced. As Tom warns, however, ‘it will likely still use a lot of energy, but’, he concedes, ‘a lot less than these early solutions’.

Proof of Stake is not a final solution to the issue of crypto-art energy consumption, then. With crypto currencies and NFTs on a seemingly meteoric rise it is impossible to predict how the industry will adapt in the future. It is, however, reassuring to know that there are experts who are not blinded by the new industry’s glamorous allure and are considering its long-term consequences on world economies and the planet. Courtesy of Israel Palacio

Unconventional relationships

First Year, English Literature

GEEK LOVE - Katherine Dunne

A name synonymous with violence and horror, the intricacy of Frankenstein actually lies in the relationship between Victor Frankenstein and his unusual offspring. Mary Shelley’s masterpiece calls into question intriguingly modern questions on familial responsibility and what it means to be human, which are far more interesting than any film adaptation can do justice. Frankenstein’s “monster” is sensitive and well-read compared to his “father” Victor – who is truly more deserving of the reader’s sympathy? Courtesy of Amelia

As I have had to explain to my best friend MANY times, Geek Love is not to be mistaken for an adolescent rom-com. The titular “Geeks” refer to circus performers who bite the heads off live chickens, the speciality of Binewski family matriarch Lil, who deliberately consumes toxic chemicals during her pregnancies in the pursuit of children with unusual physical attributes. A novel with a polarising and irreverent take on family, unconditional love and socalled “normality”.

FRANKENSTIEN Mary Shelley

MY SISTER, THE SERIAL KILLER - Oyinkan Braithwaite In Oyinkan Braithwaite’s debut novel from 2018, protagonist Korede is in a sticky situation. Her sister, Ayoola, has just killed a third boyfriend in “self-defense”, and now has her sights set on a doctor who Korede is madly in love with. This darkly humourous novel follows Korede’s personal examination of where her loyalties lie, and the importance of blood over the possibility of her own romantic happiness.

MRS CALIBAN - Rachel Ingalls

Rachel Ingalls’ lesser known novella opens with grieving housewife Dorothy Caliban, who is mourning the loss of her two children and broken marriage. That is, until Larry arrives – a large, green, amphibious frog man who breaks into her kitchen – and somehow ends up in a clandestine affair with Dorothy that will teach her the true meaning of agency and healing. Mrs Caliban, first published in 1982, has been hailed as ‘a feminist masterpiece’, a quick and punchy read that will stay with you long after you finish reading.

Courtesy of Amelia

Amelia Jacob

Courtesy of Waterstones

Whether it be by blood or choice, family bonds are truly unique. Here are some books that explore these relationships through unconventional methods…

BOOK CORNER

Film&TV

Editor Ben Carpenter Co-Deputy Editor Evelyn Heis Co-Deputy Editor Isha Vibhakar

Twitter: @Epigramculture

An interview with the directors of BAFTA nominee Femme Nominated for Best Short Fiction Film at this years BAFTA awards, we sat down with queer thriller Femme's writers and directors, Sam H. Freeman & Ng Choon Ping

Ben Carpenter

Film & Television Editor

en: So first of all, when looking into your inspirations for the film, there was a key word used several times, that being ‘heterophobia’ - Could explain that in more detail? Ng: It’s a minority’s nervousness and trying to fit in: is fitting in a betrayal of self? How are people

going to accept me if I am myself? It’s a fear that queer people have in exclusively or aggressively straight spaces. Straight people can show affection to each other openly and it’s the norm, but if queer people show affection openly that’s somehow political. So it’s all these things that fold into this feeling that although no one’s doing anything to you, just being in that space makes you feel uncomfortable as a queer person, like there are some hidden rules that you could break.

Ben: Whilst films such as John Wick (2014) are quick to come to mind in terms of visual design, what other films influenced your stylistic and narrative choices?

Courtesy of IMDB

Sam: Good Time (2017) was our big aesthetic influence and in a way our genre reference. That was what we looking as we were thinking “we love these movies, but there never seems to be any space for a queer perspective in this genre. We never see ourselves in these films and if we are we’re the big funny type of characters. Whilst the film developed as we went along we initially thought we wanted to take the [thriller] genre and flip it.

Ben: How did the writing process feel for you both and was writing as a duo difficult? Sam: So we plot really thoroughly together at the

beginning and that’s the main part of the work. Whilst there is of course a skill to dialogue, if you really know what it is that you’re trying to say, then the writing becomes a lot simpler. We spent a lot of time in a room discussing and thinking things over and then we’d go away and come back and debate and debate. With it being a short also it was quite easy as we just sat down together and did it in about a day and a half. With other projects that are longer we work really really hard at structuring the story and that makes everything else a lot easier.

Ben: What would you say are the most important themes or the biggest takeaway of your film for your audience? Sam: On one level it can be the kind of thought that queer cinema doesn’t have to fit into the tight box it often does, such as coming out stories and trauma. We can take up any space we want to, and on a filmmaking level it was this message that we set out to make. Ng: We set out to make genre and we set out to make something thrilling and entertaining; we didn’t set out to preach. But I suppose I would say empathy would be the most important theme. We are so tired of queer movies being dramas. What we want is a Marvel film where the hero is presented with a same-sex romantic story, without it being a queer story. Sam: We want there to be room for all of these things. There are plenty of queer films like those [dra-

mas] that we love but we felt often like we are put in one bracket and Femme was exciting for us as we could be like “why not? We could be John Wick”. Ben: So for young film students such as myself, what steps would you recommend to make it into such a competitive industry?

we jumped in from nowhere really we’ve been working on it for quite a long time. Ben: How did it feel receiving the BAFTA nomination for Best Short Film on February 3rd? Where were you when you received the nomination and what’re your plans for the ceremony?

Sam: We’ve had a few chats about this recently. Obviously this is our first short film and we won the BIFA and now we’re BAFTA nominated, which feels like a “you’ve come out of nowhere and had this huge success” moment and that rarely happens. But whilst that’s a lovely mythology for us, I’ve been screenwriting for 6 years now. Ng: And I’ve been directing theatre for 10 years. So we might be first time filmmakers but we aren’t first time storytellers. It meant that when the opportunity came to make a film we were ready for it. Sam: It also meant we developed access to an opportunity. Agile studios, where we are right now working on something else, we were able to walk in and pitch an idea for a feature and they were like “well you’ve never directed film before” but were able to look at our backgrounds and say “we will fund a short film for you as we believe you can do it, we just want you to prove it”. A lot of our confidence came from the experience that we had. Obviously the big barrier in film is funding, but with a great story you can make something with little money. But generally you break into the industry with small steps, and whilst it looks like

Sam: I was on a mad deadline for something else and I took a break to watch the live announcement of the nominations, which they did not announce the short film nominations on. So we were all sat there, my parents and family were sat there, and they didn’t announce it. They then said for the full list go to the website so I did. And you have to scroll all the way down and every time I’d scroll I’d think “you don’t wanna know” and they have a little thumbnail of the nominated piece and I saw Jordan’s (Paapa Essiedu) face and was like ARGH!!! Ng: I was doing something else, I was trying to get some admin done and I got a text from Sam in all caps saying “WE’RE NOMINATED”.

Ben: It’s amazing it really is. You talk to people at university and this is what people dream of. This must be an out of this world scenario, I can’t imagine how it must feel. Sam: It’s unreal, it takes a few days to sink in. And then you have a moment where you’re excited and then you think ok, alright so the ceremony is coming up and also who is going to win? And it’s surreal and amazing; like a dream come true.

Ev Says: Acknowledging women in the arts shouldn't be special It's time we started normalising the success of women, instead of having to actively campaign for

Evelyn Heis

Film & Television Co-Deputy Editor

arch is the month dedicated to commemorating Women’s History, with International Women’s Day on the 8th urging you to celebrate the wonderful women in your lifesomething you should already be doing anyway. March is also the month of the BAFTAs (13th) and this year’s 94th Academy Awards (28th), so what better time to reflect on women’s achievements in the film industry, than now?

Last year’s 93rd Academy Awards made Oscar history, with women representing a record of 76 Oscar nominations and the awarding of 17 trophies to women within the 23 competitive categories. Chloe Zhao won best director for Nomadland (2020), alongside best picture with Frances McDormand and Mollye Asher; Anne Roth won best costume design for Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020) making history as the oldest woman to win an Oscar, and Mia Neal and Jamaica Wilson won makeup & hairstyle, becoming the first Black women in that category to win an Academy award. All in all, it was an incredible year for women, particularly women of colour, whose

talent within the industry is starting to get recognised. Based on this year’s nominations, however, this record will not be surpassed- it doesn’t even come close. Whereas last year 76 of the 235 individual nominees were women (32.3%), this year only 65 of the 229 Academy Award nominees are women (28.3%). This decrease in nominations is actually the lowest percentage in the last three years. When you think about it, just 30% of women nominees are not enough. While the recognition and presence of women in the industry is something to celebrate, it really is the bare minimum. It makes you

question how we can support a system and award show that fails to represent women - is this something we’ve come to accept? Or is this something we’d like to challenge? Now, I’m not saying we need to boycott the Academy Awards, but I am saying that we need to start holding people accountable so that we can put more effort into supporting the projects of women and minorities in the arts. How many more times can we pay to watch Tarantino inflict unnecessary violence on his female characters? I’d much rather pay to see more projects by Greta Gerwig, Chloe Zhao, Ava DuVernay, and other female directors that are

starting to become prominent names in the industry. Things are looking up for women in the industry despite this year’s setback, which is forcing us to reflect on the lack of representation readily available for women. All we can do is continue to encourage and create an inclusive space for female directors, actresses, producers, and members of the industry, in the hopes that things look up for women and people of colour. Perhaps the 94th Academy Awards will just be a blip in Women’s History Month, and not an event that represents the place of women in the industry as a whole.

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epigram 17.03.2022

The Batman: A stylish & immersive social allegory

Milo Ryan

Courtesy of IMDB

Second Year, English Literature

itting through seemingly endless trailer reels prior to watching Matt Reeves’ The Batman, awaiting hopefully at the prospect of seeing yet another presentation of the caped crusader that has domineered pop culture for almost a century, I became acutely aware of the solipsism of today’s studio cinema. An isolated contemporary trend in filmmaking has created a feedback loop that relies solely upon tasteless reflexivity and catalyses the notion that it is possible to do away with stylisation so long as Captain America’s mask had the wings on it. Trailers for Dr Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022) and Moon Knight (2022-) before showtime only reaffirmed fearful expectations of enduring 176 minutes of yet another studio reboot that has pro-

grammed audiences to clap like seals for the “unexpected” return of heroes and villains they were once eager to leave behind. With this neo-noir adaptation, however, Batman is imbued with a mystery and realism that allows it to stand out amongst the over saturated superhero sub-genre. All sharp jawline and black eyeliner, Robert Pattinson’s performance takes Batman to levels of gloom previously thought unimaginable. Emerging into the public eye in vampiric form in Twilight (2008) it seems fitting that his latest role had him adopting a bat-like guise yet again. True to his acting history, dialogue at times felt so melodramatically operatic that the hopelessly desolate figure of Edward Cullen could be seen in the greasy hair and pale skin of Bruce’s melancholic utterances. In this deliberately hyperbolic presentation however, Reeves’ commemorates the campiness of Joel Schumacher’s Batman and Robin, choosing to tactfully employ an element of cheesiness that was crucial in the initial characterisation of the masked vigilante. Pattinson’s performance, whilst undoubtedly compelling when viewed in isolation, shines best when on screen with co-star Zoë Kravitz. Mimicking the sensuality of Michelle Pfeiffer and sophistication of Anne Hathaway, Kravitz creates in Selina Kyle a character whose very presence is the synthesis of the Catwomen that came before her. In her we see the very city of Gotham. Whether exhibited in her frustrations at Gotham’s institutional venality or reflected literally on the patent leather of her diverse and stunning wardrobe, Kravitz’s Catwoman is a masked hero intrinsically linked to the landscape

culture with its tie to the contemplation of questions that have been ever as prevalent within mainstream discourse in the past year. The question of who is seen and who goes unseen in society, and how problems that are consciously ignored, if not intentionally buried, can multiply in the shadows. Dune (2021) cinematographer Greg Fraiser similarly hints to the movie’s wider themes in his use of mirrors and reflection. Just as the use of surveillance allows Batman to engage in a unique form of self-reflection, so does Fraiser’s camera work - hintingto yet another level of subconscious introspection detected in shots of Pattinson reflected in neon puddles and motorcycle wing mirrors. Undoubtedly influenced by psychological thrillers like David Fincher’s Seven (1995) or James Wan’s Saw (2004), Reeves and Fraiser imbue grit and tension into the world of Gotham, hinting back to the likes of The Dark Knight (2008) with the same edgy realism. At times this film did feel like a movie with a run time of two hours

and people of the city. Whether it be the many colourful wig changes throughout or the isolated shots of silver tearstained eyeshadow reflecting dancing bodies in a blue-lit nightclub, hair and makeup became the final component that solidified Kravitz’s catwoman as a thoroughly well imagined icon, fit to stand amongst the titans of a franchise established long before her. While gadgetry is a key component of every Batman movie, the latest tool at the caped crusader’s disposal serves to mirror the movie’s most important theme. Without spoiling specificities, this new apparatus allows Batman to sift through crime scenes or surveil suspects without them realising they’re being watched. In a movie that opens with a voiceover in which Batman notes that Gotham’s criminals ‘think I’m hiding in the shadows. But I am the shadows’, it is significant that the tool most tied to Batman is one defined by secrecy. This tool symbolically mirrors Reeve’s wider commentary on class, institutional corruption and cancel

Courtesy of IMDB

Robert Pattinson's caped crusader harks campily back to his Twilight days, presenting a Wayne that shines brightest in the company of Kravitz's slick Catwoman

and fifty-six minutes. With the repetition of interactions between characters, some versatility could definitely have been warranted. Some dialogue too felt clunky and out of place at times. Overall, however, this film asserts itself into the renowned batman franchise with stylish idiosyncrasy, immersive worldbuilding and beautiful cinematography, utilising references to the subculture from which they came in a way that lingers, like Pattinson throughout, as a shadow.

We asked YOU, our readers, to vote for which film you think should win Best Picture at the upcoming 94th Academy Awards, and the results are in! Courtesy of IMDB

Via polling through Epigram's Instagram accounts we were able to collect thousands of responses, and the percetnage of votes were as follows:

Dune - 19.44% Belfast - 16.2%

Licorice Pizza - 10.72% Courtesy of IMDB

Epigram / Madeleine Ellis

Don’t Look Up - 16%

King Richard - 10.44%

Coda - 3.6%

The Power of the Dog 9.48%

Drive My Car - 3.6%

West 7.56%

Side

Story

Nightmare Alley - 2.52%

Catch the 94th Academy Awards on 27th March to see if your favourite wins!

Sport

Editor Digital Editor Deputy Editor Investigations Editor Subeditor

Twitter: @EpigramSport

Nischal Schwager-Patel Artemis Denton Lexi Bothamley-Dakin Charlie Wilbraham Leo Harland

Eddie McAteer/Epigram

Croisez! The enticing experience of sport on the year abroad

The opportunity to immerse yourself into a foreign sporting culture is one to relish

Eddie McAteer Third Year, French

ike many students, sport is a huge part of my life. Whether that’s watching on TV, playing, or going to stadiums to watch it in person, sport is something that I can’t really imagine living without. So, when I started my year abroad in France, one of the first things I looked into was finding a rugby team to join. That turned out to be harder than anticipated. Simply finding a club proved difficult because the usual options available to students aren’t available to interns; there is no SU, and you have to rely on either someone at your place of work knowing a club or on your own research skills. Additionally, living in a big city like Paris, there are limited areas to play and the ones that are available tend to be further out in the suburbs, so finding one in a suitable location can be a bit tricky. Whilst that isn’t a huge inconvenience, it isn’t exactly ideal, especially if you are used to Bristol where the Downs are within walking distance. However, I eventually found a tag rugby club that was 45 minutes

away on public transport. Tag isn’t what I'd had in mind, but the membership fee was considerably cheaper than 15-a-side, and I was just looking for some way to get my sporting fix. Joining a team on your year abroad could be very daunting, especially given the potential language barrier, but I have found everyone to be incredibly patient and understanding. Besides, most drills in sport are pretty universal and having played for the last 15 years of my life, I didn’t feel too taken aback. Equally, even though your fluency might not be the same as your teammates, sports teams are a great opportunity to improve whatever

them, then you can learn the term for ‘see it off’ (I’m yet to learn this one, but the upcoming tournament will no doubt provide me with ample opportunity). Socials are an important part of any university experience, but on your year abroad the importance is heightened. It may be your first time living in a foreign country, you probably miss your friends and family and you may find it harder to make new friends. Socialising with a sports team can be one way to alleviate that. As I said before, people tend to be very welcoming and understanding, and you create a network of people around you that can support you through

If you decide to go on socials with them, then you can learn the term for "see it off" language it is you study. Most of the time we learn vocabulary for political, historical or cultural analysis, whereas I have never had to use the French ‘switch!’ in an assignment (it’s ‘croisez!’ in case you’re wondering). Having to think all of this through under match conditions, even down to the simpler calls like ‘inside or ‘outside’, is one hell of a language exercise and an entirely unique experience. Not only that, but you start to communicate with teammates outside of training and matches, and if you decide to go on socials with

your placement. Whilst I would say joining a sports team on your year abroad is a brilliant thing to do, many placements are for only half the year. As a result, you may find you have just settled in, only to have to start all over again somewhere new. In my opinion, the experience is totally worth that slight annoyance. Some students prefer to join a gym instead to keep fit, which can be a great opportunity to get some exercise and also provide great opportunities to get to know colleagues or course-mates who may be interested

in going with you. Alternatively, if you are on a study placement, you may be able to sign

instead to keep fit, which can be a great opportunity to get some where it is usually greeted by grumblings

The chanting, the food and the playing style are all different to back in the UK up for sports at your university. A friend of mine plays futsal and is trying judo for the very first time thanks to the opportunities available to him at his university and he is loving it so far. There is also the spectator side to sport on your year abroad. Should you be fortunate enough to be on placement in Argentina, for example, a trip to Boca Juniors or River Plate must surely be on the bucket list. I’ve been fortunate to go to a handful of rugby matches during my time in France, and just by getting to know people sat near me I have gained some good friends. It sounds strange, but I know them about as well as I know most of my course-mates thanks to COVID. Not only that, but it is just great fun to get the stadium experience in another country. The chanting, the food and the playing style are all different to back in the UK. The Stade de France is much keener on Mexican waves than the fans back at Twickenham, it is usually greeted by grumblings of discontent. Some students prefer to join a gym

of discontent. Then there is the TV aspect. Clearly, I won’t be buying a Canal+ Sport subscription - I’m only an intern! On the other hand, pubs and bars are a great source for watching the Premier League, and all for the (un) reasonable price of a Parisian pint, or whatever your preference is. Not only do you get to feel the emotion surge through a pub when PSG launch another expensively-assembled attack, but you also get to socialise with those around you. I regularly go to the pub with a friend from rugby training so that we can watch the Six Nations, and it is a great chance to watch something I would otherwise be limited to watching on my own. We even had the gendarmes turn up to watch the game whilst an anti-vaccine pass protest was going on, something I will always find amusing. Moments like these are memories that stick with you until long after you have finished your placement. The time when your teammates celebrate your first points, or when you get a lift back for the first time and trade stories about how you ended up in the team.

Sport 24

epigram 17.03.2022

Epigram

Women’s intramural football set to take Bristol by storm in 2022

There will be a new addition to the university's vast array of intramural leagues

Artemis Denton Digital Editor

his year there will be a new arrival on the intramural scene! The University of Bristol Women’s Football Club (UBWFC) has officially established a women’s intramural football league, ready to launch for the next academic year. So, if you back yourself on the pitch and are up for playing weekly matches, it is time to start forming your team ahead of next season's launch. Once again, intramural sport is taking the university by storm. With

approximately 3,000 Bristol students competing in intramural leagues every year across numerous individual and team sports, it’s a brilliant way to get involved in the university community and meet new people. Also, for those who find BUCS, the competitive inter-university league, a little too intense to balance with their university schedule, intramural sport is a great option. Who doesn’t love a splash of friendly competition? Football has always been one of the most popular sports amongst those played in intramural leagues, welcoming all students of mixed sporting ability. Nick George, who is the captain of intramural team BNOCS’ said: ‘The best thing about intramural football is the spirit of each match. While each team wants to win, each game is played to make

sure everyone has fun and a great time.’ However, if you have ever graced the Downs to watch one of these exciting matches, you will struggle to find many women on the pitch. Although women have always been

UBWFC have introduced the inaugural women’s intramural football league welcome to play - and some do, with many not having had the opportunity to play before university - the intramural league can be intimidating for those keen to play. On the flip side, whilst mixed sport can be great fun, it can also put serious female athletes at risk of injury, which would impact the

intended relaxed and inviting spirit of intramural sport, as well as the fitness of female footballers. So, with the hope of encouraging more women to get involved in the sport, UBWFC have introduced the inaugural women’s intramural football league. Starting from September 2022, matches will be played every Saturday at the indoor sports complex on Tyndall Avenue. All you need to play for a whole term is £5 and a team prepared to take on the league. It doesn’t matter whether you are the next Steph Houghton or have never kicked a football in your life, everyone is welcome to sign up. It doesn’t matter whether you are the next Steph Houghton vying to play in the Women's Super League or have never kicked a football in your life; everyone is welcome to sign up

and join the league. With summer soon approaching, now is the perfect time to gather a team together ahead of the season start. The women’s intramural league will feature seven-a-side matches and will allow teams of up to nine players to sign up. With the league being casual, teams can choose to train as much or as little as they want, making it a manageable commitment compatible with busy academic timetables and social lives. For those looking to get involved, make sure to keep an eye on the UBWFC Instagram page (@ubwfc) for updates and feel free to contact the club with any questions that you might have. If you are interested in mixed intramural football, head over to the SU website where you can sign up now!