15TH NOVEMBER 2018
FREE
#001
BACK FROM
A
Y R E V LONG
REST
Providing Spotty News at Goldsmiths
Anni Albers exhibition at Tate Modern:
Cleaners worry about future at Goldsmiths As the dust settles on the decision to bring staff in house, Goldsmiths Cleaners fear a painful transition the latest, which would be two months
hear us, they want to make us happy. That’s
earlier than the anticipated date in March
what our people have been waiting for.”
Cleaning staff at Goldsmiths College claim
2019. They were also successful in organ-
next spring.”
they have faced increasingly worse con-
ising an urgent public meeting to discuss
ditions from their employer Integrated
the transition, as demanded in the letter.
Madeleine Drury
However, they also expressed deep concern over what they see as increasingly
Service Solutions (ISS) since the College’s announcement to move cleaning provi-
Since the victory, cleaners had received
sions in house. Cleaners complained of
minimal communication from Goldsmiths.
The Leopard goes on a tour of the Anni
conditions under ISS in a letter addressed
However, six meetings have now been ar-
Albers exhibition, where we take a look
to Goldsmiths’ senior management team
ranged between the SMT and Unison, who
at the life of a pioneering female artist, as
(SMT) that urgently called for a quicker
are representing the cleaners, which are
well as discuss her work while it’s on show
transition process to in house management.
scheduled to take place before Christmas.
the influences throughout her life that led
The letter sent on 24th October demanded
One cleaner spoke to The Leopard of their re-
to her choice of artistic method, which be-
that Goldsmiths’ SMT bring forward the
lief that Goldsmiths’ SMT had accepted the
come so famous both during and after her
in-housing process and have the clean-
terms of the letter: “With the glory of God,
lifetime.
ers on new contracts by January 2019, at
Goldsmiths are listening to us, they want to
unfair...
Continued bottom of Page 4
at the Tate Modern, and explore some of
A word from the Environmental Officer Goldsmiths Environmental Officer bike lockers and bike pumps etc. Dr. Nicola Hogan has been “greenGreening Goldsmiths’ overarching aim is to ing” the campus since 2012. provide students with a campus that not only
Full Review on Page 15
Since starting in her role as Space, Environ-
looks good and provides students with an
mental and Sustainability Officer she and the
environment that is conducive to teaching,
larger estates team have installed a selection
learning and research but is also sustainable
of sustainability-supporting features includ-
and ethical in its operations.
ing bike racks, drinking water fountains,
Any student wanting to get involved in helping to “green” our campus, can do so by participating in any of the project listed on Page 4.
15th November 2018
#001
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Editorial
Sports
Music & Entertainment Films & Literature
Record label at Goldsmiths?!
BFI festival reviews
Page 14
A Neutral’s Guide to... Page 27 Page 17 Health
Department Research
Aliens or Sleep Disorder?
Page 10
Everyday Campus heroes
Page 25
Copyright (c) The Leopard 2018
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15th November 2018
#001
Free
3
Editors-in-Chief [leopard@goldsmithssu.org]
Editorial
Dana Broadbent Shreya Ukil Will Herbert
A letter from the Editors Thank you for picking up a copy of The
hoping that ours can highlight Goldsmiths
Leopard Newspaper: a free monthly newspa-
as a research institution.
per produced by and for students of Goldsmiths, University of London and the wider
The Sandbox is launching in the next issue:
South East London community.
made for readers to display design work, poetry, photography or anything that comments
If you have been reading all the notice
on student life in a creative way. Please email
boards around campus, you will have no-
Huga C-Stanley using the address opposite
ticed that we are not the only student media
to have your art in The Leopard.
this year. Wired Radio and Smiths Magazine are around but there are also a number of
We have tried to make our more traditional
new titles: Factory from the Creative Writ-
sections as relevant to Goldsmiths and the
ing Society, GoldDust from the Department
wider student experience as possible. This
of Media and Communications, and a few
month’s Comments begins with a featured
more. There is definitely a little media boom
article on the Students’ Union’s ‘Safe Space’
happening right now.
policy, but writing in this space can analyse any issue that affects students. We also hope
The Leopard is one of the older names. The
that Arts and Theatre will provide a strong
paper was created about eight years ago by
commentary on one of the University’s
some enthusiastic students but a student
strengths but also have great reviews of arts
newspaper has existed on campus as early as
and theatre in London.
SECTION EDITORS News
Film/Lit
[leopardnews@goldsmithssu.org]
[leopardfilmlit@goldsmithssu.org]
Will Herbert Charlotte Kennedy Shreya Ukil Dana Broadbent
Josh Lamb Maria Juaniz Mieke Foeste Grace Higgins
Comments
Dept Research
[leopardcomment@goldsmithssu.org]
[leopardresearch@goldsmithssu.org]
Laura Moyies
Claudia Schroeder
[leopardarts@goldsmithssu.org]
[leopardsports@goldsmithssu.org]
Anne-Louise Fortune Ana Kozlova
Terrelle Iziren Simon Throssell
Art/Theatre
Health/Support
Sports
Music/Entertainment
[leopardhealth@goldsmithssu.org]
[leopardmusic@goldsmithssu.org]
Radhika Das Danielle Desouza
Kate Walker Verity Campbell
Our Music and Entertainment section is also
Sandbox
The reasons why The Leopard is back in
tailored to the College too and will include
[leopardsandbox@goldsmithssu.org]
[leopard@goldsmithssu.org]
print are perhaps similar to why lots of new
a special ‘Highlights of the Month’ calendar
publications have come out this year. Media
every month, which you can use to plan your
Gabrielle Ravet
a bit more creative and ambitious than what’s
nights out in South East London. Film and
Hugo C-Stanley
in the newsstands is something you expect to
Literature will provide diverse and interest-
find at Goldsmiths. It seemed strange to us
ing reading and viewing lists, which step
[leoparddigital@goldsmithssu.org]
[leoparddesigner@goldsmithssu.org]
that, with all the talent, politics, and experi-
outside the mainstream and into new arenas.
Cheolan Jeong
Jack Lowerson Katrina Nzegwu
1907.
Video
ence at the College, we did not have a newspaper you could hold in your hands, pass
Sports is something that often lacks a loud
around, or rip pages from.
enough voice at Goldsmiths but we want this paper to become a champion of our sports
So when we set out to restart the print ver-
teams and establish a pedigree of sports re-
sion, we tried to think about everything
porting in time for Varsity in March.
Goldsmiths students could want from a
Finally, you will see that The Leopard has
newspaper. We thought about the sections
news throughout its pages. We are trying re-
and decided that we would want to have sec-
port the news around Goldsmiths fairly but
tions that appear in national papers but also
not without our own concerns and our own
create ones for a Goldsmiths paper.
values. As far as a student newspaper goes, we are definitely reporting ‘hard news’ but if
we believe our student newspaper should be and can be all these things. We hope to add a few more sections as the year moves forward so please send your suggestions to leopard@ goldsmithssu.org There is not enough space across twenty-eight pages, let alone a single editorial, to thank all the section editors and contributors to this issue of The Leopard. Their enthu-
This is why, as well as the News and Sports,
you have something to share, please contact
you can read from our Health and Support
us no matter how small it might seem be-
pages, which in this issue takes a look at the
cause more than anything else, us listening
support services available to students and
to your concerns will make our reporting the
features a list of support contacts. Although
best it can be.
new ideas and content The Leopard Team
dedicated for Department Research is quite
You have probably now got a sense of how
thank our Design Team for really taking our
unique even for a student newspaper. We are
ambitious we are being with The Leopard but
you often get Science and Tech, a section
siasm and commitment to the project is the reason you are reading this now and as the months go forward we are excited to see what comes up with. We would especially like to values and applying them to the design.
Events
Design
We invite you to join our team because we know we need your help to keep the pace up. We also know, if we really aim to represent every part of the student experience here at Goldsmiths, that we need as many students as possible to be part of The Leopard. There are lots of ways you can contribute, from photography to podcasting, so take a look at Page 19 for just some of the positions that need filling. We would also like to encourage our readers to follow ‘The Leopard’ on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube - and have a look at our first two videos produced by Video Editor, Cheolan Jeong.
Happy Reading!
15th November 2018
#001
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News
Being Green @Goldsmiths 3. Paper Use Reduction
Our hope is that, by everyone making sim-
1. Gardening
cessive use and wastage of paper on campus.
be able to reduce our paper use significantly
Students looking for a therapeutic and en-
Despite a huge uptake in the number and
and save money.
vironmentally friendly activity can join the
type of electronic devices on campus, we are
Goldsmiths Allotment. The allotment is
still printing and photocopying at an alarm-
4. Cycling to Goldsmiths
2. Brown Bag your lunch using reusable
managed by Dr. Ros Gray and members can
ing rate. While much of the printed material
Currently Goldsmiths have over 400 bike
lunchboxes instead of buying prepackaged
have their own plot on which to grow any-
discarded in bins are course related notes,
parking spaces on campus (many of them
convenience foods.
thing they like or be part of the community
waste audits show that a high percentage of
monitored by CCTV); 3 showering loca-
3. E-mail or text information instead of
plot. For more details, see their Facebook
waste paper appears to be single sided pho-
tions (RHB, PSH, Lockwood Gym); 80 bike
printing and copying.
Page or contact r.gray@gold.ac.uk
tocopying and printing mistakes. It’s worth
lockers located at the rear of the Whitehead
4. Dress for the weather; wear warmer layers
remembering that:
Building ; 2 tyre air pumps – one located in
during winter and cooler clothing during the
Continued from Front Page
2. Energy Detectives
Top 10 Tips for being Greener at Greening Goldsmiths are tackling the ex- ple changes to how they use paper, we will Goldsmiths. 1. Cycle or use public transport instead of taking the car.
• Using electronic devices is much easier the Whitehead building and one in the Mar-
summer.
Students can become an Energy Detective by
all round. Store 100s of documents in a
garet McMillian Building quadrant (near
5. Switch off electrical devices when not in
accessing the Energy Detective smart phone
single device that can be retrieved and
the Amazon Lockers). Our Environmental
use.
web-app at edetect.gold.ac.uk and record-
read at your convenience. Most elec-
Officer also hosts cycling related give away
6. Dispose of waste in the correct recycling
ing where and when they see energy being
tronic devices have studying and note
schemes at the end of year including the very
bin.
wasted across campus. After registering their
taking tools included.
popular “abandoned bike scheme” that also
login details, a drop down menu of the list of
• If you must print, please do so double includes giving away bike helmets, drinks coffee to go- it’s cheaper too.
buildings on campus and the type of wastage
sided and put as much “relevant infor-
occurring makes recording of wasted ener-
mation only” on both sides of the paper,
gy easy for users. Energy Detectives can also
as is legible.
take a picture of the rooms where energy is
• Paper should be disposed of in recycling
being wasted as further evidence and every-
bins. Waste paper is currently being in-
one who sends a report is automatically en-
correctly disposed of in general waste
tered into a draw to win a £20 gift voucher of
bins, which incurs increased waste dis-
their choice.
posal charges.
Continued from Front Page
7. Use reusable coffee cups when ordering
bottles and safety gear. In addition to this, Greening Goldsmiths and the estates team have given away for re-use, hundreds of items of furniture, office stationary, clothing, books etc. They aim to offer a second life to anything that is still in good condition so by all means email green@gold. ac.uk or N.Hogan@gold.ac.uk with requests
8. Grow a plant in your room (nothing illegal please). 9. Join the Goldsmiths Allotment Club. 10. Become an Energy Detective.
or questions abut items for reuse.
transition period from the 1st November
one job, they claimed this was less flexible
by January”, said Roberto Mozzachio-
treatment from ISS since the announcement
2018. In a statement made in September, the
than previous shift patterns. This meant that
di, from Goldsmiths Justice for Cleaners.
in September and claim that the cleaning staff
University recognised this as an ambitious
conditions worsened as they were not giv-
have reduced in size, whilst workloads remain
goal: “within comparable organisations [the
en enough time to adapt to the new layout.
at the same levels. “If you ask all the people
transition] has taken at least nine months”.
also called for similar action, with King’s ColWhen the campaign began, ISS report-
lege London celebrating a win against out-
Goldsmiths has outsourced cleaners from
edly began bullying workers for associat-
sourcing staff on 26th September of this year.
ISS for a number of years, where they are
ing with the campaign and similar unions.
you will see: if you reduce the staff, the job [standards] reduce.”, the same cleaner said.
Other campaigners at other universities have
When asked about allegations of unpaid cov-
paid the London Living Wage, are eligi-
er, they shook their head: “This is a devel-
ble for sick pay, holiday pay and other en-
In response to the letter sent last month, a
oped country, this shouldn’t be happening”.
titlements such as maternity and paternity
spokesperson for Goldsmiths said: “It is
leave. Whilst ISS standards are in line with
in the interests of the cleaners, as well as
The ‘Justice for Cleaners’ campaign began
legal requirements, cleaners are not enti-
Goldsmiths, to ensure that all of the ar-
lobbying the Goldsmiths SMT to end its
tled to the same benefits as Goldsmiths staff
rangements associated with the insourc-
contract with ISS in the summer of 2018.
such as increased annual leave allowance
ing are managed properly, and our am-
Meet us every Wednesday
ISS currently provide cleaning services for
and access to improved pension provision.
bition is to complete this by next spring.”
The ‘Justice for Cleaners’ campaign began at
Justice for Cleaners supports the demands
Library Room 102 4.30pm - 7.00pm
On the 20th September, Goldsmiths Govern-
Goldsmiths when the shift patterns were re-
outlined by cleaners in the letter: “J4C
ing Council announced the move to bring
structured in August, staff being given only
will be putting pressure on management
cleaners in house, setting out a six-month
one week’s notice. For those with more than
to demand cleaners be brought in-house
At the time of publishing, ISS had not
Goldsmiths’ buildings and accommodation.
responded
to
requests
for
comment.
Got a story? We wa nt to he ar fro m
and every Friday
SU Radio Hub 10.00am - 4.00pm
yo u!
15th November 2018
#001
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5
News Lewisham Residents Fight Public Library Cuts dicts that “some of the most vulnerable people in our society” are likely to be the most affected by changes to Lewisham library services. The worry is not just some people need a warm place to stay but after years of austerity across all services, more and more people are being directed towards libraries by Job Centres and government departments for help filling in tax forms, bill-paying, finding work, and lots more. Although libraries would still remain open if their staffed hours are reduced, the proposal admits that: “The reduction of staffed opening hours would greatly reduce access to digital support and information services for residents in those areas [around the libraries].” Adrienne Tayler from the Community Engagement Team for Deptford Lounge (one of the libraries under threat) told The Leopard: “I don’t think you could go self-service without some detriment to the because the libraries under threat are the
come after work and then maybe go to the
community”. She said that in volunteer li-
Will Herbert @billiamherbert
three “hub” libraries - Lewisham, Down-
pub and see how long they could make
braries “it is the skills of volunteers that
ham, and the library in Deptford Lounge
a blackcurrant cordial last and then go
you rely on” and although staff are an ex-
- which are meant to support the other
home and go straight to bed.” said Tim.
pensive resource, without them they could
Lewisham residents are trying to change
nine volunteer-led libraries in the bor-
not run a computer service at Deptford.
ough, which lost their budget for profes-
Richard Conway, who lives in Greenwich,
ing to three libraries in the borough.
sional staff during previous rounds of cuts.
said he wanted to fight for libraries in Lew-
On 5th November, SLL convinced Lewisham
isham because he saw it as a national issue.
Council’s Safe and Stronger Communities Se-
Last month, Lewisham Council announced
One of these volunteer or “community li-
He said: “I don’t like how, when there are
lect Committee to refer the proposed cuts to
braries” is the New Cross Learning Centre,
cuts, the libraries are always the first to go.”
the Public Accounts Select Committee (PAC),
The council’s own proposal for cuts pre-
Continued on Page 6
the
council’s
decision
to
cut
fund-
that it intended to make £450 000 worth of cuts to library services as part of an effort to save over £20 million across the next two years.
However, Campaigners
from the group Save Lewisham Libraries (SLL) have set out to create public pressure against the proposed cuts, before the
opposite Goldsmiths, where SLL met last month to plan and make placards for a national protest against cuts to cultural services, which took place on 3rd November. One campaigner, Tim Parkin, used to work
consultation period closes in February.
at the Learning Centre as a librarian when
Dr Alice Corble, an associate lecturer at
before cuts made him redundant. In the
Goldsmiths, wrote her doctoral thesis for the Department of Sociology on public libraries within the context of contemporary economics and municipal crisis and is part of SLL. She says: “this latest round of cuts will pretty much destroy them [Lewisham’s librar-
it was still the New Cross People’s Library, nineteen years he worked in library services, Tim saw the different ways that residents would make use of libraries in Lewisham. He said that one person used to use Lewisham Library to charge a large
ies] because it’s on top of so many rounds”.
battery every week and another would
She and other campaigners are concerned
save on their heating bills. “They would
use Catford Library as a warm place to
15th November 2018
#001
6
News Continued from Page 5
was all in the air and it was a united strug-
Save Lewisham Libraries are next meeting at
got one in Kings College London’s records
citing the local authority’s duty to protect the
gle”, she said. “Now, after eight years of
the New Cross Learning Centre at 7pm on
collection.
most vulnerable in the area. In a meeting two
struggles I think it’s got a bit fragmented.”
20th November. Lewisham Council’s public
days later, at which Dr Corble spoke, the PAC
consultation period on the cuts opens 30th
This library provides emotional and social
choose to refer the issue to Lewisham Mayor
However, she encouraged students to go and
November and ends in early February next
support to the community, a community
Damien Egan and Cabinet, who meet to dis-
volunteer in the Learning Centre, where two
year.
which Kathy has described as “holding on
cuss the issue on Wednesday 21st November.
retired women are helping residents with
for the moment” in the light of cuts to local
their day-to-day challenges (see the article
Additional research for this article was car-
In a meeting two days later, at which
‘New Cross Learning Centre’) and see what
ried out by Sophie Taylor. Photography by
Dr Corble spoke, the PAC choose to re-
goes on at local libraries generally, especially
Will Herbert.
fer the issue to Lewisham Mayor Dami-
if you have an interest in sociology or culture.
services, including libraries. “The community is going to get destroyed when all these developments go on”, she said. The library patches local service cuts
en Egan and Cabinet, who meet to discuss
New Cross Learning Centre
the issue on Wednesday 21st November. When speaking to The Leopard, Dr Corble said that many studies, including ones
with food banks, period poverty banks, baby groups, job search workshops, and book exchanges for local schools “because they don’t have libraries”. This is all run by a group of
in her thesis, show that public libraries
Sophie Taylor
less than ten volunteers.
On the doorstep of Goldsmiths lives the
“Sometimes we can’t go for our lunch”, Kathy
New Cross Learning Centre, a communi-
tells me. She is librarian, manager, and care-
ty unit-or library run by volunteers, who
taker in the evenings. “My house is dirty
do everything from organising to cleaning.
[but] what is the choice when these services
It has become something more than just a
have been cut, when people are struggling
space for all [and] no one is turned away.”
book lending service.
on benefits?”
She remembers when Goldsmiths students
After I had finished speaking to head volun-
The New Cross Learning Centre is at 283-
teer Kathy Dunbar, a woman hugged her for
285 New Cross Road and is open Tuesdays
almost a minute. She had been referred here
and Saturdays 10am to 5pm and Wednes-
by another library for help finding a job and
days and Thursdays 10am to 7pm.
could be used to improve Lewisham’s “literacy standards” and “access to education” as, both of which are comparatively poor in the borough. She believes that public libraries are the one public service, where everyone meets and different social issues intersect because a library is “a safe
joined the protest to prevent the Learning Centre, then the People’s Library, from closing completely, back in 2010. “Back then, it
Wired Studio back after damage
Leopard Facebook page.
the SU, the Reception guy told us the studio
tion managers to carry out an investigation
had been trashed. We arrive there and no-
and technical audit. The space was cleaned
There were no official comments from the
From Friday 26th October to Tuesday 6th
ticed that the glass on the first door was bro-
and lost or damaged equipment replaced.
Wired Managers, but they have been helpful
November, the university airwaves were
ken. The door was still in one piece, but the
silent. Goldsmiths’ beloved radio station,
glass had lost its integrity. Once we came in.
As to the culprit(s) the statement continues:
with Wired informed during the hiatus
Wired, was forced to close due an incident in
the place was a mess but nothing more was
“A person came forward explaining how the
through their own Facebook closed group.
the studio (top floor, Student Union Build-
broken. We could also see beer capsules here
above happened, outlining it was they who
The Wired studio is now back and students
ing) on Friday night. Campaigns and Activ-
and there and rolling tobacco on the record-
caused the damage. We subsequently dealt
can show their support and appreciation by
ities Officer, Joe Leam, describes the damage
ing table and on the floor. Other than that
with the person in question by asking for a
tuning into daily shows on wiredradio.co.uk.
to be ‘significant’. His official statement de-
maybe someone played around with the re-
formal apology, stripping them of their right
scribes the scene: “The door was smashed,
cording program which would explain why
to a show and ensuring they would not be al-
amongst a mass of drinks and litter across
it wouldn’t work with us but it may be that
lowed to run for a position on the Wired team.”
the studio, with wires missing and drinks
we just didn’t get it.”
Shreya Ukil
and efficient in keeping everyone involved
Got a story? We wa nt to he ar fro m
yo u!
Whilst students may naturally ask each other
Meet us every Wednesday
Lagarde and his fellow hosts were interrupt-
‘who did it?’, the SU does not see the need
Leo Lagarde, a Politics Undergraduate,
ed in the middle of their show, which was
to name and shame them. “They have come
walked into the studio on 27th October to
not broadcast, and asked to leave by securi-
forward, owned up to the situation and for-
Library Room 102 4.30pm - 7.00pm
present the Goldsmiths Debating Society’s
ty - the studio was then closed to students.
mally apologised to the Wired team,” Joe’s
Saturday afternoon show, Gold Debates. He
During the following week of closure, the
statement makes it clear that this was the end
says: “When [my co-hosts] and I arrived at
Student Union staff worked with Wired Sta-
of the matter. For his full statement, see The
spilt on equipment.”
and every Friday
SU Radio Hub 10.00am - 4.00pm
15th November 2018
#001
Free
7
Comment
Suspicious of Safe Spaces Laura Moyies Academics are fearful that safe spaces are a serious threat. The UK Parliament Joint Committee on Human Rights concluded that free speech is being limited at Universities. With no platforming and safe space being serious policies that Student Unions across the country have adopted, it is completely understandable to be concerned about the future of academics. There is a growing image of the University student: an entitled creature described often as a snowflake because they melt at even the idea of a heated discussion. I would argue that these creatures are more like icicles speedily falling ready to slice your tongue as soon as you step out of line. This image is of course an unfair representation of the average student. Unfortunately, these are the students that tend to run the show. Most people I talk to on an individual basis at Goldsmiths are willing to have an intelligent discussion, supporting their opinion with an argument. Unfortunately, I have also met people who cannot, or rather do not support their argument, but rather say something about privilege or lived experience which apparently makes their opinion more valid; they are under some hypnosis where they think they have the authority and that I will succumb to anything they say purely because they say it. If opinions cannot be challenged democracy becomes stagnant. Challenging norms is how society progresses. If someone says something which is offensive, speak to them, tell them why that is offensive. If they agree with you and they were just unaware, you might genuinely have helped someone think about something from another perspective. We also have to understand that they might not agree most of the time and this is ok; just hope that the core of society will treat everybody with decency.
derstand, they should automatically with no Who decides what opinions are unacceta-
scepticism listen to someone else because
The problem I have is when these safe spaces
ble? At the moment views which are widely
they have a ‘lived experience’. Don’t get me
engulf the whole University so that essential-
shared are being shut down.
wrong, I think it is extremely important for
ly there is no ‘unsafe space’.
If you ostracise a whole group from the de-
those that have first-hand experience of an
The current Goldsmiths Students’ Union
bate they will create their own safe space,
issue in society to present that issue to the
Safe Space Policy has many problems. The
that is where extremism breeds.
wider community. But presenting a per-
most important being that there is no clarity
spective and attempting to persuade some-
and no one knows what it means and where
Without open and honest questioning and
one around to your way of thinking is very
this safe space policy applies.
scrutiny of ideas people feel left out from so-
different to telling them that they are wrong
ciety, that is when conflict can arise. Defeat
because you have some entitled notion that
The student assembly is the one place that it
opposition with debate not with oppression.
your opinion is more important than some-
is fairly clear that this policy is intended to
one else’s.
apply. The other 26 of you who attended the first student assembly of this academic year
If someone is intentionally and directly verbally offensive that is a difficult situation and
Safe spaces used to be a place of action, a
will remember the droning video telling us
the University might want a policy which
place to discuss specific problems which
if we accidentally offend someone, some un-
addresses this. However, the current safe
concerned the specific group and take con-
known body will decide whether our speech
space policy includes words which are not
sideration to future action in wider society.
was inappropriate.
meant to be offensive. This breeds an envi-
This was a way where everybody could be
ronment where students are scared of what
heard and they could go to their represent-
This is a problematic space to apply this pol-
to say. With what is offensive changing and
atives with their concerns and those people
icy. This is the forum where decisions are
updating so rapidly, how is the average stu-
would take them to wider society and then
made about the whole student body. Ques-
dent meant to keep up?
be criticised and challenged.
tions need to be asked. If a student is fearful
In recent years the idea of the safe space has
for simply questioning a motion, that severe-
What really grinds on me is that safe space
changed. It has become a place that sees the
ly damages our student democracy. Who
support this notion of prescribing views
world as a threat and that people should have
defines what is offensive?
people ‘should’ have; declaring that their
to hide in this safe haven in order to be pro-
views do not count because they do not un-
tected from the world.
Coninued on Page 8
15th November 2018
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8
Comment such barriers we at least need to know what
address those who may be influenced by the
they are and where they are.
opinion opposed to yours, you can persuade
Students’ Union so no one really knows what
that I want to discuss ideas, some of which
remove yourself from a conversation your
it means. Therefore it is welcomed that the
can be controversial. If someone is offend-
voice won’t get heard.
full time officers have said that they are going
ed by a controversial topic then that is com-
to readdress the safe space policy. Hopefully
pletely normal however is rarely a justifiable
they can address the many questions which
reason to shut down the conversation. If
the current policy raises. The Student Union
someone or a group is directly insulted that
have previously claimed to be reviewing the
should be protected. However if it is an idea
policy, however it has been over a year since
rather than a person or group being criti-
this was said by SU staff at the English Pen
cised it cannot be shut down due to a pos-
‘Safe Space Debate’ in April of 2017. Hope-
sible emotional reaction from a few people.
fully this time the full time officers are more
We are all students of this University and al-
serious about the promised reforms.
though democracy may lead to one view be-
Continued from Page 7
Got an opinion about the College them to your way of thinking. If you silence or the SU? Want to share your The SU first introduced a safe space policy in thoughts or experience? 2012/13, no one who created it is still in the It is not that I want to offend someone, it is someone you give them more power. If you Contract leopardcomment@ goldsmithussu.org to pitch an article
ing dominant we should not silence students A safe space for me is somewhere where peo-
who are outside the norm, let them at least
ple can discuss openly, where arguments are
speak.
attacked but people are not. I do not think intending to offend someone is useful. If
Naturally some opinions will be heard and
people do that they are probably unintelli-
discarded by the many but shutting someone
gent disrespectful people. I personally think
up leads to more attention from those who
that University can be a safe place without
will naturally sympathise with it. If you en-
imposed speech barriers, but if we do impose
gage in a debate you have the opportunity to
Meet the Officers: Minho Kim Minho Kim was elected International Students' Officer in the Students’ Union October by-elections. Minho was interviewed by Sophie Taylor. Why did you decide to run for International Students’ Part-time officer? I feel like we’re paying a lot and we don’t seem to get much feedback from the University. We pay more than double the home and EU students. Frustration and disappointment: maybe that was the reason I applied for this role. Also, when I was working in the department as a rep I got this feedback that I thought was quite interesting and sad: international students feel that home and EU students do not really want to talk to [us] and inversely, home and EU students think we do not really want to talk to them. What main problems do you face and how will you tackle them? We experience a lot of cultural gap[s], so in
my manifesto is to hold cultural exchange
from the US, where English will be their
erly, if it’s quite a safe environment, they
fairs with international film, music and food.
mother tongue, also feels a lot of pressure,
will definitely interact with each other.
And the second problem [...] was that events
because [to be] social is a lot of pressure, so
International students feel that they need to
aren’t really publicised well. So, for exam-
I thought I need to bring or make a kind of
take the responsibility, where they find the
ple, we have ASC (Academic Skill Centre),
safer environment with the social events.
cultural gap, or whatever gap it is. So it’s kind
ELC (English Language Centre) and those
of like a one-way struggle. So I think I need
centres are really useful for helping and
How so?
studying actually, especially the English
The first thing I thought was, maybe I
Language Centre […] but some of the in-
can
communities.
If you are an international student, and
ternational students on the campus are not
There are a lot of countries [represent-
would like to share your experiences of
aware of that, because nobody publicises it
ed in Goldsmiths], really a lot, even if
university life, please email The Leopard at
properly and there’s no advertisement on the
they’re not official. So maybe they will feel
leopard@goldsmithssu.org.
top level or whatever [laughs] so, I found
safer within their national community.
two main issues I can deal with in my role.
So in exchange fairs, maybe they each
deal
to give to home and EU students as well. with
national
We can have
Got a story?
I can see from your manifesto that diversity
a booth for, for example, Japanese cul-
is an issue that you want to deal with as well,
ture,
We wa nt to he ar fro m
so how do you think you’ll do that?
people can go and talk to each other.
have their own booths. another
for
Chinese
one,
and
I think that is linked to accessibility, because many international students feel a kind of
How will you make sure there won’t be any
anxiety when they go to social events or
international cliques?
writing events or any events. For someone
I
believe
who cannot speak English fluently, language
ly
trust
will be problematic.
So I think that if we really publicise it prop-
And even someone
that all
the
Meet us every Wednesday
Library Room 102 4.30pm - 7.00pm and every Friday
we
can
different
realcultures.
yo u!
SU Radio Hub 10.00am - 4.00pm
15th November 2018
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9
News Pat packs his bags and Goldsmiths needs a new Warden senior management, but largely to the SU-
concerning the process … the only thing that
and Richard Noble, Head of Art, who was
backed campaign to boycott the National
has been decided is how to engage with the
responsible for the creation of Goldsmiths’
Student Survey, which he sees as having
Goldsmiths population in creating the job
new, though somewhat controversial, Centre
The Warden of Goldsmiths College is step-
caused Goldsmiths’ below target enrolment
description.” Because Higher Education has
for Contemporary Arts. JT and Dinah also
ping down in January 2019 after having
last year.
changed drastically over the past eight years,
sit on the committee but it is undecided as to
given his six month notice earlier this year.
especially since the 2012 fees rise, so has the
whether or not it will co-opt more members.
Patrick Loughrey, known as Pat to many staff
Warden’s job, and the current job description
and students, will have been Warden of the
from 2010 is outdated.
Ultimately, the College Council will make
College for over 9 years by the time he is due
The “demands concerning the process” in-
the final decision and be responsible for ap-
to leave in March next year.
cluded but were not limited to: “elected rep-
pointing Pat’s replacement
Delphine Bueche Will Herbert
resentatives of all staff and students … in the The name of a new Warden should be an-
selection process”, a “candidate open day” on
nounced in late February, however many
campus as well as open hustings, “two inter-
other universities are also looking to fill the
view questions from staff and students that
same position and it might prove difficult to
are put to shortlisted candidate”, and the final
find the right candidate. So what exactly is a
decision to be made through an open elec-
Warden and what do they do?
However, whereas senior management’s
tion at the end of the process.
main concern may be securing a Warden In most universities, the position is referred
who has a plan to rebalance the College’s
In early November, Dinah Caine responded
to as “Vice-Chancellor” but Goldsmiths is
accounts, the SU has always argued for a
to the letter and said the Council would do
one of the last universities to have kept the
candidate who would oppose what they see
all it can “to encourage diversity within the
old name. The Warden is appointed by the
as the marketization of education. JT says:
pool of candidates.” In response to the spe-
College Council, the highest point of gov-
“People are looking for someone who under-
cific demands, she said that: “I am of the view
ernance at university, and acts as its deputy
stands the value of education as public good,
that open hustings would not help our aim of
to be - in a nutshell - responsible for the day-
and not as something you do to get a job, but
encouraging diversity and ensure all barriers
to-day running and operation of the entire
as something you do to enrich yourself as a
to positive promotion of this goal are re-
university. The Warden is then accountable
person.”
moved.” She argued: “Large scale presenta-
to the College Council who, in return, func-
tions typically play to the strength of certain
tions as a trustee board.
groups, and I am not sure how this exercise
(In most universities, the Chair of the Council is the Chancellor and the Warden the Vice-Chancellor.) Joseph Tema, or JT, President of Goldsmiths Students’ Union, explains that Goldsmiths is a challenging place to be a Warden, as the university is currently facing some serious issues: student retention, the BME attainment gap, the fracture between the 18 different departments who interpret policies differently. At his last “open meeting” on 3rd October, Pat announced that Goldsmiths is now running a financial deficit and that there would have to be “significant belt-tightening” over the next year - another challenge to face. He partly attributes the deficit to failure by
The Warden is responsible for the day-to-day running and operation of the entire university. “If we want to get the right person, and for them to hold any legitimacy amongst the community, there needs to be meaningful engagement and input from the Goldsmiths community into who fills that vacancy.” JT was one of over 200 staff and students to sign a letter circulated by the SU, the Goldsmiths branch of the University and College Union (UCU), and the student society ‘Democratise Goldsmiths’ addressed to Dinah Caine, Chair of the College Council. JT explains: “The letter has a few demands
would truly help us find the best leader … but would rather test skills that might inadvertently prejudice certain groups.” However, Dinah said that she would consider an open day and interview questions “synthesised from staff and student feedback”. Goldsmiths College also wanted to reassure us that there still is “extensive scope” for staff and students to take part in finding Pat’s replacement. The College Council have established a ‘Search Committee’ responsible for leading the search. (It can be found under the heading ‘Appointing a New Warden’ on the Goldsmiths website) The Search Committee includes, among others, two members of academic staff: John Price, Head of History,
Goldsmiths College wanted to reassure The Leopard that there still is “extensive scope” for staff and students to take part in finding Pat’s replacement. Goldsmiths told The Leopard that Pat himself is not in a position to comment on the appointment of his replacement since “he is not involved in the process”. This response is generally consistent with Pat’s arms-length approach to anything potentially political.
The College is asking for students, staff, local residents and businesses to give their opinion on what should be looked for in a Warden on www.gold.ac.uk/about/new-warden. Democratise Goldsmiths is also meeting regularly in the Students’ Union to discuss Goldsmiths’ governance - more information can be found at @demogoldsmiths on Facebook.
15th November 2018
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Department Research Research at Goldsmiths University is organised into a number of interdisciplinary research centres and units. Research Units describe their work to be “usually embedded within a single department” however Research Centres tend to be “collaborations between two or more different departments”. The Leopard talked to researchers about their current work to bring you a selection of new ideas from some of these research teams. More information can be found at www.gold.ac.uk/departments/research
Alien abduction or merely a sleep disorder?
Understanding sleep paralysis with Christopher French. Ana Kozlova Alien abductions and other conspiracies seem to be a hot topic on the internet these days. Whether it’s reading Guardian articles on supernatural powers or watching Youtube videos of in-depth analyses of government reports on national disasters, we can’t help but be curious and indulge in paranormal stories. For most of us, it happens at our lowest moments of procrastination, scrolling through Twitter, avoiding the essay before us. Here at Goldsmiths, it is some academics’ whole career focus.
“There have been instances where people go on talk shows and they claim to have been abducted by aliens but what they really describe are classic episodes of sleep paralysis,”
Christopher French is the Head of the
There is no systematic research done on sleep
Anomalistic Psychology Unit in the Psychol-
paralysis hence no real ‘cure’ for it, but many
ogy Department at Goldsmiths, studying as
sufferers develop their own approach to cop-
he calls it “non-paranormal explanations for
ing with these terrifying phenomena, from
ostensibly paranormal experiences”. A point
learning how to become aware of it during
of fascination within his research is the con-
the episode to relaxing into it, enjoying it like
nection between false memories and sleep
they would a horror movie.
paralysis, which elegantly strings together into one of the most loved conspiracies: alien
While sleep paralysis experiences often lurk
abduction.
in the dark shadows of horror movie scenes told by your own subconscious, there are
Sleep paralysis is “a discrete period of time
people who wouldn’t describe themselves as
during which voluntary muscle movement is
sufferers, but rather as blessed by spiritual
inhibited, yet ocular and respiratory move-
awakenings. It is certainly a fascinating top-
ments are intact,” as defined by the Sleep
ic of discussion and one which needs to be
Medicine Reviews. Surprisingly, most people
talked about more.
are completely unaware of their own sleep disorder, in some cases going as far as claiming that they were abducted by aliens! “There have been instances where people go on talk shows and they claim to have been abducted by aliens but what they really describe are classic episodes of sleep paralysis”, French explains. “And they are asked, well where were the aliens? They say, well, they wipe your memory! Which is not as bizarre as you think, if you think about the typical story of not remembering much apart from waking up, scared unable to move, hearing voices and seeing shadows.” According to research conducted by Brian Sharpless from the Pennsylvania State Univesity, sleep paralysis is far more common than we expect, with a staggering 8% of the general population suffering from it to some extent. Most frequently it is students and psychiatric patients who experience sleep paralysis, and the thing these groups have in common is definitely not being more likely to be abducted by aliens, but merely their lack of a consistent sleeping schedule. “There is also the genetic factor, which our department has actually conducted research on”, says French. “It is not really possible to predict who will be more susceptible but it does tend to run in families and significantly correlates with stress which disrupts our sleeping patterns.”
Forensic Psychology Unit: from cutting-edge research to immersive theatre. Delphine Bueche The Forensic Psychology Unit (FPU) is probably one of the most exciting research units across campus. Since its creation in 2015, the FPU has worked on a local and international scale, including collaboration with the International Criminal Court in The Hague and the Metropolitan Police, and produced studies rang-
“far more common than we expect, with a staggering 8% of the general population suffering”
ing from cyber-stalking to prolific liars.
This area is severely under-researched and is
Agency (NCA) and the Met Police, applying
not at all as grim as it may seem. As noted by French, with excitement in his eyes from the prospect: “I would not be surprised if the age-old tales and claims of angelic encounters are actually just episodes of sleep paralysis, but this is of course just food for thought
It is a hub for collaboration in which students (BA, MSc, PhD) and staff alike can regularly work together developing new projects. The latest pilot study started two weeks ago, in collaboration with the National Crime new procedures for missing person investigations. The FPU has recently developed a new enquiry form that is given to the person who reported someone missing: a flatmate, a
and definitely not a claim I can make.”
neighbour, a partner etc. Taking as much
Currently, French runs a club called the ‘Greenwich Skeptics in the Pub’ to raise awareness and bring about discussion of anomalistic psychology topics like sleep paralysis, providing a stage for researchers as well as individuals with the first-hand experience to discuss their experiences. An event open to anyone who wants to know more about the bizarre experiences this small unit within Goldsmiths researches. www.greenwich.skepticsinthepub.org
best of their capacity, with anything they can
time as necessary, they need to fill it in to the possibly remember: when was the last time they saw them, what were they wearing, did they take anything with them, etc.
Continued on Page 11
Got a story? We wa nt to he ar fro m
yo u!
Meet us every Wednesday
Library Room 102 4.30pm - 7.00pm and every Friday
SU Radio Hub 10.00am - 4.00pm
15th November 2018
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11
Department Research Continued from Page 10 Being thus actively involved in the investiga-
event remained a surprise for now, but they
there was a deep connection between certain
as well. You can’t separate out a religious or
promised that it would be “fun, informative
worldviews and certain issues that are com-
belief component from the rest of who they
and exciting!”
mon in the workplace, such as happiness and
are.”
tion, the person is more likely to give more
wellbeing, performativity, autonomy, styles
accurate information. The FPU is hoping
of leadership, change management.”
So if you have a passion for performance, and want to take part, that this technique will provide better results keep an eye out for casting calls! than a formal police interview, and facilitate The FPU also has numerous studthe investigation. The study’s first results are ies that you can take part in. You’ll expected by early 2019. be rewarded either in cash, amazon vouchers, or in biscuits and Dr Fiona Gabbert, in her position as an ex- tea. According to Fiona, some pert in investigative interviewing, has also researchers are always armed just started a new collaboration with the with sweets: just email fpu@gold. UN concerning ethical interview processes: ac.uk.
More information on this research is available on the Faiths and Civil “This is the link that we’re trying to make, Society Unit’s departmental website www.gold.ac.uk/faithsunit and we’re now trying to show it at a quanor by contacting c.baker@gold. titative level, with big surveys and big data. ac.uk. We’re developing a survey which any big company could roll out. The underlying thesis about it is that these material structures are very much shaped by these things that are invisible but are very powerful”.
“They’re developing a new universal protocol for investigative interviewing to try and
Over the course of 2019, the Faiths and Civil
combat torture and poor interviewing tech-
Society Unit will also be rolling out a project
niques. Having that kind of universal rule is a massive advancement. It’s really exciting and I’m on their advisory panel … decisions are being made almost daily.” In addition to this, there are many more researchers and teachers within the unit, working in related fields. Dr Caoimhe McAnena - who specialises with individuals in the criminal justice system such as high risk offenders with mental health difficulties - works extensively with prison services and the NHS to provide the best services for offenders within the prison system. The FPU also holds immersive theatre events in collaboration with theatre production company “Creative Vortex.” In 2016, “The Murder of Jane Doe” allowed you to become an investigative journalist or a police officer trying to solve the crime. In 2017, you would have been a jury member in “The Accused”, and a key eye witness to a murder in “Top of the Cops” in 2018. Fiona explains: “There’s always that element of education in there, but far more effective because people have experienced things by themselves along the evening. We also combine these events with data collection and then feedback to the audience how they did.” Fiona and Caoimhe said that next year’s
Faith in the real world Claudia Schroeder The Faiths and Civil Society Unit at Goldsmiths is in the process of producing two major research projects examining the role of religion in the workplace and the public sphere. The first project is a large-scale survey entitled ‘Beliefs, Values and Worldviews in the Work and Business Environment’, which will use the theoretical findings of the unit to design a survey that will produce big data around religious influence in the workplace. The second project is a push to publish and share the findings of an existing collaborative network called ‘Re-imagining Religion and Belief: equipping public authorities for engagement with the real religious landscape’. The survey is being funded by the British Council and will be run in partnership with the Catholic University of Portugal and Blackfriars, University of Oxford and will initially roll out to 2000 to 3000 respondents. It will be designed to harness self-reported data to uncover the ways in which religion and belief affect and interact with aspects of the workplace environment. Professor Chris Baker, Acting Director at the Faiths and Civil Society Unit says: “previously, on a qualitative level, we could show
with the follow-up funding from their 2014 network funded by the AHRC. The network brought together leading intellectuals from various fields in the humanities in order to create an interdisciplinary approach to researching and theorising religion. The follow-up funding has been allocated in order to disseminate and share this information through a series of colloquia throughout the UK. The Faiths and Civil Society Unit was established seven years ago by Professor Adam
Resarchers: we want to hear about new ideas!
Dinham with the purpose of engaging policy and practitioners with a more realistic debate around religion and belief. Dr Baker said: “In the past the way religion has been studied, was that there was a certain prescribed way religion was supposed to work. If you’re a Muslim, you believe these sorts of things, if you’re a Christian you believe these sorts of things, if you’re a humanist you believe these sorts of things, and so on. It’s a kind of top-down, abstract view of religion which doesn’t really get under the skin of the complex ways in which it interacts with the wider environment.” “It doesn’t make sense to see religion as something separate to life rather than part of a lot of peoples’ core identity. Intersectionality traditionally includes gender, ethnicity, class, all those things, but religion and belief are part of that intersectionality debate now
If you are interested in sharing your work, talk to our reporters. Contact: leopardreseach@goldsmithssu.org
Sunday 25th November Omnii Presents: Barbara Morgenstern Cafe Oto (Dalston) 19.00
Thursday 15th November South London Jazz Orchestra Hideaway Jazz Club, Streatham 19.00 £10 Friday 16th November Listening Hour Goldsmiths Electronic Music Studios 16.00-17.00 (and this time every Friday!) Free
Tuesday 4th December Goldsmiths Composers Collective G01, St James 19.00 Free
Tuesday 20th November Bass Society x This Girl Can (womxn’s DJ workshop/open decks) Goldsmiths SU 13.00 - 18.00 Free
Friday 7th December Goldsmiths Sinfonia RHB Great Hall 19.30 £8/£5/£3/Free to Goldsmiths Music Students
Thursday 29th November Popular Music Masterclass: Tic (Young Turks) RHB 309 16.00-18.00 Free
Saturday 17th November he South London Soul Train Aretha Franklin & Detroit Special CLF Art Cafe, Bussey Building 22.00-05.00 £10
Highlights for the month
15th Novemenber 2018
Friday 23rd November JOANovARC 1 9.30 - 23.30 Amersham Arms £7.50
Friday 7th December The Daisy George Trio Jazz at the Crypt (Camberwell) 20.00 £8/£5
Friday 30th November Chris Wood, Tom Ashworth, Elfin Bow The Ivy House (Nunhead) 19.00 £14/£12
Friday 16th November London Improvisers Orchestra Deptford Town Hall 19.30 £8/Free to all Goldsmiths student and staff
Monday 3rd December Neuromantics/People In Museums/The Twist/A Paranoid King New Cross Inn 19.00 - 23.00 £3
SSaturday 17th November Lewisham Choral Society presents Dvorák RHB Great Hall 19.30 £5 student tickets
#001
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13
Music and Entertainment The Sinners Club: Round V, St. James Hatcham Church
principles are: community in young people,
The Sinners Club meets on a Friday each
respectful audiences, having a safe space to
month. Potential performers are encouraged
share your work and making friendships.
to contact the Sinners Club via the English
What makes The Sinners Club so An interview with Amrin Macle enjoyable? (President) and Louise Warberg (Secretary) of the English Society Amrin: The Sinners Club is enjoyable beabout the monthly Sinners Club. cause everyone comes along. Obviously the Verity Campbell Sin Box is a main feature for us and people What is The Sinners Club?
remember the sins! The Creative Writing Society has workshops that help develop your work and we encourage people to come and
Amrin: The Sinners Club is a free space for
perform it at The Sinners Club! The theme is
everyone to share their reading, their writ-
confessional, sinful...a bit of a Hellfire Club.
society email goldsmithsengsoc@hotmail. com or through their Facebook page www. facebook.com/groups/Goldeclsociety.
For
all other updates about The Sinners Club follow them on Twitter @GoldEngSoc or Instagram @goldengsoc. Entry fees are £3 for non-members and £1 for English Society members.
TedX is coming to Goldsmiths!
ing, somewhere away from judgement. The
What would you say is the best Kate Walker Verity Campbell along, put a ‘sin’ in our Sin Box and then we part of The Sinners Club? premise of Sinners Club is that you come embarrass everyone by reading them out at the end of the night. It’s all anonymous, of
Amrin: The best part of Sinners Club is the
course.
performances. Just seeing people who gain credible. We just ask that people express
gether. Especially in the English department,
their interest if they want to perform before
we don’t get a lot of contact hours together,
the event. Louise: I love how everyone gets to meet up.
anything, maybe it’s an after-school club!
When you read a lot of literature for love, you tend to generate it too so being able to
Amrin: One of the main principles is just
ets coming up to us and saying “I’ve never
having a safe space to perform. I do crea-
had a crowd that listened to me in that way.”
tive writing and a lot of my peers and I have
Friends, takes us from the rough, distorted beats of his lo-fi house beginnings into a much more diverse and surreal soundscape. This fresh new sound comes with a fresh new label; the album was released on Flying Lotus’s label Brainfeeder X. From the synthy sparkles of the opening
buoyant housey rhythm of Don’t Wake Dad, this album lives up to its name as an homage to Weatherall’s family and his musical upbringings. The influence of his father, who designed techno sound systems in the 80s, can be heard throughout the record, with TEDx, the international community that
moments of more conventional techno interspersed with ambient planes reminiscent of analogue tapes and early synthesizers.
binged at some point on Youtube), is
coming to Goldsmiths! TEDx is all about
Since the album’s release in summer, Ross
spreading ideas and provoking thought,
From Friends has toured his unique live
encouraging audiences to think critically
show world-wide, stepping away from the
What would you say to somebody and share ideas, and events have been held event, be able to read and have the courage that has never gone to The Sinners in over 130 countries worldwide. to read or even get on the list to be able to Club before? found that it’s really hard to just go to an
perform something so, here [at The Sinners
alumni Felix Weatherall, aka Ross From
electronic noise of Project Cybersyn and the
What are the principles of The Sin- share your work in a setting where you know organises events based on TED’s influential ners Club? people, you have familiar faces in the crowd viral videos (which you have most probably is really special. It’s respectful. We’ve had po-
The debut album release of Goldsmiths
ings of Thank God I’m a Lizard, to the lo-res
we get mixed up all the time so, it’s really hard to make friendships and contacts so if
Kate Walker
track, through the slightly creepy whisper-
confidence in performing their work is inLouise: It’s mostly about bringing people to-
Review: Family Portrait, debut album from Ross From Friends
laptop and decks to perform as a trio with a live guitarist and saxophonist alongside keys and Ableton-led beats. This digital/analogue/
Goldsmiths’ very own version of a TedX
actual musician medley has been part of the
Club] we’re open to everyone. You don’t have
Amrin: If you enjoy open mic, spoken word,
event will take place on December 15th, with
project from the beginning, with Weatherall
to be an English student (or part of the Eng-
live music, like the idea of the Sin Box, just
a theme of ‘Movement’, and will feature talks
taking ideas and loops from his laptop to the
lish society) to come, you can be anyone:
come along! It’s such a social event. I think
from 8 different speakers. From entrepre-
band to develop, and vice versa. In addition
Goldsmiths students, non-students, alum-
that it’s quite different to the events held on
neurs and best-selling authors, to educators,
to being the recipe for pretty compelling live
ni, your dad. As long as people are happy to
campus on the weekdays. This is just some-
a comedian and a composer, the talks will
shows, the involvement of instrumental-
pay an entrance fee, we’re happy for them to
where that people can be encouraged and it’s
cover topics as diverse as the role of women
ists has resulted in a weighty album full of
come along!
such a nice environment to share their work.
in the financial world, gaming as a tool for
idiosyncratic timbres and emotive, ethereal
learning, and the psychology of ‘weird stuff ’.
melodies.
because either they are viewer/listener or a
To hear these ‘ideas worth spreading’ come
You can catch the Ross From Friends spec-
performer. There’s room for everyone here!
along to the council chamber in Deptford
tacle for yourself along with other artists on
And, maybe you’ll discover that it’s a setting
Town Hall 10am - 2pm on December 15th.
the Brainfeeder X label (including Fly Lo and
that you can share something that you didn’t
Tickets are free and food and drink will be
Thundercat!!) at a night-long takeover to
necessarily feel like you could share at other
provided.
celebrate the label’s 10th anniversary at O2
Louise: Another main principle is just have a good time. We serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages so there’s something for everyone. It’s a chill atmosphere, the kind of atmosphere that maybe leads to a party later on. It’s quite nice in that way. Other
Louise: I’d say that I would love to meet them
places. There are lots of friendly faces here.
Academy Brixton on December 15th.
15th November 2018
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Music and Entertainment “Anyone can come. Everyone is welcome.” A chat with Richard Greenan, General Manager for NX Records, Goldsmiths’ own record label. Mafalda Costa Photography Mafalda Costa Goldsmiths University has its own record label. I reckon this is quite a straightforward statement to start an article with, but given its importance I wouldn’t put it any other way. “Is it new?” and “How come I didn’t know that?” might be some of the questions running through your minds, since for most of
Review: NX Records Opening Night
Now that the ‘not newness’ of the label is settled, presumably your follow up question becomes even more urgent. If NX Records has been around for more than five years now, how come most Goldsmiths’ students have never heard of it?
Georgia Saunders
It was with the sole purpose of dissolving
The evening of October 25th saw the
the unknowingness surrounding NX that I
long-awaited opening of the NX Records
sat down with Richard Greenan, the current General Manager, who willingly deleted all the question marks overflowing the label and shared what exactly is being done behind its doors – in fact, behind its ever-open doors. Richard’s portrayal of NX Records is one of full support towards emerging artists. “NX is a label that intends to create a bridge between DIY artists and the big music indus-
portrayal of the harsh reality of the world, where the voice of Elliott Smith plays seemingly in the background (personally, I am looking forward to accompanying the journey she has only now begun). Prospective artists wanting to be embraced by NX are more than welcome to share their work with them. “NX has its doors open.
you, I assume, this comes as a complete sur-
We invite Goldsmiths’ musicians to contact
prise. Not in my case however. NX Records
the label and send their own songs.” A great
was one of the reasons I chose Goldsmiths
opportunity to let NX know who you are is
as my university, so given the opportunity I
by submitting original work for their annual
decided to let you know about its existence.
mixtape, coming out in March. Applications will be open in February 2019.
To answer what I think might be your first question: no, NX Records is not new. The la-
Nevertheless, the questions stands. How to
bel launched back in 2013 with an introduc-
make sure that people become aware of NX’s
tory mixtape and live performances as part
existence is a challenge, but initiatives like
of the PureGold Festival at the Southbank
the pop up record shop are trying to fight
Centre, an annual music festival held by the
this unknowingness. All throughout No-
University. It was born out of a collaboration between Accidental Records, a label owned by Matthew Herbert, a prolific and accomplished artist and musician (do look his work up!), and the Department of Music at Goldsmiths. Ever since that first year, NX Records has been releasing critically acclaimed music, hosting numerous events and holding an annual pop up record shop at their home in New Cross Road, which by the time of your reading of this article you may still find open on your way to university.
try world. We intend to give the musicians working alongside us the insights to what a record label is all about and how it is supposed to work.” Students working with NX are encouraged to engage in a hands-on process of recording and, sometimes, even designing their work. Its main goal is to function as an educational resource, a supplement to their studies here at Goldsmiths. “It is a brilliant asset – the sort of resource that I would’ve loved to have had access to when I was studying.” Additionally, it is safe to say that NX’s purpose is not a lucrative one. According to Richard, “NX is intended to be a resource, not a business.”
vember it is going to hold several events - including gigs, film clubs and talks -, all free and BYOB (bring your own beer), suitable for any student’s budget. As I got to see NX Records through a clearer lens, my admiration has grown deeper. It is quite fascinating – and an actual privilege – to have such good work being done so close to the University. I invite you to join me on the side benches of what promises to be one hell of a ride. “Anyone can come. Everyone is welcome.” This is NX Records.
shop at 310 New Cross Road, which is dedicated to allowing upcoming and creative artists to showcase their music to a crowd. The shop was packed and bustling with people eager to see the lineup of musicians, vinyls lined the walls and the rugs, chairs and old vinyl players on the side helped create an authentic and welcoming feel to the place. 3 emerging artists showcased that night: Ash, Object Agency and DJ Rozi Plain. First act Ash set a (rather fitting) relaxed tone for her performance, starting with her EP ‘Cozy’. The mixture of synths, keyboard and bass was unique, very creative and brought in a big crowd. An interesting set to say the least as she used vegetables as props in her song ‘Cook for You’! Object Agency followed with his impressive set which changed the atmosphere completely; everyone was dancing and jumping around, enjoying the techno style of his music. Whilst he was subdued and quiet as he focused on the set, his music was completely the opposite. It was loud, full of colour and energy. You can find his vinyl in the NX Records shop. Last one up to the front of the shop was Rozi Plain (DJ), who couldn’t have done a better job in bringing the successful opening night to a close. A few even said during the set that they didn’t want to leave after it - if you were unable to make the event, I would highly rec-
Got a story?
ommend his mixes on Spotify.
We wa nt to he ar fro m
yo u!
Meet us every Wednesday Even without it being a business, it is quite incredible the work coming out of NX. Its most recent release was former Goldsmiths’ student Mathilde Bataillé’s EP “Le Soleil Dans L’oeil”, the sonority of which takes us to a somewhat imagined reality, a cushioned
Passionate about Music? Fancy writing album reviews going102 Libraryand Room
to gigs/events? We are recruiting contributors and would love for 4.30pm - 7.00pm you to get involved: email us at leopardmusic@goldsmithssu.org. and every Friday
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15th November 2018
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Arts and Theatre An evening at the Tate Modern: Anni Albers
medium of weaving instead - one she eventually grew to
Dana Broadbent Photography Laura Morris.
were forced to emigrate to the US due to the growing rise
see the artistically interesting capabilities of. The Bauhaus college ended up closing down in 1933, and the couple of Nazism in Germany.
Translation between media: A review of Dublin Oldschool, a two-man show taken to feature film Ana Kozlova
The Anni Albers exhibit - currently showing at the Tate Modern from 11th October 2018 to 27th January 2019 - is
The London Film Festival has been providing a stage and
a must go event for any student keen on discovering the
a voice to emerging directors and artists alike for the past
intricate and meticulously made wall-hangings of the late
six decades. This year the 62nd BFI London Film Festival
Anni Albers. Born in 1899 (and died in 1994), she was
included over 220 features from more than 77 countries.
among the leaders of the modernist abstraction of the
A particularly complex story lies behind one called Dublin
twentieth century, transforming the way weaving was
Oldschool, which was a feature on 19th of November.
understood professionally and artistically due to her use of abstract ideas, incorporating these notions fluidly into
Originally, Dublin Oldschool was written and performed
the ancient art of weaving - thereby creating artistic works
by Kirwan and Anderson as a two-man theatre perfor-
that can leave the onlooker wanting to gaze for longer over
mance showcasing a poetically-fuelled journey of Jason,
it’s geometric impressions within close proximity.
a man in Dublin searching for the simpler pleasures of life on the small income of a wannabe DJ. The story reAlbers’ work was highly influential to the artists that came after her (an example of somebody that openly praises her work is fashion designer Paul Smith) - as she showed that the craftsmanship of weaving and the use of textiles within the art world can be a medium taken seriously, used to create impressionistic and abstract pieces to help interpret the world around her. Her use of ancient techniques can make her arguably a modernist artist of excess, for she showed how the ancient method of weaving, used largely by people creating something they ‘needed’ (such as a basket, a blanket etc.) can be used as an excessive extension and comment on industrialisation within an increasingly modern/post modern age. It is in this way that her life is incorporated into her work, and also in this way that we understand it.
If you’re interested in seeing the Anni Albers exhibition (and many more like it) for cheap, students can sign up to the Tate Collective for free and pay only £5 to get into exhibitions: see www.tate.org.uk/tate-collective for more The patterns that Anni Albers created throughout her
information.
ally takes off once he stumbles upon his long-lost brother and sets off on an adventure to rekindle a lost familial tie but more importantly, a rediscovery of self-told through the very real struggles of substance-abuse and social pressures. This brilliant rhythmic rapport was later written into the script with the help of their director, Dave Tyran. “The main difference is that in the stage play Jason is telling the story himself, there he seems (cont.) much more heroic and portrays his struggles as much more significant”, notes Kirwan. “When you come to make the film, and you take away the poetry, he’s just another Dubliner with a drug problem.” In the feature film, Emmet Kirwan played the role of Jason, stumbling through life and the streets of Dublin, on the search for the next session with his group. The true complexity of the feature comes in with Ian Andreson’s role, giving up his multi-persona of 30 characters on stage to immerse himself into one main character, Daniel. “It’s a weird thing because I had to let go of this sense of
artistic life vary in colour and design - with some of her
ownership I have had for so long over the characters in the
creations also being made purposively for clients (as for
play”, says Andreson “The good aspect of it all was, that I
example, she was commissioned by the Rockefeller house-
truly got to enjoy the role and fully submerge myself into
hold to create curtains for their guest house, etc). The sto-
the complicated character of Daniel.”
ry of Albers is one of persecution, immigration, and glass ceilings: born in Berlin at the end of the 19th century, she
The film was a success with the audience ‘aweing’ and ‘ah-
was encouraged by her family to paint and draw, and end-
ing’ at every emotionally filled moment in the play. An
ed up enrolling in the Bauhaus art college in 1922. Here
adaptation well-made and a pathway paved for emerging
is where she met her husband Josef Albers, a fellow artist
artists to see that they aren’t confined to one medium with
whom she married in 1925. Being barred from painting
their art.
and sculpting while attending the college due to her gender, forced her into the position of having to adapt to the
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Arts and Theatre Decolonising Shakespeare Anne-Louise Fortune Many of the academic staff from the Theatre and Performance Department also work as theatre practitioners, or undertake research projects particular to their personal areas of interest. On four Tuesday evenings so far this term, Professor Anna Furze has curated Performance Research Forums, bringing together staff who are working in similar fields of practice or research, to present their most recent and current works, and to discuss their findings with the audience. The first forum, on 9th October, saw Professor Osita Okagbue & Professor Robert Gordon delivering their views on the topic of ‘Decolonising Shakespeare’. Professor Gordon recounted his experience of growing up as a Jew in South Africa, and his response to the character of Shylock. Professor Okagbue gave an impassioned plea to remove Shakespeare from the curriculum in African schools – a move which he believes is an important step in decolonising the discipline of drama and theatre studies. A week later, on 16th October, Danny Braverman, Sue Mayo and Gail Babb talked the audience through their experiences in ‘Socially Engaged Practice’. This has involved creating theatre with users of mental-health services, with marginalised women, and by creating a new musical for schools. This led to the ‘pub quiz fact’ of the week, which is that Eminem pays royalties to Chas ‘n Dave! Ben Levitas, Mischa Twitchin and Philppa Burt led the forum through their ideas around ‘History, Culture and Politics’ on 23rd October. Dr Levitas is currently engaged in an in-depth research project on the post-colonial history of Irish Theatre, and the search for an Irish identity as reflect-
Anyone can attend this term’s two remaining Practice Research Forums which will be held on the 20th and 27th November from 6.15pm in the George Wood Theatre, located in the College Green end of the RHB building.
Goldsmiths Centre for Contemporary Art Dana Broadbent
ed in that theatre. Dr Twitchin presented a number of short films of the same subject, expressed in different languages. It
The Goldsmiths Centre for Contemporary Art, situated
was intriguing to realise the differences that understanding
within campus, is a newly refurbished (and free) public art
the spoken text made to the reception of the images the audi-
gallery. Housed within the Grade II listed building (former-
ence were shown. Dr Burt closed the forum that evening by
ly known as Laurie Grove Baths), it is a building with his-
talking about her research into the history of ‘the director’ in
tory of serving the local area. After Goldsmiths purchased
British Theatre, and asked whether there is a hostility within
the building in 1999, the space was subsequently converted
British theatre to collaborative working. Her research con-
into art studio space for art students, in addition to offices
tinues. More recently on 30th October, Professor Anne Furse
and additional classrooms. The space was able to be trans-
and Marie Gabrielle Rotie presented on ‘speaking the body’.
formed largely thanks to successful alumni assisting with its funding - for which the Development and Alumni Office at
The forums are an excellent opportunity to discover more
Goldsmiths has overseen the “most successful fundraising
about the personal research and practice interests of the
campaign in the college’s history to help make Goldsmiths
academic staff. There is an often-lively discussion at the end
CCA a reality” (source: Goldsmiths website). If you would
of the presentations, and the audience are encouraged to ask
like to find out more about the gallery, visit www.gold.ac.uk/
critical questions.
goldsmithscca for more information.
Do YOU have an art/theatre story? We at The Leopard are constantly looking for contributors and would love for you to write for us, whether it be a review, a news piece or an informative piece - email us at leopardarts@goldsmithssu. org and we’ll be in touch.
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15th November 2018
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Film and Literature BFI FILM FESTIVAL Dublin Old School
and I can guarantee that you will not leave the movie
Directed by Dave Tynan
without a deeper understanding of the realities of Afri-
Grace Higgins
can-Americans.
It’s a film about brothers, it’s a film about dance music, but more importantly, it’s a £1.2 million movie funded by the arts council about getting xxx out of it.
Mandy
- Emmet Kirwan, lead actor
If you’ve ever wanted to step into an 80s side scrolling
“
The BFI London Film Festival, one of the biggest cele-
”
Directed by Panos Cosmatos
Joshua Lamb
fantasy game, listening to heavy metal, with your Ian
brations of film globally, is just ending. With almost two
Jason, a wannabe DJ, deals with the return of his drug
Livingstone Which Way book in your back pocket, I
weeks of brand new movies being shown to the public
addict brother while trying to make a name for himself
suggest you watch Panos Cosmatos’s hallucinogenic
for the very first time, this is the chance for film lovers
on his drug-fuelled trip from party to party.
horror, Mandy.
Director, Dave Tynan, walks the carefully crafted line
Cosmatos takes us to 1983, where lumberjack Red and
between telling the perfect amount of both personal
his Motley Crue T shirt wearing girlfriend Mandy live
Whether or not you managed to catch a movie this year,
life and social life and the tight link between the two,
in a fantasy, dream-like cabin in the woods. Their milky
we certainly recommend the festival for those who can
managing to present drugs in a realistic light instead of
way coated life turns nightmarish when Mandy is spied
attend in the fall of 2019. With affordable student prices
sounding like an anti-drugs campaign, like most films
by narcissistic cult leader Jeremiah, who decides
and movies from just £5, there is all the reason to go.
that explore drugs. By doing so, Dublin Old School
he “must have her”. Summoning a demonic biker gang
Continue reading for our account of a few of the best
lives up to its name of being a drama, adopting realistic
that looked as if they walked straight off of the set of
films seen this year.
attitudes towards controversial topics, rarely seen in
Hellraiser, Jeremiah gets his wish, leaving a battered and
movies.
bloody Red to seek a gory, trippy revenge.
to be ahead of what’s happening on the world stage of cinema.
El Angel
The Hate U Give
Directed by Luis Ortega
Directed by George Tillman Jr
Grace Higgins
Mieke Faeste
Mandy’s unoriginal plot may not seem like it’s worth your time, but it’s certain the kaleidoscopic, mind blowing visuals will hook you in. It’s not a film to be watched, it needs to be experienced. It’s hellish tone is combined with Nic Cage’s intensity, as he carves his way
Set in Buenos Aires, 1971, 17 year old Carlitos is a so-
Starring Amandla Sternberg (as Starr Carter), The Hate
through demons and brainwashed cultists, wielding an
ciopath who breaks into wealthy homes and gives away
U Give follows the life of a teenager who finds herself
axe that wouldn’t look out of place on He-Man or Thor,
everything he steals. After moving to a new school,
with two separate identities. One is the girl that is from
making Mandy totally engulfing.
Carlitos comes across Ramon, rocketing from his pet-
Garden Heights, a predominantly black neighbourhood
ty-theft past-time to full blown murder.
known for its roughness and heavy gang presence, and
You’ll either love Mandy or hate it. But, if you grew up
the other is the girl that attends a posh and private high
on Metallica, Dungeons and Dragons and Castlevania, I
Rejecting ideas of films about murders sticking to dark
school in another town. Starr desperately holds these
can guarantee, you’ll worship it.
genres, director Luis Ortega, lightens up this dark crime
worlds separate, until the day she becomes known
with many humorous aspects on a scale of hip-thrusting
nationwide as the only eye-witness of a friend who is
dance moves to exposed balls. By using this, Ortega
wrongly shot by a police officer, due to the danger that is
makes Carlitos unpredictable, keeping you on the edge
“his blackness”.
of your seat, as it’s impossible to tell whether he will make light or dark of a situation.
With The Hate U Give, director George Tillman truly offers a politically awakening, empathetic account of what police brutality and racism really looks like in modern-day America. Resonating with current news images and stories we have of the issue, the film gracefully ties together a powerful sense of relevance with an at times light-hearted humorous spin. The emotional energy results in tears, anger and gasps in the audience,
15th November 2018
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Film and Literature Away with words: Volume 2 The Launch form and structure, and coherence of mean-
damaging with a self-centred focus from the
the world. With some more work on creating
ing are a handful of key elements of quality
poet on themselves as oppose to writing and
a solid form it could have been the best in the
Away with Words, the poetry anthology pro-
poetry. Unfortunately, many of the poems in
creating poetic observations and lines.
volume by some measure.
duced by Edward Green and Elinor Potts,
this volume lack in these areas. Many feel un-
saw the launch of its second volume on No-
derdeveloped in both their poetic ideas and
The quality in Jack Mulvaney and Maria
The project seems to be one its editors are
vember 2nd, in the DIY Space for London in
form, with the use of lots of words for the
Christodoulou’s featured poems provide re-
passionate about, and it achieves the goal
South Bermondsey (a fine place in which to
sake of words, often being prevalent in place
freshing reads in light of these tendencies dis-
they set out for; when asked Green said the
hold an event, with a very accommodating
of attention to craft and meaning. With-
played by the other poets. Mulvaney, whose
initial intention of Away with Words: “was
bar) where Green and Potts presented two
out defined
subject
is
to give a platform to our friends who we all
hours of readings from featured poets.
meaning
it
cliché, writes
thought were excellent writers.” The guest
becomes dif-
with a pre-
speaker at the launch was T.S. Eliot prize
Seemingly a success, the event saw a consid-
ficult for po-
cision
that
nominee Rebecca Perry, who spoke with em-
erable turnout, generating real anticipation
ems to gen-
bares
the
phasis on the communal and supportive as-
for the event amongst an engaged crowd,
erate feeling
mark
a
pect of poetry. Away with Words has helped
containing friends of the writers involved.
in the reader.
gifted
poet.
establish a supportive community that’s po-
There was a palpable supportive atmosphere
This
Christodou-
etry shall hopefully improve in quality in fu-
towards those on stage throughout; so it is a
ously hand-
lou’s
ture volumes.
shame that towards the end of the night one
icaps poems
bution
inconsiderate drunk could not keep their
which
tures
mouth shut during a particularly humble
a
and endearing reading. It was a casual af-
Callum Martin
seri-
of
contrifeasome
You can find Away with Words: Volume 2
accomplished
in The Word Bookshop (New Cross), Pages
ry-as-thera-
poetic
ide-
of Hackney (Hackney), Chener Books (East
fair; which reflected the poetry, but this may
py approach,
as, with her
Dulwich), and online at toothgrinderpress.
prove to be the anthology’s biggest flaw.
which
is
opening lines
bigcartel.com.
itself a com-
about a dead
For those who have read it, this volume sticks
mon
man
close to the first in style and content (although
in
this volume’s central theme is that of ‘lega-
poetry now,
acute obser-
cy’). Concise use of language, attention to
which can be
vation about
Autumn Reading List
any man that
3) The Call of Cthulhu by H. P. Lovecraft
take poet-
trend student
Antonina Ross
she
As the days grow darker, shorter and colder, why not dive into some tales to chill your spines. Try our recommended reading list of horror for some inspiration.
plays out in
1) Tomie by Junji Ito Tomie is a Japanese horror manga illustrated by Junji Ito. It follows the story of a mysterious and beautiful monster called Tomie who has the ability to psychologically manipulate
present
wants
which often havoc and violence. Junji Ito somehow manages to make the illustrations both terrifying and beautiful, expect a lot of gore. Since its release it has been made into a live action
that an
If you want to go on an exploration of the dark depths of mortal dread and the weaknesses of the human mind, The Call of
film series and anthology TV show.
Cthulhu is one to pick up. Every word and
2) IT by Stephen King
gether is both elegant and evokes terror and
es don’t scare you when you pick it up (this book can be used as a weapon) then Pennywise the Dancing Clown sure will. With two movie adaptions, it is well worth adding to your spooky book collection.
around mysteries and the macabre. Most of his scariest short stories can all be found in compilation books - but look for ‘The TellTale Heart’ which is one of his most famous short stories. He also wrote beautifully chilling poetry.
sentence Lovecraft masterfully pieces toa sense of the macabre. If you enjoy this one
This one is a cult classic - if the 1,138 pag-
has written many brilliant short stories
be sure to check out his other works - as most of his stories are short, many come as compilations.
4) Tales by Edgar Allan Poe
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News Decolonise Goldsmiths
“You have to force conversations about racism because nobody wants to have them” microaggressions are the way in which prej-
versity. They think one academic lead work-
The ‘Black Experiences in Education’ discus-
udices crawl into everyday life; they are an
ing 4 days a month is enough and aren’t will-
sion heard stories of racism and
Questions of Eurocentric teachings and
insult or environmental slight which have a
ing to invest any more resource into looking
microaggressions within society today, even
culture were raised at three ‘Decolonising
hostile and derogatory effect on a marginal-
deeper into the issue. There’s definitely a lack
within Goldsmiths, and it brings to light is-
Goldsmiths’ events this October. The last
ised group.
of urgency.”
sues that society, and even our community
Charlotte Kennedy
here in the university, need to improve on.
event saw Ilyas Nagdee, the Black NUS Students Officer, abase what he views as the ro-
The SMT rejected Mona’s project manager
manticised rhetoric of “education as a means
proposal for numerous reasons. As the fi-
to liberation”, and an inherent nationalised
nancial budget of the year was finalised in
Eurocentric curriculum in Higher Educa-
May (Mona started her position in June),
tion. He relayed research undertaken and
they said there was not enough money to
printed by the Independent, which indicated
hire someone new. They also believe this to
that black students are 21 times more likely
be an academic issue and insisted this needs
to have their UCAS applications investigated
an ‘academic lead’ only. The job vacancy is
for verification than white students.
currently being advertised for any academic
Black History Month at Goldsmiths October saw a number Black History Month (BHM) events at Goldsmiths. Among them was a ‘Black Experiences in Education’ pan-
Welfare and Diversity Officer, explained that
At the Decolonising event the conversation
ficer. Guest panellists included Dr Ramon
she has experienced difficulties when openly
was then opened to the floor, where students
criticising Goldsmiths University because “it
described moments of “unconscious bias”
is marketed as a left-wing, diverse and open
and microaggressions in academic spaces;
institution”; adding that “you have to force
they also talked about “white syllabuses” and
conversations about racism because nobody
their disappointment with the college and its
wants to have them”. In correlation with
culture. For those not used to decolonising
Nagdee’s speech, Mona spoke of Goldsmiths’
terminology, “unconscious bias” is a person’s
publication of January’s BME statistics pa-
tendency to categorise people through race,
per, which declared figures that showed,
gender, age, class etc and assign assumed
“white students consistently perform better
traits to them based on certain stereotypes
than all other ethnicities”.
or preconceived ideologies.
Mona recounted her summer of one-to-
One student expressed how Goldsmiths
one meetings with the Senior Management
made her feel like she was a minority: “It was
Team (SMT) and the BME Attainment Gap
a culture shock coming here. I was trying to
Working Group. Mona wanted to hire a pro-
navigate my identity and felt I was being
ject manager to overlook both the logistical
pushed into a space where you’re constantly
and operational motions required to expand
being questioned.” The event’s purpose was
the predominantly Eurocentric reading lists
to create a safe space where students could
at Goldsmiths.
share moments of racial injustice, feelings of
This would require someone overlooking the project and ensuring that each team
Following on from the event, Mona gave The
(academic departments and professional
Leopard a statement saying: “The universi-
services) was both decolonising the curric-
ty’s failing to understand the reasons behind
ulum and being held accountable for their
the attainment gap and BME students’ expe-
role. She also hoped to implement practical
riences have shaped its mentality in a way
training for all faculty members on how to
that, because it’s a nation-wide issue, there’s
teach their fields without creating or exhib-
nothing that Goldsmiths can do to fix it. This
iting microaggressions. For those unaware,
takes away any responsibility from the uni-
about their own stories of inequality, ignoinstitutions, including experiences at Gold-
el, introduced by Mona Mounir, Goldsmiths
exclusivity and a desire for change.
dents with a space and a platform to speak rance and racism experienced at educational
Sarah Benhamou
who is already working at Goldsmiths. Mona Mounir, Goldsmiths Students’ Union
The night’s discussions provided BME stu-
Student Union Welfare and Diversity OfAmaro, lecturer in visual cultures at Goldsmiths, and Sara Abas, second year student of Anthropology. Each speaker on the panel gave their thoughts and ideas surrounding race in educational institutions, providing the audience with perspectives from both the student and the teacher. But why are sto-
smiths.
If you attended the event, or others during BHM, we’d like to hear your experiences. At the Warden’s Open Meeting on 3rd October, Mounir said she would like to see Black History events extend across the year. Let us know your thoughts at leopardnews@goldsmithssu.org.
ries about racism and inequality still being brought to light in 2018?
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Emergency contacts
Health and Support
Wellbeing Advisers and drop-in Richard Hoggart Building, 123 wellbeing@gold.ac.uk
Weekly Coffee Hours in the
Mondays
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Careers:
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www.gold.ac.uk/careers/ Call: 020 7919 7137
advice@goldsmithssu.org
Wellbeing:
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Loring Management Centre
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13.00 - 14.00
6am - 6pm
Richard Hoggart Building, Room 117. Call: 020 7919 7050 email: studentcentre@gold.ac.uk
Goldsmiths Campus Security
Tuesdays
020 7919 7105 Goldsmiths First Aid
13.00 - 14.00
020 7896 2121 (ext 666)
A Note from the Editors:
Hate Crime Reporting Centre
Wednesdays
Students at Goldsmiths are provided with a
Student Centre, Richard Hoggart
number of support services from both the
Building, 117
Student Union and the College itself. The
13.00 - 14.00
Leopard will break down the work of some
of these services in each of our issues.
Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri at 9am-5pm, Radhika Das
Thursdays
dedicatedlisteners@gmail.com
the Advice and Support team at the Stu-
www.facebook.com/goldlisteners
dent Union and Radhika Das talks to the Campus Security Officers.
Nightline, Student Listening Service 020 7631 0101
Never heard of either service, or know
www.nightline.org.uk
where to find them? Read on. Fridays
www.gold.ac.uk/hate-crime-reporting Dedicated Listeners
This month Danielle Desouza begins with
13.00 - 14.00
Tues - 10am-5pm
Danielle Desouza
13.00 - 14.00
Student Union Services Danielle Desouza The Goldsmiths Students’ Union encompasses an Advice and Support Team that primarily offers advice on issues such as Academic Complaints and Housing issues. For services that fall outside their remit, they direct students to the appropriate College services. Academic Misconduct deals with plagiarism hearings, appeals against grades and other student complaints. In the last one year, the SU has managed over 750 cases relating to student education, with the majority being complaints and appeals. For questions about
debt or money issues, they signpost students
Over the next few issues, The Leopard will
a small activity budget to encourage students
to the Financial Services Team on campus.
highlight the work of these services.
to build communities around mental health
The SU also offers direct advice on Gold-
and wellbeing.
smiths accommodation and in case of Private
As part of its operations, the SU actively en-
Housing, they direct students to the Univer-
courages policy change within the University
sity of London Housing Services website and
to ensure structural change to improve ser-
the ‘SU housing Group’ page on Facebook,
vices. Over the last two years they have cam-
which advise students on specific topics such
paigned for more Disability Advisers within
as issues with landlords and contracts.
Goldsmiths, improvements to the Reasonable Adjustments for Study and Assessments
Currently, the SU does not have the provi-
(RASA) process, more counsellors and more
sion to offer services related to mental and
research to understand what is causing a sig-
physical health, but the SU has elected rep-
nificant increase in mental health problems
resentatives to ensure the College is making
at Goldsmiths.
improvements in this area. If approached by students with difficulties related to health,
The SU has an income of about £2 million,
the SU usually signposts students to other
which includes a grant from Goldsmiths
services within Goldsmiths or externally.
University of about £1.3 million and also has
Continued on Page 21
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15th November 2018
#001
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21
Emergency contacts
Health and Support
Multi-faith Chaplaincy Laurie Grove Gardens chaplaincy@gold.ac.uk www.gold.ac.uk/chaplaincy/locations-on-campus Goldsmiths Report and Support, Sexual Assault Reporting System www.reportandsupport.gold.ac.uk Solace Women’s Aid, Free Advice to Women and Children in London 080 8802 5565 counselling@solacewomensaid.org www.solacewomensaid.org Survivors UK, Male Sexual Abuse
the: “first point of contact for absolutely an-
in line with the ‘Be Well, Do Well’ attitude to
exams, housing and other extenuating cir-
ything.” A serious charge - but the five CSOs
mental health the College advocated during
cumstances - not necessarily university relat-
are there daily from 6pm-6am, seven days a
the last major exam period. The officers have
ed - the CSOs can be reached through phone
week. They have been there for three years
also been trained under the ‘Come Correct
or in person (see our Emergency Contacts
since the programme’s initiation in Novem-
[or CCard] scheme’ for Under 24s - a Lon-
List). Students are directed to Accommo-
ber 2015.
don Borough scheme - where free condoms
dation if they need help or have issues with
are distributed anonymously to any students
their rooms and the provision of Disability
who walk in.
Services. If any resident requires informa-
The officers may receive calls at any time
tion on their rooms and accommodation,
from dusk to dawn, and are available to those who require urgent mental health support
One of the officers says: “The calls are di-
they can also approach the support team, the
but may find it difficult to be physically pres-
verted from the official line onto our mobile
concierge and the security, all of whom are
ent. Of those who walk in, the majority are
phones if the staff are out, so if you’re upset
trained and ready to help.
undergraduate students, since Loring Hall is
or worried in the middle of the night and
primarily an undergraduate residence. Their
want to step out to talk, the CSO is always
The team are still tweaking their services to make them seamless, with the aim of help-
Helpline
ing students have a socially enriched and
020 3598 3898
fulfilling experience during their time at
help@survivorsuk.org
Goldsmiths!
www.survivorsuk.org
Disability History Month
Galop, LGBTQAI+ Anti-violence Charity 020 7704 2040 referrals@galop.org.uk
Disability History Month runs from
www.galop.org.uk
22nd November to 22nd December every year. The first event for 2018 is a screening of ‘Alive Inside’, in collaboration with Goldsmiths Sociology and Mu-
Continued from Page 20 walk-ins and meetings are individualised so
available.” A distressed student could be ac-
Since they only receive 1% of Goldsmiths
regular, private sessions on a recurring basis
companied by a friend as long both parties
University’s £120 million annual turnover,
are encouraged.
are comfortable with it.
limited. Despite this, they comprise of elect-
“Making them comfortable is our priority,
Referrals are done on students who require
ed officers and a staff team that work on this
and it’s an open-door policy with no prior
more help; this means that the student’s re-
as an ongoing project and the SU’s budget
appointment needed. If the student is upset
cord is first checked on the University sys-
for the 2018/19 academic year is predicted to
about something, he or she will be accom-
tem, after which the CSO signposts them
break-even.
modated as soon as possible and if they want
to College Wellbeing Services and other
to speak to someone else, they’d be directed
on-campus support services depending on
to the relevant people or offices”, says one
their level of crisis. This prioritises the cases
CSO.
since some students might need immediate
what they are able to do at the moment is
Everyday Heroes: The Campus Support Officers Radhika Das Campus Support Officers (CSOs) are based in Loring Management Centre in St James’s. The University website declares them to be
sic departments. The film explores music and memory loss. It will be followed by a talk from Les Back. Screening: Alive Inside Venue: RHB 144 Date: 28th November Time: 1300-1530
help. In such cases, CSOs work in conjuncWalk-ins are not the only point of contact,
tion with local emergency services when
however, as they also arrange pop-up events:
more professional support is called for - like
‘Hot Chocolate’ evenings where the CSOs go
meeting with a doctor or the police. The
to the library with the Chaplaincy Service to
CSOs then conduct follow-ups in order to
give out hot chocolate to students; ‘Pancake
record students’ wellbeing and their respec-
Nights’; football events for charity aware-
tive patterns of growth.
ness and a few others. Arts-based events, designed to help relax stressed students, are
If students are looking to chat with someone
held in the library during exams - very much
out of hours and have questions regarding
Interested in student health? For writing opportunities, contact leopardhealth@goldsmithssu.org
15th November 2018
#001
22
News As Students grow up, the Hall falls down Delphine Bueche If the second option were to go forward, The Great Hall, the largest space within the university, is in dire need of a revamp, as the last major works took place in the 1960s. Mrs Catriona Boulton, Head of Estates and Facilities, explains: “The aim is to bring it to a standard that’s fit for the twenty-first century.” The whole project should cost around
the project would probably span over a few years. Ideally, the Great Hall would re-open for use in September 2019, and in the meantime, Estates will strive to cause as little disruption as possible to students during term time and put a blanket ban on noisy work during
£3.5 million.
exam period.
Situated within Richard Hoggart Building,
Sadly, Mrs Catriona Boulton, who started at
the Great Hall is one of four listed buildings across campus, along with the George Wood Theatre, Laurie Grove Baths and Deptford Town Hall. It took its current form in the 1890s when it was roofed for the first time, having previously served as Parade Ground
Goldsmiths 10 years ago and who has overseen the project, will not be there when the works begin, as she retired from Goldsmiths on Friday the 9th of November. We are wishing her all the best. Her top-tip for the new appointee: ‘Enjoy it!... And always make sure
when Goldsmiths was a naval institution.
you communicate!’
A lot needs to be done to ensure the future
But what does this mean for Graduations next year?
of this historical space. Estates have already taken steps. For instance, last month a structural engineer was brought in for consultation to make sure everything was safe and some of the water damaged acoustic panelling was removed recently. The big work will entail the following: changing the electrics, replacing the external roof lights at high level which are cracked or broken, repairing damaged plaster, replacing the floor, replacing the acoustic panelling, and much more. There is planning on replacing the one existing lift on the stage side by two more appropriate ones to facilitate access to the stage for all students with accessibility issues, especially during times such as graduations. Mention of repairing the organ has been made, however the budget is inexistent. Mrs Boulton explains that it hasn’t yet been decided “how that project is going to proceed, whether it will be done as one big project which obviously takes up a huge amount of capital in a short period of time or whether we will try and divide it into smaller projects.”
On the 16th of October 2018, students graduating this year received an email announcing that the graduation ceremonies would be held at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre (QEIICC), in the heart of Westminster. This decision follows the imminent closure and refurbishment of the Great Hall in RHB, starting in February 2019. A survey was sent out by the Student Engagement Team to students last June, which received 424 responses. Interestingly, the survey was sent across all levels and years of study, including first and second year undergraduates, and not only graduating students. However, the Student Engagement mentions that they: “do not have a category breakdown of respondents.” Who knows what percentage of graduating students completed the survey, and if the results would have been
different if only those having spent some
TheStudent Engagement Team explains that:
time on campus over the past two years had
“the QEIIC was chosen because of availabili-
responded.
ty, accessibility, value for money for students and our community and its suitability as a
Joseph Tema, President of the SU, says the
space to host an event attended by thousands
that he was: “quite shocked when the result
of students and their supporters.”
of the survey came back.” “We hope that Westminster, with its rich hisIndeed, the most valued factors seemed to be
tory of democracy and protest, would be an
the backdrop for photographs and the pres-
ideal place for our students to graduate.”
tige of the location. Sadly, perhaps, being on campus and spending the day in New Cross
But, maybe catching a glimpse of an MP on
did not seem to be as important.
a street corner and enjoying an after-party at Buckingham Palace might outweigh the lo-
So those who had planned to get a New Cross
cal pub pints!
House or Fat Walrus meal with their friends and families will have to relocate around the Parliament.
So why Westminster? Different spaces were discussed but most venues, such as the Royal Festival Hall, or the Barbican, are booked over the summer by other universities, and there were no suitable locations around South East London.
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15th November 2018
#001
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23
Sport
A Neutral’s Guide to Mixed Hockey (And How You Can Become A Fan) Georgia Saunders
Mary’s and SOAS University, to name a few.
on campus. They are known for their fun socials, curry nights and their regular trips
The Goldsmiths Mixed Hockey club had quite
Adopting a positive and high-intensity
to the Marquis of Granby. The rugby team
the season last year, enjoying joint-second
style of play, the first team’s favourite per-
commented on the quality of the team’s
place success in the league as well as winning
formance came in February of this year
quality of social events: “We were very jeal-
the Student Union’s Sports Team of the Year.
when they drew 2-2 against Kingston at
ous of the Hockey socials held last year!”
Surbiton Hockey Club. Whilst some would Competition is fierce in the London Univer-
be unsatisfied with the result, the score
Looking ahead to this season’s campaign in
sities Sport League (LUSL) for Mixed Hock-
was irrelevant as it was a significant suc-
the LUSL Premier Division, the team have
ey but a number of fine performances from
cess for the squad. All the hard work they
three main aims: to win the inter-universi-
both the first and second teams resulted in
had produced in training was certainly ev-
ty ‘Varsity’ competition against Goldsmiths’
joint-second and eighth place finishes respec-
ident across the 70 minutes of the game.
bitter rivals University of the Arts London; to extend the awareness of hockey as the most
tively. Out of the nine teams in Division 1, the Goldsmiths first team scored the third high-
Off the pitch, the Hockey club is hailed as
gender-equal sport at the university and to
est amount of total goals, ahead of Brunel, St
the one of the most popular sports teams
continue their strong social events calendar.
Team Name Goldsmiths Mixed Hockey Club Kit Colours White, Purple, and Gold Social Media @goldsmithshc Website www.goldsmithshc.com
A Neutral’s Guide to Men’s Football right, it becomes kind of magic. I soon for-
I’m keen for more fluency. Just because a
who really like each other, and really love the
got about the discomfort of my extremities
player starts the season playing for the 3rds
game they are playing. There is something of
When I arrived at the training session, I was
and instead focused on the smooth passes,
certainly doesn’t mean that he can’t end it
Southgate’s manner in Davis- Guzman’s ap-
met with yells, laughter, and similar expres-
the satisfying thud of foot against ball, the
scoring for the 2nds.”
proach as captain: he never seems needlessly
sions of boyish camaraderie. A player spat
blurred colours of fast-moving boots. Each
on the pitch, others stood in languid clusters
team member excelled in maintaining the
Members of the 1st team are keen for
with hands on their hips; there was even a
morale of the others, entreating them not
bi-weekly practices, but the university lacks
cry of “Oh, another Yeovil person!”
to get their head down and encouraging
the funding to secure another two-hour
This, more than anything, is why one should
them to keep like they had every chance of
training session. The club also seems to be
go and support them. As President Jack
The Goldsmiths Men’s Football Club plays
winning. To me, this overall performance
struggling with a lack of commitment, with
Graham said at the end of the evening, ““It’s
matches on Wednesday afternoons, their
showed the potential for all three teams to be
the inability to field a 2nd or 3rd starting to
football – everyone just wants to win, really,
home pitch being Loring Hall Sports Ground
superb this season.
become a recurrent problem.
don’t they?”
biggest victory last season, when they beat St.
However, it is important to note the difficul-
One does wonder if individuals would be
George’s 3rd team 10 – 0. This win was just
ties currently undermining the proficiency
more committed, if football had an evident
one in a series of memorable achievements
of the club. Newly appointed head coach
fan base. When I attended Wednesday’s
for the squad, including a ‘Varsity’ win for
Teng Weng is stretched not only as the coach
game, the rugby team was playing on the
the 3rd team against UAL, and a 4-2 victory
for the men’s team but is also acting as inter-
pitch adjacent to the 3rds; it was impossible
against University of East London - the lat-
im coach for the women’s team. Teng cited
to ignore their relative mass of supporting
ter widely judged a particular highlight from
unity as one of his key points of focus for this
attendees. Meanwhile, back on the football
last season.
season: “Last year the 1st team were more
pitch, the support seemed to lack the ‘mob
isolated. This year, we’ve tried to get every-
mentality’ provoked when watching larger,
one together.
or professional clubs, and I wonder if this
Katrina Nzegwu
critical, and the coaching of an individual is for the good of the team.
in Sidcup. Loring was also the site of the 1st’s
Even though my hands were cold and I was
contributes to the club’s struggle with con-
sniffing with embarrassing frequency whilst watching the team play, it became increas-
“I think that all three teams training together
ingly evident to me why football is called ‘the
is not only a practicality, but also a morale
beautiful game’ – because, when it is done
booster …
sistency. Overall, from my experience, this is a squad
Team Name Goldsmiths Men’s Football Club Kit Colours Yellow and Black Nickname The Lions Social Media @GoldsmithsFC
15th November 2018
#001
24
Sport “I give you all my word right now. Before the end of the year, it will be back. I promise that.”
Gold Start for Sports Committee Members
SU Campaigns and Activities Officer, Joe Leam promises the return of the Sports Hardship Fund
Terrelle Iziren @terrelle_iziren Goldsmiths
Sports
Committee
representatives
held
their
first meeting of term with Student Union staff in October. This was to discuss progress of their respective teams following the beginning of the 2018/19 season. A record-breaking 3391 memberships for sports and societies have been sold so far (as of 7th November), although it has been a mixed bag for sports at Goldsmiths this season so far.
Simon Throssell @throssfilms
tributory fund, but had not received any updates on
In a meeting with sports clubs members, Cam-
The newly-elected Student Union officer admitted:
paigns and Activities Officer, Joe Leam, promised
“In honesty...it got cut by those above. It wasn’t Tolu
that the sports hardship fund would be back by
[Magbagbeloa, Sports Development Coordinator]
Christmas, after “ridiculous” cuts were made to it.
or Rachel [Sunderland, Activities Manager], nor
the situation since last year.
was it me.
Goldsmiths’ Athletics Society, captained by Sherrifah Arewa, are sponsored by Adidas this year but so far have struggled to secure paid member-
“But I give you all my word right now. Before the end of the year, it will be back. I promise that. We will find money to get that, I promise.”
ships from students. Sherrifah has suggested to the German sports brand giants that the team switch their base to the College Green at Goldsmiths to increase participation. The team currently train at Southwark Park. Whereas, the Men’s and Women’s Football sides have enjoyed smooth starts to the season. The Women’s team have only lost one of their opening three matches, edging past Buckinghamshire New University 5-3 away in their first game. The Men’s side are tackling the unusual problem of having too many members. “Many people want to play, but our training sessions are over-crowded. We will have to delegate responsibil-
Joe ended the meeting by asking members to for-
ities, and some players may have to coach or manage lower teams, how-
Photo: Roser Jorba Soler
ever nobody is taking ownership”, mentioned first-team skipper Ricky. There is further optimism for the Ultimate Frisbee side, who previously struggled with equal gender representation. Now the split is 50-50. The team also won their first game 15-8 against Queen Mary, University of London. Sports at Goldsmiths is steadily growing, and the shrewd planning from the Students Union cannot go unnoticed. The Talented Athlete Programme offers a £10,000 grant to Goldsmiths students who have demonstrated potential to compete at national or international level across various sports. Even Sports Development Coordinator Tolu is feeling the excitement: “We have had students competing in national athletics tournaments, which helped us create an athletics club last year. One student won gold at the Commonwealth Games for Ireland this year. It’s really important that we maintain this level of engagement.” After reading week, Goldsmiths SU will be participating in “Gold Girls Can”, their version of the nationwide campaign This Girl Can, which aims to encourage women’s participation in sport. SU Sports Officer Mahnoor Ali also plans to run an inclusive campaigns for mental health awareness plus LGBT rights.
The sports hardship fund exists to support students who would like to join a sports club, but are struggling financially. By subsidising the costs of joining
give him until Christmas as he “tries to get it going”. His final two words of “I will” reiterated the nature of his promise to get the hardship fund back to its original amount.
and participating, money from the fund is intended to help remove barriers into sports participation at a university level, giving more students the opportunity to improve both their physical and mental well being. Speaking at the meeting Tuesday 30th October, Joe highlighted what he saw as the importance of the fund: “People shouldn’t be exempt from sport because they don’t have the money to do it.” He added: “It shouldn’t have been cut and I think it’s ridiculous that it was.”
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The issue was raised after one club captain commented that they had between three to five members who would potentially benefit from the con-
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