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Monsters & Ghosts Exploring Creative Strategies for Regenerative Re-imagination in the Anthropocene A workshop by artist-researcher Rona Rangsch Friday, October 10, 1:30−4:00 pm Sally Davis Seminar Room, SN 4087 Memorial University, St. John's Campus We are living through a time of accelerating climate change and environmental degradation. As evidence of irreversible dynamics and irreparable damage mounts, so do feelings of anxiety and helplessness. Inspired by the interdisciplinary collection Arts of Living on a Damaged Planet: Ghosts and Monsters of the Anthropocene* and drawing on the posthumanist perspective in Meeting the Universe Halfway,** this workshop invites participants to dislodge patterns of passivity and intimidation. Through a combination of theoretical framing and artistic engagement, we will explore research-creation strategies for cultivating regenerative counter-environments—approaches that embrace insurgent vulnerability, embodiment, intra-agency, and multispecies entanglement. The session is open to all and offers an accessible, inclusive space for reflection and ideation. No prior knowledge is needed. We will begin with an outline of the ideas behind Arts of Living on a Damaged Planet and Meeting the Universe Halfway—including introductions to the concepts of multispecies entanglement and intra-agency—followed by an overview of creative strategies they inspire. Rona will then illustrate these approaches with a selection of her own visual artworks, alongside works by other artists whose practices resonate with the themes of the workshop. Recognizing the diversity of creative expression, this will open up the session to group discussion around the following questions: How are the presented approaches received, and how might they be expanded or refined? What other strategies and practices could be used to counter eco-anxiety and foster regenerative re-imagination? What medium(s) would you choose to express your response, and why? Depending on the size of the group, participants may form smaller subgroups to explore specific approaches and strategies in greater depth. The workshop will conclude with a collective discussion to share ideas and proposals. All participants will receive the presentation slides and a summary of the workshop outcomes by email. A follow-up event to continue the conversation or showcase projects and activities inspired by the workshop can be organized based on interest. * Tsing, Anna Lowenhaupt, Nils Bubandt, Elaine Gan and Heather Swanson. 2017. Arts of Living on a Damaged Planet: Ghosts and Monsters of the Anthropocene. Minneapolis/St. Paul: University of Minnesota Press. ** Barad, Karen. 2007. Meeting the Universe Halfway: Quantum Physics and the Entanglement of Matter and Meaning,. Durham: Duke University Press. This is an event by the Rabble Rousers of the Department of Gender Studies at Memorial University of Newfoundland where Rona is an Adjunct professor. Learn more about Rona and her work on her website.