The Human Aquarium at St John’s Centre

Gemma Gibb, Associate Editor

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The Human Aquarium

15-28 February 2019

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Yorkshire Life Aquatic
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Single use plastics and how our choices affect the planet are hot topics, important to kids as well as adults.

We love that Leeds based artists and activists led by Yorkshire Life Aquatic are creating a new Land Aquarium installation in an empty shop unit, and action-packed activity programme to really make us turn our heads and hearts.

Looking at the world through the eyes of sea mammals, replacing dolphins and orcas with Mer-folk in their stead, the Human Aquarium explores what it’s really like to spend your life in a tank.

For marine animals still living in the oceans we see the effect that single-use plastics are having on their home. And the reasons why we need to care.

There’s a chance to find out more about these hot topics, and what other sustainable alternatives and ethical choices are out there.

Free family workshops include Mermaid Mondays, Dolphin Scramble, Ocean Plastics Fish Making and Sculpting The Future.

View the light-up Forever Octopus sculpture created using six months’ collection of the average individual’s single use, disposable plastics by Leeds own Plastic-Free Youth , a group of 15 budding conservationists between the ages of 12 – 19.

Add to a sculpture yourselves and older kids might be up for hanging around for environment-themed talks from The World Cetacean Alliance, Plastic-Free Me, Greenpeace Leeds, Love the Oceans, Zero Waste Leeds and The Real Junk Food Project from 6pm on the 22 February.

The Human Aquarium is thought-provoking stuff. Combine with a trip with other fine Leeds cultural adventures.

Where to go near The Human Aquarium at St John’s Centre

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The city centre Leeds Art Gallery is blessed with a fine historic collection and a changing series of contemporary exhibitions.

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Sela Bar is a cosy Leeds basement spot with live music, great drinks, and a cool, laid-back, atmospheric vibe.

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Established in 1865, City Varieties Music Hall is Leeds’ hidden gem, and holds a record as the nation’s longest-running music hall.

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