Freedom Talks 

Continuing the conversation all year long

Freedom Talks have been an integral part of the festival programme since 2017. This dynamic part of the festival programme invites thought and response to the dialogues of speakers from journalists to scientists, from activists to local children.

In 2019, we continued the conversation beyond Freedom Festival, as we marked the anniversary of the Modern Slavery Act with a special Freedom Talk in March with award-winning Guardian journalist Annie Kelly.

Once again, in partnership with the University of Hull and the Wilberforce Institute for the Study of Slavery and Emancipation (WISE) we were proud to present an accessible yet challenging programme of talks, debates and participatory discussions.

The programme explored current challenges to human and civil rights with national and international artists, academics from the University of Hull and facilitators.

This year's topics included:

For the Greater Good? 

Artificial intelligence (AI), the rise of the algorithm and who really makes the big decisions on our behalf.

Modern Day Slavery

With a focus on the building and agricultural industries.

Ages of Isolation

A spotlight on loneliness, mental health and increasing isolation prevalent in modern day society.

Ask for the Moons

A panel discussion where the tables are turned and the teenagers rule the roost. The executive team of Freedom Festival and other city representatives went head to head with a cohort of young people who have been working with Canadian artists/sociologists Mammalian Diving Reflex to make a deal with the city about the future - not small things, but big things...

Freedom Talks

at Freedom Festival 2019