Creative Health Series: Fruit Routes Walk & Garden Mudra

*** For postgraduate taught students, doctoral researchers and LU staff only ***

About this event

Join us for an artist-led walk around the Fruit Routes orchards on campus with curator Mita Solanky. We’ll learn more about the Fruit Routes project along the way and engage all our senses as we follow the trail of fruit and nut trees and bushes.  The walk will start and end at the Barefoot Orchard, where Mita will lead a Garden Mudra – an artist-led meditation session. This is based on an ancient yogic practice and draws inspiration from seasonal elements in the environment, connecting our bodies with elemental energies.

We will be walking along running routes and natural paths, so please wear suitable footwear and dress for the weather! You will be invited to sit on the floor during the meditation so comfortable clothing is advised. Anyone with mobility needs will be offered a chair.

About Fruit Routes

Local Leicestershire artist Mita Solanky (Saintly Amok) is the Lead Artist and Curator of the Fruit Routes Art project at Loughborough University. Fruit Routes is a living artwork, of over 100 fruit and nut trees across campus, with various orchards accessible by both students, staff and the local community. The project operates within a charter that was drawn up by founding eco-activist and artist Anne-Marie Culhane, and is based upon permaculture principles; of earth care, people care, and fair share. Events are held throughout the year that engage participants in walks, talks, workshops, performances and festivals. The ongoing and open-ended project structure allows for a responsive and genuine development of both transient and more established communities to form.

Creative Health Series

This workshop is part of LU Arts’ Creative Health Series for staff and postgraduate students. Curated by Gussi Philippou, this is a year-long journey of six workshops led by artists from different creative backgrounds and will culminate in an exhibition. Over the year, we’ll explore how creative practices can boost health and wellbeing through three core themes: Flow Theory, Community and Sustainability.

Accessibility

Barefoot Orchard is on level ground. The route is not always on structured paths but is mostly flat. Some parts of the route are not accessible for wheelchair users, so we do not recommend attending if this applies to you. If you have any specific accessibility requirements that you think we should know about, please let us know in advance by emailing LUArts@lboro.ac.uk and we will do our best to accommodate them.

Photography

Photography will be taking place at this event. If you do not give your consent to being photographed and it being used for future publicity purposes by Loughborough University, Fruit Routes and LU Arts, then please alert the photographer on the day.