Frequently Asked Questions: Summer School
What is the difference between the in-person Summer School and the online Summer School?
The in-person Summer School is an intensive 4-day course that takes place at the University of Kent, from Monday 7th - Thursday 10th July 2025. Most participants stay in the university accommodation and the lectures, workshops and discussions take place in-person at the university, where we will engage with artworks from the collection in situ. This year we are curating a special room with works which are not normally on show but respond to the 2025 theme: Navigating Mortality - From Preterm Birth to Post-Partum. All lectures will be in person except for the technical support which may be recorded and online.
The online Summer School takes place online, over 4 weeks from Wednesday 11th June - Wednesday 2nd July. We will have one session of approximately 2.5 hours each Wednesday evening (BST), and one session on the afternoon of Saturday 28th June. Participants can join from anywhere in the world, and all the lectures, workshops and discussions will take place online. We use videos shot in situ when works have been on display at various institutions which enable an online tour of the collection, the website and access to all the films, plus extra information held by the curatorial team about individual works.
I am worried that some of the works may be challenging and I want to understand how I will be cared for?
It is correct that some artworks in the collection are challenging. They address issues connected with sexuality, mortality, infertility, abortion, preterm and post-natal depression. We would give a warning if we think that content is challenging. We will hold the space together in a supportive and safe way, we will provide break out rooms where, if needed, you can take some time out. We would like to take this opportunity to explain that this is a course which involves artistic expression. Although we will do everything in our means to hold a safe space, we can not provide therapy alongside the teaching and art workshops. Please speak to us in advance if you are worried about your responses to the artworks and we will endeavour to guide you to places that might help you prepare for the week ahead.
Can BRC help me with funding to attend the Summer School?
We cannot direct you to funding, but we are very happy to write letters of support for funding applications. Please email requests to Helen Knowles on helen@birthrites.org.uk.
Is it possible to pay for the Summer School in installments?
The payment plan for the Summer School is 1 x £100 deposit payment due at the time of booking, with the remaining balance due before the Summer School begins. We are happy to agree installment plans in individual circumstances, to help spread the cost of the Summer School. Please email helen@birthrites.org.uk to discuss this.
I am not an artist but I am really interested in attending the Summer School. Is it appropriate for me?
Midwives, academics, curators, artists, filmmakers, medics, health professionals, art historians, policy advisors and the general public are all welcome at the Birth Rites Collection Summer School. As a participant, you will enter the course with your own skill set and finish with a bespoke multimedia pack of visual, textual, auditory, photographic, filmic and performative material, to be used in your own future work.
If you would like to discuss your suitability for the Summer School in person, please email helen@birthrites.org.uk.
Where does the in-person Summer School take place?
The in-person Summer School is held at University of Kent, Canterbury Campus. The full address is:
University of Kent
Canterbury
Kent
England
CT2 7ND
The campus has excellent transport links and is easily accessible via the motorway network, rail links and local bus services. It is approximately two hours from the major London airports.
You can find detailed information on how to get to the Canterbury Campus here: https://www.kent.ac.uk/locations/canterbury/directions
Is there parking available?
If you are planning to drive to the Summer School then we can provide you with a parking permit to print and display in your car for free parking at the University of Kent.
You will need to read the terms and conditions on the permit. A map of all the car parks at the university is available here: https://media.www.kent.ac.uk/se/19904/ParkingMaps.pdf
How do I book the on-site accommodation?
Summer School participants can book on campus accommodation at the University of Kent for the duration of the Summer School at a discounted rate. The costs for this accommodation are as follows:
Bed and Breakfast - £53.50 per night.
Birth Rites Collection staff will be staying on campus during the week and we anticipate that several participants will stay for the duration of the course.
You can book your accommodation using this link: https://kx-web.kent.ac.uk/KxBnB/
Use promotional code LOYALTYBB to secure the discounted rate. Please also write in the notes section that you are a part of the Birth Rites Collection group.
Please note that the accommodation booking is a separate agreement between you and the University of Kent. You will receive your confirmation and check-in details directly from the University and any questions about the booking should be directed to the University for the most efficient answers.
Are any meals included with the Summer School?
Breakfast is included with the accommodation option at the University of Kent. Lunch and dinner are not provided as a part of the Summer School, but refreshments (tea, coffee, soft drinks, some snacks) will be available throughout each day. Please inform us of any dietary requirements or allergies. Snacks are basic and we encourage you to bring your own too.
You can purchase a good value meal on campus for lunch and dinner. There is a reasonably wide-range of food available which should cater to most preferences and diets. If you have any very restrictive food allergies or intolerances, we would recommend reading the information available on the University website and contacting the catering team in advance, if necessary: https://www.kent.ac.uk/catering/dietary-requirements
Is there child-care available?
Unfortunately we are not able to arrange child-care for Summer School students.
What happens if I have to leave early one day, or can’t attend every day in full?
We understand that everyone is busy and the Summer School represents a significant time commitment. We hope everyone will be able to join us for the full course but if you do have to miss a session, we can send you the materials online to catch-up in your own time.