Thinking Futures (Saturday 2 – Saturday 9 November) explores how the social sciences inform key debates and advances in policy, with a wide variety of events taking place across Bristol and beyond.  InsideArts (Sunday 10 – Saturday 16 November) celebrates music, poetry, film and literature with an exciting programme of lectures, concerts, film screenings and exhibitions.

The big ‘transport debate’ on Monday 4 November will kick off Thinking Futures.  A hot topic both locally and nationally, the debate will feature University experts and look at ways to resolve issues around residents’ parking, sustainable travel and public transport.  Other events include a talk on how women's safety can be improved in Bristol [Tuesday 5 November] and a ‘schools charity challenge’ on Friday 8 November that will look at how charitable giving in the workplace can be encouraged.

Events during InsideArts include an exhibition of actors' portraits from the University's Theatre Collection; a music masterclass led by composer Professor John Pickard with The Brodowski Quartet; and lectures on a range of subjects including representations of Islam, next years' Football World Cup, and hip-hop.  Baroness Shirley Williams will give a talk about British politics in the 1970s, and poets Patrick McGuinness, Landeg White, Don Paterson, Sean O'Brien and David Harsent will discuss the 'impossible art' of translating poetry.

Professor Mike Basker, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, said: "With its varied programme of lectures, workshops, exhibitions, talks, performances and debate, this year's InsideArts provides an insider's view of Bristol's Faculty of Arts.  We hope that visitors to the festival will enjoy this insight into the work of the Faculty's staff and students and gain a greater appreciation of the important role arts and humanities play in society."

All events are free and everyone is welcome.