USW named as Wales’ hub for national festival of humanities

The University of South Wales, in partnership with Cardiff University, has been chosen as one of five flagship hubs across the UK for the Being Human Festival 2026 – a national celebration of humanities research.

As part of the festival, USW and Cardiff will deliver free public events and activities, helping to showcase how humanities and social science research inspires and enriches our everyday lives.

The event aims to foster public engagement with the humanities and social sciences, championing innovative, participatory and creative activities that help us to understand ourselves, our communities, and the challenges we face in a changing world.

Taking place from 5 to 14 November, Being Human 2026 marks the 12th year of the festival. This year’s theme is ‘Crossroads: a place of decision, encounter, and consequence’.

Researchers from USW and Cardiff are planning a wide range of events delving into where paths meet and history turns, to explore crossroads as spaces of encounter, change, and decision.

Dr Márta Minier, Festival Academic Co-lead for the University of South Wales, said: “We are delighted to showcase some of our cutting-edge arts and humanities research and innovation to the wider public. The USW contributions to this year’s festival demonstrate the community-focused and co-produced work that takes place in our Faculty of Business and Creative Industries.

“While we have featured in Being Human several times, it is the first time that we are part of a flagship hub. We look forward to working closely with Cardiff University on this excellent project.”

Dr Kate Moles, Festival Academic Lead for Cardiff University, added: “We are once again delighted to have been chosen as a flagship hub for the Being Human Festival, working with the University of South Wales.

“We have exciting plans for a celebration day full of engaging activities that represent the vibrancy of our humanities and social science research and public engagement, as well as events for sanctuary seekers and local schools. We look forward to welcoming people to the festival.”

For more details, visit the Being Human Festival website.