Curator and Director of V&A East Gus Casely-Hayford and The Guardian' s Chief Culture Writer Charlotte Higgins explore how objects, art and culture become powerful witnesses to who we are. From treasured everyday possessions to great works of art, they consider how material culture carries memory, meaning and identity across generations and why creativity remains essential in times of uncertainty and conflict. Drawing on experiences that range from museum collections - including Gus’ pioneering work rethinking how museums collect, interpret and exhibit objects at V&A East - to Charlotte’s reporting from contemporary wartime Ukraine, they discuss the role of artists, writers and cultural institutions in preserving human stories and resisting erasure. Together, they ask what art and culture can teach us about survival, belonging and our enduring need to make sense of the world. Chaired by Julia Wheeler . There will be a book signing after this event. Get ahead of your Festival reading and visit the Waterstones Cheltenham Literature Festival bookshop and support Cheltenham Festivals with every purchase.

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