Explore the Creative Power of Soil. Build ‘mud' batteries from compost to power a More-Than-Human Photography Studio in Salford..

Join us to create microbial fuel cell batteries using soil, recycled jars, conductive metals and simple electronics. Together, we will generate sustainable energy to power a More-Than-Human Photography Studio at Islington Mill artist studios in Salford. Participants will explore the garden, power LED lights and create photographs. Hosted by Incredible Edible Salford as a lead-up activity for Being Human Festival 2026.

Led by artist-researchers Helen McGhie (Senior Lecturer, Photography) and Antony Hall (Lecturer, Future Media Production) from Manchester Metropolitan University’s School of Digital Arts, this hands-on workshop explores the creative and ecological potential of soil as a source of sustainable energy. We will investigate microbial activity in the community gardens at Islington Mill, discovering how soil bacteria and fungi support plant growth and can generate low-voltage electricity.

During this workshop, participants will:

Collect and observe soil samples from the garden

Build microbial fuel cell batteries

Use the batteries to power LED lights

Create still-life photographs in the More-Than-Human Photography Studio (to be showcased in the Entangled Light garden exhibition at Islington Mill from 5–14 November).

Explore connections between ecology, creativity and sustainable energy

Discuss the garden as a site of exchange, collaboration and possibility

Who is this workshop for?

Adults and young people with an interest in art, photography, ecology, sustainability or creative technology. No prior experience is required.

Accessibility

Islington Mill is fully accessible. This activity includes outdoor exploration in the garden. Please contact h.mcghie@mmu.ac.uk if you have any access requirements.

What to bring

Suitable outdoor clothing and footwear for working in the garden in early September.

Entangled Light: A More-Than-Human Photography Studio is supported by AHEAD (Arts and Humanities Engagement and Dialogue), the Media and Digital Cultures research group at Manchester Metropolitan University, Incredible Edible Salford and Islington Mill.

This work will contribute to Being Human Festival, the UK’s national festival of the humanities, taking place 5–14 November 2026. Being Human is led by the School of Advanced Study, University of London, in partnership with the Arts and Humanities Research Council and the British Academy. For further information please see beinghumanfestival.org.

Description supplied by the event organiser.