CVAN West Midlands & DASH Present: Obsession, Football & Fandom

Join us for a hybrid in-conversation as part of CB25, co-hosted by DASH and CVAN West Midlands. This discussion brings together Helsinki-based artist Sophia Ehrnrooth with DASH Executive Director Peter Bonnell, chaired by artist and DASH Artistic Director/ CEO Heather Peak.

The conversation will delve into our cultural obsession with football, its power, passion, and pitfalls. Drawing from Sophia’s CB25 exhibition, a major four-screen moving image installation, 879 Heroes by Heart, the discussion will explore the intensity of fandom among young people, the impact of celebrity worship, and the fine line between play and fixation.

Peter brings insight as a student of football history, contributing to a conversation that will reflect on the fine line between play and fixation, and the emotional and social forces that drive collective passion. Peter curated the 2014 football themed exhibition The Pride and the Passion (the title a quote by legendary Liverpool manager Bill Shankly; Shankly was Peter’s specialist subject on Mastermind in 2016). From Liverpool, he now supports Derby County FC.

Sophia’s work presented at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum invites viewers to question the deeper social forces behind sporting devotion, touching on identity, collective dreaming, and even the darker aspects such as unrest and violence.

Please note: This event is free to attend in-person or online, booking essential, donations welcome.

Please note: This ticket is to attend in person only.

Please get in touch if you require additional access requirements.

The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum is wheelchair accessible, further information on accessibility can be found on their website.

This event is delivered by CVAN West Midlands and DASH as part of a short series of activities for CB25, celebrating regional artists, and exploring themes of obsession, collecting, and creative connection.

Also check out other Arts events in Coventry, Sports events in Coventry, Exhibitions in Coventry.