Living Light Lab: Make a Soil Battery to Power Light for Photography
About this Event
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 [email protected] 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 , 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 .
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 0.00
