Get creative on campus and make an origami butterfly for a new art installation

To mark the anniversary of the first UK lockdown due to Covid-19, a team from across Engineering and Maths are organising an art installation, The Butterfly Affect, and would like you to take part.

From Monday 14 March (midday), you will find collection boxes scattered in certain buildings on campus (including the Arts building entrance, the Engineering building entrance, and the Library Lounge) until Friday 18 March, which will include pieces of paper in five different colours – each representing a how the pandemic has made you feel. Whether that is:

• Angry
• United
• Anxious
• Grateful
• Lonely

Further information and instructions will be on the boxes, but you can then make your origami butterfly (you can choose more than one colour) and if you would like, write your initials on it.

Origami folding sessions

Origami is simply the art of folding paper, but it has so many benefits. For example, it enhances focus, improves problem-solving and some people find it therapeutic – a nice way to relax in between lessons and studying!

If you’re not sure how to make one, then drop by the Library Lounge on Tuesday 15 and Thursday 17 March (1-2pm) for an origami folding session. If you can’t make the sessions then check out the handy video tutorial, which also gives you more information about ‘The Butterfly Affect’. 

When you’re done, just pop your butterfly or butterflies back in the collection box by Friday. All the butterflies will then be displayed in a temporary art installation in the atrium of the new Engineering building from Monday 21 March. Keep an eye out on social media and the next Brum Bulletin for photos!