Academic selected to represent Great Britain at 2024 Cultural Olympiad
Dr Mathew Emmett’s work, 'Polluted Pool', is being shown at an exhibition in France’s Loire Valley from now until mid-August 2024

The Olympic Games are celebrated globally as a pinnacle of human potential, epitomising excellence, unity and progress. But witnessing the increasing levels of pollution in our oceans, rivers, and lakes, I was moved to create an audiovisual piece that compels viewers to reflect on their role in this ongoing crisis. For me, using a derelict Olympic swimming pool as the frame for this project demonstrates the stark reality of pollution. It also emphasises that without a sustainable foundation, even our greatest achievements are overshadowed by the damage we inflict on our planet.
Dr Mathew Emmett
Associate Professor in Architecture
“As an architect, I have always been fascinated by derelict structures where human-dominated nature is reversed. That is what I try to show in my work, and being selected for this prestigious exhibition marks a significant personal and professional achievement. It also validates the urgency of tackling environmental challenges through innovative approaches, and underscores the pivotal role of creatives in catalysing societal change.”