What does a nation sound like in times of war and healing? In this heartfelt talk, Ukrainian scholar Olga shares how traditional folk songs have long served as tools of unity, diplomacy, and resilience. From early 20th-century tours to performances during the 2022 invasion, these songs carry deep emotional power. Drawing on research and her own experience, Olga shows how music helps communities process trauma - and why listening to Ukraine’s folk songs means truly hearing its soul.Olga is a Professor at the Higher School of Art (Kyiv, Ukraine) and is currently a visiting Professor at Lincoln University. Here, she is studying the practical experience of the “Mobile Art for Peace” project. Using the results of the project and her own research on the history of Ukrainian culture, Olga tries to show the features of Ukrainian folk songs as a unique cultural phenomenon, because Ukrainian folk song is the expression of the history of the Ukrainian nation and an important tool of cultural diplomacy. Now, in the context of Russian armed aggression, Olga’s research shows that Ukrainian folk songs are gaining new meanings. In her research, Olga tries to reveal the therapeutic potential of Ukrainian songs and their capabilities in the process of psychological support, especially for children and youth. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

In this powerful talk, a Zimbabwean-born, Selma, explores how colonialism shaped her identity and how hybridity - living between cultures - offers not confusion, but clarity. Through personal reflection, literature, and theatre, she challenges us to rethink what it means to belong and how acknowledging the shared weight of our histories can help us build a more connected, empathetic future.Selma Ari De Rossi is a Zimbabwean-born actress and writer. She has earned her bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and Ph.D. from the University of Lincoln. Her doctoral research explored the representations of Zimbabwean national identity through playwriting, exploring how British colonialism influenced Zimbabwean-based and diasporic playwrights. Passionate about reflecting on cultural narratives, Selma’s work delves into the complexities of identity and heritage. Currently, she is contributing a chapter to The Cambridge History of Black British Theatre and Performance, focusing on Zimbabwean playwrights in Britain. Her combined passions in acting, writing and research seamlessly blend scholarly research with creative artistry. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Through a moving mix of original poetry and personal reflection, this talk explores bravery, belonging, and the inner conflicts we all carry. From war zones to bus rides, poet and performer Scott captures both global and intimate struggles - then shifts the lens toward hope, diversity, and human connection. With warmth and imagination, he reminds us that we’re all made of the same stardust and that our shared stories and ideas can light the way forward.Scott is a poet and artist, and was the 2022 Stamford Poet Laureate. He started off not as a poet but a lyricist, citing the likes of Noel Gallagher, Lennon & McCartney, Bob Dylan, Guy Chambers, Billy Bragg and Neil Tennant as some of his primary influences. He has been involved with projects for two local charities; Stamford Diversity Group and MindSpace Stamford. At MindSpace he runs a monthly fun writing group called Playing With Words. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Can we still enjoy our favourite films without harming the planet? This thought-provoking talk explores the hidden environmental cost of the film and television industry, from carbon-heavy productions to the subconscious impacts of product placement. As a climate-conscious media lecturer, Jack reveals why we don’t need to cancel escapism but reimagine it by telling local stories, using greener methods, and leaving communities better than we found them. It’s not about giving up fantasy - it’s about finding a better balance.Jack Shelbourn, an Arri-certified Director of Photography and HEA-recognized Senior Lecturer, is a BAFTA albert-certified sustainable cinematography researcher and PhD student. Pursuing a PhD in sustainable cinematography at the University of Lincoln, where he is the programme lead for the BA Film Production programme, Jack's research explores ‘New Naturalism’—focusing on the environmental benefits of using natural, available, and reflected light in film. His work examines the creative possibilities within these lighting limitations. Previously, he led the BA (Hons) Film & Television Studies programme at Lincoln. His cinematography has earned awards, including Mind-Set (2022), which won Best UK Feature at the Manchester International Film Festival. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Daria and Gracie challenge decades of advertising norms that equate sex appeal with success. Tracing the harmful impact of oversexualised imagery, they reveal how body image, mental health, and identity have been distorted by outdated marketing strategies. But there’s hope: brands embracing authenticity and diversity are not only creating healthier messages - they’re thriving. This is a call to rethink what we sell, how we sell it, and what that says about us.Gracie Beadling is 3rd year BA Photography student at the University of Lincoln. She is a freelance photographer who also runs a Lincoln-based student magazine focusing on art, fashion and photography with interviews with giants of the world of arts from all over. Gracie specialises in historical photography, ranging from the 1880s to the 1950s, and she has done independent projects on advertising throughout Western history.Daria Chyzhyk is a third-year BA Photography student at the University of Lincoln. As a freelance photographer, she hones her skills by studying the advertising industry and exploring the challenges of gender representation in everyday media. Daria spent six months in Germany as an Erasmus exchange student, where she studied Media Management and worked as a backstage photographer, further enriching her international experience. Before studying at Lincoln, she earned an online degree in Advertising and Public Relations from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv in 2022. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

What do a medieval instrument, a blind beggar, and a painting by Hieronymus Bosch have in common? In this evocative talk, we journey through the strange and powerful story of the hurdy-gurdy - from its sacred origins and surreal appearances in art, to its place in Ukrainian folk tradition. With live music and untold history, this is a moving reminder of how culture survives even in the face of silence.Iryna Muha is a Ukrainian-born singer, songwriter, and hurdy-gurdy player. She is the leader of MUHA band, a director of Ukrainian School Band, early music practitioner and a keen collaborator. Based in the UK, she works nationally and internationally, including previous appearances on BBC Radio 3, BBC radio 4 and performances at festivals like Eurovision Liverpool 2023, Latitude, including showcasing at the International Folk Alliance in USA. Iryna is also known for experimenting with digital music, natural sounds and multimedia. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx