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We Are Opus

@weareopus.bsky.social

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Opus works to create and support responses to achieve urgent systemic change through @nowthenmag.bsky.social @festofdebate.bsky.social & more. 👉 weareopus.org

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We Are Opus @weareopus.bsky.social · Jun 24

A statement from Opus on the government's decision to proscribe @palaction.bsky.social.

You can also read the full statement on our website, where all of our sources are linked.

➡️ weareopus.org/post/opus-te...

#PalestineAction

Opus team statement on the ban of Palestine Action under anti-terrorism laws

After their protest at RAF Brize Norton, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has announced plans to designate direct action group Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation. Palestine Action sprayed paint on military jet engines as a protest against the UK’s complicity in Israel’s genocide. This is not terrorism.

Direct action is the heartbeat of our democracy, and the government’s draconian attempt to smear Palestine Action represents a dangerous moment for civil liberties in the UK. Since the Policing Act, protest has been curtailed and police have been given more power than ever to intervene in protests, and to arrest protesters. Our government have supported Israel’s genocide both politically and materially. Keir Starmer has refused to call Israel’s actions a genocide, when the UN, Amnesty and Human Rights Watch have all done so. Recent data from Action on Armed Violence has found that the RAF have conducted more than 500 reconnaissance flights over Palestine since December 2023.

The UK has sent thousands of military items to Israel since

October 2023. Just days ago, a study from Harvard found that Israel has “disappeared” 377,000 Palestinians, half of them children. Research published in the Lancet estimates the death toll is 40% higher than shown in official records. Israel are committing a genocide in Palestine, and they’re doing it with the support of the UK government.

Sheffield is not unconnected to this genocide. Research from the University of Sheffield is used to provide vital parts for arms for Israel. The university has received almost £100m over the past 12 years in investments from arms manufacturers. BAE Systems have opened an artillery production facility in Sheffield, further cementing the city as a major player in arms production.

Palestine Action have put their own freedoms at risk to call out the complicity of the UK government in supporting a genocide. In accusing them of behaving as a terrorist group, this government is further weaponising post-9/11 legislation which criminalises and demonises Muslims. We refute the allegations that Palestine Action are terrorists, and we challenge the government’s definition of terrorism.

It will soon become illegal to express any support for Palestine Action. The nature of proscription also complicates how journalists can cover the group, a startling restriction of freedom of speech. At Opus, we work to make systems

change possible for a better world. We urge everyone in Sheffield and the rest of the country to agitate for Palestine Action’s right to protest, and our collective right to object to a genocide. We will continue to use our platforms to amplify groups like Palestine Action whose principled actions make a better world possible.

Emergency mobilisation outside Sheffield Town Hall, Thursday 26 June, 5:30 pm

Reposted by We Are Opus

Now Then magazine @nowthenmag.bsky.social · 1d

"This violence and oppression is not new – it did not start on 7 October, and it’s difficult to believe it will end under the current agreement"

✍️ Sheffield Apartheid Free Zone tell us why their campaign for a boycott of Israeli goods in the city must go on.

#Sheffield #BDS #Gaza #Palestine

We’re calling on businesses and households across Sheffield to boycott Israeli produce – here’s why

Many are still unaware that common products like avocados, aubergines and tomatoes are often imported from the apartheid state.

nowthenmagazine.com

Reposted by We Are Opus

The University of Sheffield @sheffielduni.bsky.social · 1d

Democratising data, renegade economists and visual activism: @nowthenmag.bsky.social on an afternoon at the @granthamcsf.bsky.social Sustainability Symposium 👇

nowthenmagazine.com/articles/the...

"There is no neutral path anymore": How can scientists take action and tell stories to avert climate collapse?

An afternoon at the University of Sheffield’s Sustainability Symposium saw discussion on the roles of art and activism in furthering serious action on climate breakdown.

nowthenmagazine.com

Reposted by We Are Opus

Now Then magazine @nowthenmag.bsky.social · 2d

"What sounds intuitive is in fact highly practised patience and control; the trio write through a long process of improvising, selecting ideas and motifs, and arranging together into a final form"

Aidan Daly reviews the fifth album by "endlessly fascinating" Slovenian folk outfit Širom.

#Sirom

Širom - In the Wind of Night, Hard-Fallen Incantations Whisper

Širom continue to forge an unparalleled position in contemporary folk with their endlessly fascinating fifth album.

nowthenmagazine.com

Reposted by We Are Opus

Now Then magazine @nowthenmag.bsky.social · 6d

“This tour is obviously going to be chaos”

Bilk play Sidney & Matilda as part of @musicvenuetrust.bsky.social's innovative new Liveline Fund, which sees a small levy on arena gigs used to fund grassroots music 🎸

#Sheffield #MusicVenueTrust #Bilk

Switch on my amp and play a tune: Bilk at Sidney & Matilda

Plus, how the Music Venues Trust are supporting live gigs in Sheffield.

nowthenmagazine.com

Reposted by We Are Opus

Now Then magazine @nowthenmag.bsky.social · 7d

"I've increasingly embraced an identity as both a scientist and an activist"

At the @granthamcsf.bsky.social's Sustainability Summit, scholars and scientists explored what roles art and activism have to play in furthering serious action on climate breakdown 🪧

@sheffielduni.bsky.social

"There is no neutral path anymore": How can scientists take action and tell stories to avert climate collapse?

An afternoon at the University of Sheffield’s Sustainability Symposium saw discussion on the roles of art and activism in furthering serious action on climate breakdown.

nowthenmagazine.com

Reposted by We Are Opus

Now Then magazine @nowthenmag.bsky.social · 9d

"The upcoming tour isn't a revival, it's a reminder... our spirit has always been about challenging complacency and listening differently"

@waynehoyle.bsky.social spoke to the Cabs' Chris Watson ahead of their much-awaited live return for #Sensoria Festival in #Sheffield 🎚️

#CabaretVoltaire

Cabaret Voltaire - "Things we made in the late 70s about surveillance and politics could have been written today"

We sat down with Chris Watson, celebrated wildlife recordist and one-third of the pioneering electronic outfit, to talk sound, Sheffield and sonic subversiveness.

nowthenmagazine.com

Reposted by We Are Opus

Now Then magazine @nowthenmag.bsky.social · 14d

The future of one of Sheffield’s most celebrated arts venues looks set to be secure for the long-term with the announcement that its city centre site will be acquired by @musicvenuetrust.bsky.social for the benefit of the city.

✍️ @sammgreg.bsky.social

#GutLevel #MusicVenues #Dance #Clubbing

One of Sheffield's best-loved venues has had its future secured, as part of plans to create a "National Trust for music"

The Music Venue Trust are looking to raise £1.5 million from fans to acquire the freehold on grassroots culture spaces in Leeds, Newcastle and South Yorkshire.

nowthenmagazine.com

Reposted by We Are Opus

Now Then magazine @nowthenmag.bsky.social · 14d

"Sheffield has never been shy of its radical history. From standing shoulder to shoulder with the anti-apartheid movement to defending workers’ rights, this is a city that has always prided itself on speaking truth to power"

✍️ Cllr Nabeela Mowlana

#Sheffield #Nablus #Palestine

Sheffield's twin city is under occupation – it's time to come together in solidarity and resistance

A concert this Saturday will link Crookes with the occupied West Bank, giving both Sheffield and Palestinian artists a chance to swap stories of grief and hope.

nowthenmagazine.com

Reposted by We Are Opus

Sam Walby @nowthensam.bsky.social · 16d

Come down!

We Are Opus @weareopus.bsky.social · 17d

We live in a world where we have too much of what we don't need and too little of what we do – but it doesn't have to be this way 🌱

This Thursday, join us for an exciting conversation about Radical Abundance with Keir Milburn.

🕖 7pm
📌 The Workstation
🎫 tickettailor.com/events/wordlife/1838497

A graphic advertising an event called 'Radical Abundance'. The poster features the words "Wordlife Present... a Reading Rooms event", the cover of the book 'Radical Abundance: How to Win a Green Democratic Future', and the words "In conversation with Keir Milburn and Debs Grayson. Thu 2 October. 7–9:15pm. The Workstation, Sheffield"

Reposted by We Are Opus

Now Then magazine @nowthenmag.bsky.social · 15d

"Hey, didn't Lady Gaga throw up onstage? I'm in good company!"

Steve and Hamish spent the day at #FloatAlongFestival catching big names like Jane Weaver and Anthony Szmierek, as well as up-and-coming acts like British Birds and Pleasure Centre, plus tons more.

#FloatAlong

"Let's be positive, Sheffield!": A day at Float Along Festival 2025

The 2025 edition of this firm favourite in Sheffield's indie calendar sees the likes of Anthony Szmierek, Gans, British Birds, Ain't and Pleasure Centre exuding positivity.

nowthenmagazine.com

Reposted by We Are Opus

Sam Gregory – Sheffield journo @sammgreg.bsky.social · 17d

Really looking forward to hosting the discussion part of this – it's gonna be great! 👇

@plutopress.bsky.social

We Are Opus @weareopus.bsky.social · 17d

We live in a world where we have too much of what we don't need and too little of what we do – but it doesn't have to be this way 🌱

This Thursday, join us for an exciting conversation about Radical Abundance with Keir Milburn.

🕖 7pm
📌 The Workstation
🎫 tickettailor.com/events/wordlife/1838497

A graphic advertising an event called 'Radical Abundance'. The poster features the words "Wordlife Present... a Reading Rooms event", the cover of the book 'Radical Abundance: How to Win a Green Democratic Future', and the words "In conversation with Keir Milburn and Debs Grayson. Thu 2 October. 7–9:15pm. The Workstation, Sheffield"

We Are Opus @weareopus.bsky.social · 17d

We live in a world where we have too much of what we don't need and too little of what we do – but it doesn't have to be this way 🌱

This Thursday, join us for an exciting conversation about Radical Abundance with Keir Milburn.

🕖 7pm
📌 The Workstation
🎫 tickettailor.com/events/wordlife/1838497

A graphic advertising an event called 'Radical Abundance'. The poster features the words "Wordlife Present... a Reading Rooms event", the cover of the book 'Radical Abundance: How to Win a Green Democratic Future', and the words "In conversation with Keir Milburn and Debs Grayson. Thu 2 October. 7–9:15pm. The Workstation, Sheffield"

Reposted by We Are Opus

Now Then magazine @nowthenmag.bsky.social · 19d

The case against the #Drax 15 has been thrown out of court, with the judge citing a lack of evidence.

Activists with Reclaim The Power want to know why the police spent millions on the botched operation, instead of focusing on the far-right riots taking place at the time.

✍️ @sammgreg.bsky.social

Case against ‘Drax 15’ dramatically thrown out of court, as activists against the UK’s biggest polluter walk free

Climate campaigners are asking serious questions about why the police prioritised the crackdown over last year’s far-right riots.

nowthenmagazine.com

We Are Opus @weareopus.bsky.social · 20d

Here's an exclusive extract in @nowthenmag.bsky.social from Keir Milburn, @kaiheron.bsky.social & @bertrussell.bsky.social's new book 'Radical Abundance'

Keir is coming to #Sheffield next Thursday to explore how we can “create a world of true abundance” 📚

Tickets 👉 buytickets.at/wordlife/183...

We live in a world where we have too much of what we don't need and too little of what we do – but it doesn't have to be this way

Ahead of in-conversation in Sheffield next Thursday, we have an exclusive extract from a new book that makes the case for creating a world of “radical abundance”.

nowthenmagazine.com

Reposted by We Are Opus

Now Then magazine @nowthenmag.bsky.social · 22d

"Far Gone is heartbreaking, thought-provoking, educational without being patronising, unflinching without being apologetic, and written & performed with a strong belief in the need to share this story"

Paul Szabo reviews John Rwothomack's one-man play #FarGone at @sheffieldtheatres.bsky.social ✍️

"A performance of incredible theatricality and physicality": Far Gone at Sheffield Theatres

John Rwothomack's one-man play is written and performed with a strong belief in the need to share this story with audiences.

nowthenmagazine.com

Reposted by We Are Opus

Now Then magazine @nowthenmag.bsky.social · 22d

Next Thursday, Keir will be joining us to discuss 'Radical Abundance' with Debs Grayson.

In a discussion session hosted by Now Then, we'll explore how we can “create a world of true abundance” right here in Sheffield.

@plutopress.bsky.social

Tickets ➡️ tickettailor.com/events/wordlife/1838497

A graphic advertising an event called 'Radical Abundance'. The poster features the words "Wordlife Present... a Reading Rooms event", the cover of the book 'Radical Abundance: How to Win a Green Democratic Future', and the words "In conversation with Keir Milburn and Debs Grayson. Thu 2 October. 7–9:15pm. The Workstation, Sheffield"

Reposted by We Are Opus

Now Then magazine @nowthenmag.bsky.social · 22d

"Under capitalism, for the sake of generating a bullshit abundance of privatised wealth for the few, our collective freedom and capacity to flourish is constrained"

Here's an exclusive extract from Keir Milburn, @kaiheron.bsky.social and @bertrussell.bsky.social's new book 'Radical Abundance' 🌱

We live in a world where we have too much of what we don't need and too little of what we do – but it doesn't have to be this way

Ahead of in-conversation in Sheffield next Thursday, we have an exclusive extract from a new book that makes the case for creating a world of “radical abundance”.

nowthenmagazine.com

Reposted by We Are Opus

Now Then magazine @nowthenmag.bsky.social · 23d

"Sometimes people get anxious about a singer playing new music, but the crowd tonight cheer excitedly at the prospect"

Hamish Yewdall went along to Sidney & Matilda to catch rising star Rubii's first-ever performance in #Sheffield.

#Rubii

In the ascendancy: Rubii at Sidney & Matilda

The up-and-coming hip-hop star plays an intimate gig at Sheffield's premier underground venue.

nowthenmagazine.com

Reposted by We Are Opus

Now Then magazine @nowthenmag.bsky.social · 23d

"The seaside theme is there in my music. All that world means a lot to landlocked Sheffield – it’s all a bit seedy, but a creative outlet"

Sahar Ghadirian speaks to James Leesley, aka Studio Electrophonique, ahead of his debut album release this Friday ⬇️

#Sheffield #StudioElectrophonique

Studio Electrophonique - “There’s this sensitive, emotional side that’s very Sheffield – but it has to be balanced with a joke”

From Handsworth to Paris, Studio Electrophonique’s debut album chronicles a journey of coincidences as steeped in magic as the songs themselves.

nowthenmagazine.com

Reposted by We Are Opus

Now Then magazine @nowthenmag.bsky.social · 23d

"We will continue our disruptions until institutions like the AMRC stop hosting these genocidal companies"

Anti-apartheid activists have picketed an energy summit hosted by @sheffielduni.bsky.social involving companies that sell weapons to Israel's fugitive regime.

@sammgreg.bsky.social ✍️

Anti-apartheid activists disrupt Sheffield energy summit over ties with weapons manufacturers

The University of Sheffield invited Rolls-Royce and Boeing to a flagship meeting, despite both companies’ links with the genocide in Gaza.

nowthenmagazine.com

Reposted by We Are Opus

Now Then magazine @nowthenmag.bsky.social · 24d

“We weren’t exactly winging it, but it was very improvised. I remember us asking each other: is this good? Are people going to like it?”

We spoke to Cara Tolmie and Rotherham's own Rian Treanor about their intricate new album Body Lapse.

@planetmurecords.bsky.social #Rotherham #Electronic

Cara Tolmie & Rian Treanor - “Some moments are tender, some moments are really intense with big fast sounds. Everything teeters on the edge”

Local producer Rian Treanor and experimental vocalist Cara Tolmie talk to Now Then about their new album Body Lapse.

nowthenmagazine.com

We Are Opus @weareopus.bsky.social · Sep 16

Capitalism has created a world of bullshit abundance, where we have too much of what we don’t need and too little of what we do.

Join us in Sheffield on 2 October to hear Keir Milburn in conversation about the alternative: Radical Abundance ✨

Tickets 👉 tickettailor.com/events/wordlife/1838497

A graphic advertising an event called 'Radical Abundance'. The poster features the words "Wordlife Present... a Reading Rooms event", the cover of the book 'Radical Abundance: How to Win a Green Democratic Future', and the words "In conversation with Keir Milburn and Debs Grayson. Thu 2 October. 7–9:15pm. The Workstation, Sheffield"

Reposted by We Are Opus

Now Then magazine @nowthenmag.bsky.social · Sep 16

"It's telling that the band feel in no hurry to leap from EP to LP, preferring instead to focus on more measured song development"

Steve Hunting reviews the second extended play from Norfolk four-piece A Different Kitchen ⬇️

A Different Kitchen - Revolt

The Norfolk band’s carefully considered output sees their second EP of the year raise the sonic bar.

nowthenmagazine.com

We Are Opus @weareopus.bsky.social · Sep 15

Where should organisations dedicated to social change keep their money? 🤔

Here at Opus, we're in the middle of moving our company savings to better balance high returns with our ethics and values.

@sammgreg.bsky.social spoke to colleague Bashkim Muca to find out more ⬇️

Where should systems change organisations keep their money?

At Opus, we’re in the process of moving our savings to a more ethical platform with better interest returns. Team member Sam Gregory spoke to colleague Bashkim Muca about the thinking behind the switc...

www.weareopus.org

Reposted by We Are Opus

Now Then magazine @nowthenmag.bsky.social · Sep 8

#Sheffield councillors have backed a strongly-worded motion condemning the actions of apartheid Israel.

It's believed to be the most critical motion any #Labour group has yet passed regarding the government’s response to the ongoing genocide.

@sammgreg.bsky.social ✍️

Not in our name: Sheffield councillors vote to support city becoming "anti-apartheid zone", and call for tougher action on Israel's genocide

The motion, supported by the city’s three major parties, calls on the Labour government to end military sales to the apartheid state.

nowthenmagazine.com