Very curious, very curious

Coming this Thursday - 80 DAYS: a virtual journey around the world

I am delighted to announce that we are launching a new series of free lectures this week.

With travel restrictions still in place this summer, this is the perfect opportunity explore far-flung places and destinations across three continents - all from the comfort of your home.

Together with 25 Accredited Lecturers and volunteers from across our local Societies, we have put together a programme of talks inspired by Phileas Fogg's journey around the world in 80 days, as told in Jules Verne's classic novel. Aside from the recorded lectures, which will be published over 80 days, there are live events, a book club and other digital activities along the way.

Please note that you need to sign up for free to access the lectures.

We hope you will enjoy this collection of specially commissioned lectures over the summer.

Join our virtual journey around the world this summer with a new lecture programme. Follow in the footsteps of Phileas Fogg and explore 25 destinations over 80 days - from wherever you are. Be guided by our Accredited Lecturers as you enjoy the arts from around the globe.

Taking creative licence in following the itinerary originally devised in Jules Verne’s Around the World in Eighty Days, we explore the art and culture of three continents through the eyes of our Lecturers. Paris, Mumbai, Singapore, Yokohama, San Francisco are just a few of the exhilarating stops along the way. With 25 lectures, a book club, live Zoom meetings and a plethora of curated activities such as cocktail mixing and virtual museum visits, this series is the perfect remedy to another summer of limited travel activity.

No steamer, railway or elephant required.

Sign up as a Virtual Traveller for free to enjoy the 80 Days “festival” of events. Invite friends to join on our journey, and meet new people. Share your own memories and photos from the destinations we visit. Receive regular updates on our journey as we release new lectures in real time.

This programme is a pilot for future online content commissioning, so we invite Members to give feedback and help us shape our digital membership offer.

Visit theartssociety.org/80days to become a Virtual Traveller.

Follow the journey on social media: #80dayswiththeartssociety #whereisphileas