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weareopus.bsky.social
We Are Opus
@weareopus.bsky.social
490 followers 23 following 37 posts
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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weareopus.bsky.social
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
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nowthenmag.bsky.social
Now Then magazine @nowthenmag.bsky.social · 1d
"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
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Reposted by We Are Opus
nowthenmag.bsky.social
Now Then magazine @nowthenmag.bsky.social · 6d
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
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Reposted by We Are Opus
nowthenmag.bsky.social
Now Then magazine @nowthenmag.bsky.social · 6d
"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
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Reposted by We Are Opus
nowthensam.bsky.social
Sam Walby @nowthensam.bsky.social · 8d
Come down!
weareopus.bsky.social
We Are Opus @weareopus.bsky.social · 9d
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"
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nowthenmag.bsky.social
Now Then magazine @nowthenmag.bsky.social · 7d
"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
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Reposted by We Are Opus
sammgreg.bsky.social
Sam Gregory – Sheffield journo @sammgreg.bsky.social · 9d
Really looking forward to hosting the discussion part of this – it's gonna be great! 👇

@plutopress.bsky.social
weareopus.bsky.social
We Are Opus @weareopus.bsky.social · 9d
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"
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weareopus.bsky.social
We Are Opus @weareopus.bsky.social · 9d
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"
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Reposted by We Are Opus
nowthenmag.bsky.social
Now Then magazine @nowthenmag.bsky.social · 12d
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
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weareopus.bsky.social
We Are Opus @weareopus.bsky.social · 12d
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
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Reposted by We Are Opus
nowthenmag.bsky.social
Now Then magazine @nowthenmag.bsky.social · 14d
"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
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Reposted by We Are Opus
nowthenmag.bsky.social
Now Then magazine @nowthenmag.bsky.social · 14d
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"
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Reposted by We Are Opus
nowthenmag.bsky.social
Now Then magazine @nowthenmag.bsky.social · 14d
"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
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Reposted by We Are Opus
nowthenmag.bsky.social
Now Then magazine @nowthenmag.bsky.social · 15d
"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
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Reposted by We Are Opus
nowthenmag.bsky.social
Now Then magazine @nowthenmag.bsky.social · 15d
"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
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nowthenmag.bsky.social
Now Then magazine @nowthenmag.bsky.social · 15d
"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
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nowthenmag.bsky.social
Now Then magazine @nowthenmag.bsky.social · 16d
“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
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weareopus.bsky.social
We Are Opus @weareopus.bsky.social · 22d
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"
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nowthenmag.bsky.social
Now Then magazine @nowthenmag.bsky.social · 22d
"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
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weareopus.bsky.social
We Are Opus @weareopus.bsky.social · 23d
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
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Reposted by We Are Opus
nowthenmag.bsky.social
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
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weareopus.bsky.social
We Are Opus @weareopus.bsky.social · Sep 5
Join us in #Sheffield on 2 October for an exciting in conversation between Keir Milburn and Debs Grayson about Keir’s new book 'Radical Abundance', co-written with Kai Heron and Bertie Russell.

📅 2 October
📌 Workstation
💷 £5 (£10 solidarity)

Tickets 👉 tickettailor.com/events/wordlife/1838497
A black-and-white photo of a bearded man, wearing a black polo-neck sweater and looking at the camera with a slight smile
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nowthenmag.bsky.social
Now Then magazine @nowthenmag.bsky.social · Sep 3
“I got a FaceTime call from my partner. She was on the school run, I was just in Vegas. It was a very short conversation"

We spoke to Red Rum Club at @tramlinesfestival.bsky.social about their early influences, first gigs, and the strange situations you find yourself in when touring.

#Tramlines
Red Rum Club - "People try to be cool with their influences, but when you think about it, it's McFly, Busted and School of Rock"
Video calls from Vegas, horror films and early 2000s pop-punk – Now Then discover what inspires Red Rum Club.
nowthenmagazine.com
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simonduffy.bsky.social
Simon Duffy @simonduffy.bsky.social · Sep 2
The beautiful people at @ubilabmanchester.bsky.social hit the streets.

Finally a social policy people can understand.
ubilabnetwork.bsky.social
UBI Lab Network 🌍🌎🌏 @ubilabnetwork.bsky.social · Aug 26
Today @ubilabmanchester.bsky.social continued the UBI Roadshow in Manchester, talking to people about Basic Income with a focus on how it could support a Just Transition.

They brought their Monopoly-like Towards A UBI Society game, which gets a lot of love!

@ubilabmanchester.bsky.social
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weareopus.bsky.social
We Are Opus @weareopus.bsky.social · Sep 1
This is the first instalment in a new series on our Opus blog articulating the work we're doing internally to better serve our mission of transformative systems change ✍️

We'd love to hear what you think of the chat between Sam and Bash, especially if you work in the systems change sector! 📢
weareopus.bsky.social
We Are Opus @weareopus.bsky.social · Sep 1
At Opus, we’re in the process of moving our company savings to a more ethical platform with better interest rates.

@sammgreg.bsky.social spoke to colleague Bashkim Muca about the thinking behind the switch, and what learning we hope to offer to other organisations devoted to systems change ⬇️
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
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