Postcolonial Studies in the Public Sphere

We have a final schedule! It can be downloaded here: PP Schedule

We will have a full welcome pack on the site shortly.

What does ‘Public Engagement’ really mean?

How can public engagement be more than just a bureaucratic tick box?

What does it mean to approach research in a meaningful, socially engaged and collaborative manner?

Are we critical of whom the research is engaging with, and in what way?

How does, or should, postcolonial studies as a field approach the possibilities that engagement offers?

What kind of research world do we want to see in the future?

These are just a few of the questions that this colloquium will discuss. It will bring together Postgraduate students and Early Career Researchers working in the field of Postcolonial Studies, with professionals from a range of organizations outside of academia, including political, cultural, literary and community projects and vocations, to share ideas and models of working.

Together we will discuss different models of public engagement, hear from researchers and practitioners already working across academia and the public sphere, think about the possibilities for public engagement within our own work, and leave inspired and equipped to build research careers that go beyond the academy.

The day will feature:

• Keynote address by Dr. James Procter, Newcastle University
• Presentations exploring new research within postcolonial studies including literature and human rights, debates about race and multiculturalism, contemporary conflicts, public health.
• Presentations by practitioners with expertise in a range of fields including publishing, documentary making, political activism, adult education, and theatre and cultural projects.

For a full list of speakers see here.

Interaction and dialogue will be at the heart of the colloquium. Postgraduate researchers and ECRs with an interest in Postcolonial Studies will communicate and collaborate directly with individuals working in similar areas in the public sphere. It will provide inspiration, motivation, and opportunities for scholars in the field to embark on new collaborative projects and discover new ways of disseminating and sharing their work.

This day will close with a round-table discussion, an opportunity for questions, debates and  sharing ideas about potential collaborative projects in the future. As perhaps the most important session of the day, this workshop will allow for participation from all attendees and a chance to makes contacts, exchange knowledge and experience, and build on new ideas for making Postcolonial Studies more engaged with the public sphere.

Lunch and wine reception included. Attendance is free but places are limited, please register here. A limited number of travel bursaries are available for delegates; please apply here.

Good news! We’ve extended the deadline for bursary applications to APRIL 16, 2013! These bursaries are not limited to only those speaking on the day, but ANYONE who wishes to attend the colloquium. Apply online now!

We are very excited to announce that a preliminary list of speakers and practitioners is now available on our website. The full schedule and details will follow shortly.

We have finalized our mobile app for the colloquia, which you can download here! Please be aware that information will be constantly added to the app in the weeks preceding the event, so do keep your eyes peeled for updates!

Thank you for visiting our site! Please feel free to learn more about the aims of our organization and if you are interested, consider participating by submitting a proposal for our colloquium, sharing interesting projects in our discussion forum, submitting an event to our calendar, or adding yourself (or your organization) to our networking list.