2009-11-10
International Conference on Art and Social Justice
This major event...involving the collaboration between artists and poets... is consistent with UNESCOs principle objective as regards the promotion of intercultural dialogue and cultural diversity. It will no doubt contribute to emphasizing the unique role of the arts as a means of dialogue, communication and understanding... giving its aim of promoting ethical values through artistic expression and creativity...
With these words, Koichiro Matsuura, Director General of UNESCO, asserts UNESCOs support and patronage of the Art and Social Justice conference and the associated Dialogue among Civilisations project (http://www.afh.org.za/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=278&Itemid=116), a unique print portfolio that juxtaposes responses from visual artists and poets on issues of social justice. The exhibition will open on the 21st March 2010 at the Durban Art Gallery.
The conference aims to explore the role and relevance of the arts in addressing issues of social justice. In line with the objectives and principles of the conference organizers, Art for Humanity, the concerns of this conference are primarily directed towards advocacy. The conference serves as a platform for art practitioners and organizations to share experiences drawn from a variety of international contexts to discuss mutual concerns and find solutions to commonly experienced challenges.
The conference aims to arrive at a concrete set of resolutions which can be developed into a policy document about the role of the arts in affecting social change, cultural development and equity.
In line with the hosting institutions commitment to academic research, the conference is secondly addressed at academic researchers with an interest in art and social justice, who critically examine relevant works in the fields of literature, visual arts, music and performing arts. Preference will be given to papers that explore theoretical avenues to the credible evaluation of public art and art projects directed at advocacy. This dual approach, which will be played out in parallel sessions, is intended to bridge a crucial gap, which frequently divides scholars and practitioners in the arts.
You are hereby invited to submit an abstract on either one of the following Sub- Themes:
1. Arts and Social Justice in historical perspective
2. Arts as mediator between traditional/religious practices and human rights
3. Arts, communication, advocacy and audiences
4. Arts as expression of cultural diversity in the context of globalization
5. Arts as heritage and the right to identity
6. Promoting ethical values through artistic expression and creativity in arts education
7. The challenges facing arts activism in the 21st century
8. Art activism advancing the Millennium Development Goals
9. Exploring the benefits for donor organizations supporting the arts for social justice
10. Promoting social justice and intercultural dialogue through the arts
11. Exploring the link between art, social justice and health
Who should attend?
- Art for Humanity members and affiliates
- Independent researchers Academics in a range of disciplines
- Members of NGOs in the broad fields of art and social justice
- Activists and members of and civil society groups, including e.g.; the Treatment Action Campaign Members of Arts funding bodies
- Representatives of Ministries of Culture
- Members of Arts representative bodies
- Local government representatives
- Policy makers in the fields of arts and social justice
- Arts educators and administrators
- Artists Members of private foundations
- Corporate sponsors
- Persons with an interest in arts support
- Members of advertising agencies involved in using art in public educational campaigns
- Media agencies and members of the press
- Gallery and Museum Curators
Important Dates
Submission of abstracts: 15 Nov. 2009
Notification on acceptance of abstract: 15 Dec. 2009
Final date for early-bird registration: 06 Jan 2010
Final date for late registration and withdrawal: 21 Feb 2010
Final date for full paper submission (if to be published in the CD-ROM): 02 Feb 2010
Final Date for full paper submission to be published in Conference Publication: 31 May 2010
Please submit abstracts of no more than 300-400 words on line at asjconference@dut.ac.za using Art and Social Justice Conference, abstract submission as a subject headline. All conference details can be obtained from; http://asjconference.dut.ac.za/default.as
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