“Fearful Futures”
We have reached a moment in international history that is one of potential paradigm shift. It is a moment when a problematic, but at least blandly progressivist, pro-multiculturalist movement toward “cosmopolitanism” (as Kwame Anthony Appiah might use the term) is being threatened by a far more destructive and potentially genocidal ethno-nationalism, the ferocity of which is fuelled by economic disparity, religious intolerance and retrograde ideologies regarding gender, race and sexuality. The possible global futures we face are fearful, indeed, and in an era of information and disinformation, fake news, and hysterical polemic, are sometimes made out to be inevitable.
In this context, the arts, humanities, media and cultural studies play an important role in tracing the genealogy of the present moment, documenting it, and charting different paths forward, inviting such questions as how does culture replicate itself (or critically engage itself) in the classroom, in literature, in social media, in film, in the visual and theatrical arts, in the family, and among peer groups? How do we rise to the challenge of articulating a notion of human rights that also respects cultural difference? How do cultural representations of the environment abet or challenge the forces driving climate change? What are the roles and responsibilities of the individual activist as teacher, writer, artist, social scientist and community member? What are the responsibilities of both traditional and non-traditional media? How do we make sense of the ideologies driving hatred and intolerance, and posit different models of social engagement and organisation? Looking to the past, what do we learn about the challenges of today?
This international and interdisciplinary conference will bring together a range of academics, independent researchers, artists and activists to explore the challenges that we face in the twenty-first century. While we have every right to fear the future, we also have agency in creating that future. Can we commit to a cosmopolitanism that celebrates difference and that challenges social inequity? On our ability to answer to that question affirmatively likely hangs our very survival.
The organisers encourage submissions that approach the conference theme from a variety of perspectives. However, the submission of other topics for consideration is welcome and we also encourage sessions within and across a variety of interdisciplinary and theoretical perspectives.
The European Conference on Media, Communication & Film 2018 (EuroMedia2018) will be held alongside The European Conference on Arts & Humanities 2018 (ECAH2018). Registration for either conference will allow delegates to attend sessions in the other.
In conjunction with our Global Partners, including the University of Sussex, Birkbeck, University of London and The Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications at Northwestern University (USA), we look forward to extending you a warm welcome in 2018.
– The EuroMedia2018 Organising Committee
Professor Gary E. Swanson, University of Northern Colorado, USA (fmr.)
Professor Anne Boddington, University of Brighton, UK
Professor Donald E. Hall, Lehigh University, USA
Dr James Rowlins, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore
Dr Joseph Haldane, The International Academic Forum (IAFOR), Japan
- Venue & Location: The Jurys Inn Brighton Waterfront, Brighton, UK
- Dates: Monday, July 09, 2018 to Tuesday, July 10, 2018
- Conference Theme: “Fearful Futures”
- Early Bird Abstract Submission Deadline: February 20, 2018*
- Final Abstract Submission Deadline: August 10, 2018
- Registration Deadline for Presenters: May 23, 2018
*Submit early to take advantage of the discounted registration rates. Learn more about our registration options.
About Brighton
The International Academic Forum’s European Conference Series is based in the vibrant city of Brighton in the UK. From iconic tourist spots to beachfront cool, Brighton is crammed full of things to see and do. Boasting a cultural heritage that includes the Royal Pavilion, Regency architecture and Victorian aquariums plus the seaside attractions of Brighton Pier, the Brighton Wheel and the famous pebble beach, Brighton offers something to delight each and every visitor.