Symposium Diversity in Arts, Culture and Media Studies

Nine experienced researchers from different disciplines and different standpoints will share their reflections on their work as researchers of diversity in culture, arts and media studies in three discussion panels. Under the moderation of Kim Dankoor, the speakers will discuss how academia can contribute to more diversity in these fields. Including a keynote presentation by Lisa Gaupp and three panels, the discussion will be guided along three themes: perspectives, contexts and solutions.

Perspectives: Coming from different disciplines and working towards multiple research goals, the speakers will discuss how they understand the concept of diversity and its pertinence. Here, the speakers will engage with different academic, societal and field approaches to the notion of diversity, and their epistemological effects on research.

Contexts: While research on diversity emerges from multiple corners of the world and involves an enormous variety of actors and institutions, different cultural contexts have different theoretical and methodological needs. However, some of the main problems appear similarly in different contexts. Speakers will reflect on the relevance of context, the transferability of knowledge on diversity, language, and the necessity of listening to diverse voices.

Solutions: Some diversity researchers have involved themselves in actions towards solutions. To do so, research needs to work participatively with communities, institutions, funding agencies and stakeholders. In the panels, speaker will share their experiences working towards solutions and their views on the possibilities of coordinated work with a multiplicity of actors.

Confirmed Speakers 
Dr. Sevy Bayraktar (online), Prof. Dr. Pauwke Berkers, Dr. Antonio Cuyler (online), Dr. Lisa Gaupp (online), Prof. Dr. Raphaela Henze, Dr. Lieke Hettinga, Dr. Christina Scharff (online), Dr. Julian Schaap, Dr. Sandra Trienekens.

Organizers 
Juan Carlos Escobar (MDW) and Britt Swartjes (ESHCC)