2005 Press Releases
Music & Political Culture - UCC Conference, 19-22 May
The role of music in the creation of a sustainable political culture is
the theme of international conference on Music and the Emergence of
Civil Culture which will take place at UCC on 19-22 May. Titled Music and the Emergence of Civic Culture
the conference is being organised by Dr Linda Dennard, Director of
UCC's Department of Government ETHOS Project on Governance and Civic
Arts. The Conference seeks to enhance the conversation regarding
politics and social learning - exploring how music and the arts might
be employed in political practice to assist the emergence of civil
society.
The interdisciplinary event has attracted scholars from political
science, sociology, music, mathematics, and other disciplines from a
variety of countries. Dr Martin Gardiner of Brown University, Rhode
Island will speak on "Capacities for Civil Society: Music & Social
Learning" and Professor Caroline van Niekerk, former president of
the Pan-African Music Education Society will address music and issues
of political development. Also scheduled is Dr Helen Phelan of the
Irish World Music Centre. Evelyn Grant, UCC School of Music will speak
on "Rivers of Sound: An Illustrated Case Study of Cork Music
Works". Professor Kjell Skyllstad of the Department of Music and
Theatre, University of Oslo will also speak on music advocacy in
promoting equality.
"The Beatles Generation & the End of the Cold War" is the
title of a talk to be delivered Dr Vessela Misheva from Uppsala
University, complimented by a talk by rock chronicler Visnja Cogan on
the politics of U2 music. Dr Paul Burgess of Applied Social Studies at
UCC will discuss the work of his band in conflict resolution in
Northern Ireland among other speakers and performers.
UCC's Department of Government's ETHOS Project engages in
innovative programmes for enhancing the capacity of citizens, political
leaders, and administrators to co-create sustainable political culture,
including research on social learning for governance through the arts
and other processes, and political theatre. It involves staff from
Government, Applied Social Studies, History, and a consortium of
international partners. The afternoon of 19 May is devoted to an
interdisciplinary discussion of research and grant collaboration
possibilities.
The Conference takes place at UCC from 19-22 May in the Boole Complex
and West Wing 9. Enquiries: l.dennard@ucc.ie or visit the
conference website at www.ucc.ie/acad/govt/ethos
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