TEH MEETING 56 "MIGRATING CULTURES"
BIRMINGHAM 25 to 28 September 2003
By P. Udenze
We look forward to welcoming you all to Meeting 56 "Migrating
Cultures" in Birmingham.
MIGRATING CULTURES SYMPOSIUM
The meeting will feature the Migrating Cultures Symposium, an open symposium
and networking event celebrating the contribution to the arts made by
emerging cultures within Europe, taking place 26 September 2003 at The
Drum in Birmingham. This exciting symposium will feature speakers from
the USA, France and the UK covering interesting and stimulating issues
as well as workshops and two performances in theatre and dance.
Migrating Cultures – which starts with the assumption that cultural
diversity is the common heritage of humanity - examines the impact of
transnational movements and their effect on the changing face of Europe.
We anticipate the participation of 200-300 national and international
delegates. This gathering will be a convivial celebration of today’s
artistic and cultural practices, with vibrant dialogue and a passionately
shared commitment to the expression of diversity in the arts.
Programme highlights
Symposium
Topics
We intend to provide an academic environment charged with the energy of
creative experience to discuss:
• A Matter of Plurality: Socio-political identity and cultural heritage
• Ambitions for Creative and Performance Arts: The role and influence
of migrating cultures on the arts in the UK
• Diversity and New Media: New visual languages and cultures as arts
development drivers
• Migrating Cultures: The human condition
Workshops
• Programming Cross Cultural Activities
• EC Policy on Funding Culture
• Marketing Cross Cultural Activities
• Future Issues (Championing Cultural Diversity in Europe)
Performances
• Banner Theatre - Migrant Voices
• Koromanti Arts Theatre Company – Inna de Wilderness
• Club Afrique (Club night featuring the best in African Dance Music)
Please confirm your centre’s attendance with details of delegates
to Claire Emson at conference@the-drum.org.uk
Tel + 00 44 121 333 2409 Fax 00 44 121 333 2444
Keynote Speakers
Speakers will include artists, creative entrepreneurs, academics and cultural
change agents. Already confirmed are:
James Early, Director of Cultural Heritage Policy, Smithsonian
Institution, Washington, DC. Over 30 years he has recognised the integrity
of historically evolved values and cultures of African-American, Latino,
Native American, Asian-Pacific American and Euro-American communities.
Colin Prescod, Chair of the Institute of Race Relations.
A writer and academic, he has worked in film, television and theatre as
well as being former Head of the African and Caribbean Programmes Unit,
BBC.
Dr Christophe Bertossi is a lecturer and researcher
at the Institute of Political Studies in Toulouse (France). His research
interests concern immigration, citizenship and multiculturalism in Europe.
Sylvia King is Chief Executive of The Public, a new £54m
multimedia complex development in West Bromwich near Birmingham. She was
a teacher until the late seventies and is a former recipient of the Guardian
"Jerwood Award" for achievement in the voluntary sector.
Amani Naphtali is Director of Arts at The Drum. He is well
known and respected as one of the leading African writers and directors
working within the UK. His recent production of Ragamuffin at the Birmingham
Repertory was a turning point for cross cultural programming within Birmingham.
Delegates’ Meeting
The delegates meeting starts on the 25th of September with Lunch at the
Drum Frontiers Café Bar, followed by a meeting where new members
and guests will be introduced. This will be followed by a Civic Reception
dinner and welcome by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham. Delegates will return
to the Drum to meet Birmingham Artists at the Frontiers Café bar
for networking, drinks and music. The delegates meeting continues on Saturday
morning and is followed in the afternoon by several TEH workshops including
a workshop and discussion around trans-national multimedia developments
and issues. The day finishes with a music performance by one of Birmingham’s
renowned reggae artists Patoo Banton. There will be a cultural tour of
Birmingham on Sunday morning followed by jazz lunch at the Drum featuring
Birmingham’s grandfather of Jazz, Mr Andy Hamilton.
Please notice that September is high season for exhibitions and conventions
in Birmingham, so book your hotels now to ensure that you will get a room.
For details of hotels please contact Claire (as above).
TEH_Meeting_and_Symposium_Details (stampabile).doc