Hi Everyone,
I’m a recent arrival from the geography department at the University of British Columbia, whose now working at the University of Glasgow. As a new member of the Participatory Geographies Research Group, I’m thinking organizing an event for the upcoming RGS-IBG meeting. What I have in mind is an exhibition that showcases varied participatory projects. The idea would be to curate an exhibition demonstrating the materials (through text, video, photographs, audio) of various collaborative engagements, and really, to facilitate a space in which to experience and discuss these works. Ideally, this should be staged somewhere at or in close proximity to the University of Edinburgh. My own collaborative history has been based in theatre, photography and video, which lend themselves well to exhibition. I also have curatorial experience, which is an asset.
I’m also wondering if the exhibition space may provide an interesting setting to hold a session. I’d be keen on a panel on collaboration. By no means tempering current enthusiasm , the session could focus on discussing the challenges of participatory work, as well as strategies used to produce more equitable or reciprocal research relationships. As many of you are well aware, collaboration is rarely straightforward, is often fraught with conflict and politics, while requiring substantial commitments of time and resources. Perhaps it’s time for a critical reflection. I’m open to other suggestions. I’d like to see what takes shape, but the exhibition and session(s) may provide the spark for a special issue. At the very least, they’d be an engaging means of sharing constructive thoughts.
I’m writing to gauge the interest within the research group. Any ideas where we might stage the exhibition in Edinburgh would be most welcome, as would thoughts of where we might access any small pots of money. The event would require some resources, to cover costs of exhibition space, whatever technical equipment we’d need, and other bits and pieces. I’ll be exploring what resources may or may not be gleaned in Glasgow.
If anyone has any thoughts, interest or ideas, please do get in touch. Best, Caleb
Dr. Caleb Johnston
Research Associate
Geographical and Earth Sciences
East Quadrangle, University of Glasgow
Glasgow G12 8QQ
Tel: 141 330 4782 ext 2326
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