The symposium will consist of a series of panels and workshops surrounding the theme of transformation via the arts, and there will be a performance in the evening at Wilson Studio. A special focus will be maintained on Sufism and the whirling dervish throughout the day. Questions which will be explored include: What is devotional practice? How does devotional practice influence one’s creative output? In sacred contexts, are performance and worship one and the same? What defines and delineates a sacred context? How does artistic creation transform its makers? Is all personal transformation sacred? Issues related to the performative act as transformational, processes of art making and transformation, and links between theology and the fine arts will be debated. Papers and speakers relating to ritual, performance, and artistic methodologies for research are especially encouraged to apply.

Papers are now being accepted for the symposium workshop panels. Please send a 150 word abstract and your full details to Hannah McClure Chalut at [log in to unmask] Notice of accepted papers and workshop sessions will be given by May 24th.