Doing Critical Policy Studies differently? An Anti-Conference Fringe Event at the 2016 IPA Conference

Call for papers, anti-papers and anything in between

What appeals to many scholars about interpretive and critical modes of policy analysis is the common normative desire to provide voice to the local knowledge of subalterns and challenge the hegemony of power within contemporary neoliberal society. This fringe event to the 2016 conference begins from the premise that in replicating the norms of academic disciplines the IPA conference has inadvertently become what it often critiques when analysing policy-making. By replicating many of the practices that are common in academic conferences, it can reinforce hierarchies; lack reflexivity of power/knowledge within academic contexts; and perpetuate behaviours and norms that can exclude certain groups and individuals.

As such, and taking its inspiration from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival that was established in opposition to the heavily curated and elitist Edinburgh International Festival, this year the IPA conference will also include an anti-conference fringe event that seeks to challenge those practising IPA to question if their own academic practice matches their analysis of others. The plan is for a whole day event to take place over one day of the conference.  The original Edinburgh Fringe Festival offered no barriers to entry – performers just had to pay to be included in the programme and find a venue. The IPA Fringe has the same ethos, but with even fewer barriers. You can either contact the organisers in advance to discuss your ideas, or just turn up on the day and “perform”.

Presented work can focus either on the practice of IPA, or research that has been conducted using its principles.  However, we are keen not to replicate the norms of the academy, therefore activities that are particularly encouraged are those which:

•	Use novel presentation techniques – interpretive dance, not Prezi;
•	Use non-academics to present research – either as video recordings or as conference participants;
•	Present virtually, or via social media to save the air travel;
•	Celebrate difference and diversity in society;
•	Use mixed media and are fully plural in what constitutes knowledge and knowing;
•	Offer critiques of university practices, research, academic disciplines and academia;
•	Pose new, critical questions for discussion – either on specific research topics or broader theoretical issues within IPA.

The overall aim will be to create a safe space for difference to be explored and celebrated – doing IPA as practice at an academic conference. We cannot guarantee an audience, but we aim to create a lively space all day where people drop-in. AV equipment, pens, paper, flipcharts and other materials will be provided by the organisers to encourage creativity. 

It would be great to have your contribution to this event, so if you would like to make a proposal or even just to discuss your ideas, please email [log in to unmask] and [log in to unmask]

For details of the event see: http://www2.hull.ac.uk/fass/fass/facultyevents/ipa2016.aspx