This inaugural symposium of the MemoryHub@ANU brings together researchers working in the dynamic field of memory studies to share their research in an interdisciplinary and international conversation. The event will feature keynote lectures from Professor Jenny Wüstenberg (Nottingham Trent University), founding co-president (Past) of the Memory Studies Association and chair of the Slow Memory Cost Action network, and Professor Sandra Young (University of Cape Town), a scholar of global south approaches in feminist memory studies and Shakespeare. While showcasing research on memory across a range of sites, geographies, temporalities and media, the MemoryHub@ANU aims to facilitate fresh perspectives grounded in Australia’s southern hemisphere location, its deep First Nations history, its unique environment, its relations with Asia and the Pacific, and memory in the region. Panels will address these and other topics, such as slow memory, remembering the dead, transnational and diasporic memory, embodied memory, and engendering memory, with cases from a range of geographic and geopolitical contexts. The aim of this joint initiative of the College of Arts and Social Sciences and College of Asia and the Pacific is to facilitate opportunities for dialogue and collaboration across campus, around Australia and with an international network of memory scholars.

As a special event on Day One of the symposium, Paul Girrawah House (Ngambri and Ngunnawal custodian) will welcome us to country and take us on a campus walk featuring interpretations of tree carvings. On Day Two, the conference will conclude with a hands-on workshop, Commemorate, where participants will be invited to explore questions of commemoration through using tactile materials and craft methodologies.

Catering will be provided for teas and lunch but participants must register. Participants are also invited to join in a light dinner for the launch of Memory Hub on Nov 15th.

For further information, please contact Rosanne.Kennedy@anu.edu.au.