The HCDG is a network run out of the Cambridge Heritage Research Centre that brings together a large, diverse community of people actively engaging with a vast array of topics surrounding heritage and colonialism. For the upcoming academic year (2023-2024), the HCDG invites proposals for presentations centred around the theme: “It’s Complicated”.

BUT WHAT DOES “COMPLICATED” MEAN?

The term “complicated” has often been used to dismiss or excuse action when heritage matters related to colonialism are discussed. The theme “It’s Complicated” seeks to reclaim the word as a tool for unravelling nuanced colonial issues throughout time and exploring the barriers as well as the potential avenues for engaging with them in the present.

By this call, we encourage submissions from all disciplines and professions that address colonial issues that may be characterised as “complicated” with the view to exploring their complexity.

Potential themes include but are not limited to:

  • Museum Studies and Praxis
  • Heritage Narratives and Representations
  • Institutional Policies and Practice
  • Cultural Heritage and the Law
  • Heritage Ethics

PRESENTATION AND SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

The HCDG will hold one-hour online sessions from October 2023 – March 2024.

Speakers will have 20-25 minutes to give their presentations, which will then be followed by a moderated 30 minute Q&A session. Participants have the option of having their presentations recorded and published on the HCDG YouTube channel.

To submit a proposal, please send the following to hcdg.universityofcambridge@gmail.com:

  1. An abstract of maximum 250 words
  2. A bio of maximum 100 words

Application deadline: 20 AUGUST 2023 (GMT 23:59)

Applicants will be notified about the outcome of their submissions by 31 August 2023.