CfP: Heritage, Development and Modernity – Local Perspectives from Asia and Beyond

November 27th to 28th, 2024

Institute of Ethnology, Academia Sinica, Taipei (online or hybrid)

The purpose of this conference is to explore the relationship between cultural heritage, development, and modernity, aiming to focus on how “culture” transforms into “cultural heritage” and how it intersects with global forces, societal changes and discourses on modernity at various scale levels. We seek to examine how the process of heritagization influences contemporary society and culture, presenting new perspectives and case studies from an Asian perspective, but not limited to Asia, to address the current cultural landscape in the context of globalization and modernity. Delving further, we aim to investigate the impact of market forces and modernity on the conservation of cultural heritage, exploring the intricate relationships between heritage preservation, economic development, and markets. Additionally, we seek to explore the roles played by government policies, private sector engagement, and grassroots community initiatives in the protection and reuse of cultural heritage. This includes examining how government regulations can either support or hinder preservation efforts and exploring community-led initiatives and grassroots movements that have successfully safeguarded cultural and historical assets.

This conference outlines a comprehensive and comparative research endeavor designed to comprehend the changes and opportunities associated with the conservation of culture and heritage. Grounded in rigorous ethnographic research from grassroots perspectives within the capitalist world, our endeavor seeks to provide insights into the dynamics of cultural preservation and its implications. Submissions of papers are invited to examine the effects of globalization, markets and development discourse on cultural heritage, encompassing themes such as cultural commodification, gentrification, cultural appropriation and indigenous, localized form of preservation. A focal point of this conference is the examination of case studies from Asia and beyond, which will be analyzed in a comparative manner, contributing to the global heritage studies.

Abstract Submission

An abstract in English (up to 500 words) can be sent to shuliwang@gate.sinica.edu.tw by May 30, 2024. The submission should also include an abstract title, the author’s name, and affiliation, contact details (including email address), as well as the author’s bio (up to 200 words). Successful applicants will be notified by June 15, 2024. For successful applicants, a full paper in English of about 6,000 to 8,000 words will be expected by September, 15 2024. These papers will be pre-circulated prior to the conference, with a view for publication in an edited book in the future. 

Conference Grant and Reimbursement

• No registration fee is required for participation in the conference. Complimentary accommodation and catering will be provided for three nights during the conference period for all presenters. 
• Papers showing innovative perspectives and grounded ethnographic research will be considered for conference grants. Priority will be accorded to promising young Asian scholars for full or partial travel reimbursements and other conference benefits. Please indicate in your submission if you intend to apply for travel reimbursement.
• Scholars based in Taiwan will receive full travel reimbursement.

Important Dates

• Abstract submission deadline: May 30, 2024
• Paper notification: June 15, 2024
• Full paper submission deadline: September 15, 2024
• Conference: November 27 to November 28, 2024

Convenors
Shu-Li Wang, Associate Research Fellow, Institute of Ethnology, Academia Sinica
Hsun Chang, Director of the Institute of Ethnology, Academia Sinica

Contact
shuliwang@gate.sinica.edu.tw