Utopia: The Scholar & Feminist 2013

Program, online registration, and additional information at bcrw.barnard.edu

This year’s Scholar & Feminist conference focuses on emerging visions for feminist futures that can power movements and drive ongoing work for justice. Although utopias are often seen as impossible by their very definition, imagining them nevertheless can be an important catalyst for social change. “Utopia” will go beyond narrow concepts of feminist utopias to playfully undertake the collective work of designing templates for what those fighting for social justice are working towards. In the spirit of participation and collaboration, plenary presentations pair academics and activists with artists and performers, who will work together to express feminist visions for the future. Conference workshops invite participants to brainstorm strategies for bringing about better environments, from imagining ways to educate children and adults that focus on creativity and curiosity, to keeping the general population safe without prisons, to developing affordable housing options.

Plenary panelists include Pam McMichael, executive director of the Highlander Center; Melanie Cervantes, co-founder of Dignidade Rebelde graphic arts collaborative; Marisa Belausteguigoitia Rius, director of gender and development at the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de México (UNAM); Jennifer Miller, playwright, performer, director, and founder of Circus Amok; Shaowen Bardzell, a leading scholar on feminist human computer interaction principles; and Youngsuk Altieri, a visual artist and printmaker whose work focuses on natural ecosystems and interconnectedness. 

Cost of the conference is on a sliding scale. Matriculated students and Barnard faculty and staff attend the conference for free. No one will be excluded due to lack of funds.

Register online: utopia-conf.eventbrite.com