An informal lunchtime gathering of graduate students and faculty to discuss international approaches to research and praxis in our field.

RIG leader:  Dr. Patricia Dewey  pdewey@uoregon.edu
RIG coordinator:  Myra Tam  ccacpgtf@uoregon.edu

The increasing importance of international and comparative cultural policy issues is reflected in the growth of the international student body in the UO Arts and Administration and Historic Preservation programs, as well as in the research topics and professional goals our graduate students seek to address.

To foster information sharing in the broad topic of “international cultural policy and administration”, the UO Center for Community Arts and Cultural Policy (CCACP) has established a new research interest group (RIG).  Meetings of this RIG will offer an informal and supportive context in which to explore challenges and opportunities facing graduate students and faculty in developing the international and comparative dimensions of their research.  

Specific plans for the 2008-2009 academic year involve two major areas:  (1) A year-long focus on exploring transnational cultural policy, as exemplified by UNESCO;  and (2) Regular discussions and presentations to discuss students’ research interests.

In 2008-2009, we are collaborating with the new UO Center for Intercultural Dialogue  to support development of this new Center as well as the Conference of UNESCO Chairs, taking place May 9-11, 2009. http://unesco.uoregon.edu/about/history.html

This RIG prepared a comprehensive background paper about UENSCO and cultural diversity. Through this paper, readers can have a basic understanding about the relationship between United States and UNESCO, the current cultural initiatives in UNESCO, the issues of cultural diversity, and the 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion for the Diversity of Cultural Expression.

UNESCO background paper
Appendix 3: Mexico City Declaration on Cultural Policies
Appendix 4: Action Plan on Cultural Policies for Development
Appendix 5: NESCO Universial Declaration on Cultural Diversity
Appendix 6: Development of an Integrated Strategy to Combat Racism, Discrimination, Xenophobia, and Related Intolerance
Appendix 7: United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People
Appendix 8: Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development
Appendix 9: 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion for the Diversity of Cutural Expression
Appendix 10: University of Oregon's Center for Intercultural Dialogue
Appendix 11: List of UNESCO Chairs

2008-2009 Schedule of meeting dates and topics:
(In Lawrence Hall 249 from 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted)

Fall Term 2008

Friday, October 17, 2008  11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Guest:  Dr. Steven Shankman, UNESCO Chair for Transcultural Studies, Interreligious Dialogue, and Peace
Topic:  A discussion about the UNESCO Chair position and the new UO Center for Intercultural Dialogue
      
Thursday, November 6, 2008  12:00-1:30 p.m.
Guest:  Dr. Wayne Lawson, Barnett Distinguished Professor of Public Policy and Arts Administration, The Ohio State University, and Director Emeritus, Ohio Arts Council
Topic:  Adapting US cultural policies and practices in an international context
      
Winter Term 2009

Friday, January 9, 2009  12:00-1:30 p.m.
Topic:  Introduction to the United Nations and UNESCO
      
Friday, February 6, 2009  12:00-1:30 p.m.
Topic:  Exploration of UNESCO & Cultural Sector
      
Friday, February 27, 2009  12:00-1:30 p.m.
Topic:  Specific UNESCO Initiatives: Cultural Diversity & Intercultural Dialogue
      
Spring Term 2009

Friday, April 10, 2009  12:00-1:30pm
Topic: International Research

Friday, April 24, 2009  12:00-1:30 p.m.
Topic:  Intercultural Dialogue:  A prelude to the May 2009 UNESCO conference
     
Friday, May 22, 2009    12:00-1:30pm
(canceled)

Friday, June 5, 2009  12:00-1:30 p.m.
Topic:  Current and emerging issues in international cultural policy, planning for the RIG meetings in 2009-2010