Lumen Spring Summer 2023 - Flipbook - Page 26
Speaking
from
the South
An inspirational collection of writers and
thinkers focused on the Global South
Friday 31 May - Tuesday 4 June 2024
What does it mean to speak from the south?
What unique perspectives does this vantage
point offer on the pressing issues currently
facing the world?
These are questions which have driven a
recent interest in ‘Southern Theory’ – an
approach which critiques the dominance
of western models that centre on European
and North American experiences and
perspectives.
It shows how northern-produced theories,
concepts and models are often unable to
describe and respond appropriately to the
southern situations into which they have
been introduced.
Southern Theory seeks to empower thinkers
beyond the traditional centres and focus on
issues which affect them.
In recent years, Adelaide’s own Nobel
Laureate J. M. Coetzee has affected a radical
realignment, shifting the centre of world
literature, political philosophy, and the
creative arts toward the south.
Featured as part of the University of
Adelaide’s 150th year celebrations in 2024,
the University will bring Professor Coetzee
together with some of the most profound
and exciting thinkers.
Speaking from the South is a first of its
kind, multi-day public event which
will both celebrate and build upon
Professor Coetzee’s legacy as it generates
conversations grounded in the unique
environments of the south that have global
importance and impact.
Speaking from the South will host writers
and thinkers from across the global south
and the southern hemisphere to reflect on,
and propose pathways out of, the difficult
problems that confront the world today,
such as inequality, the growing use of
technology in everyday life, climate change,
and the mass displacement of people.
While grappling with the ongoing impact of
colonialism in shaping our current world,
the speakers will draw on local knowledge
and experiences to inform future visions and
practices for sustaining life on earth.
Joining Professor Coetzee for public
readings will be Abdulrazak Gurnah –
both of whom are part of the select group
of only 15 writers from the south to be
awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in its
120-year history.
Speaking from the South will also feature
an impressive roll call of international and
Australian writers, thinkers, and poets
participating in a series of high-profile
public panel discussions, readings, talks,
masterclasses, and an exhibition, with a
strong focus on featuring Indigenous voices
from the south.
Return to
campus
Friday 25 - Sunday 27 October 2024
As part of the 150th Anniversary
celebrations, the University will welcome
alumni back to campus for a series of
reunions and events over three massive days.
Return to Campus will encourage
connections and conversations between
friends old and new, and a great chance to
catch up on the successes of fellow alumni.
Among the events, the Golden Jubilee
will celebrate the 50th anniversary of
the graduating years of 1973 and 1974,
continuing the tradition of acknowledging
this significant milestone and the
outstanding contributions to communities
and wider society made by these cohorts.
The Adelaide Alumni Cocktail Reception
will be open to all alumni and will be a
26
THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE
fantastic opportunity to catch up on our
beautiful North Terrace campus.
There will be faculty tours running
throughout the Return to Campus weekend,
providing an opportunity for our alumni
community to reminisce about their time at
the University of Adelaide, and explore new
campus spaces.
And the Return to Campus Gala Ball is
the night-of-nights – not to be missed. This
glamorous, black-tie, gala dinner will be held
at Adelaide Oval. You will hear from notable
alumni and have the opportunity to bid on
money-can’t-buy experiences at the silent
and live auctions.
Plus, the Hughes Society Luncheon will
be held on the Sunday. This annual event
recognises and celebrates the generous
contributions of all alumni and friends who
have chosen to leave a bequest to
the University.
