Calls for Papers Digital BlackCentric Week – Digital Dialogues

Introduction

Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage’s mission is to centre perspectives from the African and African Caribbean Diaspora by embedding them in cultural experiences for all. The programme includes the flagship dance festival, Let’s Dance International Frontiers, Black History Month Leicester and the annual Windrush Day Lecture. Through this programme, Serendipity has established a legacy: hosting the Living Archive, documenting Black arts, heritage and culture, publishing the voices of Black artists and community activists, nurturing artists to create high quality new work and mentoring young people as they navigate the industry.

Serendipity’s strength as a Black-led organisation is in working in partnership with artists, venues, educational institutions, museums, producers, directors, promoters, media companies and agencies, both in the UK and across international forums.

Context

Digital BlackCentric week, 6 – 12 November gives the opportunity to take part in cutting-edge development, conversation and new work that utilises technology as a creative tool.  It enhances performance, it aids access and provides a platform for the future where race is invisible allowing ability to shine.  Digital content and its vision allow creatives to dream, to push boundaries and explore old and new concepts whilst forging a new language and occupying new space.  These papers offer the opportunity for further dialogues which will be explored during Digital BlackCentric Week. It is incredibly important that Black voices are in a leadership role at this pivotal point with technology.  Therefore, Serendipity invites Black researchers, academics and creatives to present new thinking with digital technology at its core.

Digital Dialogues aims to:

• bring unheard writing and voices to the forefront, encouraging an open dialogue around their chosen subject
• reflect new ideas of utilising technology as a creative tool
• promote new works from the Diaspora of African, African Caribbean and LatinX community
• explore the intersection between the digital and live performance worlds

Areas of interest might include but not limited to:

• Afrofuturism
• Technology as a creative tool
• International connections
• Access and accessibility 
• Race behind the keyboard
• Gaming technology and cultural practice

Proposals must include:

• 500 word abstract in a word document
• a short (100) words author bio
• a headshot
• individual presentations and any accompanying slides that may be used to present work
• creative presentations up to 20 minutes

Deadline:

Friday 29 September 2023, 5.00pm

All submissions should be sent in via the link below.

Any queries please contact info@serendipity-uk.com