Call for Papers: Cultural Exchanges between Korea and the West – Artifacts and Intangible Heritage

Date of event:   15/01/2021 − 15/01/2021

The First International Conference of “East and West in Korean Studies” Project

Conferene title: Cultural Exchanges between Korea and the West: Artifacts and Intangible Heritage
Duration: 7-8 May 2021
Location: Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, Italy
Deadline for submission of abstracts: January 15, 2021
Notification of acceptance: February 10, 2021

The Department of Asian and North African Studies at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice invites applicants for the First International Conference of “East and West in Korean Studies” Project to be held at Ca’ Foscari University from May 7th to 8th, 2021.

The focus of this conference is on cultural exchanges and historical encounters between Korea and the West in premodern and modern times in the form of cultural artifacts and intangible heritage. It endeavors to find the various points of contacts and exchanges throughout the centuries that have contributed to the shaping of the history and culture of Korea, as well as examining the role of Korea at the crossroads of these exchanges.

The conference aims to promote interdisciplinary approaches and dialogue within transnational perspectives between scholars from various fields such as heritage studies, history of art, archaeology, religious studies, museum studies, and Silk Road studies etc. Since “cultural heritage” includes tangible as well as intangible heritage, proposals may focus on various research methodologies such as analysis of material remains, historical materials, cultural heritage practices, transmission of ideas, skills and techniques.

The conference organizers are calling for submissions on a range of subjects that may include, but are not limited to:

  • Cross-cultural and historical interactions between Korea and the West
  • Circulation of objects, dissemination of knowledge and artistic modes
  • Korean art objects in Western museum collections and vice versa
  • Architectural heritage during the colonial period
  • Heritage policy and management
  • Cultural heritage restitution and diplomacy
  • Contested and negative heritage

Submission guidelines
Please submit abstracts of 300 words, including up to 5 keywords with a short biographical note (up to 100 words) accompanied by details regarding occupation, affiliation and contact information (address, telephone number, email).

Proposals in MS-Word format should be submitted by January 15, 2021. Applicants will be notified by February 10, 2021. The conference will be conducted in English. For more information and/or to submit an abstract, please contact: eastandwest.korea@unive.it.

A full paper for a 20-minute presentation should be submitted by April 10, 2021. Selected papers will be published in 2023 in an edited volume on cultural exchanges between Korea and the West.

Logistical Information
Funding for travel and accommodations (up to 3 nights) is available for confirmed speakers. In the case of travel restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic, presenters will instead be paid an honorarium. The conference may be held using a hybrid approach, utilizing both in-person and online sessions.

Organizing committee
Dr. Jong-Chol An (Assistant Professor at Ca’ Foscari University and AKS Project Director)
Dr. Ariane Perrin (Researcher and AKS Project Manager)
Ms. Giulia Prendina (AKS Project Assistant)

For the CfP in PDF please see here.