image: Virtual conference ‘Communities and Communication 2022: Diverse Voices’ takes place from Thursday 19 to Friday 20 June view more
Credit: Staffordshire University
A virtual event celebrating diverse voices in art, film, theatre and games is being hosted by Staffordshire University this week.
The second edition of interdisciplinary conference and festival ‘Communities and Communication 2022 takes place over two days from Thursday 19 to Friday 20 June, bringing together creators, academics and researchers from across the globe.
Dr Agata Lulkowska, Stephanie Steventon and Dr Sharon Coleclough from the Staffordshire University’s Department of Media and Performance have organised the conference.
Agata, Senior Lecturer in Film Production, explained: “We are so proud to follow up on last year’s success. Our first edition focused on Connections. This year we look at Diverse Voices. The need for diverse voices to be included in the conversation on communities and communication has never been more urgent.”
The conference received more than 3,000 submissions from nearly 130 countries and the programme features contributions from musicians, artists, filmmakers and researchers from a range of disciplines. The event comprises eight panel discussions and numerous film screenings, including presentations on indigenous film production, deaf communities, virtual worlds, and much more.
Keynote speakers include award-winning filmmaker and theorist Professor Agnieszka Piotrowska who will share two unpublished pieces of work. Staffordshire University’s Associate Professor of Acting and Directing Rob Marsden will deliver the second keynote speech, exploring inclusive and engaged theatre practices ahead of a roundtable discussion.
Other guests include international film directors Catherine Gough-Brady from Australia and Spain’s Jaime Dezcallar.
Dr Sharon Coleclough, Senior Lecturer in Film Production and Sound Design, added: “We are amazed by how many submissions we received for this year’s programme. We are excited to be able to give a space to such a mix of works and we are really looking forward to hearing from all our selected contributors and attendees.”
‘Communities and Communication 2022: Diverse Voices’ takes place from Thursday 19 to Friday 20 June. Find more information and register for your FREE place or browse the full event programme.