Call for Papers: 2^nd Official Symposium of the MESI (Music, Education and Social Inclusion) ICTM Study Group

The MESI Study Group will be holding its 2^nd International Symposium at the Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico from 21-23 May 2020; the MESI SG focuses on how knowledge systems, including music and education, reflect social inequalities, and it aims at advancing how to counteract discriminatory practices.

In Puerto Rico, the MESI symposium will further discussions on how academia, knowledge production and music practices perpetrate social exclusion, focusing on surfacing approaches and global best practices that successfully counteract discrimination and social exclusion in academia, music and the arts.

MESI wants to actively engage with scholars, practitioners and performers from various geographies, and with those coming from distinct disciplines and sectors who share a common focus on promoting social inclusion.

The following 4 tracks are a reference for presentations; we encourage contributions advancing best practices and actionable solutions in relation to the 4 key questions. Alternative topics will be considered; in your proposal, indicate which track you have chosen – or the alternative topic you are suggesting and the rationale.

1. Education and Social Inclusion. Deconstructing knowledge systems, institutions and music practices that perpetuate exclusion; reshaping language, forms, systems, institutions, practices, content and curricula to be inclusive and representative of all social groups.

• How can we build more inclusive knowledge systems and approaches that challenge discrimination, social exclusion, empowering alternative ways of knowing and counteract persistent bias?

2. Gender Discrimination and Intersectionality. Addressing gender inequality and how gender intersects with race, ethnicity and class; challenging systemic discrimination and under-representation in education, academia, music transmission and performance practices, advancing best practices and innovative methods for inclusive approaches.

• How can we build an inclusive approach to gender equality recognizing intersectionality with other factors of exclusion (class, race, ethnicity, religion, etc.) to counteract discrimination and neutralize sources of oppression in education and music practices?

3. Rights Promotion and Post-disaster Response. Using music, art, performance and/or music education in post-disaster, post-conflict, humanitarian and rights advancement contexts; music and the arts as tools of bottom-up community strengthening and resilience building in educational, social, ecological and economic systems.

• How can we utilize music, art and education for rights promotion and in post-disaster relief, including responding to trauma and PTSD, to build more inclusive and resilient societies?

4. Physical, Learning Disabilities and Mental Illness. Building knowledge on the role of music, performance, music education and the arts in the context of physical, sensory or neurological differences; advancing approaches in the fields of music and education to counteract negative socio-cultural norms, harmful practices, stigma, prejudice and biased systems.

• How can we use music and education to challenge socio-cultural stigma and discriminatory exclusionary notions of “difference”? How can we promote disability-inclusive practices and curricula?

Paper presentations should be max. 15 minutes; panels and alternative presentations like workshops and performance-lectures are encouraged and length can be agreed case-by-case. Contributions should be in English or Spanish; few interventions in other languages (including sign languages) are accepted and translated. Skype/video presentations will be considered if travel is an issue, so all are encouraged to apply.

Please submit the following to mesistudygroup@gmail.com:

1. 250-300 word abstract or alternative proposal for your presentation (max 1 page);
2. A single paragraph personal biography highlighting relevant studies, activities and positions;
3. Institutional affiliation and contact information of all presenters.

Financial support will be available, with special consideration for those who do not have access to funding, students and people from places or social groups underrepresented in academia. If you are applying for economic support, please indicate so in your bio (point 2.), describing all relevant special circumstances.

1^st Deadline for submissions: 30 October 2019 – accepted applicants will be notified by November 30^th

2^nd Deadline for submissions: 30 November 2019 – accepted applicants will be notified by December 30^th