An international symposium exploring the exhibitions of arts and industries in the regions outside of the capital cities in the United Kingdom and beyond. Keynote speech by Professor John R. Davis of Kingston University, and speakers from around the world.
Date: Thursday 26 April: 09.30 – 17.15 and Friday 27 April: 09:30 – 16.00Location: University of Wolverhampton, MX004, MX Building, City Campus North
Research has for a long time focused on world fairs, great exhibitions or expositions universelles in the capitals of Europe and in the large cities of the USA.
Their crucial role in communicating ideas about the identities of the exhibiting nations (and their relation to other cultures) and in showcasing contemporary art and design has been examined in detail. In the heyday of these spectacular events, smaller cities and regional centres worldwide, staged their own “great exhibitions” modelled on those held in the national (or imperial) centres.
Their goals, although executed on a more modest scale, were often the same and involved the promotion and sale of goods but also communication of ideas, ideologies and identities. These smaller shows usually had large ambitions and tried to engage not only the local population but also national and international audiences and exhibitors.
This symposium turns attention to the exhibitions of arts and industries in the regions outside the capitals and to the assumptions that lay behind them.
Full Symposium programme can be downloaded here (opens in new window) Directions to City Campus (opens in new window)
Entry is free to all University of Wolverhampton staff and students upon registration.
For non-University of Wolverhampton staff and students, book your place here: Early bird offer: £70 (if you book before 26 March) Standard fee: £90 Students: £30
For more information please contact Dr Marta Filipova, email: marta.filipova@wlv.ac.uk or call: 01902 321549
