Conference Theme
This conference aims to bring together scholars working across a wide range of disciplines in order to generate new perspectives on how Irish cultures are being studied, how Irish cultures are being framed and deployed, and on the multiplicity and diversity of Irish cultures.
Keynote One
Oein DeBhairduin, Traveller Culture collector and Curator, National Museum of Ireland.
Title: 'Minceiri and the Museum: Connection, Challenge and Change.'
Bio: Oein joined the NMI in March 2022 having previously worked with the HSE and was supervisor and manager of St Olivers Training and Education Centre in Cloverhill, Clondalkin for nine years. He was the first Minceiri/ Irish Traveller to work in the Oireachtas, engaging in educational inclusion and cultural rights policy matters. His focus within NMI is developing a Traveller specific collection, as directed, supported and identified by the indigenous, ethnic, minority community. He is a published author of Minceir/ Traveller Folklore, and a long-standing member of many Traveller organisations such as a past vice Chair of the Irish Traveller Movement, Council member of Miniceir Whidden and originating member of Tome Tori, the Gammon-Cant (Shelta) speaking group.
Keynote Two
Dr. Aileen Dillane, Associate Professor of Music, Irish World Academy, University of Limerick
Title: 'Always Coming Home': Speculative Ethnographies, Deep Ecologies, and Musical Affordances.
Bio: Dr. Aileen Dillane is Associate Professor of Music at the Irish World Academy, UL, where she is Course Director of the MA in Ethnomusicology. Aileen also co-directs the Centre for the Study of Popular Music and Popular Culture, a priority research centre at UL that has an associated book series Popular Musics Matter: Social, Cultural and Political Interventions (Rowman & Littlefield). Aileen’s research interests include local/global Irish musics; musical migrations and diasporas; protest musics; European popular culture; urban soundscapes and critical citizenship; and music festivals. Aileen has co-edited seven books and two special journal editions, published forty-six articles and books chapters, and is currently working on a monograph. Following on from the 2019-2022 HERA-funded FestiVersities project on music festivals, public spaces and cultural diversity, Aileen is combining her interests in applied ethnomusicology, sustainable and intentional musicking, and writing modalities in her keynote for this conference.
Full Programme and Registration will be available from Mid-August
This hybrid conference will be free to attend, booking is essential, and participation will be available in-person and via MS Teams.
Travel bursary details can be found here.
Steering committee: Dr Niamh NicGhabhann (UL); Dr Karol Mullaney-Dignam (UL); Dr Sophie Cooper (QUB) & Prof Sonja Tiernan (IHA).