The politics of cultural visibility : Latin American arts practices in Sydney

Abstract

This professional doctorate is an empirical research grounded in theoretical and creative methodologies. It has produced work that combines scholarly research, creative arts publication and academic writing, with clear relevance to industry issues faced by Latin American artists in Sydney. The areas of study are: cultural diversity, arts and culture and memory and creativity. Within these areas the following themes emerged: the construction of a Latin American Australian identity, the use of artistic practice as methodology for cultural research and the application of new web technology. In accordance to academic requirements this thesis also includes three academic papers submitted for publication: "Where Memory Lies-El Lugar de la Memoria", published in PORTAL Journal of Multidisciplinary International Studies, UTSePress (2009), Artistic Practice as Methodology for Cultural Research, presented at the "Next Generation of Cultural Research" conference, University of Western Sydney (2010) and submitted to Visual Methods journal and "Latinamerica en (in) Australia Arts--Politics--Culture: On line and Off Centre" presented at the "Imagining Latin America in Australia" conference organised by the University of Western Sydney--Centre for Cultural Research (2011) and submitted to the Latin American Cultural Studies Journal, UK. Artistic and professional practice are represented in the form of the exhibition "Syncretic: En Una Pieza", produced in May 2010 which included a series of talks on Latin American folklore, a catalogue and a DVD. The creative work "Los Sentidos de la Noche" submitted to PORTAL Journal of Multidisciplinary International Studies, UTSePress and the production of documentary play "Mujeres de Arena" for SBS Spanish program (2010). Further creative and professional work can be accessed through the Latin America en Australia social network. The primary contribution of this thesis is the development of a community of practice, furthering the concept of borderwork, that facilitates a continue exploration of cultural visibility by Latin American artists in Australian. This thesis represents my personal ongoing commitment to develop a cross--disciplinary critical cultural dialogue and in this way affect preconceived ideas about Latin American arts and culture.

Date of Award	2012
Original language	English