Spectopolis: Theme Park Worlds, their History and Significance for Contemporary Culture. This project will outline the historical development of the theme park, evaluating the significance of the growing interest in theme park cultures in recent years. Parallels that exist between C17th and late C20th/C21st entertainment spectacles will be explored, including the formal connections that exist between theme parks and C17th aristocratic gardens, villas, and theatrical spectacles. In comparing both ....Spectopolis: Theme Park Worlds, their History and Significance for Contemporary Culture. This project will outline the historical development of the theme park, evaluating the significance of the growing interest in theme park cultures in recent years. Parallels that exist between C17th and late C20th/C21st entertainment spectacles will be explored, including the formal connections that exist between theme parks and C17th aristocratic gardens, villas, and theatrical spectacles. In comparing both eras, the project will theoretically evaluate the cultural significance of our current fascination with spectacle environments. In comparing the C17th and late C20th/C21st attraction with such spectacular spaces, it is proposed that we are witnessing a return to a culture of the baroque.Read moreRead less
The History of Theme Parks and their Cultural Significance for Contemporary Society. This project will outline the historical development of the theme park, evaluating the significance of the growing interest in theme park cultures in recent years. The formal connections between theme parks and earlier C16th and C17th theatrical spectacles, and garden and villa designs will be of primary focus. In returning to these earlier historical sources, it is proposed that we are returning to a culture of ....The History of Theme Parks and their Cultural Significance for Contemporary Society. This project will outline the historical development of the theme park, evaluating the significance of the growing interest in theme park cultures in recent years. The formal connections between theme parks and earlier C16th and C17th theatrical spectacles, and garden and villa designs will be of primary focus. In returning to these earlier historical sources, it is proposed that we are returning to a culture of the baroque (and its delight in spectacular spaces). In turn, the social and cultural implications of such a return will be a central concern.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE120101072
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
Photos of the past: the negotiation of identity and belonging at Australian tourism sites. This project will explore the way visitors construct and express identity at a range of tourism sites in Australia. Focussing upon the practices of photography, the research will provide a detailed analysis of negotiations of belonging, which in turn may be used to facilitate debate over the pressing contemporary issue of national cohesion.
A study of the public understanding of the Great Barrier Reef and its sustainable use. As a national icon, the survival of the Great Barrier Reef is of consequence to all Australians. As pressures on the Reef increase, it is imperative that the cultural heritage and social value of the Reef be recognised, understood, and mobilised to facilitate efforts to preserve the Reef for future generations. Reaching and informing broad and varied audiences in a range of communities, this project encourages ....A study of the public understanding of the Great Barrier Reef and its sustainable use. As a national icon, the survival of the Great Barrier Reef is of consequence to all Australians. As pressures on the Reef increase, it is imperative that the cultural heritage and social value of the Reef be recognised, understood, and mobilised to facilitate efforts to preserve the Reef for future generations. Reaching and informing broad and varied audiences in a range of communities, this project encourages a much wider appreciation of the value and importance of the Reef to Australian culture, and thus provides an important capacity-building step in realising the long-term social goal of sustainable use of the Reef's unique biodiversityRead moreRead less
The skin of commerce: the role of plastic packaging in the construction of food security, waste and consumer activism in Australia. Plastic packaging has been important to ensuring food security in Australia, however it is also a major waste burden. This project will critically assess new approaches to reducing plastic packaging in food markets and waste streams and will produce key insights into how sustainable food systems can be organised with less reliance on plastic.
Culture and Commerce in the Indian Ocean. The project examines trade cultures in a region which was the hub of the major world economic system in the pre-colonial period, and is now restrengthening. It thus links the earliest global system with current globalisation studies, giving those analyses historical depth. The first cultural studies project in Indian Ocean studies, it matches new theory to the empirical diversity of the region, analysing the way cultural forces add value to commodities, ....Culture and Commerce in the Indian Ocean. The project examines trade cultures in a region which was the hub of the major world economic system in the pre-colonial period, and is now restrengthening. It thus links the earliest global system with current globalisation studies, giving those analyses historical depth. The first cultural studies project in Indian Ocean studies, it matches new theory to the empirical diversity of the region, analysing the way cultural forces add value to commodities, while creating diverse forms of transnational culture and identity. The project makes major contributions to cultural/historical and postcolonial thought, with the potential to create a new field of study.Read moreRead less
Cultures of Trade in the Indian Ocean. A decline in cultural understandings in the IO is threatening trade opportunities. 'Value', accordingly, must be understood both in economic and cultural terms. Another outcome of this collaboration will be an analysis of the ways in which current regional security issues are being posed, and it is essential to have an international network of scholars to provide an appropriate comparative perspective. By giving us a clearer understanding of the impact of c ....Cultures of Trade in the Indian Ocean. A decline in cultural understandings in the IO is threatening trade opportunities. 'Value', accordingly, must be understood both in economic and cultural terms. Another outcome of this collaboration will be an analysis of the ways in which current regional security issues are being posed, and it is essential to have an international network of scholars to provide an appropriate comparative perspective. By giving us a clearer understanding of the impact of culture on commercial relations and of Australia's place in the Indian Ocean Region, the project will help Australia to build strong, peaceful and mutually beneficial relations with its neighbours.Read moreRead less
Culture and Commerce in the Indian Ocean. The project examines trade cultures in a region which was the hub of the major world economic system in the pre-colonial period, and is now restrengthening. It thus links the earliest global system with current globalisation studies, giving those analyses historical depth. The first cultural studies project in Indian Ocean studies, it matches new theory to the empirical diversity of the region, analysing the way cultural forces add value to commodities, ....Culture and Commerce in the Indian Ocean. The project examines trade cultures in a region which was the hub of the major world economic system in the pre-colonial period, and is now restrengthening. It thus links the earliest global system with current globalisation studies, giving those analyses historical depth. The first cultural studies project in Indian Ocean studies, it matches new theory to the empirical diversity of the region, analysing the way cultural forces add value to commodities, while creating diverse forms of transnational culture and identity. The project makes major contributions to cultural/historical and postcolonial thought, with the potential to create a new field of study.Read moreRead less
From the Tap to the Bottle: an international study of the social and material life of bottled water. Water is a critical resource in Australia yet little is known about water in bottles. This project will be the first comparative study of bottled water marketing, consumption and disposal. It will make a significant contribution to national and international understandings of changing practices in the consumption of drinking water. The research will produce an analysis of the rise of the bottle i ....From the Tap to the Bottle: an international study of the social and material life of bottled water. Water is a critical resource in Australia yet little is known about water in bottles. This project will be the first comparative study of bottled water marketing, consumption and disposal. It will make a significant contribution to national and international understandings of changing practices in the consumption of drinking water. The research will produce an analysis of the rise of the bottle in relation to the tap. Specifically, how various anxieties associated with drinking tap water, in Australia and elsewhere, impact on bottled water consumption. The knowledge produced about bottled water collection, circulation and regulation will contribute to wider debates about sustainable water provision and access to safe water for all.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE160100119
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$372,218.00
Summary
Community Gardening in Australia: A Nationwide Study. By researching community gardeners’ experiences, food gardening media and government policies through digital and sensory ethnography, interviews and textual analysis, this project aims to produce a nationwide qualitative study of community gardening in Australia. The rise of community gardens is of major significance, emerging as it does out of a broader range of concerns over the environment, health and wellbeing, food security, social incl ....Community Gardening in Australia: A Nationwide Study. By researching community gardeners’ experiences, food gardening media and government policies through digital and sensory ethnography, interviews and textual analysis, this project aims to produce a nationwide qualitative study of community gardening in Australia. The rise of community gardens is of major significance, emerging as it does out of a broader range of concerns over the environment, health and wellbeing, food security, social inclusion, and community resilience. The intended outcomes of the project will provide an evidence base to enable the development of effective local, state and national policies on community gardening, and recommendations on how community, government, and media can work together to facilitate the expansion of sustainable lifestyles and wellbeing.Read moreRead less