AAPS Symposium: Decolonisation and the Trans-Pacific
Update, November 2020
The AAPS Decolonisation and the Trans-Pacific Conference was originally scheduled to take place in April 2020, but had to be postponed amid the COVID-19 pandemic. We had hoped that we would be able to run the event one year later, in April 2021, much as we had originally planned. As we have attempted to work towards this goal, however, it is becoming increasingly apparent that we just don’t have the level of certainty we need to do this. Universities still have strict restrictions on travel and funding, international travel remains impossible in most instances, and of course the pandemic itself remains ongoing for the foreseeable future. With so much still so uncertain, announcing a call for panels and papers for a face-to-face conference is simply not possible.
Given these limitations, we have decided to work instead towards a significantly scaled-down event. This will involve our annual Epeli Hau’ofa Lecture, a masterclass for postgraduate students, and our AGM. We’re planning an arts component, as well as a smaller-scale symposium to allow for the intellectual and creative discussions and exchanges that so many of us are craving. We anticipate this program taking place over two days from 8-9 April (TBC). Those who are located in, or able to travel to Melbourne will still be able to meet physically at the Footscray Community Arts Centre (pandemic restrictions permitting); alternately, and for those unable to join us in person, virtual participation will be possible.
What this does mean, unfortunately, is that the fantastic program of panels that we had originally planned for the 2020 conference will not be able to go ahead. We’re disappointed about this, and so grateful for all the work that so many people put in to organising panels, developing abstracts and proposals. But we also want to make the most of what is possible. AAPS has often thrived in creating small, intimate, caring spaces of exchange and Pacific studies community, and we hope we can do that again now.
We’ll share more details about the lecture, HDR masterclass, arts program and symposium in the coming months.
With warm wishes,
Victoria Stead, Kalissa Alexeyeff, and Kim Kruger