The Errol Barrow Centre for Creative Imagination (EBCCI) of the University of the West Indies,
Cave Hill Campus, Barbados, invites the International Dance Community of Artists, Scholars,
advocate, Graduate Students, instructors, historians, dance lovers/advocates, critics and the
community at large to participate in the Conference:
‘THE SUSTAINABILITY OF DANCE AS AN ART FORM: ECONOMICS, POLITICS AND THE
PHILOSOPHY OF RESISTANCE.’ March 6 – 8, 2014
This colloquium of academic discussion, discovery and workshops, will take place March 6th to
8th, 2014, at the picturesque Errol Barrow Centre for Creative Imagination, on the beautiful
island of Barbados, in the Caribbean, a unique place, with a melting pot of culture, arts and
creativity.
Come share ideas, creative solutions and vision to keep alive the timeless motion of words of
silence because dance is also a human right.
“…We are "One World" and that which injures any one of us, injures all of us…Eleanor Roosevelt
Call for Proposals - Via Email Submission
Contact: Neri.Torres@cavehill.uwi.edu
Deadline for Abstracts: November 25, 2013 (mailed paper proposals will not be accepted)
About UWI
Over the last six decades, The University of the West Indies (UWI) has evolved from a fledgling
college in Jamaica with 33 students to a full-fledged, regional University with well over 40,000
students. Today, UWI is the largest and most longstanding higher education provider in the
English-speaking Caribbean, with physical campuses in Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad and
Tobago, and Open Campus sites in Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, The Bahamas, Belize, British
Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St Christopher (St Kitts) &
Nevis, St Lucia, and St Vincent & the Grenadines. The UWI Open Campus operates from over 45
site locations across the region, serving over 16 countries in the English-speaking Caribbean.
The UWI is a university with an international reach, with faculty and students from over 40
countries and collaborative links with over 60 universities around the world. Through its seven
Faculties, the UWI offers undergraduate and postgraduate degree options in Food &
Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities & Education, Law, Medical Sciences, Science and
Technology and Social Sciences.
About EBCCI
The Errol Barrow Centre for Creative Imagination (EBCCI) nurtures and promotes the making,
study and appreciation of the creative arts at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill
Campus, Barbados, in the community and the Caribbean region. Since opening its doors in
2007, the EBCCI has become an arts focal point for artists, students, faculty and community, the
centre functions as a hub for creative expression and the creative cycle: creation, production,
distribution and preservation. Its activities contribute to the development of a Caribbean civicmindedness and creative spirit through research and scholarship, the practice of creative arts,
classes, lectures, workshops, seminars, master classes, symposia and outreach to schools and
communities. Presenting the Bachelor of Fine Arts, Creative Arts in Dance, Theatre and Film and
the Master of Arts in Arts Entrepreneurship, Studio Arts & Arts Education, the centre enriches
and complements intellectual inquiry, campus life and contributes to the well-being of the
larger Caribbean community.
Abstract
The pervasive marginalization of the dance expression in society has reinforced the necessity of finding
urgent solutions that allow practitioners to be acknowledged under governmental policies. Under
politics: we'll explore the political implications of the relevance of dance as a tool for social change,
highlighting particular Caribbean cultural dance forms that survived the devastating effect of slavery as
philosophical models of cultural resistance. Under economics: because dance is a human right we will
devise protective laws for dancers that will provide "reasonable accommodation relating to full enjoyment
of economic, social and cultural rights." *
*From the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Proposal guidelines:
Vision, Concepts and Methods to:
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Press politicians and lawmakers to permanently include dance on their decision making process
and annual budgets
Continue dancers’ professional development after graduation
Preserve traditional dances
Strengthen the dance experience in your city
Implement dance or dance history as a requisite on K-12 curriculum
Fundraising for productions and projects
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Promote dance as the heart of development policy (under sustainable tourism)
Advocate for dancers’ rights
The impact/experience of the following on your career:
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Precarious practice space (not appropriate flooring, poor light and ventilation, etc.)
Budgetary constraints (in your productions, your studio, your creativity, etc.)
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exploitation of dancers and dance activity by government and authoritative groups
abusive treatment of dancers within the dance profession and hiring entities
Lack of recognition
Lack of protective policies
Conference Sessions will include:
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Paper presentations – in depth exploration, analyses of the sustainability of dance form, sharing
original research. [20 minutes paper/10 minutes for Q & A]
Panels – discussing topics related to the conference theme. [3-5 panelists – 1 hour]
Workshops – practical presentations of dance forms: a narrative component based on the
philosophy of resistance (20%) inclusive of a movement component (80%). [1 hr - 10 minutes]
Deadline for Abstracts; November 25, 2014
Deadline for Paper Submission: January 10, 2014
Conference Registration Fees: $100US
Proposal Submission - Email your abstract to Neri.Torres@cavehill.uwi.edu
Abstract Submission Details
1. Abstract Attachment Format – Times New Roman, 12 point font; no photos, text boxes, bullet
points or tables. 400 word limit. The proposal must address the conference theme. In the
narrative (no outline), clearly explain the question, concern, issue, or project goals of your
presentation
2. Submission: proposal will be considered on first time first serve basis considering the first fifty
five slots. Once your proposal is sent we will send you an email with a confirmation number.
3. Name and Contact Information for Lead Presenter – Provide full name, preferred address,
phone number, and e-mail.
4. Biography for panelist to Include in Conference Program —150 word limit
5.
Type of Presentation – See options above in this document under Conference sessions
6. Track of Session – Choose one of the categories on the above guidelines. (Research or
Workshop)
7.
Audio/Visual Requirements – The following AV devices will be available: (1) projector and
screen, computer, DVD player and speakers and CD player
8. Online Application Fee Payment:
9. A $20 non-refundable application fee online
10. Students must present with an advisor or faculty member, or have an individualized letter of
support from a faculty mentor.
All accepted panelists must register and pay the conference registration fee by February 22, 2014
EBCCI reserves the right to cancel the session if these policies are not followed.
Panelists are responsible for supplying any additional equipment needs themselves