The next in a series of Global Futures events ‘exploring burning questions for global society’:

Storytelling and Global Futures

Tuesday 9 January 2018, 4pm-6pm+ in LECC Training Rooms 1 & 2

 Why should we care about arts, culture, and literature in the face of the global challenges characterizing the present moment?

 How can a story help combat climate change, or a poem ensure peaceful, ethical international relations?

This event makes the case for the importance of stories, narrative, and literature in confronting global challenges, exploring the multiple and varied ways in which they can help to shape better global futures.

 

Agenda:

3 x 15 minute talks by:

Qaisra Shahraz            ‘Celebrating Diversity: Building Cultural Bridges through Literature’

Qaisra Shahraz is on an ardent mission to promote better relationships amongst people of different faiths and of none and to celebrate diversity. She says, ‘Living in the age of Trump; difficult times, as a Muslim woman I find myself sandwiched between two monsters; Islamophobia on one side and extremism on the other (ISIS)’. She will discuss how she uses her stories and peace banners, ‘We Stand Together’ and ‘Spread Hummus Not Hate’ to build cultural bridges, hold intercultural dialogue, and promote unity. In particular Qaisra is keen to challenge hatred, stereotypes about Islam and Muslims. Qaisra will read from her latest book The Concubine & The Slave Catcher. She will discuss how she urges her German and English readers to read and appreciate her story A Pair of Jeans by getting out of their ‘western’ box, and to look beyond their own cultural norms.

 

… among other speakersBiographical Information:

 Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Qaisra Shahraz is a prize-winning and critically acclaimed novelist and scriptwriter. Born in Pakistan, she has lived in Manchester (UK) since childhood and gained two Masters Degrees in English & European literature and scriptwriting for television. In 2012, Qaisra was recognised as being one of 100 influential Pakistani women in Pakistan Power 100 List (2012). Last year she won the National Diversity ‘Lifetime achiever award’ for ‘Services to literature, education, gender & community cohesion’. This year she was recognised as number 1 of 50 most influential women in Manchester. Founder and director of Muslim Arts and Culture Festival (MACFESTUK) in Manchester, Qaisra aims to celebrate rich Muslim heritage, promote community cohesion by bringing diverse communities together.

 

The event will bring together people from across the University, Lancaster city and the local area, so that the question can be explored from fresh angles in a lively but relaxed setting. We look forward to seeing you there.
For catering purposes please let us know if you will be attending the event by emailing isf@lancaster.ac.uk