Call for Contributions
CMW is a method of learning, reflection and research developed by Frigga Haug and the group Frauenformen in the 1980s at the intersection of feminist and Marxist theory, academic research and political practice. In CMW a group uses short written memory scenes of personal experiences of the group members for an extensive analysis, keeping in mind the entanglement and interdependency of constructions of individual memories with the historico-societal relations.
For putting CMW into practice, the investments in terms of time, interpersonal openness, emotional involvement and analytic thought are rather high. Yet the reported experiences and the feedback of participants in all institutional settings on taking part in CMW projects overwhelmingly confirm personal gains, growth, new horizons, increased understanding of complex issues as common results. In reports about CMW projects the fascination that participants feel for the method is a re-occurring theme.
Ironically though, in spite of the character of the method in its reliance on collectivity and collaboration amongst participants, many practitioners of CMW seem to be rather isolated when it comes to discussing their own experiences with the method. The Symposium is an attempt to counter this isolation by providing a forum for exchange of experiences. We wish to:
- scrutinise our practices in the various fields where CMW has been applied;
- raise issues and discuss critical questions that develop for us when we use CMW;
- create an opportunity to build networks for cooperation and knowledge exchange across geographical and disciplinary boundaries;
- build bridges for an increased transfer of CMW in areas of social activism and professional reflection;
- look at the potential and impacts of CMW for emancipatory politics.
For the Symposium we invite contributions from practitioners of CMW from all sorts of backgrounds, social and political activism, research and/or teaching, universities, adult education, trade unions etc.
The focus at the Symposium is on active participation and exchange. The sessions will have a workshop character.
As a contributor at the Symposium you will incite thought, discussion, exchange. You will meet and connect with the participants who came to engage with you in a meaningful discussion that arises from your contribution.
Sessions are scheduled for a duration of 90 minutes. Your contribution is the only one during the session. A simple structure for your session could be, e.g. an initial presentation on your topic (30 minutes) followed by discussion afterwards (60 minutes).
For presentations, we encourage you to consider alternative formats, e.g.
- a personal letter to the participants that you read as an intro to the session,
- a sketch that you (or a group) would play to portray issues or questions to share with the group,
- an artwork that embodies the issues or questions you want to share,
- you may have other ideas … please share them.
Such formats may not suit every topic, but where they do, please consider them as a real possibility.
When you send us a proposal, a member of the organisational team will contact you for an initial discussion and feedback on the proposal and the envisaged format for the contribution.
For suggesting a contribution, please send us a brief abstract, and feel free to also explain background/s, potential questions, and what you would like to gain from making the contribution at the Symposium. For proposals and inquiries, please send an email to: info@collectivememorywork.net
Deadline for receiving proposals: 1st of December, 2024.
Confirmation of acceptance of proposals: 28th of February, 2025.