The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Bath is delighted to host a one-day international colloquium entitled: (Re)Making Cities: Urban Transformation and Sport Mega-Events in Brazil.
Following successful bids to host the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2016 Olympic Games in 2007 and 2009, respectively, Brazil has undertaken significant efforts to host the events through both public and private individuals and organisations. Publicly, the Brazilian government has been involved at every level, from local to city, state, and national public and legal officials. Privately, hosting the events has required the resources of both domestic and international business communities and non-profit organisations. Principally, although not exclusively, preparing for the events has involved focused attention on urban environments, most notably Rio de Janeiro.
Following the World Cup, which saw no major incidents occur during the event—even amidst numerous demonstrations and protests—cases have been made touting the positive impact of mega-events. Yet, with the Olympic Games to come in August, the implementation of a variety of plans, agendas, and infrastructure has not come without controversy. Of the issues arising out of preparing for and hosting the events, some notable concerns include: A slowing of the Brazilian economy; political and economic corruption; increased dissatisfaction with political representation; forced displacement of peoples located at sites intended for redevelopment; the rise of several social responses, demonstrations, or movements, most notably enabled via social media; construction of facilities with use questionable beyond the events themselves; questioning of the direction and focus public expenditures; a failure to address or an exacerbation of environmental issues; increased spatial security and surveillance; and concentration of problems and issues within urban environments, especially Rio de Janeiro.
As such, we invite abstracts and papers across a range of disciplines (such as, but not limited to: Cultural Studies, Economics, History, Management, Politics, Sociology, Urban Studies, and Tourism) focusing on the inter-relationships amongst Brazil, mega-events, and urban transformation. Specific foci or issues for consideration are related to or include:
- Environmental changes and impact
- Health
- Human rights concerns and violations
- Infrastructure redevelopment
- Legacies of mega-events
- Mobility
- Popular cultural expression
- Political economy
- Sex work
- Social Movements
- Social media
- Sport, tourism, and culture
- Urban inequalities
APPLICATION: To apply, interested participants should submit an abstract relevant to the colloquium focus discussed above. The abstract should be submitted via email in a word processing document and should include the following:
- Author(s), institutional or employee affiliation(s), and contact information
- 300-word abstract
- Short bio to the workshop organisers
The document and all correspondence should be e-mailed to both Dr Bryan Clift at b.c.clift@bath.ac.uk (University of Bath, United Kingdom) and Dr Thiago Allis at thiagoallis@usp.br (Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil).
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Friday 8 April 2016
AUTHOR NOTIFICATION: 22 April 2016
COLLOQUIUM FORMAT: Our aim is to bring researchers together interested in critically engaging Brazil, urbanism, and sport mega-events. As such, the format of the workshop will take shape around the research papers generated by participants. Accepted participants will be asked to prepare a presentation of 15-20 minutes in length followed by discussion. Each presenter will also serve as a discussant for another participant’s presentation. In fostering a collegial and critical atmosphere, we aim to utilise the colloquium to work toward developing papers and presentations for publication, either individually or collectively.
BUDGET: Unfortunately, we have no funding to support travel costs.
SPONSOR: International Research Initiator Scheme, International Relations Office (University of Bath)
