Culture That Shapes the World at Bocconi

Culture creates meaning, but it also describes the past and influences the future of contemporary society. Identities are formed by comparing cultures and exchanging with others, and are influenced by multicultural moments that open up new pathways towards conflict resolution and peace. Thus, culture builds new worlds and new images of the world. This role will be examined and discussed during "Culture and the Making of Worlds," the third edition of the mid-term conference of the Sociology of Culture research network of the ESA (European Sociological Association), organized by Bocconi in collaboration with the University's ASK (Art, Science and Knowledge) research center. The conference will be held 7-9 October.

With the participation of keynote speakers Barbara Czarniawska (University of Gothenburg), Diana Crane (University of Pennsylvania), Vijayendra Rao (Development Research Group at the World Bank) and Andreas Reckwitz (Europa-Universität Viadrina Frankfurt), the international conference will examine three main issues in a multidisciplinary outlook. "The first issue," explains Stefano Baia Curioni, Vice President of the ASK Center and coordinator of the conference's organizing committee, "is about the importance of studying culture for conflict resolution, shaping government-building processes and guiding social and economic development, with a series of sessions dedicated to globalization and the relationships between culture and human rights, religion, power and the elite. The second will examine culture not simply as an instrument for social construction but also as an end in and of itself, focusing on the transformation and influence of modern media, artistic communities, creative industries and the future of communication. Lastly, cities, the aesthetic of urban spaces and the relationship between culture and time will be included in the third issue." In addition to the sessions, there will also be two round tables. The first, "I Make Art," will be held at Bocconi on 7 October. Organized in collaboration with the Sandretto Re Rebaudengo Foundation, it will focus on how the world of contemporary art is changing and will include the participation of the artist Xavier Veilhan, as well as the artistic director of the Foundation and curator of the 75^th Whitney Biennial of American Art in New York, Francesco Bonami. The second round table, "Icons, Community and Aesthetics," will be held on 8 October at the Triennale di Milano, with the participation of Rolling Stones Italia editor, Carlo Antonelli, and record producer Howie B (Howie Bernstein), along with others. Complete information on the international conference is available on the website: www.esaculturebocconi2010.org