Blurring ethnic and cultural boundaries: a postmigrant analysis of migrantized artists and producers in the cultural scene in Flanders

Arts practices have been used by undocumented or refugee migrants to achieve the aim of belonging in their new immigrant society in different ways. This paper contributes to this field by studying how second and third generation migrant artists and cultural producers inherently shape this cultural scene while navigating existing ethnic and cultural boundaries. A postmigrant analysis of fifteen interviews, conducted in Flanders, is used to move beyond the migrant subject, centralising how migration and migration-related consequences become a part of their cultural products. Using this lens helps to reframe one-dimensional notions of (migrant) identity, culture and belonging, and to make space for a plurality of voices and experiences of both artists and cultural producers that go beyond simply belonging or not in the cultural and artistic field. This paper centralises the agency and situated lived experiences while emphasizing on their journey in which art is considered a complex and continuous changing process of identity formation, empowerment and/or resistance.

About the speaker
Amal Miri's research interests focus on exploring the intersections of migration, critical feminist theory, and participatory research methodologies. Her work investigates the nuanced experiences of migrantised people through the lens of affective citizenship and agency emphasizing how culture shapes and is shaped by these experiences. In sum, she is passionate about amplifying marginalized voices and fostering collaborative approaches that challenge dominant narratives in both academic and community contexts.

When: February 12, 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM
Where: VUB, Pleinlaan 5, -1 floor, room Lisbon/Rome or online (Teams)

Registration: CAR Seminar with Amal Miri | VUB Birmm