The 22nd Symposium of Australian Gastronomy, 16–19 November 2018.
Female Orphan School, Western Sydney University, Parramatta.
The 22nd Symposium of Australian Gastronomy, 16–19 November 2018.
Female Orphan School, Western Sydney University, Parramatta.
The Symposium of Australian Gastronomy aims to bring together a veritable banquet of specialists, scholars, students and interested independents from all disciplines—history, anthropology, sociology, science and technology, writers, educators, artists, food producers and providors, chefs and industry specialists.
Exploring themes of identity, culture, gender, socio- and geo-politics and economics, craftsmanship, alchemy and environment, each Symposium is characterized by its location and organizing committee. It is the only symposium in Australia devoted solely to the discussion of matters related to food, and in particular, gastronomy.
The Symposium is a ticketed event and all attendees will need to register to attend. Details will be available at http://www.gastronomers.net, where you can subscribe to the mailing list.
The theme for 2018 is OUT OF PLACE
‘Out of place’ speaks to locale, to the physical characteristics—climate, soil, hydrology, landforms, geology etc.—as well as the cultural, social, economic and political forces that have shaped food production, distribution and consumption at the level of place.
‘Out of place’ can also relate to ‘not of a place’, to not belonging and to food and foodways that no longer have a place at our tables. Introduced, and perhaps inappropriate species, customs and tastes, or newcomers, foreigners, refugees, ‘misfits’ and marginalised communities, including people who struggle to find their place in society are also ‘out of place’. This interpretation of ‘out of place’ is not however always determinedly negative. Some actively seek to be ‘out of place’, disagreeing with the mores of their society and so valuing out of place-ness and difference.
On one hand ‘out of place’ relates to home and the everyday; to tradition and connection; to foods and practices that are accepted, comforting and comfortable. But the traditional can also be old fashioned, xenophobic, unimaginative, restrictive and predictable. Alternatively, ‘out of place’ can conjure the exotic, the adventurous and challenging, and suggest opportunities, alternatives and possibilities along with thoughts of dislocation and disruption, rebellion, pollution, contamination and discomfort.
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