The Taylor Swift Unconference

On July 4, 5 and 6, Taylor Swift will perform in Amsterdam, consequent to the Celebrity Studies Conference in Amsterdam (1 – 3 July 2024). The combination of these events offers a unique opportunity to gather, celebrate, and critique the multifaceted persona(e) of an increasingly iconic performer and songwriter. As the inaugural meeting for the European Taylor Swift Research Network, we hope this unconference will generate new insight into the emerging field of ‘Swift Studies.’

This unconference brings together a select group of like-minded scholars to delve into the nuances of Taylor Swift’s artistry, cultural impact, and personal evolution through an interdisciplinary research lens. The format is open, flexible, and therefore dependent on proposals received. We aim to foster a space of inclusivity and interdisciplinarity, blending presentations and break-out discussions in order to share research, encourage idea generation, and to spur new collaborations. At the end of the day, we hope to have established the groundwork for a special issue of IASPM Journal on the star while also considering the future of the research network and potential collaborative efforts.

To participate, please send a 150 word proposal outlining what/how you would like to contribute to the unconference event, addressing how the group would benefit from your contribution/attendance.

Date: 4th of July, 10:00 – 17:00.
Location: University of Amsterdam
Room capacity: 35

Deadline for submissions: 29 April 2024, 17:00
Please submit using this online form: https://forms.gle/THsupbRvvamyquMBA

Event organisers:
Melissa Avdeeff, University of Stirling
Simone Driessen, Erasmus University
Annelot Prins, FU Berlin
Eric Smialek, University of Huddersfield