BAMC2024: Forum to Challenge Cultural and Human Perceptions

Yesterday, the TBS Education-Barcelona campus hosted the 5th Barcelona Conference on Arts, Media & Culture (BAMC2024), organized by the International Academic Forum (IAFOR), based at Osaka University in Japan. The goal of the conference was to broaden awareness of different contexts in the pursuit of synergies and solutions. To make this possible, 13 speakers from around the world had the opportunity to share their insights through three keynote presentations, one panel discussion, and one forum discussion. Also incorporating and additional segments for Q&A.

Although the event officially began at 9:00 AM with a breakfast, the conference itself started at 10:00 AM with a welcome address from our IAFOR guests. After that, Baden Offord, from Curtin University in Australia, delivered the first keynote, captivating the audience with his exploration of what it means to be human. Through the use of metaphors, he addressed the complexity of human nature, declaring how the life is complex and we don’t know all the answers. Emphasizing the idea that while we may seek to define humanity, the answers are always elusive and incomplete.

On the other hand, Raúl Fortes Guerrero, an expert in East Asian Studies from the Universitat de València in Spain, followed with a presentation from a cultural perspective using Miyazaki Hayao’s films. He explained how these films evoke a sense of childhood nostalgia, often juxtaposing old European worlds with traditional Japanese values. However, Fortes also highlighted how Miyazaki challenges these traditions, breaking away from long-held stereotypes. And how is time to forget cliché as he remarked; “The idea we have of others is not the true idea of the people. Even if the real idea doesn’t align with our expectations.” Focussing on how culture is in a constant state of flux, reshaping our perceptions and breaking boundaries.

In the next presentation, Yirga Gelaw Woldeyes, a multidisciplinary researcher from Curtin University, continued extending the idea of making a point about human rights. Through his research on the African experience and Ethiopian traditions, he discussed the need for a more critical approach to education through dialogue in order to create a better future.

In the afternoon, the focus shifted to group presentations on adult education and learning in Spain, exploring the challenges and opportunities within this field. To conclude the conference, IAFOR offered a reflection on global citizenship and provided a critical perspective on contemporary tourism, discussing how we can be more responsible in our engagement with it. It was a great decision for a closure ending, as most of the audience was visiting Spain for the first time, once again emphasizing the importance of cultural respect.