Referentiality is a public event focusing on innovative and critical research approaches that challenge or evade dominant references forged by inequitable structures of power, including those associated with colonial centres, political hegemonies, racialised inequities and nationalist narratives. The day-long event is part of the MoHoA global initiative, supported by an AHRC Research Networking Grant.

In this time of planetary reckoning when racial, social and environmental inequities of multiple pasts inhabit our present and inhibit our future, is it possible to enable change that is not deferential or referential to these pasts? How can we imagine and realise futures free from inequitable power structures and their legacies whether colonial, political, socio-economic or cultural? Taking aim at the structures of power that have enabled and sustained the unsustainable, this research networking event, sponsored by the AHRC(1)  and hosted by MoHoA (2) with The Bartlett’s MAHUE (3) programme, is a celebration of creativity that disrupts, deposes and decentres. The central theme of referentiality invites academics, activists, creative practitioners and artists to contemplate approaches free from, or independent of, referential relationships with power. 

Referentiality is a day-long public event with special guests that raises critical awareness of, and demonstrates, new research approaches that address cultural, historical and intellectual marginalisation, trivialisation and neglect. It is aimed at making a significant contribution to supporting, promoting, and strengthening artistic, curatorial, policymaking, academic, and other research and practice relationships.

Referentiality comprises a series of dialogues, starting with scholars and practitioners engaged in research that challenges canonical references. This will be followed by in-conversation lunch and an afternoon of events with global figures from diverse art practices including architecture, dance, opera, curation, activism and music.

1 AHRC: Arts and Humanities Research Council 
2 MoHoA: Modern Heritage in Africa/Modern Heritage in the Anthropocene 
3 MAHUE: MA Architecture and Historic Urban Environment 

This event follows UCL’s code of conduct which seeks to create an inclusive experience for everyone. UCL does not tolerate any form of harassment, victimisation or discrimination.