Renowned cultural historian, author, curator, and MacArthur Fellow Josh Kun will join Northwestern University in Qatar’s Dean’s Global Forum for a conversation on “The University and the Arts.” Taking place on January 7, 2025, the event will explore how universities can harness artistic expression to inspire creativity, cultivate cultural understanding, and contribute to the broader public good.
“Academia and art have long been interwoven in advancing knowledge and understanding,” said Marwan M. Kraidy, dean and CEO of Northwestern Qatar. “Josh Kun’s work as a scholar and curator exemplifies the power of art to engage communities, challenge conventional thinking, and build bridges across cultures. We are thrilled to host him at Northwestern Qatar and look forward to a lively and inspiring dialogue.”
Josh Kun’s career spans academia, curation, and creative practice. A professor and chair in cross-cultural communication at the USC Annenberg School, he is also the vice provost for the arts at the University of Southern California. His extensive body of work includes award-winning books such as Audiotopia: Music, Race, and America and Songs in the Key of Los Angeles, which investigate the social and cultural significance of music and art in shaping identities and communities. His works also include a forthcoming book titled Beats Across Borders: A Migrant Songbook.
“Josh Kun’s work as a scholar and curator exemplifies the power of art to engage communities, challenge conventional thinking, and build bridges across cultures. We are thrilled to host him at Northwestern Qatar and look forward to a lively and inspiring dialogue.”
As a curator, Kun has collaborated with various institutions, including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), The Getty, and the California African American Museum. His exhibitions have showcased the power of art to illuminate histories and spark dialogue about pressing social issues. His artistic contributions have also been featured at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and Prospect New Orleans. This year, Kun has added to his accolades a Grammy nomination.
The Dean’s Global Forum at Northwestern Qatar serves as a platform for leading global thinkers, practitioners, and creatives to engage the university community in meaningful conversations about critical global issues. Through the Forum, the university reaffirms its commitment to fostering intellectual curiosity and providing students with opportunities to learn from the world’s most inspiring voices.
Event details:
- Date: Tuesday, January 7, 2025
- Time: 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
- Location: Projection Theater, Northwestern Qatar
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