The event will start with a conversation panel on the Importance of Interest, led by Sudeep Dasgupta, with Fieke Jansen, Marrigje Paijmans, and Sanjukta Sunderason. Curiosity often starts off ideas for research. Yet the interest in a field or question might provoke both disorienting and productively insightful perspectives not envisaged from the angle one began with. How does interest develop, deflect, direct and redirect us as we re-orient ourselves during research? Answers to this question can also provoke questions which ask of us why we are interested in, and what is at stake, in wanting to wander into a field of research. What interests, however contingent, situate us in relate to our objects? Answering this last question inevitably requires, these days, what interest can be earned and value circulated through this research? How can the labour of research-work be made valuable, to whom, and to what effect – institutionally, politically, historically?

The second part of the event will consist of short presentations by ASCA members, including Alex Gekker, Esther Peeren and Tjalling Valdés Olmos, Boris Noorderbos and Marc Tuters, and Laura Vermeeren. The aim of this ASCA showcase is to present the variety of research by ASCA members, while simultaneously informing each other what we are all working on. There will be room for questions and conversation, and drinks afterwards. Please join!

Schedule of the event
15:00-15:05 introduction by ASCA director
15:05-16:15 Panel conversation “The Importance of Interest”
16:15-16:30 Short break
16:30-17:30 Panel showcase ASCA research
17:30-18:30 Drinks