Fanposium

Taylor Swift has emerged as a cultural icon of extraordinary influence. RMIT University’s ‘Fanposium’ (in partnership with Swiftposium, in collaboration with University of Melbourne) brings together cultural studies researchers, music industry experts, and fans to discuss and explore her influence. Fanposium features a screening of the documentary Miss Americana in one of Melbourne’s most breath-taking cinemas - RMIT's The Capitol. In this revealing documentary, Taylor Swift embraces her role as a songwriter and performer — and as a woman harnessing the full power of her voice.

Fanposium is a 3-hour event that also includes presentations by Taylor’s fans and an expert panel discussion, hosted by RMIT fan studies expert and music industry PhD candidate, Kate Pattison, one of the few academics in the world studying Taylor Swift. Panellists include:

Dr Catherine Strong, RMIT University: Dr Catherine Strong is an Associate Professor in Music Industry at RMIT. She researches the gendered aspects of popular culture, music careers, cultural memory and heritage, and Australian popular music. She has close connections to industry, and is also currently on the International Executive for the International Association for the Study of Popular Music.
Dr Liz Giuffre, University of Technology, Sydney: Dr Liz Giuffre is a Senior Lecturer in Communication at UTS. She researches and teaches in popular music and popular cultures, including screen sound, artist and audience engagement, genre studies and Australian cultural history. She also works regularly in the national independent arts press as a journalist and commentator. Some of her latest work includes a cultural history of the legends of the Hopetoun Hotel in Sydney, popular music and families and a study of Kylie Minogue's first album, Kylie.
Cameron Adams, LiSTNR: Cameron Adams is one of Australia's most renowned music writers, following a 20-year career as a national music writer at News Corp. He currently works as the Music Features Writer for LiSTNR, where he recently produced the Behind The Hits podcast, Taylor Swift – Eras.
Lorrae McKenna, Our Golden Friend & Golden Grants: Lorrae McKenna has emerged as a pioneering force in the Australian music industry. As the Owner/Director of Melbourne-based record label and artist management collective Our Golden Friend, Lorrae's journey is characterized by a relentless passion for music, entrepreneurial spirit, and unwavering commitment to nurturing artistic talent.

The Fanposium is presented by RMIT University and Swiftposium, in collaboration with the University of Melbourne. Fanposium is a community-facing, kick-off event ahead of the academic Swiftposium conference (11-13 February) exploring Swift’s popularity within the context of gender, fandom, popular culture, literature, the economy, the music industry, and more.

This event is free, but capacity is limited. Taylor Swift will not attend Fanposium. Approximate event times are as follows:

Sunday 11 February 2024, The Capitol (113 Swanston Street, Melbourne)

1pm – Registered attendees to arrive

1:30pm – Welcome, Introductions, and Fan Presentations

2pm – Miss Americana documentary screening

3:45pm – Expert panel discussion

4:30pm – Event ends

For further information, please contact Kelly Foo ( Operations Officer) at kelly.foo@rmit.edu.au

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