We warmly invite you to join us in celebrating the remarkable career and substantial contributions of the Institute for Culture and Society’s Founding Director, Distinguished Professor Ien Ang, FAHA, as she approaches retirement.

Commencing work as Professor of Cultural Studies at what was then the University of Western Sydney – Nepean in 1996, Ien became Director of the Centre for Intercommunal Studies and then went on to establish the Centre for Cultural Research in 2004. As Founding Director of the Institute for Culture and Society in 2012, Distinguished Professor Ang built Australia’s leading humanities research institute which continues to produce high impact, engaged research and global recognition for Western Sydney University.

Throughout her remarkable career, Distinguished Professor Ang has been a transformational scholar and pioneer in the field of Cultural Studies. She continues to be a galvanizing force in shifting national and international debates in Cultural Studies, provoking new and creative thinking.

Her early groundbreaking work on media audiences led to a trilogy of books including Watching Dallas (1982), Desperately Seeking the Audience (1991) and Living Room Wars (1995). She later explored Chinese identities in On Not Speaking Chinese: Living between Asia and the West (2001). Her recent co-authored works on cultural diplomacy, SBS and Chinatown register Professor Ang’s commitment to migrant cultures and engaged research.

Distinguished Professor Ang’s work has shaped the University’s research landscape, and her mentorship of staff, students and scholars will leave a lasting legacy. This special occasion will be a chance to reflect on Distinguished Professor Ang’s incredible career, to honour her invaluable contributions to the Institute and Western, and to wish her well in retirement.

Event Details:

Date: Wednesday, 13th November

Time: 12:30 PM - 5:30 PM - followed by a reception

Venue: Western Sydney University, Peter Shergold Building, Level 9

We have crafted a meaningful and memorable agenda for the farewell celebration. Here's a glimpse of what's to come:

Introductory Remarks
Session 1 - The Early Days: Building Engaged Research at Western
Session 2 - The Intellectual Legacy of Ien Ang: A conversation with Fran Martin, Tony Bennett and Gay Hawkins
Session 3 - Structures of Feeling
Session 4 – Celebration

Food and drinks will be available throughout the event. Please RSVP to assist with planning.

For any enquiries, please feel free to contact Denise Rezk on d.rezk@westernsydney.edu.au