Music and Political Mobilisation in the Asia Pacific

Across four paper sessions and a keynote presentation, scholars from music, politics, and Asian studies will come together to share research and perspectives about how music can move us physically as well as emotionally and how music intersects with power across the Asia-Pacific region.

Discussion around music and political mobilisation has been dominated by two perspectives which this symposium speaks to and expands upon. Firstly, the topic has largely been examined from Western positions and using Eurocentric frameworks. This project encourages and solicits case studies from the Asia Pacific region to broaden the scope of how music politically motivates agents and expose how these structures operate globally. Secondly, discussions of this topic tend to focus on one direction of power, that is musical modes of resistance. However, it is crucial to think about the opposing and reciprocal flow of power and how governments, institutions, and dominant groups listen to and perform music with fervour equal to that of protest groups and minorities.

The symposium is presented with support from the UNE Asia Pacific Network, UNE Sydney, and was the recipient of an Asian Studies Association of Australia 2025 Event Grant.

In person and online

This event will be held in hybrid format with some presenters live in Sydney and others zooming in from around the world to share their work. All who register will receive a zoom link and also be invited to attend in-person at the University of New England campus in Parramatta.

Keynote Presentation

We are excited to announce Professor Kevin Dunn as the keynote presenter for the symposium. Professor Dunn is musician, music and movie producer, novelist, and is Professor of Political Science at Herbert and William Smith Colleges, NY, US.

Keynote abstract:

Music Doesn’t Matter: Politics, Resistance, and Agency From Kneecap to Rebel Riot

A symposium on music and political mobilization assumes a connection between the two. But such an assumption raises important and fundamental questions about music, politics, and agency. Music has no agency, yet many scholars argue for its political relevance. This talk examines a number of fundamental conceptual contradictions scholars must grapple with in their study of music and political mobilization, such as: music has no power, but is powerful; music has no politics, but is always political; music is an ephemeral art form with material consequences; and, ultimately, music doesn’t matter, except that it does. The talk will engage a wide-range of the scholarly literature and global examples. 

Art Installation

As part of the symposium, Indonesian artist Herry Sutresna will exhibit his installation artwork titled "Tenda Juang" informed by the communities affected by agrarian conflict in Indonesia. 

Schedule of Sessions

9:00– Welcome & Acknowledgement of Country 

9:15 – 10:00 – Keynote Presentation  

Chair: Xiang Gao 

10:00 – 11:30 – Session 1 – Cities, Streets, & Festivals 

Chair: Johanna Garnett 

11:30 – Short Break 

11:45 – 1:15 – Session 2 – Genres, Forms, & Platforms 

Chair: Paul Smith 

1:15 – Lunch 

2:00 – 3:30 - Session 3 – Singing, Songs, & Stages 

Chair: Xiang Gao 

3:30 – short break 

3:45 – 5:15 – Session 4 – Justice, Activism, & Punk 

Chair: Jane Ahlstrand