Brown University event

“Third World First: The Social Boom in Brazil’s Literary Cultures”

Brown University’s Department of Portuguese and Brazilian Studies (POBS), in conjunction with the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies (CLACS) and the Office for the Vice President of International Affairs, is pleased to announce a Symposium, “Third World First: The Social Boom in Brazil’s Literary Cultures” on May 3 (5:00-8:00) and May 4 (9:30-6:00), 2013 at Salomon Hall, University Green, Brown University.

Brazil's growing international prominence is not only visible in international politics and economics, but also in the strength and variety of its literature and cultural production. Immensely popular book fairs, writing workshops, and poetry readings fill the social calendars. British writers like Ian McEwan choose to be published in Portuguese before they are published in English. Marginalized groups are encouraged to find their literary voice through innovative writing programs implemented in favelas.

Open to the public, this two-day symposium will explore the contemporary Brazilian literary and artistic landscape (mainstream, periphery, digital) and attempt to answer the questions: is Brazil surpassing the traditional First World in changing the face and direction of literature and culture? And if so, what is fueling this inventiveness?

This event will include a keynote address by renowned literary critic Heloisa Buarque de Holanda; readings and roundtables with writers Allan Santos da Rosa, Tatiana Salem Levy, João Paulo Cuenca, Ferréz, and Paulo Robert Pires; discussions by cultural and literary policy makers and activists from the Instituto Moreira Salles, the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, the Rio de Janeiro state government, the Capão Redondo collaborative, as well as a concluding forum, in addition to opportunities to meet and greet the writers and to enjoy a dramatic poetry recital and a batucada performance by Brown University’s O Bloco da Brown.

Please share the information of this event with others. This is not a call for papers. The program is open to the public. This event is the first official program of Brown University’s Brazil Initiative. A certificate of participation will be available for scholars, professors and students requesting documentation of their attendance and participation. For more information on the Symposium and Providence, RI hotels, view the link to program/information on Brown University’s POBS Department website.

Nelson H. Vieira
University Professor and Professor of Portuguese & Brazilian Studies and Judaic Studies
Chair, Department of Portuguese & Brazilian Studies
Brown University