New book proposed on Feminist Objects, Feminist Memories

Alison Bartlett and Margaret Henderson are two academics who are looking for contributors to a book of essays, memoir or other writing about Australian feminism in the latter twentieth century, using an 'object' or thing as the central focus of the writing/memories/histories.

Call for Contributions
Proposed book:
Feminist Objects, Feminist Memories: The AWM Re-Collects

Edited Margaret Henderson and Alison Bartlett.

‘We live in the middle of things’, Sherry Turkle declares, which carry ‘emotions and ideas of startling intensity’ (2007, 6). We are currently proposing a collection that identifies some of the ‘things’ that were important to the second wave Australian women’s movement. The women’s movement was intent on transforming culture, on creating a feminist culture, but how is this remembered in the national memory, or even in feminist memory? What happened to the overalls, rosters, speculums, yoghurt makers, posters, theatre props, banners, calendars and graffiti? How can these be made vibrant and meaningful to future generations of readers, researchers and thinkers? And what might they be, these things that embody the emotions and ideas of the Australian Women’s Movement?

As a way of documenting the movement, its ideas, and its material culture, we invite contributions from anyone who considers themselves to have been involved in the Australian women’s movement of the late twentieth century.
Contributions should be between 500-5000 words and can be in the form of an essay, personal narrative or other writing, however it must centre on a particular object or thing, its meaning, affect, and importance to your feminist thinking and experience, and to the Australian women’s movement. The object may be connected to something intangible or tangible, for example a particular meeting, song, or person, a protest, campaign or visit, an arts practice, a skill or process. Illustrations or images are most welcome.

Expressions of Interest should be emailed to alison.bartlett@uwa.edu.au by May 2010, briefly stating in 100-200 words
1) the ‘object’ which will be central to your contribution
2) the scope of the writing – what areas of feminist ideas or experience it will include
3) the anticipated length and form of the writing.
Please title the email ‘Feminist Objects’.
Contributions are expected by November 2010.

For further information please contact
Alison Bartlett
Women’s Studies M202
University of Western Australia
Crawley 6009 WA
alison.bartlett@uwa.edu.au