This symposium will focus on patterns and networks of cultural interaction, exchange, mutual curiosity and overlap between Europe and the region today called “Southeast Asia” as well as Sri Lanka (Ceylon) from approximately 1800 to 1940. Papers on themes that are often overlooked or obscured when focusing on the frameworks of empires and nation-states, or ones that complicate such frameworks, are particularly encouraged. For example, studies in material culture and consumer culture can focus on the circulation of the motifs and patterns of tiles, textiles or prints through commercial and cultural networks. In architecture, “hybrid” styles of architecture such as the “Sino-Portuguese” architecture or “Sino-colonial” architecture found in Phuket, Thailand and similar styles found in Malaysia and Singapore—many examples of which are shophouses built by ethnic Chinese groups— show patterns of both local cultural exchange as well as broader interaction between Europe and Southeast Asia. Topics on contemporary heritage issues in both Europe and Southeast Asia are also welcome.

Each presentation will be about 15 minutes.

Topics include:
- Material culture
- Consumer culture
- World fairs or Universal Expositions, colonial exhibitions and similar settings in Europe and Southeast Asia
- Architecture
- Contemporary issues of cultural heritage
- Theoretical issues regarding cultural exchange, heritage and agency

The airfares of all participants will be covered by Seattle University, and in some cases, lodging as well.

No registration fee is required.

Proposals for papers should be sent by e-mail to Hazel Hahn at: hahnh@seattleu.edu