Collective residencies / QLGBTI+ / Olot
ROBERT MIZZI
From Wednesday, 5 February 2020 to Monday, 17 February 2020
Bio
Dr. Robert C. Mizzi is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Manitoba, Canada. He is also the Editor-in-Chief of the Canadian Journal for the Study of Adult Education. Under the umbrella of equity studies in education, his research focuses on the work situations of transnational educators and LGBTQ educators. Robert has worked in over 15 countries as a researcher or educator, has authored over 50 articles on his research, and has published four books. Robert’s forthcoming books are: Queer Studies in Education: An International Anthology (Oxford University Press) and the 2020 Handbook of Adult and Continuing Education (Stylus).
Project
I am working on a lot of writing projects while I am at Faber. I am working on a book chapter that analyzes photographs of the Indian Residential Schools in Canada and showing indications of gender variance; I am working on my book that disrupts LGBTQ theorizing in education and locates other forms of theories to curriculum and pedagogy that can be useful to LGBTQ topics in education; I am working on my second book on queer studies in education (Oxford University Press is the publisher); and I am analyzing data of LGBTQ teachers working overseas.
Rejuvenating, Re-energizing, and Reconnecting with the Faber Residency
Upon arrival into Faber, I was immediately granted with a warm welcome and a hearty laugh. I did not realize at that time that this warmth and laughter would carry on throughout my two-week residency. I met many intelligent and kind people who are working on the same issues as I am, and, as a result, we developed a strong bond that will exceed beyond Faber.
During my residency, I was able to work on several writing projects, including one that hasn’t been touched for several years! These writing projects are mainly academic journals and a book, but through the residency and meeting various artists, scholars, and writers from different parts of the globe, I can now consider a broader array of outlets for my intellectual and creative endeavours. How very exciting!
Furthermore, during my time in Olot, I met many local community members who shared their stories with me and we exchanged ideas on how to enhance social inclusion efforts in both our communities. This form of intercultural exchange is a rare – but deeply needed – opportunity in the world. Faber has the potential through this residency to contribute much goodness in the world, especially at a time when there is tremendous division and strife. Connecting with others re-affirms our humanity and our drive for a better world, and, in doing so, helps us learn of the issues facing Catalonia. This all happened through my Faber experience. I hope that there will be more residencies elsewhere in Catalonia, and that other communities around the globe follow the model that Faber has created. Peace, mutual understanding, community engagement, and intellectual and creative pursuits are paramount to establishing a truly global and inclusive society. Faber is on its way towards reaching this goal.