IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE WORLD OF CREATIVE CONVERGENCES

"Creative Convergences" is a dialogue series presented by the Division of Arts and Cultures at Franklin University Switzerland. This intellectual journey is not just a simple collection of conversations. It is a thoughtfully curated symposium where academia meets creativity, diversity, and ideas. Every gathering is a demonstration of the power of ideas that brings together innovative thinkers, distinguished scholars, and creative individuals from all over the world. By exploring the landscape of global leadership through the lens of liberal arts, participants get to experience firsthand the emergence of new perspectives that can only arise from such a rich and diverse dialogue.

Exploring Global Leadership Through Liberal Arts

In today's world of constant connectivity, "Creative Convergences" provides a platform for passionate individuals to come together and shape the future. Our events focus on a series of dialogues, where carefully crafted 40-minute discussions explore and analyze the complex layers of global leadership. Through these discussions, we aim to explore how liberal arts values relate to leadership. After each workshop, participants take part in interactive feedback sessions, empowering them to share their insights and collaborate on solutions. This approach not only diversifies viewpoints but also actively involves each participant in the process of learning and discovery, leading to a richer, more engaged understanding of leadership in the modern era.

A Platform for Intellectual Exchange

"Creative Convergences" is moderated by some of Franklin’s professors from the university's Division of Arts and Cultures. The series fosters interdisciplinary conversations that aim to transcend traditional boundaries and help us rethink leadership education inspired by sustainability, unity, and diversity. By bringing together scholars, educators, artists, and intellectuals, the series aims to inspire curiosity, encourage collaboration, and showcase the rich tapestry of academic thought in action.

SPRING 2024 PROGRAM

Guest Speaker Date Location
Dr. Olu Q. Menjay January 9 | 11:30 Student Lounge | McNeely Center of Ideas & Imagination
Pascal Schwaighofer February 13 | 18:00 Student Lounge | McNeely Center of Ideas & Imagination
Michel Gagnon and Simona Zampa February 28 | 17:30 Student Lounge | McNeely Center of Ideas & Imagination
Nausikaa Angelotti March 8 | 16:00 Student Lounge | McNeely Center of Ideas & Imagination
Milano Painting Academy April 6 | All Day Milano Painting Academy | Via Francesco de Sanctis, 34, 20141 Milan, Italy
Ion Marin and Mario Botta April 10 | 16:00 Student Lounge | McNeely Center of Ideas & Imagination

 

GUEST SPEAKERS
Dr. Olu Q. Menjay | President of V. S. Tubman University

Dr. Olu Q. Menjay, Ph.D., is a prominent figure in global education, serving as the President of V. S. Tubman University in Liberia. With a distinguished career in educational leadership, Dr. Menjay has made significant contributions to the advancement of learning initiatives in diverse cultural contexts. Beyond his role as an academic leader, he has actively shaped educational policies and consulted for international organizations. As a respected scholar, Dr. Menjay brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to "Creative Convergences," enriching the dialogue with his insights into the intersection of education, leadership, and global perspectives

Mario Botta | Architect

Mario Botta, born in Mendrisio, Switzerland, is celebrated for his profound expressions of human memory in architectural form. Influenced by the Modernist movement and masters like Le Corbusier and Louis Kahn, Botta's work reflects simplicity, essentials, and a deep connection with nature. His designs, characterized by pure geometric forms and meticulous attention to detail, have garnered international acclaim, with projects ranging from the Capuchin convent in Lugano to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Botta's architectural legacy extends beyond his built works, as he has also made significant contributions to architectural education and discourse through teaching and publications.

Conductor Ion Marin
Ion Marin | Conductor

Ion Marin is acclaimed for his creative, engaging, and innovative programs, conducting esteemed orchestras worldwide and collaborating with renowned soloists. As the Artistic Director of the Salzburg Mozarteum University’s symphonic activities, he continues to inspire through music and education. Maestro Marin's illustrious career has seen him working with prestigious institutions such as the Berliner Philharmoniker and the Metropolitan Opera, earning him accolades such as the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres from the French Republic.

Pascal Schwaighofer | Artist

Pascal holds a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from Cornell University and an MA in Fine Arts from the Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera in Milan. His research is grounded in environmental humanities, visual culture, and critical theory. Starting from the material culture of apiculture, his dissertation titled Domesticating Metaphors—The Use(s) of Honeybees in Times of Extinction explores the modern Western fascination with honeybees and its transdisciplinary influence on linguistics, cybernetics, economy, and ecology. In 2022-23, Pascal was a Mellon Graduate Fellow at the Society for the Humanities, Cornell University. His interdisciplinary artistic practice intersects with academic pursuits, ranging from animal studies to political theory.

Nausikaa Angelotti | Translator

Nausikaa Angelotti is a skilled linguist and translator who graduated from the University of Pisa with a degree in English and Russian languages. She has spent a considerable amount of time in England for both studies and work. Angelotti began her career at various translation agencies in Italy and other parts of the world before transitioning to freelance translating. In 2010, she completed a Master's degree in postcolonial text translation at the University of Pisa. Some of her notable works include publications for Metropoli d'Asia and Zona Editore, as well as contributions to online magazines such as "El Ghibli" and "Sagarana." Additionally, she is actively involved with the Babel festival, where she focuses on literary translation.

Michel Gagnon | LAC Director

Michel Gagnon, currently serving as the Director of LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura, envisions LAC as a cultural hub with international resonance. Born in Canada in 1957, Gagnon's diverse experience includes stage management for Les Grands Ballets Canadiens and production management for L'Opéra di Montreal. His role as LAC Director involves overseeing the entire cultural center, including the concert and theater hall, and collaborating with various programming entities.

Simona Zampa | FAI Swiss

Simona Zampa, a Bocconi graduate with a background in economics, transitioned from a career in banking to pursue her passion for art. An accomplished artist and philanthropist, she shares her expertise by teaching color theory at the i2a institute. Simona's philanthropic journey spans two decades, marked by practical contributions and a commitment to projects she believes in, including her role as President of the Board of Trustees for FAI SWISS.

Join the Conversation

Be a part of the transformative "Creative Convergences" series. Connect with scholars, educators, artists, and intellectuals as we build a collaborative future inspired by the arts and culture. Your participation is the key to shaping the next generation of global leadership.

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