About Bali-Global Arts and Design Symposium

Myths and Noble Wisdom of Asia-Pacific Civilization

Background

The Asia-Pacific civilization encompasses a rich repository of myths, indigenous wisdom, and noble values that have shaped cultural identities, spiritual frameworks, and knowledge systems for millennia. Amidst a dynamic global landscape—marked by technological disruption, ecological crises, and social polarization—re-examining these traditional narratives offers critical reflections and innovative solutions to contemporary challenges. This seminar seeks to illuminate how ancient Asia-Pacific discourses can provide fresh perspectives on global issues while fostering cross-cultural dialogue within a shared civilizational framework.

Objectives

  1. To analyze Asia-Pacific myths and wisdom as responses to global issues, including environmental sustainability, social justice, and multicultural harmony.

  2. To explore spiritual and philosophical reflections from Asia-Pacific traditions in the context of modernity.

  3. To construct interdisciplinary theoretical frameworks (spanning anthropology, religious studies, philosophy, ecocriticism, etc.) for understanding the relevance of traditional wisdom.

  4. To expand academic and cultural networks across Asia-Pacific nations through intellectual exchange.

Focus and Scope

The seminar invites contributions addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

  1. Myths as Epistemic Foundations:

    • The role of myths in shaping ecological ethics.

    • Creation myths and their nexus with climate change discourse.

  2. Local Wisdom and Globalization:

    • Tensions between modernization and the preservation of traditional knowledge.

    • The application of Asia-Pacific spiritual traditions (Zen, Tao, Indigenous cosmologies) in contemporary psychology or conflict management.

  3. Mythic Narratives and Collective Identity:

    • Heroic myths and their influence on nationalism in Southeast Asia.

    • Reinterpretations of gender symbolism in Asia-Pacific myths: Deconstructing archetypes and equality.

  4. Contextual Analysis:

    • Integrating traditional wisdom into public policy.

    • Myths in literature and art as vehicles for cultural resistance or soft power diplomacy.