Proceedings of plenary sessions emergent tensions in cultural mapping : rapportage and outcomes of plenary sessions by Dr. Marie Briguglio

Abstract

This section aims at summarising the studies reported during the plenary sessions of Cultural Mapping. Debating Spaces & Places Conference held on the 22nd and 23rd October. The aim of the section is to provide a synthesis of the key issues that emerged from the presentations and discussion thereafter, pointing to some of the tensions that may merit further investigation by researchers and policy makers in the field. While both Plenary Sessions were broad in their focus, the first shed particular light on the mapping process, whereas the second took this into the realm of policy. In her introductory message as chair of the first plenary, Dr. Nancy Duxbury outlined the broad scope of the multidisciplinary session which was to ensue. This, she explained, would examine Cultural apping in different geographical and cultural contexts. She set out her vision for the session, namely to flag the issues and the challenges to which Cultural Mapping may be applied, which it may articulate and for which it may activate action, both currently and in the future. In contrast, Mr. Caldon Mercieca, stated that the key thread running through the presentations of the second session, which he chaired, was the focus on the socio-economic implications and on the policy directions that these may, in turn, suggest.