BMX as Third Space - Embodied Creativity, Community and the Politics of Place

Department of Philosophy’s Research Seminars Series resumes

Speaker: Dr Dave Camilleri (University of Melbourne) 

Abstract

This talk situates Bicycle Motocross (BMX) as a "third space" — a contested, creative and pedagogic site situated between formal institutions and everyday life. Drawing on heterotopia (Foucault), communities of practice (Lave & Wenger), and embodied accounts of creativity, Dr Camilleri traces a research journey from his studies at the University of Malta to current projects in Australia in the Faculty of Education at the University of Melbourne. The talk will explore how BMX sites (skateparks, DIY dirt trails, street spots) operate simultaneously as learning ecologies, aesthetic studios, and relational arenas of socio‑political negotiation: places where embodied skill, habitual creativity and collective stewardship are produced and reproduced.

Bionote

Dave Camilleri, PhD, is a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Education at the University of Melbourne. His research explores creativity, agency and learning in school settings but as well as in BMX trail building.  He uses mixed methods and participant‑researcher practice to study DIY building, wellbeing and informal learning emphasising embodied, community‑based and place‑based approaches. Dave publishes on BMX, High Ability education, creativity and wellbeing. He advocates inclusive, co‑produced research that supports grassroots communities and urban design, policy planning and practice.

For further information please contact the Department’s Research Seminars series convenor, Prof. Jean-Paul De Lucca.