Street art and café culture collide as CHEFS research talks return

Our Culture, Health, Environment, Food and Society (CHEFS) research cluster is delighted to host a series of online research talks, covering the varied terrain of the socio-cultural dimensions of food and drink.

On Friday 15 October (1000-1100; Zoom), the upcoming Food, laneways and public art: The gastronomic transformation of Melbourne research talk will explore the rise of a strong café culture in the city of Melbourne, which was particularly characterised by small independent operators presenting themselves as cutting edge and in tune with the latest developments in artistic culture and environmental sustainability.  The talk will outline these changes, the challenges they have brought, and explore attempts by other cities to replicate them.

Speaking about the event, Professor Jennifer Smith Maguire said, “We’re excited to launch a new series of CHEFS research talks, making the most of Zoom to overcome geographic distance and time zones! Dr Warwick Frost and Dr Jennifer Frost will be joining us from Melbourne to talk about the links between public street art, café culture, urban development, and destination marketing.

“The CHEFS Research Talk Series aims to foster an accessible and vibrant research environment, bringing together staff, students and the public with shared interests in food and drink, and to expand the reach of our networks for SHU-based expertise in food and drink cultures and behaviours, marketing and branding, engineering and product development.

“Personally, I can’t wait to learn more about the historical transformation of Melbourne. I absolutely love the city and its food and drink scene; since I can’t travel there in person at the moment, this is the next best thing!”

The Zoom meeting ID and passcode for this online event are now available (please scroll down after clicking the link).