I Know What I Know: The Story of Graceland told by Professor Jason Arday
Join Jason Arday, Professor of Sociology of Education at the University of Cambridge, for an insightful exploration of Paul Simon’s most controversial album and relationship to South Africa’s Apartheid.
Humanities Lecture Theatre Arts Complex 7 Woodland Road Clifton Bristol BS8 1TB
In the early 1980s, Paul Simon’s career was in turmoil. Despite a long streak of success as a solo artist and as one half of the iconic duo Simon & Garfunkel, he faced uncertainty in a rapidly changing musical landscape. With the rise of MTV and a changing musical landscape punctuated by new romantics, new wave, synth-pop, and arena rock, Simon’s future in music seemed unclear.
Join Professor Jason Arday, the University of Bristol and the British Academy for an insightful exploration of Paul Simon’s most controversial album and relationship to South Africa’s Apartheid.
This talk will explore what many consider Simon's greatest work: the 1986, multi-award-winning album Graceland. Professor Arday will examine the artist's decision to ignore the cultural boycott and the ripple effects of this choice, particularly on the Township musicians he collaborated with.
Was Simon simply a self-interested musical genius following his melodic ear, or was this a bold act of political defiance and cross-cultural collaboration? Join us as we reflect on one of the most seminal and divisive albums of all time.
This event will be chaired by Professor Esther Dermott, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University’s Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences. This talk is part of the British Academy’s flagship lecture series hosted by the University of Bristol.
Professor Arday’s talk will be followed by a drinks reception in the atrium.
About Jason Arday
Jason Arday is Professor of Sociology of Education at the University of Cambridge’s Faculty of Education. He was formerly a Guest Editor on BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme and listed 4th on the prestigious Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 in 2023.
He previously held the position of Professor of Sociology of Education at the University of Glasgow, School of Education; Associate Professor in Sociology at Durham University in the Department of Sociology; and Deputy Executive Dean for People and Culture in the Faculty of Social Science and Health.
Professor Arday is a Trustee of the Runnymede Trust, the UK’s leading Race Equality Thinktank, and the British Sociological Association (BSA), and sits on the Centre for Labour and Social Studies (CLASS) National Advisory Panel, the NHS Race and Health Observatory Academic Reference Group and the ITV Cultural Advisory Council.
His research interests and publications intersect across education, social mobility, mental health and race. In 2019, Arday explored race, music and 1990s popular culture in Cool Britannia and Multi-ethnic Britain: Uncorking the Champagne Supernova.
About the British Academy
From artificial intelligence to climate change, from building prosperity to improving well-being – today’s complex challenges can only be resolved by deepening our insight into people, cultures and societies.
The British Academy invests in researchers and projects across the UK and overseas, engaging the public with fresh thinking and debates, and bring together scholars, government, business and civil society to influence policy for the benefit of everyone.
Delivered by the most outstanding academics in the UK and beyond, the British Academy’s flagship lecture programme showcases the very best scholarship in the humanities and social sciences.
Book your place
You can attend this event in person or watch online via livestream. Tickets for both viewing options can be booked through Ticketpass.
Attending in-person: Humanities Lecture Theatre and atrium area.
Attending online: The livestream link will be emailed to you before the event.
Accessibility
Please see the Accessable guide for the Arts Complex Building for specific information about the venue.
Transport information
Bus services
U1 – The UniBus service runs term-time only, from the city centre directly into the Stoke Bishop campus.
1/2 - Services run from opposite Station Approach Road (outside the Reckless Engineer pub) by Bristol Temple Meads rail station and the city centre.
3/4 - Services run from the city centre.
8/9/72 – Services run from Bristol Temple Meads rail station and the city centre.
For all the above bus services ask for the Triangle West. First Group bus service information.
Train services
Temple Meads is the closest train station.
Bus services 8, 9 & 72 run from Temple Meads. Alternately you can walk down Temple Approach and take buses 1 or 2 from outside the Reckless Engineer pub (ask for the top of Park Street which is across the road from Wills Memorial Building).
Taxi
V Cars: +44 (0)117 925 2626 | V Cars website
Car Parking
There is no parking available at the Humanities Complex. Street parking is a mix of local resident’s (9am–5pm Mon-Fri on a permit basis) and pay and display bays which allow parking up to 3 hours. There is a long stay NCP car park nearby on Jacobs Wells Road, BS8 1EH.
For more information and charges please visit the Bristol City Council website.
Alternatively, Park and Ride services allow you to park without difficulty on the outskirts of the city. A bus transports you to the city centre. For further information please visit the Travelwest website.
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Michael Putland/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Michael Putland/Hulton Archive/Getty Images