Launch of The Ferguson Centre for African and Asian Studies
Date: 30 April 2004
The October Gallery, Bloomsbury, London

A103 in the South West
Newsletter no. 13, May 2004

The Ferguson Centre for African and Asian Studies, the new research initiative set up last year by the Arts Faculty, had its official launch at the October Gallery, London, on Friday 30th April. The launch was attended by about 80 guests, including the Dean of the Arts Faculty, Dr Richard Allen, Mrs Elnora Ferguson, widow of John Ferguson, the legendary first Dean of the Arts Faculty, after whom the centre is named, and a large number of lecturers from both the OU and elsewhere.

Addressing the assembed guests, Dr David Richards, Director of the Centre, paid tribute to the vision of the Fergusons, born out of their rich experience as educationists in Africa. He also praised the OU for setting up this initiative at a time when public interest in Africa and Asia has never been greater but also when funding for any substantial Arts research facility is increasingly hard to come by. The fundamental aim of the Ferguson Cenre, Dr Richards stated, is to emerge as a research cluster of international significance, providing the OU with expertise to move into new areas and to widen its geographical coverage of Arts curricula. The OU's reach placed it in an ideal position to make a major contribution to 'education for global citizenship', much needed in an increasingly globalised and interdependent world. The Centre's work includes collaborations with both national and international institutions, as well as a fellowship scheme which enables African and Asian scholars to join the Centre for short periods and enrich its research activities.

The launch lasted from 7-10pm with lots of toasting and convivial conversation. More details of the Centre's activities and projects can be found at www.open.ac.uk/arts/ferguson-centre.

There will be a presentation by Dr Richards on the work of The Ferguson Centre on Tuesday 15 June, 2.30pm, in room CMR15 at Walton Hall. All interested OU staff are cordially invited to attend. Dr Richards will be speaking on the Centre's mission, ethos and goals. If you would like to attend the event, please contact Heather Scott (arts-ferguson-centre-enquiries@open.ac.uk) to book your place.

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