Tuesday, October 12, 2010

'Appalachia and Wales: Coal and After Coal' symposium set at Appalachian State Oct. 14-16

What happened when Welsh coal mines closed during the 1980s? How did communities make the transition from an economy dependent on fossil fuels? What does the Welsh story mean for creating sustainable Appalachian communities? "Appalachia and Wales: Coal and After Coal," a symposium to answer those questions, will be held in the Blue Ridge Ballroom at Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C., Oct. 14-16.

Scholars, artists, and activists will provide an interdisciplinary view of how issues relating to how coal, climate change, economy, and technology have shaped the coalfields of South Wales and Appalachia. Featured speakers include Jeff Biggers and Helen Lewis. Rare film clips from Lewis and John Gaventa’s visits to the Welsh coalfields in the 1970’s will be shown, as well as the new Appalshop documentary "The Electricity Fairy." All events are free and open to the public; for a complete schedule go here.

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