Welcome to the Global Burns Network: Robert Burns Worldwide

Welcome to the Global Burns Network: Robert Burns Worldwide

Robert BurnsThe Global Burns Network was developed with support from the Arts and Humanities Research Council in the UK in 2007. Directed by Professor Murray Pittock, and drawing on the expertise of colleagues in England, Scotland, Ireland, Catalonia/Spain, the Czech Republic, France, Germany and Canada, its aims are as follows:

  • to use the 2009 Robert Burns anniversary as a focal point in order to raise our understanding of the nature and scale of Burns' international profile and influence.
  • by doing so, to change our understanding of the critical importance of Robert Burns.
  • to investigate the reasons behind the huge disparity in critical interest in and regard for Burns before and after 1945.
  • to consider the impact of Burns in global culture in the context of the Scottish Government's Year of Homecoming 2009.
  • to disseminate research findings in the following areas: the Reception of Burns in other literatures and cultures; the impact of Burns on images of Scotland in these cultures; the cultural and social presence of Burns: statues, Burns Suppers and the Burns Federation and their roles in the poet's continuing international influence.

The Global Burns Network is linked to two main conferences, at Edinburgh (Robert Burns in Global Culture, 22-23 January 2009) and Prague (Robert Burns in European Culture, 6-8 March 2009), as well as a series of other events in Europe, China and North America (see Countdown Burns 2009). It will encourage not only scholarly publication on Burns, but a greater awareness and interest in

  • Burns Suppers and other celebrations
  • The role of Burns in mutual understanding across cultures
  • The role of the worldwide Scottish diaspora

The Global Burns Network is a project supported by the Centre for Robert Burns Studies at the University of Glasgow and the AHRC.

AHRCThe AHRC funds postgraduate training and research in the arts and humanities, from archaeology and English literature to design and dance. The quality and range of research supported not only provides social and cultural benefits but also contributes to the economic success of th UK. For further information on the AHRC, please see our website www.ahrc.ac.uk.