In the vibrant world of arts and culture, few names resonate as profoundly as Ashok Mathur. A visionary in every sense, Mathur has carved a unique niche for himself as a South Asian (Indo-Canadian) cultural organizer, writer, and visual artist. His journey, which spans continents and disciplines, is a testament to the transformative power of art and its ability to bridge divides, foster understanding, and inspire change.
Early Life and Education of Ashok Mathur
Ashok Mathur’s story begins in Bhopal, India, where he was born in 1962. At the tender age of one, Mathur and his family embarked on a journey that would take them across the world to Canada. Growing up in a new and diverse cultural environment, Mathur developed an early fascination with the intersections of identity, race, and creativity—a fascination that would later define his career.
After completing high school, Mathur ventured into the world of journalism, working as a journalist from 1981 to 1985. This experience honed his skills in storytelling and critical thinking, laying the foundation for his future work as a writer and cultural organizer. However, Mathur’s thirst for knowledge and his passion for the arts led him to pursue higher education.
Ashok Mathur earned a Bachelor’s degree, followed by a Master of Arts, and eventually, a Ph.D. from the University of Calgary. These academic achievements provided him with the theoretical and practical tools to explore the complex intersections of culture, art, and social justice.
A Journey of Artistic Inquiry
Ashok Mathur’s career is marked by a relentless pursuit of new models of artistic research and interdisciplinary collaboration. As a Canada Research Chair in Cultural and Artistic Inquiry, he has delved deep into the intersections of race, indigeneity, and creative research. His work is not just about creating art; it’s about using art as a tool for social change and justice.
Mathur’s contributions to the arts are manifold. He has served as the head of Creative Studies and a professor in the Department of Creative Studies at the University of British Columbia, Okanagan campus. His tenure at UBC was marked by innovative teaching methods and a commitment to fostering creativity among his students.
But his influence extends far beyond the classroom. As the director of the Centre for Innovation in Culture and the Arts in Canada (CiCAC), Ashok Mathur has been instrumental in organizing numerous arts-driven initiatives that bring together artists, scholars, and communities to explore and address pressing social issues.
Research Interests and Projects
Mathur’s research interests are as diverse as his career. His work spans cultural, critical, creative, and academic practice, with a particular focus on social justice. One of his most notable contributions is the anthology “Cultivating Canada: Reconciliation Through the Lens of Cultural Diversity,” which he edited.
This groundbreaking work explores the relationships between racialized and immigrant communities and Indigenous communities within the context of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Committee’s Calls to Action.
As a writer, Mathur has published several novels, including “A Little Distillery in Nowgong,” “The Short Happy Life of Harry Kumar,” and “Once Upon an Elephant.” His literary work is known for its deep exploration of identity, memory, and the human experience. These themes also find expression in his visual art and interdisciplinary projects, which often blur the boundaries between different artistic mediums.
Mathur’s commitment to social justice is evident in his work as a cultural organizer. He has coordinated numerous artist residencies, symposia, and colloquia that bring together artists from diverse backgrounds to collaborate on projects that address issues of race, identity, and reconciliation.
His recent project, “Reconsidering Reconciliation,” brought together twelve Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal artists for a month-long residency that explored the complexities of reconciliation in Canada.
Leadership at OCAD University
In 2023, Ashok Mathur was appointed Vice-President of Research and Dean of Graduate Studies at OCAD University, a role that marked the culmination of his decades-long career in academia and the arts. In this position, Mathur continues to champion the integration of art and design with research and graduate studies.
Ashok Mathur sees these areas as foundational to the future of the creative sector, especially in a world increasingly shaped by technology, climate crisis, and socio-economic challenges.
Mathur’s leadership at OCAD University is characterized by his vision for a research agenda that is inclusive, innovative, and impactful. He is particularly interested in exploring how emerging technologies, such as generative AI, can be harnessed to address complex global challenges. His commitment to equity and reconciliation remains at the forefront of his work, as he continues to explore the role of artists and designers in shaping a more just and sustainable future.
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