The concept of networks has been explored in some of the Anthology’s previous blogs, however my interest in networks is more firmly rooted in our own personal, societal networks and how they affect our lives on a deeper level. This subject, however, is wide reaching, so throughout this blog I aim to dive into some of the core aspects of human networks and the part they play in our lives.
We have previously shared writing prompts that delved into some less common kinds of networks that might get you thinking outside the box. If you’re looking for something different to spark your creativity, let’s think about some types of social networks and how they might affect our sense of self-identity.
When you're thinking about what to write for this years anthology on the theme 'Networks', think about what social media and technology has done to our society. Has social media and smart phones brought us closer together? Or torn us apart?
This year, the Sydney University Anthology is asking staff, students, and alumni to reflect on the theme of ‘networks’. This is a broad concept that will be interpreted in different ways by different people. For many of us, the term ‘networks’ brings to mind social connections, whether ‘networking’ for business, or communicating with friends via social media. Many fields have their own unique understandings of networks: network analysis in anthropology, neural networks in artificial intelligence, network addresses and nodes in computing. We encourage you to bring your own interpretation of this year’s theme to your stories, essays, poetry and visual art. To get you thinking about some of the many ways to approach the anthology’s theme, here are three alternative kinds of ‘networks’ you might want to consider.
This year, the Sydney University Anthology project released Earth Cries, a thought provoking collection of stories and artwork tackling the topic of climate change. From peaceful conservation movements in India to protesting alongside Greta Thunberg in Stockholm, Sweden, Earth Cries images the future destruction of our world if we don't take measures to slow global warming, and describes in beautiful detail the struggles Australia has recently faced through floods, fires and covid.
In this years’ student anthology project, we want you to flex your creativity in exploring the idea of networks and what they mean to you. Get thinking about some unique ways networks operate across the world on a global scale and on a smaller, more personal level. Here are some creative prompts to get you inspired about the different interpretations of networks.
Vrishali Jain is a talented writer who has written for the last two anthologies and for various radio channels in India. Originally from Kanpur, India, she now calls Sydney home, busily working as a producer at SBS Hindi. 'All for a promise' is an inspiring tale of a community-led tree conservation movement in New Delhi. Her story chronicles the courageous women who fought against the destruction of the forests. The Chipko movement became well known for the peaceful protest, of women creating physical barriers and hugging the trees.
Sydney University student Yasodara shares her inspiration behind her beautifully creative artwork 'Tis Already In'. She is a painter and music composer who expresses herself on canvas as a person of colour and a member of a generation united in eco-anxiety.
Vivienne is currently studying a Masters of Sustainability at Sydney University, while also working as a media advisor for the university. She has previously worked in public relations for non-for-profit organisations such as Greenpeace and Landcare Australia, and was also a reporter and freelancer for The Australian, The Sydney Morning Herald, Green and G Magazine.
Sydney University student Sophie Zhou shares a four part comic series about a conversation with a snail. The story begins to unfold among the grass, dirt and flowers. The snail introduces the reader to their friend worm who teaches the reader about earthworms.