The first ever European Conference on Taylor Swift will take place at the Canterbury campus on Friday 31 May.
The Conference, which coincides with the European leg of Swift’s ‘The Eras Tour’ will bring together academics, students and ‘Swifties’ to consider the impact of Swift as a major feminist voice.
Swift has been central to many major popular cultural moments and debates throughout her career, influencing contemporary society. This conference will bring academic papers about all aspects of Swift’s career into broader, diverse discussions – from analysing her role as songwriter and creative, to unpacking her legal cases and examining her position as a queer icon.
Swift’s feminist reputation will be explored, while the conference will also host the first ever academic discussion of her new album, The Tortured Poets Department (which has been dismissed by critics but praised by fans worldwide).
The conference will bring together academics from across the globe.
Over the years, Kent has organised or hosted academic and public engagement events about a diverse range of popular culture movements and icons. These have included the likes of Pussy Riot and Jo Brand.
Dr Claire Hurley, Lecturer in American and 20th Century Literature at the School of Classics, English and History, and the conference organiser, said:‘Taylor Swift is one of the most important women of the 21st century, not only in her music production, but also in her entrepreneurial and cultural dominance. It is high time universities recognised her significant place in contemporary culture, and this conference does just that!’
Kent student and conference assistant Harmony Ali-Brown adds: ‘Taylor is such an important role model; her lyrics resonate with me so deeply. Her discography is so impressive and enchanting that a conference solely on her and her work is like a dream for any Swiftie!’
Dr Hurley added: ‘This conference is an exciting way to showcase academic work while acknowledging students’ wider interests.’
The conference is free and open for academics, students and the general public to attend. For more information, see the conference website.
Taylor Swift will also be on the School of Classics, English and History curriculum from September 2025.