Cirrus@Austlit

'In our twenty-first century context, we tell stories through the foods we eat, the images we share, the people we follow on social media, the shows we watch and the music we listen to. From film to television, from Twitter accounts to the latest fandom trend, popular culture provides us with channels through which our narratives of everyday can transform from immaterial notions to very material and tangible objects of consumption. At the centre of our ways of storytelling lies the formation of our identities. This editorial introduces a Special Issue of the Australasian Journal of Popular Culture that is focused on exploring the many complex intersections between storytelling, identity and popular culture.' (Lorna Piatti-Farnell; Gwyneth Peaty; Ashleigh Prosser : Editorial introduction)

'The global screen industries are rapidly changing. Digital disruption has altered the way content is produced, distributed and consumed, and 'screen' no longer refers to just film and television. Audiences increasingly favour convenient access to content over remaining loyal to established providers of watching on particular devices/platforms (Neilson 2016). Despite this ongoing state of change, screen - and we consider that term broadly - remains an integral part of how we consume and create popular culture. Access to popular culture is increasingly pervasive and all-consuming for audiences, signalling what Jenkins et al. (2013) identify as 'spreadable media' in which circulation (or participatory sharing of content) is becoming more meaningful than distribution of content. This shift has led to greater demand for new content, niche content and the revival of many nostalgic forms of popular culture. This issue of the Australasian Journal of Popular Culture examines the theme of 'Screening Popular Culture'.  (Elizabeth Ellison and Tess Van Hemert: Editorial introduction)

'Since its inception, The Australasian Journal of Popular Culture has published some of the most exciting new research in the area of popular culture. This has included work on varied aspects of Australasian popular culture, and research by a range of Australasian scholars. While, however, a feature of the journal, this focus on Australasian content and writers has not excluded the inclusion of a wide range of international subject matter and contributing authors. This combination has, indeed, become a signature strength of this journal, and this issue is no exception.'  (Introduction)

'This special issue of The Australasian Journal of Popular Culture focuses on popular culture across galleries, libraries, archives and museums (GLAM) with a focus on Australia. Particular emphasis has been given to the academically rigorous exposure of collections within critical cultural institutions. Focusing on unique collections and their contexts the scholarship undertaken for this issue highlights investigations, while simultaneously inviting additional research, into these unique resources and contexts. The articles presented here exploit collections held in cultural institutions resulting in an issue that crosses over into multiple disciplines of relevance to popular culture researchers. Showcasing different voices and styles, this collection of articles reveals the diverse range of scholarly approaches and perspectives in this field of inquiry.' (Rachel Franks, Kylie Budge : Editorial p3)

'‘Travel’ is the theme of this special edition of The Australasian Journal of Popular Culture. Obviously, travel encompasses visiting distant places and the tourist industry associated with that. However, travel can also cover things like the migration of people, ideas and things from one place to another, from one discipline to another, etc. And when a traveller is a flaneur, travel doesn’t even necessarily involve going far away, or to exotic places.'  (Editorial introduction)