Dissemination

Researchers from CIAC present papers at the IV Congress of the National Network of Cultural Studies

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Gabriela Borges and a team of researchers from the University of Algarve took part in an event highlighting Lusophone and Ibero-American Studies in the fields of science, culture, and the arts.

CIAC researcher and lecturer at the University of Algarve, Gabriela Borges, participated in the IV Congress of the National Network of Cultural Studies, held on 26 and 27 June at the Universidade Lusófona in Lisbon. Under the theme “Lusophone and Ibero-American Studies as a Field of Research in Science, Culture and the Arts,” the event brought together national and international scholars in a space for reflection on the cultural dynamics of Lusophone and Ibero-American countries.

Gabriela Borges presented the paper “Activism and Fan Literacy: Analysing the Partnership between Brazilian Fandoms and Congresswoman Erika Hilton,” examining how pop culture fandoms have collaborated with Brazilian federal deputy Erika Hilton—the first Black trans woman elected to Brazil’s National Congress of Brazil—in socio-political campaigns on X (Twitter). The analysis focused on three digital mobilisations: #CriançaNãoÉMãe, #FandomsPelaAmazônia, and #FCSContraaEscala6x1. Based on the theoretical–methodological proposal of Sigiliano and Borges (2024), the research demonstrated how these actions strengthen critical and creative competencies, as well as a sense of community among fans.

The researcher was also co-author of the paper “Culture and Identity: Transculturality and Transnationality in Fullmetal Alchemist,” presented with Danielle Cassita, a master’s student in Communication and Digital Media at the University of Algarve. The study analysed the work Fullmetal Alchemist using the methodology of the Observatory of Quality in Audiovisual (Borges & Sigiliano, 2021), highlighting how the Japanese manga addresses hybrid identities, universal themes, and a narrative aesthetic that engages with diverse historical and cultural contexts.

In addition to Gabriela Borges, other researchers and students associated with CIAC – Research Centre for Arts and Communication also participated in the congress:

• Valdemir Neto, a PhD candidate in Digital Media-Art, presented the project “Oblivium,” a Digital Media-Art installation about the memory of Brazilian immigrants in Portugal. The work proposes a sensitive archive of everyday resistance, combining video art and digital artivism.
• Andressa Brum, a master’s student in Communication and Digital Media, presented “Mental Health Misinformation among Immigrants on Instagram and TikTok,” analysing content and profiles aimed at immigrant audiences. The research draws on the concept of networked social capital proposed by Raquel Recuero (2012) and applies the Content Analysis method developed by Laurence Bardin (1977).
• Sandra Cerqueira, also a master’s student, presented the paper “Media Literacy and Misinformation about Immigration: an Educational Proposal in the Development of the Game ‘PÁTRIAS Escape’.” The study assessed the effectiveness of the game in developing media literacy skills among university students, based on the indicators proposed by Joan Ferrés and Alejandro Piscitelli (2012).

Participation in the IV Congress of the National Network of Cultural Studies reaffirms the commitment of CIAC – Research Centre for Arts and Communication to the development of interdisciplinary and innovative research in the fields of communication, digital culture, media literacy, and contemporary artistic practices, while promoting dialogue between academia and society.

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