Australia's popular culture goes under the microscope at Everyday Wonders convention

From the history of the Australian drive-in theatre to the connection between sport and Australian silent films, all will be revealed at the Everyday Wonders Popular Culture conference.

Everyday Wonders, hosted by the University of Queensland, is being held at the Carlton Crest Hotel from Monday, June 9 to Friday, June 13.

History Department Associate Professor Clive Moore said the conference was designed to integrate academic papers, talks from notable sporting and entertainment personalities, with performances from Queensland artists.

It is the first time the conference has been held in Australia and keynote speakers include Patricia Thompson (Little Pattie), yachtsman Sir James Hardy, Babe robotics expert Chris Chitty and Ashton Circus' Lorraine Ashton-Grant.

A wide range of academics will speak on topics as diverse as Boundary Street, Thunderboxes and Sandcastles, Australian Sport: Myth and Reality, Pink Elephants and Drunken Police: Bohemian Brisbane in the 1940s and Investigating Cyber-porn.

Dr Moore said popular culture was the study of the everyday wonders of human existence which were continually experienced but rarely appreciated.

'It covers a vast array of subjects, from music to TV shows and films, entertainment of all types, magazines, comic and popular fiction, science fiction, computers, theme and national parks, sports, racing, gambling and shopping malls,' he said.

'In short, it represents the entire cultural tapestry of the way we live.'

Dr Moore said the study of popular cultures had started with establishment of the American Popular Culture Association in the mid 1960s.

He said the conference would be attended by academics, popular culture fans and enthusiasts, cultural organisations, industry groups and students.

Other topics throughout the week include Demystifying the Queenslander, Towards an understanding of the Gabba Hill, thoughts on the activities of the Outer Crowd, Living Dolls - the Fashion Model in Australia and DIY murder, mayhem and publishing.

For more information on Everyday Wonders Popular Culture: Past and Present, contact Dr Moore (07 3365 6337) or Associate Professor Raymond Evans (07 3365 6325).