Dylan Robinson facts for kids

Dylan Robinson is an artist, curator, and writer from the xwélmexw (Stó:lō/Skwah) people. He is a professor at the University of British Columbia's School of Music.

His work explores how Indigenous art and activism connect with public spaces. He also looks at how Indigenous rights are understood through art.

Robinson used to be a special researcher for Indigenous Arts in Canada. He also helped lead the Indigenous Advisory Council for the Canadian Music Centre.

Education and Learning

Dylan Robinson went to several universities to study. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Simon Fraser University. He then received a Masters of Arts degree from the University of Victoria. In 2009, he completed his PhD at the University of Sussex in England.

He is also learning Halq'eméylem, which is the language of the Stó:lō people.

Career and Research

Dylan Robinson's research looks at how Indigenous songs are kept alive. He also studies how these songs are recorded and shown in museums.

Before joining the University of British Columbia, he was a professor at Queen's University.

Writing and Books

Dylan Robinson has written many important articles and books.

Recent Writings

In 2021, he wrote "To All Who Should Be Concerned" for a music journal. He also helped edit a book called Promoting and Protecting the Arts and Expressions of Indigenous Peoples. This book shares stories and ideas about how to protect Indigenous art and culture. It also talks about problems like when Indigenous art is used without permission.

Earlier Works

One of his earlier books is Hungry Listening: Resonant Theory for Indigenous Sound Studies (2020). This book explores different ways of listening to Indigenous sounds. It won awards from the Native American and Indigenous Studies Association and the Canadian Theatre Research and Performance Association in 2021.

In 2020, another book he co-edited, Music and Modernity among First Peoples of North America, also won two awards. These were the Ruth Solie Award and the Ellen Koskoff Prize.

Artistic Projects

Besides his research, Dylan Robinson also creates art. His art often combines music, conversations, and art installations.

nuyamł-ił kulhulmx (singing the earth)

From 2013 to 2019, he co-created a music installation called nuyamł-ił kulhulmx (singing the earth). This project included text, videos, interviews, photos, and poetry. It was a creative response to the Bella Coola Valley in British Columbia.

The project used information from four languages: Nuxalk, Norwegian, English, and Japanese. It created 11 short pieces about this beautiful and isolated place. This installation was shown at the Victoria Symphony Orchestra in 2019 and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra in 2017. It was also shown in Toronto in 2013.

Other Artistic Projects

• Soft/SOFT (2008): This was a team project that included music and writing.
• Never Swim Alone (2001–02): This was a play directed by Heather Lindsay. Dylan Robinson was one of the actors in this play.

Curatorial Projects

Dylan Robinson also works as a curator, which means he helps organize art exhibitions.

• Soundings: An Exhibition in Five Parts (2019–2025): He co-curated this exhibition with Candice Hopkins. It features new art, performances, and sounds by Indigenous artists. The exhibition travels to different places.
• Decolonial Imaginings (June to October 2020): He curated this project with Mitch Renaud. It was supported by the Canada Council for the Arts.
• Ka'tarohkwi Festival of Indigenous Arts (Winter 2019): Dylan Robinson curated this festival at the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts.

Public Talks

Dylan Robinson often gives talks and participates in discussions about his work.

• Continuum: A conversation on historical musics & Indigenous resurgence (2021): He was a panelist in this discussion about old music and Indigenous culture.
• Send + Receive: A Conversation with Dylan Robinson (2021): This was a talk presented by McNally Robinson.
• Hungry Listening: A conversation between Aruna D'Souza and Dylan Robinson (2021): This discussion was about his book, Hungry Listening.
• Curators Talk: Candice Hopkins & Dylan Robinson (2020): He gave this talk with Candice Hopkins about their exhibition.

Awards and Recognition

Dylan Robinson has received several awards for his work:

• 2021: His book, Hungry Listening: Resonant Theory for Indigenous Sound Studies, won the 'Best First Book' award from the Native American and Indigenous Studies Association.
• 2021: The same book also won the 'Best Book' award from the Canadian Theatre Research and Performance Association.
• 2020: His co-edited book, Music and Modernity among First Peoples of North America, received the American Musicological Society's Ruth Solie Award.
• 2020: This book also won the Society for Ethnomusicology's Ellen Koskoff Prize.