Thematic Seminars: Between Trend Studies and Heritage: Cultural Perspectives on Design

William Afonso Cantú is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Letters, Arts and Communication at the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro. He holds a PhD in Cultural Studies from the University of Lisbon and completed postdoctoral research at the University of Lisbon and the Centre for Art, Design and Fashion at the State University of Santa Catarina. He also holds a Master’s degree in Design and Visual Culture from IADE-U.
His research interests lie at the intersection of Cultural Studies, Critical Heritage Studies and Trend Studies, with a particular focus on the processes through which meanings are produced and circulated within the creative industries, trends and innovation, cultural representations, and the relationship between culture and creativity.
He has authored articles and book chapters published in national and international academic contexts, including publications indexed in leading scholarly databases. He regularly participates in research projects, conferences and academic and cultural cooperation initiatives.