Call for projects: Virtual arts and culture conference

“The concept of borders can visualise cultural differences, while at the same time, can reinforce stereotypes and advance marginalisation of both individuals and groups that we, as arts and cultural practitioners must navigate,” the ACMC said. “In light of the coronavirus outbreak, climate change and anti-racist protests, a new series of challenges and opportunities have emerged, changing the dynamics of policymaking, management and engagement, particularly surrounding how we live and create while together and apart in evolving contexts.”

By taking part, participants will:

• Exchange knowledge on an international scale.
• Gain visibility and feedback on research and other projects.
• Learn from high-profile professionals and academics in the industry.
• Collaborate and get involved in interactive sessions.
• Grow their professional and academic networks.

Who can submit?

The following individuals can submit proposals:

• Artists.
• Emerging researchers.
• Professionals.
• Academics and artists in insightful conversations.

Eligibility

The proposed projects can take the following formats:

• Presentations with Q&A (15-45 min max).
• Panel sessions by researchers. Practitioners can discuss topics relevant to the conference themes (up to 45 min).
• Interactive sessions such as a workshop or seminar (up to 45 min).
• Artistic presentations or performances (20 min, including performance and facilitation time).
• Online poster presentation using a visual representation of research with a short write-up.

The proposed presentation should seek to answer any of the following questions:

• What are the current gaps in research and work prospects in the arts and cultural/natural heritage management sector? 
• What key skills need to be developed to respond to current demands and boost employability?
• How can we maintain and cultivate solidarity amongst artists and cultural practitioners in a way that brings us closer together? 
• How can we encourage active and democratic participation of non-professional creative individuals and groups? 
• How do emerging researchers and practitioners balance collaborative practice vs individual initiative in the context of physical restrictions and isolation?
• How can we amplify marginalised voices within the sector?
• How can we celebrate and acknowledge those who have pioneered and created space for the forgotten and ignored?
• How can digital and sustainable technologies, as well as new media, be deployed to serve various initiatives in the sector? 
• What ethical implications need to be considered when innovating (through technology or other means) or making structural changes to a system (educational/social/cultural/civic)?
• How can art and culture systems and spaces be reimagined to be more inclusive? 
• How can research be rethought to serve not only the researcher? Who can be the next voices of the sector? 
• How can arts and culture be anti-racist in its practices?
• What are the implicit frames through which we analyse concepts, cultural practices and phenomena? 
• What is the impact of language and specific vocabularies to how we perceive and interact with the world around us?
• How are we reconsidering how we interpret, share and curate arts, culture, and heritage, especially in a hyper-connected and globalised world? 
• How can we re-examine the uncomfortable histories and elements of our institutions and interpretations to include all aspects, not just those of the powerful and the majority?

Requirements

Interested applicants will be required to submit the following:

• The proposal concept note and presentation format (300 words max).
• A short biography (100 words max).

How to apply

• Interested individuals can access the submission form here.
• The submission deadline is 18 October 2020. 
• Successful applicants will be notified by 30 October 2020.

For more information, send an email to hello@acmconference.com.

View the original call here.