Transdisciplinary Forum on Art, Culture, History, Theory (online, May 26)Online, International. HQ in New York.

The First Transdisciplinary Forum on Art, Culture, History, and Theory.

The Global Forum on Art, Culture, History, and Theory (ACHT) hosted by Kaarnamaa Institute of Art and Visual Culture invites submissions.

The 2026 iteration of the Transdisciplinary Forum brings together emerging voices working at the intersections of art, culture, history, and critical theories. Instead of narrowly focusing on disciplinary traditions, this Forum encourages dynamic yet rigorous engagements between art history or visual culture and various disciplines or fields of humanities and social sciences, including (but not limited to) cultural studies, media studies, women’s studies, and queer theory. In the programming process, the organizers work to create as broad a forum as possible, encouraging researchers and scholars from different backgrounds to submit proposals for papers, video essays, panels, or sessions.

Tracks for Submission

I. Critical Currents:In the Critical Currents section, the conference seeks participation from scholars and artists in four thematic categories. Focused papers or panels are invited on:1. Freedom of Expression and Censorship in Authoritarian Countries

2. Body and Sexuality, especially feminist and queer theories and movements

3. The Cultural Impact of Digital Technology

4. Critical Theory, Criticism, and Historiography

II. Forms of Thought (Open Track):

In the Forms of Thought section, papers or panels may address any topic within the disciplines or fields of art, humanities, and social sciences, provided they engage in a critical dialogue across various forms of intellectual inquiries and sociocultural productions. The conference especially welcomes scholars whose work falls within the framework of sociology or philosophy of art. Presentations and proposals may draw from a broad range of visual and material culture or focus on the social and theoretical implications of practices such as curatorial and museum studies.

How to Submit

To apply, please send the following as PDF files by January 5, 2026, to Forum’s Selection Committee at: institute@kaarnamaa.com with the subject line: “Abstract” followed by your full name.

1. Abstract: A 200–400-word text, summarizing the key ideas and arguments of the presentation.

2. Curriculum Vitae: No more than 2 pages, outlining academic, professional, creative, and research experiences and interests.

Accepted abstracts will be presented as 20-minute online lectures in May 2026. A registration form will be sent to applicants whose proposal is accepted.

Who Should Submit

Applicants may be affiliated with any institution of advanced study or higher education, but we especially welcome submissions from emerging scholars, current graduate students, recent graduates, independent researchers with equivalent academic or professional experience, artists whose practice involves research, underrepresented voices, and those working outside traditional academic structures.

Key Dates

- Abstract Deadline: January 5, 2026

- Notification of Acceptance: February 4, 2026

- Final Program Announcement: April 9, 2026

- Conference Date: May 2026

All submissions will be reviewed and selected by the Forum’s Selection Committee at Kaarnamaa Institute of Art and Visual Culture, which consists of the Institute’s core faculty and editorial board. A collection of papers will be chosen for publication in the Summer 2026 special issue of Kaarnamaa Journal of Art History and Criticism.

About Kaarnamaa

Kaarnamaa Institute of Art and Visual Culture is an independent research and educational organization founded in 2014 and headquartered in New York, London, The Hague, and Tehran. The Institute is dedicated to advancing scholarships on global modern art and visual culture. Through its journal, academic courses, oral history projects, and public programs, Kaarnamaa fosters critical dialogue across borders and disciplines.

For More Information

For all inquiries about the conference, reach us at: institute@kaarnamaa.com

To learn more about the Conference, visit: kaarnamaa.com/conference

To learn more about Kaarnamaa, visit: kaarnamaa.com/about

To learn more about our terms and policies visit: kaarnamaa.com/policy