Call for papers

CALL FOR PAPERS, MULTIMEDIA PRESENTATIONS, AND ARTS PROJECTS

Symposium Title:

Refugees and Participatory Approaches: Bridging Narratives Through Research and Art

Date: 8^th – 9^th April 2025

Location: Institute of Ethnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic

Organised by: Alžběta Kovandová-Bartoníčková (University of Kent, UK), Dr Kaveh Abbasian (University of Kent, UK), Prof David Edwards (Williams College, US) & The Institute of Ethnology, CAS

Supported by: The United Nations Information Centre Prague (UNIC)

We are pleased to invite proposals for an interdisciplinary symposium exploring refugees’ experiences through participatory research methods, film, art, and media. The symposium will focus on the ways participatory and collaborative approaches – whether in anthropology, documentary film, visual arts, or other mediums – can bring forward refugees’ narratives in authentic, empowering, and impactful ways and foster a deeper understanding.

We invite submissions from scholars, artists, filmmakers, and practitioners in all career stages engaged in participatory projects that center refugee voices and perspectives, enabling refugees to contribute to research and artistic processes as co-creators.

The symposium will take place at the Institute of Ethnology in the city centre of Prague and will consist of papers and multimedia presentations, keynote talk(s), and film screenings.

Main Themes and Topics of Interest:

• Participatory methodologies in refugee research and arts
• Documentary and essay films that focus on refugee lives and journeys
• Artistic exhibitions and installations featuring or created by refugees
• Approaches to storytelling that emphasise refugee agency and collaboration
• Ethnographic accounts or case studies of refugee participatory projects
• Challenges and ethical considerations in participatory refugee work

Formats for Submission:

• Academic Papers: Papers should present original research or theoretical reflections on participatory and interdisciplinary approaches in refugee studies, ethnography, and related fields. (15-20 minutes long presentations)
• Documentary Films, Essay Films, and Videos: We welcome film submissions that explore the refugees’ experience, especially those grounded in participatory practices involving refugees in co-creation and storytelling. (Short films are preferred, however longer films will also be considered.) 
• Arts Projects and Exhibitions: Artists are encouraged to submit proposals for installations, exhibitions, and visual works that engage with refugee themes through a collaborative approach.

Submission Guidelines:

• Abstracts for Academic Papers (max 300 words) detailing research questions, methodology, and key findings.
• Synopsis for Films and Videos (max 300 words), along with a link to a trailer or sample of the work. 
• Proposal for Arts Projects/Exhibitions (max 300 words), including visual documentation or portfolio, if available, and a description of how such project could be best presented at the symposium.

Please send all submissions to prague.symposium.call@gmail.com by the end of January (31.1.2025).

Selected participants will be notified by the end of February. There is no conference fee.