Call for papers for the sixth annual Global Arts International Conference at 花季传媒

The Chaddock + Morrow College of Fine Arts and partnering departments across 花季传媒 invite creative researchers, teachers and practitioners in the arts to submit proposals addressing the theme of 鈥淪pectrums of Creativity: Exploring Global Performing and Visual Arts,鈥� as part of the sixth annual Global Arts International Conference, to be held March 17-19, 2026, at 花季传媒. The conference is now accepting submissions on a rolling basis through Dec. 15, 2025.

The sixth annual Global Arts International Conference theme is 鈥淪pectrums of Creativity: Exploring Global Performing and Visual Arts.鈥� The conference explores the various dimensions of performing and visual arts, showcasing innovative works, research and collaborations that push boundaries and challenge traditional notions of art and performance. An audience of approximately 500-700 attendees is anticipated for the event.

The scope of this conference includes performance art, theater, dance, music and other forms of embodied practice such as visual arts, including painting, sculpture, installation, photography and digital arts; interdisciplinary collaborations between artists, technologists, scientists and other stakeholders; and global perspectives on art and performance, highlighting diverse cultural contexts and traditions.

This year鈥檚 keynote speaker is , a distinguished, dynamic and affable veteran Ghanaian actress, producer, screen and script writer and politician with over three decades experience in the creative arts industry. She is currently Ghana鈥檚 Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, also serving as a two-term Member of Parliament for the Ketu South constituency in the Volta region. She has dedicated nearly all her adult life to promoting and projecting Ghanaian and African culture, producing and directing mini television productions, including the popular storytelling program 鈥淏y the Fireside.鈥� As a distinguished consultant, she has provided valuable knowledge and expertise locally and internationally to individuals, Civil Society Organizations and State Agencies for policy directions and development of the sector.

Past years keynote lectures have featured Ben Dotsei Malor in 2022, Dr. Mark Phillips in 2023, Dr. Kofi Agawu in 2024 and Dr. Melita Belgrave in 2025. 

The conference invites proposals on a wide range of themes, including innovative arts pedagogical methods, such as cultural heritage and preservation, theatre and performance pedagogy, music education, dance and movement pedagogy and visual arts and design pedagogy.

Topics may also explore the intersections of technology and innovation, ranging from digital arts and virtual reality to AI-generated art, as well as globalization and cultural exchange, interdisciplinarity and collaboration and the social impact of the arts in driving change and promoting justice.

Additional areas of focus include sustainability and environmentalism in art and performance, new perspectives on performing and visualizing Africa, questions of cultural appropriation versus cultural exchange, the role of arts education in shaping future generations, and embodiment and presence in performance and visual practice. Other relevant themes will also be considered.

Your ideas and contributions are what make this international conference truly special.

We welcome a variety of formats, including individual papers, roundtables, workshops, panels, posters, performances, films and other research and creative activity forms.

For more information on the call for papers and to submit a paper, visit /fine-arts/global-arts-festival/international-conference.

Early submissions are highly encouraged.

Inquiries and questions can be submitted to Festival and International Conference Director, Prof. Paschal Younge at youngep@ohio.edu.