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Call for papers: St Andrews Postgraduate Symposium of Art and Culture Revisiting the narrative
This year's symposium, organised by the School of Art History, convenes around the theme of ‘Revisiting the Canon'. The canon refers to works that are conventionally accepted and perpetually revered. It directly and indirectly shapes how people encounter, experience and understand art.
Pausing to reflect on the constructed canon, this symposium poses two fundamental questions: what do we study as ‘art' and ‘culture' and how do we study them? The symposium uses these questions to push for investigation and examination of the current landscape of knowledge and explore possibilities for the future.
The organisers are inviting proposals for 15-minute papers that address subjects and topics related to ideas of the canon in the fields of art, culture and heritage from postgraduate students and early career researchers from any discipline. Showcases of creative practice are also welcome.
To submit a paper, please use the form on the symposium website to upload your abstract of no more than 250 words, a 100-word bio and two optional images to support your abstract. The deadline for submission is Friday 17 July 2026. Notifications of acceptance will be sent by Friday 4 September.
Proposals are welcome from early career researchers, current and entrant PhD students, and all Masters students, taught and research.
Please note that the symposium will be in-person attendance only, and all speakers are expected to present their papers in St Andrews. We may be able to offer a small travel bursary subject to availability, but it is not guaranteed.
This symposium will also feature a digital display of posters. The call for posters will be circulated mid-August 2026. Submission are welcome from anyone, especially those unable to travel to St Andrews to deliver a full paper. Masters and entrant PhD students are especially encouraged to submit a poster proposal.
All are welcome to attend the event. Keep an eye on the symposium website and social media channels for more information regarding registration. For any questions, please email [email protected].