FORMAT25 Conference: Call for papers
CONFLICTED: Call for Papers (presentations, artist dialogues, artist contributions)
Throughout history societies, civilizations and cultures have been subject to division and catastrophic change amidst periods of stability and peace. Recent times have borne witness to what would seem to be one monumental change and challenge after the other – a seemingly endless slew of emergencies including the Covid pandemic, a cost-of-living crisis, catastrophic wars, coupled with a sense – across the globe – that political populism is becoming the norm. Consensus, agreement and simple kindness can at times seem to be at a premium. The world is a conflicted place. Yet, photography is a medium that can have an uncanny ability to speak truth to power, to succinctly and powerfully reflect the world about us, and to make us stop, think and reset. Who better to help us through this time, to guide us and to help us understand, than the artist, the photographer; the filmmaker?
FORMAT International Photography Festival welcomes applications for formal conference papers, solo/dual/group presentations, artist dialogues/conversations, and creative interpretations of presentation to its audience for the FORMAT25 conference held as a day-long event at QUAD, Derby, UK on Friday 14th March, 2025. After which, transport will be provided to travel to the University of Derby for the after-conference networking event, prize giving, speeches, and exhibition opening at the University’s Markeaton Street Gallery.
The selection of presentations will be focussed upon proposals that contribute to the building of knowledge, innovations in research-informed practice, and its meaningful contribution to the festival themes.
With presentation time frames from 15mins, 20 mins and 30mins, provide a written proposal in one word document that provides the following information:
- Name(s) of applicant
- Preferred pronouns(s)
- Academic/University affiliation(s) (if relevant)
- Country of representation and Country of working residence (if different)
- Website, social media handles
- Contact email and telephone number(s)
- Practical description/nature of presentation proposed (formal solo paper, joint presentation etc.)
- Working title of presentation
- Up to 500 word statement that presents, contextualises, and references the rationale for the presentation (excluding footnotes, citations, and captions). Alternatively, a complete paper maximum of 3000 words.
- Preferred duration slot (15mins, 20mins, 30mins, estimated at 100 words per minute)
- Supplementary images, web links to visual references
- Technical/logistical requirements (digital screen, sound/moving image etc.)
- Your intention to be contributing in-person at the conference or present virtually
- If not selected, your receptibility to be part of a panel conversation as an alternative means of participation
- Any other pertinent information or reasonable adjustments for the committee
Please note the following information:
- All submissions will be considered by a committee representative of academics in photography, art, and film at the University of Derby with the FORMAT Festival team.
- All applicants who are academics with university affiliation or employed by a research/practice subsidising organisation will not receive a contributor’s fee.
- Applicants not university affiliated or employed by a research/practice subsidising organisation will be offered an honorarium for their contribution.
- All submissions must be original work, not presented or published elsewhere, and be exclusive to the FORMAT25 conference.
- Cost of travel and/or accommodation to the conference in person will be the responsibility of the contributor/contributors affiliate organisation.
- All selected contributors give their permission for their identity, contribution and likeness to be published across the FORMAT and University of Derby websites and associated media networks.
- It will not be possible to give individual feedback to non-selected applicants.
- Submissions can only be accepted on full completion of the submission requirements.
- All contributors will be considered for inclusion within the FORMAT publication, From Control to Conflict, which will bring together the conference findings across FORMAT 21, 23 and 25 inclusively. Details will follow the delivery of the conference. Exclusivity applies to the publication as it does to the presentation.
All proposals to be sent via email to:
Deadline for proposals: Sunday 26th January 2025.
Anticipated response for submissions: Sunday 2nd February 2025.
Selected submissions to have provided presentation files (if required) to a given share drive by Sunday 2nd March 2025.
For any additional queries, please contact FORMAT Conference Co-convenors:
Dr Gemma Marmalade [email protected]
Dr Philip Harris [email protected]
Image from OUR RIUKZAK Project