[Commlist] CFS-Refugees and Participatory Approaches

CALL FOR PAPERS, MULTIMEDIA PRESENTATIONS, AND ARTS PROJECTS

Symposium Title:
Refugees and Participatory Approaches: Bridging Narratives Through 
Research and Art

Date: 8th – 9th 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 /at/ 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.

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