European Scientific Conference 'DisAbility Culture: Art, Inclusion and Social Transformation'

European Scientific Conference 'DisAbility Culture: Art, Inclusion and Social Transformation'

Under the Auspices of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU and within the framework of the European festival DIS – Together We Are Better, the European Scientific Conference "DisAbility Culture: Art, Inclusion and Social Transformation", will take place in Larnaca, on 23–24 May 2026, at the University of Central Lancashire, Cyprus (UCLan Cyprus).

The aim of the conference is to strengthen scholarly dialogue around:

  • the role of art and culture in shaping inclusive societies,
  • the production of knowledge on disability through critical and interdisciplinary approaches,
  • the connection between cultural practices, democratic rights, and social justice.

The conference is addressed to academics, researchers, PhD candidates, post-doctoral researchers and cultural professionals with research work, while the participation of researchers with disabilities is strongly encouraged.

A Call for Abstracts is Open under the following Thematic Axes:

  1. Art, Disability, and Cultural Representation
    This axis examines disability representation in art, culture, and public discourse, as well as how artistic creation redefines stereotypes and normative frameworks.
  2. Inclusion, Aesthetics and Cultural Policy
    This axis focuses on power relations that shape aesthetic value, cultural normativity and policies of inclusion or exclusion.
  3. Accessibility in Culture: Theory, Practices, and Institutions
    Theoretical and applied models of cultural accessibility are analysed, including institutional frameworks and practices that enhance participation.
  4. Knowledge, Research and Disability: Methodologies and Scientific Paradigms
    This axis explores how knowledge about disability is produced, who speaks, and through which research methodologies, with emphasis on critical and participatory approaches.
  5. Culture, Democracy and Rights: Disability in the Public Sphere
    Disability is examined as an issue of democratic participation, cultural rights and social activism.

Call for Abstracts deadline 31 March 2026. Interested parties are invited to submit their proposals through the following link.

More information can be found here. The Open Call for Abstracts can be found here.

For any questions, please contact: contact@disfestival.com