Conference: From Stage to State: The Role of Art in Shaping Democratic Spaces

The International Conference on Grassroots Culture, Arts, and Cultural Spaces for Political Participation and Expression in a Resilient Europe brings together scholars, researchers, and practitioners to explore the transformative power of grassroots arts and culture in strengthening democracy. Held in the historic city of Kraków, the event offers a vibrant setting for critical reflection, creative dialogue, and collaborative exchange. As part of the Horizon Europe project Democracy in Action, participants will examine how diverse artistic and cultural practices - from activism and civic engagement to digital creativity - can foster inclusion, social cohesion, and democratic resilience. The conference welcomes interdisciplinary contributions employing a range of methodologies and perspectives. By bridging research, practice, and policy, it aims to inspire new collaborations and re-imagine the role of arts and culture in shaping democratic life in Europe and beyond.

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CALL FOR ABSTRACTS

We are delighted to invite submissions for the International Conference on Grassroots Culture, Arts, and Cultural Spaces for Political Participation and Expression in a Resilient Europe, interdisciplinary forum bringing together scholars, researchers, and practitioners committed to exploring the transformative role of grassroots arts and culture in strengthening democratic societies.
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Hosted in the historic and culturally rich city of Kraków, the conference offers a unique opportunity to participate in a vibrant environment dedicated to critical reflection, empirical investigation, and creative dialogue. We seek contributions that probe how diverse artistic and cultural practices – ranging from activism and civic engagement to digital creativity and community-based art – can promote inclusive political participation, foster social cohesion, and build democratic resilience in an increasingly complex world.

We welcome a broad spectrum of submissions, embracing various disciplines, methodologies, and theoretical frameworks. Whether your work employs qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-method approaches, we invite innovative ideas, empirical case studies, and conceptual debates that address pressing political and cultural issues. Particularly encouraged are proposals that challenge existing paradigms, introduce novel perspectives, or demonstrate the potential of arts and culture to serve as catalysts for social change.
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This conference aims to facilitate meaningful dialogue between diverse voices and to foster collaborations that can influence policy, inspire new research, and contribute to a more inclusive understanding of democracy. Your participation will be instrumental in shaping a forward-looking conversation on the intersections of art, culture, and democratic life.
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We look forward to receiving your submissions and to welcoming you to Kraków for an inspiring exchange of ideas!
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We welcome abstract submissions for oral presentations, artistic reflections, and theoretically informed case studies that engage critically with the role of grassroots cultural initiatives in shaping democratic participation, community empowerment, and resilient public spheres. Types of submissions may include oral presentations, posters, or artistic projects, including but not limited to films, paintings, performances, and installations.
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Read more about the call for papers here.

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