Call for Papers
Submission deadline: 1 September 2026
The interactions of performance, analysis, and artistic research have provoked debate at least since the start of the 21st century. Differing schools of thought have in turn interacted with, castigated, and ignored one another. The time is ripe for a reappraisal of work implicating these three areas.
In this spirit, we invite proposals on any topic at the intersection of performance, analysis, and artistic research. We seek wide-ranging perspectives, diverse practices and repertoires, and approaches ranging from empirical studies and pedagogy to theory, improvisation, ethnography, and more. We will consider proposals for 20-minute papers, 30-minute lecture-recitals, and special sessions of any format (panels, workshops, lightning talks, etc.).
Submissions should include a proposal (500 words maximum) and up to four pages of additional materials (examples, bibliography, etc.). The proposal and additional materials should be anonymous. Links to audio-visual media (not exceeding 5 minutes in total) may also be provided.
Proposals for special sessions should indicate the nature of the session, the format, any special needs, and the desired amount of time (up to 90 min.). The requirement of anonymity may be waived by prior approval where appropriate; please contact atplay2027@gmail.com by 15 August to discuss this possibility.
Please format the submission as a single PDF, label it by short presentation title, and submit it: At Play: Performance, Analysis, and Artistic Research Proposal Submission *
During the submission you will be asked to provide: name(s) of the presenter(s), institution(s) (if applicable), presentation title, format of presentation, equipment needs, and an abstract of no more than 350 words for the symposium program. (If your submission is accepted, you will have the opportunity to edit this abstract later.)
*The submission link requires signing in to a Google account. If you prefer not to use a Google account, you may e-mail your proposal and the complete information above to atplay2027@gmail.com.
Questions should be directed to atplay2027@gmail.com.
The deadline for submission of proposals is 1 September 2026, 11:59 p.m. Mountain time (UTC-6).
Notifications will be made by early October 2026.
Program committee:
Daphne Leong, chair (University of Colorado Boulder, United States)
Jonathan De Souza (Western University, Canada)
Cecilia Oinas (Sibelius Academy, Finland)
John Rink (University of Cambridge, United Kingdom)
Symposium venue: College of Music, University of Colorado Boulder
The main locale is a 150-seat hall with a 9-foot Steinway, projection and sound capabilities, and telescoping seating. It will be supplemented by smaller rooms for workshops and sessions of alternate format. Boulder, located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, offers abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation, as well as the cafés and shops of the outdoor Pearl Street mall—all within easy access of the university.