31/03/2026
Call for Papers & Panels: Art, Culture, and Power: Negotiating Creativity, Conflict, and Defiance, 25-27 May 2026, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
We invite proposals for papers and panels that examine how culture and activism intersect with power, governance, and state–society relations across diverse geographical and political contexts. While particular interest is directed toward Russia, the former Soviet states, and Eastern Europe, proposals focusing on other regions are equally welcome. Doctoral students are warmly invited to participate in the pre-conference, featuring a keynote talk and the opportunity to receive expert and peer comments on papers. Proposals should include the title, the name and position (such as project or doctoral thesis title) of the researcher(s), and an abstract of no more than 200 words. Send your proposal to [email protected] no later than 26 April 2026. The deadline for registration is 10 May 2026.
The conference explores the diverse intersections of culture, activism, and power across Russia, Central and Eastern Europe, and the broader Eurasian region. Through keynote lectures, panel discussions, and paper presentations, it examines contemporary social, political, and cultural divisions unfolding within these varied contexts. Professor Sanna Turoma will hold the keynote at the doctoral pre-conference. The opening keynote by Associate Professor Nana Sharikadze will reflect on her study on the colonisation and decolonisation of Georgian music. The first keynote panel delves into the culture as civic activism in Russia and the ex-Soviet area, and beyond. On the second day, Dr. Connor Doak continues the discussion in his keynote lecture on Russophone anti-war poetry in Russia, exploring the power of literary expression as a form of dissent. The concluding keynote panel discusses the broader question of the ways states use culture as power in the contemporary world. The conference is free of charge, but a small fee for dinner will apply.
For Programme, Registration & Further info, please see the Conference homepage. https://sites.uef.fi/vera-conference-2026/
Organisers: VERA Centre for Russian and Border Studies & Borders Mobilities and Cultural Encounters (BOMOCULT) Research Community, University of Eastern Finland
