European Scientific Conference
Open Call for Participation
Larnaca, 23 May 2026
University of Central Lancashire, Cyprus (UCLan Cyprus)
Within the framework of the DIS Festival – Together We Are Better | 2024–2030
Conference Description
The scientific conference DisAbility Culture: Art, Inclusion and Social Transformation constitutes the opening event of the European Festival DIS – Together We Are Better, which is organised within the framework of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026.
The conference focuses on the relationship between disability, culture, art, inclusion, and social transformation, approaching disability not as an individual condition, but as a cultural, social, and political experience.
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 primarily addressed to academics and researchers.
Thematic Axes
Submitted proposals should fall under one or more of the following thematic axes:
Thematic Axis 1
Art, Disability, and Cultural Representation
This axis examines issues of disability representation in art, culture, and public discourse, as well as the ways artistic creation redefines stereotypes and normative frameworks.
Thematic Axis 2
Inclusion, Aesthetics, and Cultural Policy
This axis focuses on power relations that shape aesthetic value, cultural normativity, and policies of inclusion or exclusion.
Thematic Axis 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.
Thematic Axis 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.
Thematic Axis 5
Culture, Democracy, and Rights: Disability in the Public Sphere
Disability is examined as an issue of democratic participation, cultural rights, and social activism.
Who Can Submit
The conference is primarily addressed to:
- academics and researchers from the humanities and social sciences,
- researchers in cultural studies, disability studies, and art studies,
- PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers,
- cultural professionals with documented research work.
Participation by disabled researchers is particularly encouraged.
Types of Contributions
Only the following forms of scientific participation are accepted:
- Scientific presentations featuring original, completed research
(15 minutes presentation + 5 minutes Q&A). - Scientific posters presenting research or theoretical approaches
(Printing of posters is the responsibility of the authors/creators).
Other forms of participation (e.g. panels, workshops, round tables) are not provided.
Selected presentations and posters will be published digitally on the official festival website.
Conference Language
The official language of the conference is English.
Therefore, all submissions (presentations and posters) must be in English.
Submission Guidelines
Each proposal must include:
- title,
- abstract of up to 300 words,
- 3–5 keywords,
- full name of the author/creator,
- institutional affiliation and organisation,
- short biography of up to 70 words.
Submissions will be made through the official festival website at the following link:
(Coming soon)
Timeline
- Open Call publication: 15 January
- Abstract submission deadline: 1 March
- Proposal evaluation: 1–20 March
- Notification of results: 25 March
- Confirmation of participation: by 10 April
- Final programme announcement: 20 April
- Conference date: 23 May
Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
- scientific quality and originality,
- clarity of theoretical and methodological framework,
- relevance to the thematic axes,
- contribution to scholarly dialogue on disability and culture.
Particular emphasis will be placed on proposals that incorporate the lived experiences of disabled individuals.
Scientific Committee
The Scientific Committee will consist of academics and researchers with recognised work in the fields of culture, disability, art, and social sciences.
- Conference Chair: Dr Christos Karpasitis, UCLan Cyprus
- Programme Chair: To be appointed (responsible for the programme and smooth running of the conference)
Conference Venue
University of Central Lancashire, Cyprus (UCLan Cyprus)
University Ave 12–14, Pyla 7080
Larnaca, Cyprus
Message from the Conference Chair
It is with great pleasure and honour that I welcome you to the European Scientific Conference “DisAbility Culture: Art, Inclusion and Social Transformation”, which will take place in Larnaca on 23 May, within the framework of the European Festival DIS – Together We Are Better (2024–2030).
The conference aspires to become a dynamic space for scholarly dialogue and exchange of ideas around disability as a cultural, social, and political experience, highlighting the role of art, culture, and inclusion in social transformation and democratic participation.
Larnaca, a city with a long history, a multicultural identity, and a vibrant contemporary cultural life, offers the ideal setting to host a meaningful dialogue on rights, accessibility, and social justice. As a meeting point of cultures and ideas, it creates the conditions for fruitful discussions and new scientific and creative collaborations.
We look forward to welcoming you to Larnaca, exchanging knowledge and experiences, and jointly contributing to the shaping of more inclusive cultural and social practices.
With kind regards,
Dr Christos Karpasitis
Conference Chair
DisAbility Culture: Art, Inclusion and Social Transformation
For any questions, please contact us using the following email address: contact@disfestival.com