Extended deadline: EchoForum 2026 Conference: Disability as Radical Interdisciplinary Practice
Sibiu, Romania
Organization: Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu
EchoForum 2026 Conference: Disability as Radical Interdisciplinary Practice
26–27 November 2026
Organised by: Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu
NEW Submission deadline: 10 October 2026
Working languages: English, French, Romanian
Confirmed Keynote Speakers:
Jonathan Meth // Goldsmiths University of London
Maria Bucur // Indiana University
Petra Kuppers // University of Michigan
EchoForum: Conceptual Framework
Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu and the members of the EchoCamp project are delighted to extend an invitation to the upcoming conference on disability arts, EchoForum 2026: Disability as Radical Interdisciplinary Practice, taking place between November 26-27, 2026, in Sibiu, Romania.
EchoForum constitutes the research and dialogue component of EchoCamp, the first artistic camp dedicated to disability arts in Romania. Paying homage to Camp Jened and to other similar undertakings, EchoCamp aims to radically shape the way in which we think about the intersection of disability, arts, inclusion, and representation in the East-European cultural space.
Hence, at its core, the EchoForum conference is conceived as an interdisciplinary crossroad. We believe that disability does not exist in a vacuum, but is shaped by politics of space, care, law, aesthetic frameworks, and broader social organization. Consequently, we seek to move beyond the siloed approach to disability studies, inviting a convergence of knowledge from across the humanities, social sciences, and professional practices.
Therefore, we invite contributions that intersect across the following academic and professional domains:
- The Artistic and Media Humanities: Including Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Film and Media,
- Literature and Literary Studies, Theatre and Performance Studies, and the field of Artistic Research.
- The Social and Cultural Sciences: Including Sociology and Social Work, Anthropology, Cultural Studies, Critical Theory, Disability Studies, and the intersectional frameworks of Gender, Sexuality, and Queer Studies.
- Spatial and Infrastructural Studies: Including Architecture and Spatial Practices, Accessibility and Inclusive Design, and the fields of Curatorial Studies and Cultural Management and Policy.
- Health and Care Humanities: Including Healthcare/Health Humanities, Psychology, and Education/Pedagogy.
- Applied Practices and Advocacy: Including Community-based Practice, Political Activism, and Human Rights Advocacy.
Since we believe that all knowledge is created equal, we welcome proposals from both academic and non-academic contexts. We invite contributions in a variety of formats:
- Theoretical and practice-based research (including work-in-progress and case studies).
- Artistic research and presentations of cultural practices or projects.
- Interdisciplinary panels and roundtable discussions.
- Hybrid formats, such as performance-lectures or workshops.
We invite both individual and collective proposals. Abstracts may be submitted in English, French, or Romanian. However, presentations may be delivered only in English or Romanian.
As a general guideline for programming and scheduling, we suggest a duration of 20 minutes for individual presentations. However, we emphasize that this timeframe is a suggestion and not a strict requirement. In alignment with our commitment to accessibility and inclusive practice, we recognize that different modes of communication, the use of assistive technologies, and various cognitive or physical needs may require alternative timing or pacing. We encourage applicants to propose a duration and format that best ensures their ability to present their work comfortably and effectively.
Submit your proposal via the following online form: https://forms.gle/pyVsovHeu3yDkpDeA
Practical Information
Dates: 26–27 November 2026
Deadline: 10 October 2026
Notification of Acceptance: 15 October 2026
Venue: Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Sibiu, Romania
Fees: No registration fee.
Access: EchoCamp is committed to full accessibility. Please detail your requirements in the application form.
EchoFestival: The Forum is followed by EchoFestival, the public programme featuring performances and artistic events. Selected contributors are warmly invited to stay and participate.
Contact
For questions or support with the application: echocamp2026@gmail.com
We’re looking forward to welcoming you to Sibiu!
EchoForum is committed to accessibility in all its dimensions. We prioritize the voices of disabled artists, researchers, and practitioners and welcome your feedback on how to make this Forum truly inclusive.
https://forms.gle/pyVsovHeu3yDkpDeA
Ovio Olaru