Our present is often described in terms of fluidity, liquidity and de-territorialisation (Baumen 2000; Deleuze and Guattari 2004; Rancière 2011). It can be understood as a period of the nomadic return, favouring economic, cultural and political practices that are based on mobility, temporariness and de-materialisation (Giddens 2000; Raley 2009). The adoption of nomadic style can be seen, for example, in the centrality of ephemeral art practices, such as performance and site-specific, the growing phenomenon of residencies, the emergence of ‘digital nomads’ and the economy that complements it, such as Airbnb, coffee-shops, and hot-desking spaces. On the other hand, making a virtue of being ‘flexible’ and ‘nomadic’ can demonstrate complicity in often delusional ‘self-help’ habits (Barry in Deepwell 1995). A ‘non-nomadic’ stance might offer a resistance to such habits, adding friction to analyse whose interests are served by this fluidity. Other strategies of ‘non-nomadism’ such as national and religious fundamentalism, which construct and conserve strict definitions regarding belonging (to a group or to a land) have gained centrality, thus calling for a re-evaluation of our nomadic tendencies.

Being Nomad is a multi-disciplinary platform exploring the concept of nomadism. It is interested in nomadism as a political, cultural and philosophical position challenging exclusive approaches towards borders, migrations and minorities, as well as the neo-liberal system that adopts a transnational approach only when it comes to goods and profits.

The open call aims to contribute to the discussion on nomadism from three main perspectives:
1. Nomadic identity – artistic and creative practices explore issues of nomadism, migration, and the state of being a refugee.
2. Nomadism in academic - nomadism as a methodological approach (Braidotti 1994).
3. Nomadic spaces of resistance, such as protest camps, squatting, and raves (Feigenbaum, Frenzeland and McCurdy 2013).
4. Counter-arguments to what constitutes nomadism.

Being Nomad aims to bring together various written and visual formats. Creative writing and academic texts should be between 5000-7000 words (including references). Moving images, visual and audio works should be sent in file(s) of no more than 25mb. An artists statement is optional and should be up to 100 words. In addition, all contributes will be required to provide a short biography of up to 100 words.

For any enquiry and submissions: mor0ante0gmail.com

The Nomadic Reading Group
Being Nomad is a project launched by the Nomadic Reading Group based in Manchester Metropolitan University.
The open call is part of Prologue 2018 – a series of events, talks and workshops organised by the Postgraduate Arts and Humanities Centre, Manchester Metropolitan University.