Association for Art History Conference 2026: Call for Sessions.

https://forarthistory.org.uk/events/cfs-association-for-art-history-2026-annual-conference/

The Association for Art History’s Annual Conference brings together international research and critical debate about art history and visual culture. A key annual event, the conference is an opportunity to keep up to date with new research, hear leading keynotes, broaden networks and exchange ideas.

The Annual Conference attracts around 400 attendees each year and is popular with academics, curators, practitioners, PhD students, early career researchers and anyone engaged with art history research. Members of the Association get reduced conference rates, but non-members are welcome to attend and propose sessions and papers. Convenors are limited to convening one session.

Scope/Provocation
The Annual Conference reflects the Association for Art History’s commitment to a broad and inclusive art history. We therefore strive for sessions, across all areas of research and practice, from the ancient to the contemporary and on all forms of artistic media and including those which focus on practice outside of Europe and North America. In a 21st century facing multiple global challenges, the recognition and support of inter-sectional arts histories are of critical importance, and we welcome submissions that engage with race and gender, the environment, AI, and social activism.

Session Proposals
The 2026 Annual Conference is open to all, members and non-members of the Association for Art History. Anyone can submit a session proposal.

We actively encourage applications from candidates who are Black, Asian, minority ethnic or from other groups traditionally underrepresented within art historical roles in the UK, as well as new partnerships from those representing these groups.

We welcome session proposals from affiliated scholars, independent researchers and associations, societies and networks. A call for papers follows, once sessions have been selected.

Please include in your session proposal:
- Title of your session proposals
- Brief abstract (max 250 words)
- Description of proposed format (session structure) – see session proposal form for more information
- Name of session convenor(s)
- Affiliations (or if independent/freelance)
- Email of session convenors
- Social media accounts

Please use the 2026 Session Proposal Form: https://forarthistory.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Session-Proposal-Form-2026.pdf and email it to: conference2026forarthistory.org.uk

Key Dates

1 July 2025: Sessions proposal deadline
17-30 July: Sessions confirmed and convenors notified
8-12 September: Sessions listed on AAH website and social media. Call for Papers announced.
31 October: Call for Papers deadline
31 October – 5 December: Session convenors select papers and contact speakers
5 December: Session and paper abstracts sent to AAH
December: Full details of sessions on AAH website, Tickets/registration opens
8-10 April 2026 AAH Conference.