The 2026 Art Association of Australia and New Zealand Conference (AAANZ) conference theme is Haereka (pronounced high-reh-kah), meaning journey. The theme honours the journeys of those who have come before us, including many generations of Waitaha, Kāti Māmoe, and Ngāi Tahu people who have traversed and first settled the mountain ranges, plains, and coastlines of Te Waipounamu South Island.

Panel convenors and formats

We are currently inviting proposals for sessions from panel convenors. After sessions are decided, individuals can then apply for papers. We invite proposals that engage with ideas of journeying – through time and place – as it might relate to images, artistic practice, and/or material culture, while encouraging fresh readings of politics, movement, and migration in art. This includes proposals from researchers interested in histories of art, design, architecture, visual culture & museums; artists and artist-researchers; and curators, arts workers, and GLAM sector professionals. Proposals should clearly outline how the panel will engage with the conference themes. We particularly welcome proposals from First Nations delegates and researchers, early-career researchers, and practice-led researchers.

All panels will be allocated 90 minutes and must allow at least 30 minutes for audience questions and discussion. A standard research panel comprises three speakers, each delivering a research paper of maximum 20 minutes, along with a short introduction by the convenor(s).

Alternative panel formats are also possible, which might include roundtable discussions, performances, short talks, workshops, etc. If you are proposing an alternative format, please describe this carefully in the online application form. We are also open to proposals for special/plenary sessions.

All proposals should be for presentations delivered in person at the Ōtautahi Christchurch conference.

Submission

Proposals should include: name/s of panel convener/s; a short summary (1750 characters); any confirmed participants; details of any alternative format requests like workshops, roundtables (standard panel is 3 x 20 minute papers).

Proposals should be submitted via the website form https://aaanz.info/call-for-sessions-submission-form-2026/.

Contact for enquiries: confaaanz.info