Fragments. Deconstructing and Reconstructing Tangible and Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The PhD Programme in History, Criticism and Conservation of Cultural Heritage at the University of Padua announces the 6th Doctoral Conference, Fragments. Deconstructing and Reconstructing Tangible and Intangible Cultural Heritage, to be held in Padua (Palazzo Bo) on 10–11 December 2026.

The conference aims to investigate the notion of the fragment as object, method, and compositional principle across different areas of cultural heritage studies. Fragments may be understood both as remnants of the past and as dynamic elements capable of generating new meanings and contexts. Contributions are invited from a wide range of disciplines, including archaeology, art history, architectural history, film, music, and performance studies.
Possible topics include (but are not limited to):
- reconstruction practices and restitutions of lost or incomplete works;
- fragments as historical sources;
- fragmentation as an aesthetic and compositional principle;
- analytical approaches based on decomposition and transformation;
- processes of fragmentation, recontextualisation, and rewriting of cultural heritage.

The call is open to PhD candidates from Italian and international institutions.

Proposals must include:
- name and affiliation
- title of the paper
- abstract (max. 350 words, in English or Italian)
- 5 keywords
- short bio (max. 150 words)

Please send proposals by 14 June 2026 to: convegnodottorale2026.dbcunipd.it

Notification of acceptance will be sent by 31 July 2026.

The conference will take place in person in Padua. Papers presented at the conference will be considered for publication in the proceedings, subject to peer review.