CFP: Claiming Space: A Symposium on Black Futures​​—Past, Present, and Potential

As the culmination of a multi-museum collaboration on the topic of Afrofuturism, the Smithsonian is planning a scholarly program, “Claiming Space: A Symposium on Black Futures —Past, Present, and Potential.” The conference will take place virtually January 27-29, 2022. 

The call for proposals is now open and multi-disciplinary scholars, writers, artists, and thinkers are invited to submit an individual proposal with a short abstract (350-500 words) via webform detailing what they hope to address in a presentation. Scholars should also select the themes in which they believe their work best corresponds. If you are selected, you will submit a ten-minute pre-recorded presentation on your proposed topic and participate in an hour-long panel discussion on your theme during the symposium. The Smithsonian is able to provide honoraria for the participants of our educational programs.

The call for proposals will close on September 10, 2021. Participants will be notified of their acceptance by late October. A detailed schedule will be announced in the fall. Find submission requirements, theme descriptions, and updates on the Claiming Space website.