DRHA –the 26th Annual Conference for Digital Research in the Humanities and Arts –will bring together artists, scholars, educators, curators, digital researchers, and entrepreneurs interested in the ways digital technology intersects with the arts and humanities. The 2022 conference theme is ‘Digital Sustainability’ in light of the immediate challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and the longer-term shadow of climate catastrophe

Since its outbreak in early 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic has been a crisis permeating all types of human activity. It could, thus, be conceived as a distinct hyper-phenomenon –perhaps, the first of its kind in recent history. The creative and cultural industries represent one of the sectors hardest hit by this global health crisis. Venue-based creative practices around the world have been severely affected by closures and social distancing measures (museums, galleries, theatres, performing arts, live music, festivals, cinemas, etc.). The abrupt drop in revenue has put their sustainability at risk, and the effects are expected to be long-lasting. At the same time, the outbreak of the pandemic has coincided with the increasingly present effects of climate catastrophe, with 2020 being pronounced the hottest year on record. Together these brought increased focus on the dual questions of sustainability and resilience.

During Covid-19 lockdowns around the globe, digital technology applications captured our imagination through their potential to support us in enduring isolation and help the cultural and creative sector survive closures and restrictions.
Innovations in emerging technologies such as distributed immersive environments and Artificial Intelligence (AI), as well as established technologies such as live streaming, social media, and online social platforms, provided the means of connecting people, distributing content, and moving social and cultural experiences online. UNESCO argues that the Covid-19 crisis reminds us that “we should nurture the socially beneficial aspects of digital technologies” and focus on improving access in parts of the world where it’s lacking.

The DRHA 2022 Conference will take place from September 4-7, 2022. 

The conference programme will include paper sessions, keynotes, panel discussions, performances, workshops, and a curated art exhibition. Therefore, we seek contributions in the form of papers, panels, performances, workshops or artworks that address the conference theme. Please submit an abstract of up to 500 words accompanied by a short biography of up to 150 words. For artworks and performances, please also submit images, videos, space requirements and installation plans if relevant.

Deadline: extended until Monday, May 9th, 2022.

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