Call for applications to a symposium on contemporary art and folklore

Call for Contributions to the Symposium
“Contemporary Art and Folklore: Unlocking the Underworld”
7–8 May 2026

Venue: Estonian Academy of Arts

Join us with your presentation, workshop, or another creative proposal!

The aim of the symposium is to explore how references to the mythological underworld have inspired, sustained, and revived cultural and social critique in contemporary art over the past three decades (since 1991). The project focuses on the representation and interpretation of chthonic elements—such as devils, spirits, witches, and other beings, whether human or non-human figures—that in Baltic folklore are associated with the otherworld, the underworld, and primordial foundations of existence.

We are interested in how the use of these elements in contemporary art has contributed to the development of new socio-political fields of knowledge, including fostering sensitivity, understanding, and deeper insight into a range of pressing issues such as gender inequality, racism, the climate crisis, consumer culture, and gentrification. “Underworld contemporary art” employs mysterious and unusual imagery and an occult appeal to attract and engage audiences. It challenges the existing order while encouraging discussions that promote social change, strengthen democratic values, and contribute to building an inclusive and safe society.

The call particularly invites submissions from authors based in Estonia, especially from the Estonian Academy of Artsand other Estonian higher education institutions. However, applications are also open to participants from other countries and fields.

Various presentation formats are welcome—from academic papers to workshops or artistic presentations, such as performances. Proposals may be submitted by individual authors or groups.

Application requirements can be found in the application form.

Application deadline: 10 April 2026

Apply here

The symposium is organised by the Institute of Literature, Folklore and Art, University of Latvia in cooperation with the Estonian Academy of Arts.
Project authors: Dr. Toms Ķencis, Dr. Jana Kukaine, Dr. Ieva Melgalve, and Maija Rudovska.

This activity is part of the research project “Contemporary Art and Folklore: Unlocking the Underworld (UNART)”, supported by the Latvian Council of Science (No. lzp-2024/1-0479).

Graphic design: Liāna Mihailova

Contact: maija.rudovska@artun.ee