<nettime-ann> MeCCSA PGN Conference 2015 2-3 July Coventry University

Transformative Practice and Theory: Where We Stand Today

Call for Papers – MeCCSA PGN Conference 2015

Department of Media, Coventry University

2^nd – 3^rd of July 2015

Deadline for submission of abstracts: 2^nd of March 2015

Confirmed speakers: Dr. Clare Birchall (King’s College London), Dr. Rebecca Coleman(Goldsmiths University), Prof. Gary Hall (Coventry University).

The multidisciplinary fields of media, communication and culture face the challenge of constantly responding to the changing landscape which they study. In recent years, these fields have shifted considerably due to the rise in digital and open media, which have opened up new spaces for debate. Our negotiation with, and use of, theory has been transformed through the turn to affect, and the ways in which we are now articulating the relationship between bodies, images and environments as permeable and interconnected. Practice has also been transformed, as engagement with what were traditionally more “static” objects has been effected due to the disrupted power relations between producer and consumer, allowing for further engagement beyond production.

In response to these changes our conference focuses on unique approaches to review the way pre-existing notions, ideas and practices in research can be reimagined. We want to promote how the use of creative and original ways of research enables the reframing of traditional ideas to fit with the needs of today. Invited speakers will contribute by sharing how their own work pushes the potentials of theory and practice in the contexts of visual and sensory culture, data subjects and open access scholarship.

We invite early career academics, Masters and PhD students to share their work and contribute to the MeCCSA PGN 2015 conference. All contributions which fall within the theme of ‘Transformative Practice and Theory’ will be considered; topics for presentations might include (but are not limited to):

· Race, Gender and Sexuality in Networked Societies

· Material/Virtual Embodiment

· Open Media

· Rethinking Space, Place and Time

· Open Pedagogies

· Digital Cultures/Communities

· Digital Films and Visual Cultures

· Immersive, Mobile & Interactive Communications

· Evolving Methods and Methodologies

· Digital Research Ethics

· Gaming/Game Culture

· Posthumanism

· Disrupted Privacy and Transparency

· Visual and Sensory Cultures

Abstracts of up to 250 words, plus the title of your paper and up to four key words, should be submitted by 2nd March 2015 to team@meccsapgn2015.co.uk. Alternatively, you may submit a link to a publicly accessible video abstract of no more than 1 minute in length. Please also include your name, contact details, and institutional affiliation.

The fee for the conference will be £40 with an early bird price of £30. We are able to provide a limited number of bursaries. If you would like to be considered for financial assistance please provide a personal statement and a letter from your department indicating their inability to fund your participation when submitting your abstract.

For further information about the conference please visit www.meccsapgn2015.co.uk and follow us on twitter @MeCCSAPGN2015 or contact the organising committee at team@meccsapgn2015.co.uk.