CFP: Inkers and Thinkers: Alternative Forms, Alternative Voices / U of Adelaide (Oct 15; May 15-16)

Inkers and Thinkers:

Alternative Forms, Alternative Voices

An Interdisciplinary Symposium

at the University of Adelaide

May 15-16, 2015 

Call for Papers
The University of Adelaide’s Discipline of Media will hold its second annual interdisciplinary symposium on comics and graphic narratives on May 15 and 16, 2015. We invite researchers of all disciples, as well as artists working in the comics field, to submit proposals for conference papers. The theme of this year’s symposium is ‘Alternative Forms, Alternative Voices’.

Questions that could be addressed by research papers include, but are not limited to:

• How have comics historically been considered alternative and subversive? 
• How have comic creators used new technologies and emerging cultural practices to shape comics as an alternative or radical medium? 
• How have comics operated as a medium of expression for marginalised groups or ideas? 
• What publishing practices and formal properties have been used to position certain comics as alternative, or opposed to accepted ideas about literacy and discourse? 

Abstracts of 250-300 words for presentations of 15 minutes should be submitted to inkersandthinkers@gmail.com by October 15th, 2014. Notifications of acceptance will be sent by November 30th, 2014.

Call for Workshop Proposals
As part of the Inkers and Thinkers 2015 programming we are seeking proposals for 90-minute hands-on creative workshops on comics and graphic narratives to be held on May 15 and 16, 2015. The workshops should be thematically tied to the academic symposium, which explores the ways that comics have experimented with forms, uses, and content. Proposals are welcomed from both writers and artists, either working as individuals or in a team. Please note that we are seeking funding to provide stipends for accepted workshops.

Workshop classes could include, but are not limited to:

• Technical Aspects of Comics Production: Such as how to write effective dialogue, unfold action in sequence, portray character emotion, etc. 
• Crafting Comics Content: Such as how to illustrate a wordless comic, working with historical and autobiographical material, using comics for political or educational purposes, etc.

Submissions should include an overview of the proposed workshop, including a draft lesson plan, and information about the presenters, including any relevant teaching and/or artistic experience, as well as what equipment and materials will be needed for you and the class. Workshops should be designed to accommodate up to 40 participants.

Pitches for workshop sessions should be submitted to inkersandthinkers@gmail.com by October 31, 2014. Please indicate whether your session is designed for a beginner or intermediate audience, or both. Notifications of acceptance will be sent by December 1st, 2014.

CFP also online here.