CALL FOR ARTISTIC SUBMISSIONS: Fourth International Conference on Environmental Peacebuilding
Sep 2, 2025
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Environmental Peacebuilding Association and the University of Ottawa
The Arts Initiative of the Environmental Peacebuilding Association® (EnPAx®) and the University of Ottawa are delighted to announce the call for artistic contributions for the Fourth International Conference on Environmental Peacebuilding, to take place in Ottawa, Canada, from June 16-19, 2026.
The partners invite creative submissions in any form (e.g., visual art; handicraft; photography; poetry; music; mixed media; and more) to be part of the conference.
This Call for Artistic Submissions is specific to work that (1) could be physically or virtually displayed as part of the Conference Exhibition, or (2) could be performed live during bespoke portions of the Conference agenda. Artists are also encouraged to propose sessions in which they speak about their creative practice as part of the standard Call for Proposals: https://forms.gle/D8H6pKdbFLCfvU7i6
For this call, we welcome work that (1) fits the conference themes and (2) can exist in conversation with other pieces. Most importantly, we are looking for creative work - and creators - who are excited to be part of multidisciplinary conversations and multisector collaborations. It is important that artists hold the rights to share any submitted work, but we are very happy to consider existing work, new work, adapted work, and work in development.
The deadline for priority consideration of artistic submissions is October 6, 2025. Creative works submitted after the priority date will be considered pending space.
The Environmental Peacebuilding Arts Committee will review submissions according to the following criteria:
Relevance
- Does the piece address conference themes?
- More broadly, does the piece address both (1) environment/natural resources/nature and (2) peace/conflict/security?
Evokes Emotions, Thoughts, and Contemplation
- Is the piece compelling?
- Does the piece tell a story; capture attention; advance thought or critique; evoke feelings or question; etc.?
- Will the piece help audiences connect with environmental peacebuilding in new or creative ways?
WHAT TO PROPOSE
We invite submissions of creative work in any media from professional and amateur artists. Art might showcase issues within environmental peacebuilding (e.g., a photo story about Indigenous environmental defenders); reflect on these issues (e.g., a painting about the need for collaborative responses to climate change); or be part of peacebuilding practice (e.g., drawings completed by children as part of post-conflict therapeutic programming). While we are soliciting pieces that relate to one or more conference themes, we also welcome work on other issues relating to on the environment, conflict, and peace. Artists may submit more than one piece, and may also choose to submit an abstract to present a more traditional conference contribution; however, please note that in order to ensure that there are slots for as many people as possible, there likely will be a limit regarding how many pieces will be selected from any single individual.
Art in any language, and featuring any language, is very welcome, but proposals should be submitted in English. In order to expand accessibility for diverse audiences, EnPAx may be interested in translating various aspects of submitted art into other languages. If this is done, EnPAx will be responsible for any associated costs, and works would only be translated and presented with the full knowledge and permission of the artist.
HOW TO PROPOSE
Proposals must be submitted via the submission form. The submission form requires the following information:
- The name, email, country, and institutional affiliation of the creator(s)
- The title and a description of the proposed piece of work
- Selection of the submission’s topical theme(s)
- An indication of how the piece might best be presented at the conference
We highly encourage work from underrepresented communities and diverse backgrounds. If you have any questions regarding the conference, submission ideas, the submission process, or otherwise, please do not hesitate to contact us at enpaxart@gmail.com.
Anyone can submit a proposal. It is not necessary to be a member of the Environmental Peacebuilding Association or hold an affiliation with the University of Ottawa; this call is open to everyone and we encourage submissions from diverse communities and creatives.
There is no fee associated with submitting a proposal. Artists proposing work to appear in the conference art exhibition are not required to attend the conference either in person or virtually, though they are highly encouraged to do so. If selected to present or perform live at the conference, successful submitters will need to register for the conference and pay the registration fee. All conference participants, including presenters and attendees, will have to pay for registration fees. (A separate call will be circulated to those hoping for support to attend the conference.)
For those interested in attending the in-person conference who would need support to do so, there is limited support for travel grants (more information will be made available on the conference website at a later date).
TIMELINE
The deadline for priority submissions is October 6, 2025 at 11:59 PM EDT. All submissions will be reviewed by the Art Committee. Those who submit by the priority deadline will be contacted by the Committee on the progress of their submission (s) by 31st October 2025.
We will continue to accept and review proposals following the priority submission deadline, space allowing.