The first-ever Papua New Guinea Arts Conference, entitled “PNG Arts: Past, Present, and Future”, will be held in New Guinea from 17 until 19 September 2025.

Participate in a landmark event examining and celebrating Papua New Guinea’s rich artistic heritage, development, and future trajectory. This inaugural conference aims to convene scholars, artists, cultural practitioners, and enthusiasts from across the globe to critically explore the multifaceted dimensions of PNG’s arts (visual, music, theatre, writing), analysing their cultural, historical, and contemporary relevance while envisioning their role in shaping the nation’s future.

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS

We invite participants to submit papers related to the arts (visual, music, theatre, writing) of Papua New Guinea, focusing on its dynamic transformation across three key eras:

1. The Past: PNG arts before independence (1975), encompassing traditional practices, cultural expressions, and ancestral narratives through the creative arts.
2. The Present: PNG arts post-independence, reflecting modern influences, social change, and identity.
3. The Future: Forward-looking perspectives on how PNG arts can innovate, inspire, and influence globally.

Themes:

1. Arts in Social, Politics & Development Movements
2. Art Histories, Identity and Resilience
3. Changing Pedagogies of Arts in Education
4. Creative Practice, New Media and Technology in Arts

Suggested Sub-Topics for Papers:

1. Traditional Artistic Practices:
   Exploring indigenous crafts, ceremonial artifacts, dances, songs, traditional instruments, and their cultural meanings.
2. Arts and Independence:
   The role of art in PNG’s journey toward and after independence.
3. Contemporary PNG Arts Movements:
   Emerging artists, writers, mediums, and their socio-political themes.
4. Preservation and Revival of Traditional Art Forms:
   Addressing the challenges and opportunities of keeping traditions alive.
5. Art and Global Influence:
   The interplay between PNG arts and international exposure or collaborations.
6. Digital and Technological Innovation in PNG Arts:
   The integration of technology in art-making and cultural storytelling.
7. PNG Art and Sustainability:
   Eco-friendly practices, resource management, and the use of natural materials in artistic expressions.
8. Other topics related to the arts of Papua New Guinea.

Submission Guidelines:

Abstracts of no more than 300 words and 100 words Bio must be submitted by Monday 28th April, 2025. Successful applicants will be notified by Monday 19th May, 2025.

Participation and Presentation Modes

Presentation

1. In Person
2. Virtual

Participation

1. Oral Presentation,
2. Poster Presentation,
3. Workshop,
4. Creative Practice Showcase

Contact Information:

For more information or to submit your abstract, please contact:
Email:       conference@pngartconference.org
Website:    www.pngartconference.org

Let us come together to celebrate, reflect on, and shape the future of Papua New Guinea’s extraordinary artistic heritage.

Supporters of the 2025 PNG Arts Conference