AAH 2027: Call for Sessions (Exeter, 7-9 April 2027)

The Association for Art History’s Annual Conference brings together international research and critical debate about art history and visual culture. A key annual event, the conference is an opportunity to keep up to date with new research, hear leading keynote speakers, broaden networks, and exchange ideas.

Last year’s Annual Conference attracted almost 1000 attendees. It is popular with academics, curators, practitioners, PhD students, early-career researchers, and anyone engaged in art history research. Members of the Association get reduced conference rates, but non-members are welcome to attend and propose sessions and papers. Convenors are limited to convening one session.

We are pleased to be collaborating with the University of Exeter for the 2027 Annual Conference.

Scope/Provocation
The Annual Conference reflects the Association for Art History’s commitment to a broad and inclusive art history. We strive for sessions across all areas of research and practice, from the ancient to the contemporary, and across all forms of artistic media, including those that focus on practice outside of Europe and North America. In a 21st century facing multiple global challenges, the recognition and support of intersectional arts histories are of critical importance, and we welcome submissions that engage with race and gender, the environment, AI, and social activism.

Session Proposals
The 2027 Annual Conference is open to all members and non-members of the Association for Art History. Anyone can submit a session proposal.

We actively encourage applications from candidates who are Black, Asian, and minority ethnic, as well as from other groups traditionally underrepresented in art-historical roles in the UK, and we are also seeking new partnerships with organisations representing these communities.

We welcome session proposals from affiliated scholars, independent researchers, associations, societies and networks. A Call for Papers follows, once sessions have been selected.

Please include this key information in your session proposal response:
– Title of your session proposals
– Brief abstract (max 250 words)
– Description of proposed format (session structure) – see session proposal form for more information
– Name of session convenor(s)
– Affiliations (or if independent/freelance)
– Contact details of session convenors

First, please read our guidelines for writing an AAH conference session abstract

Then submit your session proposal via the 2027 Session Proposal Google Form here: https://forms.gle/mAuLaRu71THNbsyp9

Key Dates

Session proposals deadline — 1 July 2026

Sessions confirmed — 10–22 August. Sessions confirmed and convenors notified

Call for Papers announced — 14–18 September

Call for Papers deadline — 26 October

Paper selection period — 26 October–30 November. Session convenors select papers and contact speakers

Abstracts submitted to AAH — 30 November

Programme announcement — 7–11 December. Full details of sessions and papers announced. Tickets on sale

AAH Conference — 7-9 April 2027

Any questions, please contact: conference2027@forarthistory.org.uk

If you are interested in sponsoring a session or other sponsorship opportunities, please contact Chloe at chloe@forarthistory.org.uk to find out more.