Call for papers

The Fourth International Artefacta Conference will take place at the University of Helsinki, in Helsinki, Finland, on 13-14 February 2025. At the core of the Artefacta Conferences are objects and artefacts, as well as the materiality and material culture related to them.

The theme of the 2025 conference is “Resolutions”, including all of the various complexities and viewpoints connected with it.  This multifaceted term allows us to approach our research topics from various perspectives. Through the theme of resolutions, we can engage in specific and detailed analysis, or approach it with a broader view. Resolutions in museum contexts can be understood as decision-making processes concerning objects and collections, along with the curation of an exhibition - from selecting the display and scope, to the story that is presented to the audience. Resolutions can also refer to the disappearance or easing of, for example, attitudes that currently are addressed in postcolonial research. Resolutions can also refer to the disappearance of habits, heritage or object types. Determination is one synonym for resolution; for instance, how determination is visible in an object or research method, craft or through action. Resolution can also be a solution or an answer to a problem.  
Abstract proposals and submission

The Organising Committee welcomes abstract proposals related to the theme “Resolutions” from all over the world and from interdisciplinary perspectives, including the fields of material culture studies, history, archaeology, anthropology, heritage science, conservation, craft science, art history, museology, ethnology, design and beyond.  

The length of the proposals should not exceed 300 words. Both oral (20 minutes in length) and poster presentations are welcomed. Multiple presenters are allowed. Proposals should include your name, title/degree, affiliation, and email address. Choose and address one of the following themes as a framework of your forthcoming presentation. In addition, 3–5 keywords are required.  

Themes:

  1. Small and detailed
  2. Big and broad
  3. Decision making 
  4. Disappearance or easing
  5. Determination 
  6. Solution

Proposal should be submitted by 16 September 2024 to artefacta2025@helsinki.fi, in word- or pdf-format. 

We have decided to accept poster proposals until the end of November.

Acceptance of the presentations will be informed via email in late October. Please note that the Organising Committee reserves the right to suggest a change in the type of presentation based on the submitted proposal.  

We are looking forward to receiving your submission and welcoming you to Helsinki next February! 

Professor Riikka Räisänen, University of Helsinki,
with the organising committee of the Fourth International Artefacta Conference

 

PDF-version of the Call for Papers is available here.