PRAXIS 2026 is a flagship international conference dedicated to advancing practice-led and practice-based research in the creative arts convened by the Centre for Research, Creative Work, and Knowledge Dissemination (CRCKD) of the University of the Visual and Performing Arts in Sri Lanka, the conference positions artistic practice as a rigorous, research-generating methodology within contemporary academic discourse.

The conference provides a high-level interdisciplinary platform for academics, artist-researchers, and practitioners to engage in critical dialogue, present innovative work, and contribute to the expanding global field of artistic research.

PRAXIS 2026 is designed to align with international research standards, supporting publication pathways, peer-reviewed outputs, and long-term scholarly impact.

September 18, 2026

(Performances, Exhibitions, Public Engagement)

The conference explores the role of creative practice as a driver of:

• Cultural sustainability and heritage transmission
• Knowledge production through artistic processes
• Social engagement and community transformation
• Innovation across interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary contexts

• Critical reinterpretations of traditional art forms
• Contemporary engagements with intangible cultural heritage

• Artistic practice as methodology
• Creative work as research output
• Exegesis and reflective frameworks

• Participatory and community-based practices
• Art in social development and public engagement

• Body, movement, sound, and image as epistemologies
• Indigenous and non-Western knowledge systems

• Art and technology
• Creative practice in education and research integration
• Cross-sector collaborations

Stage 1: Abstract Publication

All accepted and presented abstracts will be published in the official Conference Abstract Proceedings Book. This publication formally documents participation in the conference.

Stage 2: Full-Text Publication

Conference Proceedings Book

After the conference, presenters may apply to publish an expanded version of their work as a full paper. Submission to this stage is separate from abstract acceptance and will undergo an independent peer-review process.

Stage 3 : Invited publication

Based on scholarly quality, relevance, and review outcomes, selected submissions will be invited for publication in one of the following outlets:

• Journal of Research in Music (JRM)
• Journal of the Visual and Performing Arts (JOVPA)

Authors may submit their work under one of the following categories:

01. Research Papers

• Full Paper Length: 4,000–6,000 words
• Research papers must demonstrate:
  • Theoretical rigour
  • Methodological clarity
  • Original contribution to knowledge

These submissions should present clearly defined research questions, contextual grounding, analytical depth, and a well-supported conclusion.

02. Practice-Based Creative Submission

This category includes performances, exhibitions, installations, films, and other forms of creative practice.

• Exegesis Length: 2,500–4,000 words
• Each creative submission must be accompanied by:
  • A critical exegesis
  • Relevant documentation (visual/audio materials)
  • Conceptual sketches or design materials
  • Technical specifications
  • Duration and spatial requirements

The exegesis must clearly explain how the creative work constitutes research, outlining its conceptual framework, methodology (where applicable), and its contribution to knowledge production within the visual and performing arts.

03. Lecture-Performances / Demonstrations

Abstract submission (Stage 1)

Separate technical and format description for teaching, workshop, or demonstration (to be submitted prior to presentation).

Concept note or short exegesis after the conference for inclusion in the Conference Proceedings (Stage 2 or/ and 3), subject to peer review.

04. Community Practice Case Studies

Abstract submission (Stage 1)

Full paper (4,000–6,000 words) or documented project submission after the conference for inclusion in the Conference Proceedings (Stage 2 or/and 3), subject to peer review.

Abstract Submission (Mandatory for All Categories)

Length: 300–400 words

Abstract must include:

• Title of submission
• Author(s) / Creator(s)
• Institutional affiliation (if applicable)
• Submission category
•  Five Key Words

Content must include:

• Research aim or creative intention
• Methodological or practice-based approach
• Conceptual/theoretical grounding
• Relevance to conference themes

• All submissions undergo double-blind peer review
• Evaluation criteria include:
• • Originality and scholarly contribution
  • Methodological and conceptual rigor
  • Artistic quality (for creative works)
  • Relevance to conference themes

Selected papers will be considered for publication in peer-reviewed conference proceedings, with potential pathways to indexed journals subject to review and editorial standards.

PRAXIS 2026 welcomes contributions from:

• Academics and researchers
• Artist-scholars and practice-led researchers
• Independent artists and practitioners
• Postgraduate and advanced undergraduate students
• Cultural professionals and interdisciplinary collaborators

Participants will engage in:

• Parallel research sessions
• Curated exhibitions and performances
• Keynote lectures and panel discussions
• Practice-based research presentations
• Public engagement through Open Day programming

• Peer-reviewed academic publications
• International research collaborations
• Documentation and archiving of creative research
• Strengthening of practice-led research frameworks
• Enhanced global visibility of creative arts scholarship

Detailed submission guidelines, templates, and registration information will be released via official channels. https://vpa.ac.lk/