July 2, 2026·News

Thank You for Joining the 2026 International Forum on Artistic Research

From 23–26 June, SAR and the Research Institute of Creativity—University of Galway were delighted to welcome artistic researchers, practitioners, educators, students, and institutional partners from around the world to the 2026 International Forum on Artistic Research at the University of Galway.

Over three inspiring days, more than 300 participants gathered across 120+ sessions with contributions from 170+ presenters, making this one of the largest international gatherings dedicated entirely to artistic research.

This year's Forum explored the theme Endangered Conceptual Worlds, bringing together diverse perspectives through presentations, performances, workshops, exhibitions, poster sessions, roundtable discussions, field trips, and conversations that reflected the richness and plurality of artistic research today. Particular attention was given to questions of cultural and linguistic diversity, artistic intelligence, and the role of artistic research in responding to rapidly changing technological, social, and political landscapes.

True to the spirit of artistic research, the programme also embraced experimental formats. Alongside more traditional presentations, participants encountered sessions unfolding in unexpected places and at unconventional times - from discussions held in a sauna to sessions starting in the middle of the night. Beyond presentations and sessions, the Forum provided space for the Society's community to meet through SAR Special Interest Group (SIG) sessions and the Individual Members' Meeting.

The Forum also marked the official inauguration of the Research Institute for Creativity at the University of Galway. The opening ceremony featured contributions from David J. Burn, President of the University of Galway; Rebecca Braun, Executive Dean of the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies; Tríona Ní Shíocháin, Head of the School of English, Media and Creative Arts; and Tomás Ó Síocháin, CEO of Údarás na Gaeltachta.

The Forum was also an opportunity to celebrate excellence in artistic research publishing through the annual SAR Prize for Best Exposition in the Research Catalogue . This year's prize was awarded to Annika Borg for the exposition Seen from a place, developed from a point. Selected from 26 nominated expositions, the jury praised the work for its outstanding and innovative use of the Research Catalogue, its rich exposition of artistic process, and its exemplary contribution to artistic research publishing.

Beyond the programme, the Forum created space for conversations that continued long after individual sessions had ended. The networking dinner, informal gatherings, and shared social events offered opportunities to build new collaborations, reconnect with colleagues, and strengthen the international artistic research community. These encounters remain one of the defining qualities of the SAR Forum and an important complement to the academic programme itself.

Looking ahead, the closing ceremony featured a presentation by our 2027 conference hosts, the Academy of Performing Arts in Bratislava (VŠMU), offering participants a first glimpse of next year's International Conference on Artistic Research. We are delighted to continue the conversation in Bratislava in 2027. Preparations are also beginning for the 2028 International Forum on Artistic Research, and SAR will soon publish an open call inviting institutions interested in hosting the 2028 edition to submit proposals.

A heartfelt thank you goes to everyone who contributed to making this year's Forum such a generous, thoughtful, and vibrant meeting place: our hosts at the University of Galway, the Programme Committee, presenters, partners, and every participant who shared ideas, questions, and conversations throughout the week.

We look forward to sharing a fuller photographic recap and highlights from the Forum in the coming weeks.