CALL FOR ABSTRACTS
Abstracts are now invited for the Annual International Research Symposium 2025 (AIRS 2025), organized by the Sri Palee Campus of the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. This conference will provide a platform to showcase your creative and innovative approaches in Media and Performing Arts as well as cutting-edge research in the realm of technological advances in arts and media in the post-global era. Join hands with the organizers to shape the future of education and creative industries. Research papers from paper presenters are published in the form of conference proceedings. We welcome scholarly abstracts and full papers from local and international academics and researchers across various interests. You are invited to contribute by presenting at the conference to make the event a success.
THEME – Transformations in Arts and Media in the Post-Global Era
The arts and media fields have consistently evolved in response to shifts in technology, culture, and socio-political dynamics. However, in the post-global era, this evolution is accelerating at an unprecedented pace. Following the peak of globalization, this new phase is characterized by decentralization, the revival of localized identities, and the rise of digital ecosystems that transcend traditional geopolitical boundaries. Unlike previous stages of globalization, which emphasized homogenization, the post-global era encourages diversity, cultural re-assessment, and redefined creative approaches.
As influential forces in shaping perceptions and driving social change, arts and media are undergoing a significant transformation. Digital innovations, artificial intelligence, and evolving socio-political landscapes are redefining how art is created, disseminated, and experienced. These rapid advancements raise critical questions surrounding authenticity, creative autonomy, ethics, and sustainability, urging artists, media professionals, and institutions to rethink their roles in a constantly evolving world.
Understanding these changes is more pressing than ever. How do creative industries navigate emerging trends and challenges? What impact do technological advances have on artistic expression and media narratives? How can cultural and media practices balance local authenticity with global influences? Addressing these questions requires interdisciplinary inquiry, bringing diverse perspectives to explore the evolving creative landscape, the intersection of technology and humanity, and the role of arts and media in fostering sustainable development.
This symposium provides a platform for scholars, practitioners, and industry experts to engage in meaningful discussions about the transformations reshaping arts and media in today’s digital age. By critically examining these shifts, we aim to generate new insights, encourage collaboration, and contribute to the ongoing discourse about the future of arts and media in an ever-changing world.
A broad range of papers are invited under the main theme with the following sub-themes as areas of focus. You can submit your abstracts on any of the following themes:
SUB-THEMES
• AI and Emerging Changes in the Creative Industries
• New Trends and Challenges in the Creative Industry
• Changing Narratives: Arts and Media in the 21st Century
• Arts and Media for Sustainable Development
• Humanity in the Age of Technology
• Language in the Digital Era
• Convergence Media: Emerging Trends and Perspectives
• Best Practices: Arts and Media in Local Contexts
DATE OF THE SYMPOSIUM – 31st October 2025
MODE OF THE SYMPOSIUM – Hybrid (Online & Onsite)
KEYNOTE SPEAKER – Prof. Dr. Jur. Eric W. Steinhauer
Prof. Dr. Jur. Eric W. Steinhauer is the Director of the University Library of Hagen, serving approximately 70,000 distance-learning students. In addition to his work as a director and librarian, he serves as an honorary Professor at the Institute for Library and Information Science at Humboldt University in Berlin, where he teaches courses on library science, copyright, and media law. He is also a member and spokesperson of the National Ombudsman Committee for Research Integrity in Germany, overseeing issues of good scientific practice in universities and research institutions. He pursued a diverse educational background, studying law, Catholic theology, political science, and education at the University of Münster and the University of Hagen. After completing his studies, Steinhauer worked at various university libraries, including the University Library of Freiburg, the University Library Ilmenau, and the University Library Magdeburg. He has also lectured on cultural studies of the morbid at Humboldt University on Halloween. As a director, lawyer, librarian, and honorary professor, Eric Wilhelm Steinhauer has dedicated his career to advocating for open access to scientific information and publications, supporting hybrid publishing, which provides both printed and online access to publications at no cost, as well as advocating for reforms in German library legislation. He has published more than 420 works, including monographs, research papers, and books, and has made approximately 250 presentations in German and English. He has extensive academic connections and influence in copyright law and library digitalisation in Germany and abroad. He is a valuable asset to the academic community in Germany and beyond, thanks to his expertise in library and copyright law.
CHIEF GUEST – Senior Professor H. D. Karunaratne, Vice Chancellor, University of Colombo
IMPORTANT DATES
- Call for abstracts – 07th April 2025
- Abstract Submission Deadline – 15th June 2025
- Notification of Acceptance – 01st August 2025
- Camera-Ready Copy Submission – 15th August 2025
- Full Paper Submission Deadline – 15th of September 2025
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Abstract – 250-350 words
Full paper length – 2,500-3,000 words
PRE-CONFERENCE WEBINARS
We intend to organize three pre-conference webinars, conducted online and accessible to the public, in advance of the abstract submission deadline. Each webinar will have a duration of one hour.
CONFERENCE FEE
For local professional presenters – Rs. 5000.00
For local students – Rs. 3000.00
For foreign professional Presenters – USD 75
For foreign students – USD 25
FOR INFORMATION AND PAPER SUBMISSION – papersubmission@spc.cmb.ac.lk
OFFICIAL WEB LINK – https://spc.cmb.ac.lk/airs-2025/