“We must never forget that art is not a form of propaganda; it is a form of truth.” - U.S. President John F. Kennedy
The University of Dayton Human Rights Center is excited to announce the call for proposals for the Social Practice of Human Rights (SPHR) 2026 Conference: Creative Resistance—Artivism, Technology, and the Right to Dissent, taking place April 9–11, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio (with hybrid options available).
In a world where democracy and human rights are under increasing threat, movements for justice are responding with innovation, creativity, and courage. From murals that bear witness to state violence to encrypted platforms that enable safe organizing, today’s activists are redefining what it means to resist. Art and technology are not only modes of expression—they are vital tools for survival, solidarity, and transformation.
SPHR 2026 will bring together artists, activists, technologists, scholars, and community leaders to explore this critical moment. Together, we’ll ask urgent questions like:
- What does it mean to dissent and protest creatively in the 21st century?
- How are art and technology reshaping resistance and advocacy?
- What strategies can protect these evolving forms of expression and safeguard the right to protest?
We welcome proposals that highlight diverse geographies, histories, and creative forms of resistance. Possible themes include:
- Artivism as Resistance – From murals and theater to music and zines, how does art fuel memory, dialogue, and change?
- Upholding the Right to Protest – Legal frameworks, movement lawyering, and international protections for dissent.
- Technological Transformation – AI, digital freedom, and tech-enabled movements.
- The Future of International Law – Reimagining advocacy and global governance for justice.
Who Should Apply?
We especially encourage submissions from:
Artists, activists, technologists, scholars, youth leaders, lawyers, cultural workers, journalists, disability justice advocates, faith-based leaders, diaspora communities, Indigenous defenders, formerly incarcerated leaders, queer and feminist movements, and anyone using creativity to defend human rights.
Submission Details
- Proposal length: 350 words
- Deadline: October 31, 2025
- Notification of acceptance: November 22, 2025
- Final submissions due: February 1, 2026
Proposals should include a title, format, description, themes addressed, goals, and any tech/accessibility needs. Presentations can take many forms: panels, workshops, performances, roundtables, visual or digital art, and more.
Limited travel support will be available for Global South practitioners, graduate students, junior scholars, and contingent faculty.
Submit via this link.
Learn more at go.udayton.edu/hrc
Follow updates: @udhumanrights | #SPHR26