Between Theory
and Practice – Second Doctoral Conference

Between Theory and Practice – Second Doctoral Conference

CONFERENCE DATE: October 1, 2026

OPEN CALL:

A thematically focused doctoral conference with peer-reviewed proceedings.

The organizers are announcing an Open Call for the second edition of the doctoral conference, which will take place in person on October 1, 2026. The conference is intended for doctoral students in the fields of fine arts, design, art theory, curatorial studies, and related humanities disciplines.

The aim of the conference is to create a platform for in-depth thematic discussion, the sharing of research methods, and the presentation of ongoing doctoral projects. The conference is open to Czech and Slovak participants. Selected participants will be invited to submit the full text of their paper.

Who Can Apply

Doctoral students in the fields of art, design, art theory, curatorial studies, cultural studies, and related humanities disciplines.

How to apply

Interested applicants should submit an abstract (approx. 300–500 words) and a short biography (approx. 100 words) via the online form by May 15, 2026. The abstract should clearly articulate the research question, methodology, and connection to the selected thematic area.

Thematic Areas

Identity, Representation, and Critical Discourses in Contemporary Art

This track focuses on issues of identity, power, representation, and historical memory in contemporary art. It includes contributions reflecting postcolonial, gender, and social perspectives, as well as post-media and intermedia approaches, including the use of digital and technological tools as part of critical artistic practice.

Sustainability, Materiality, and the Future of Art and Design Practice

This track focuses on ecological, material, production, and professional aspects of contemporary art and design practice. It explores questions of long-term sustainability in art and design professions, working models, visual languages, and technological solutions.

The “visual arts” and “design” sections are not strictly separated; contributions may naturally straddle both fields.

Information and organization:

Ing. Michaela Pfeiferová, mpfeife@fdu.zcu.cz

Supervision: Lenka Sýkorová, Ph.D.

We look forward to your participation.

The First Doctoral Conference of the Faculty of Design and Art, University of West Bohemia in Plzen

October 30, 2025
10:00 – 16:00

The Doctoral Conference of the Ladislav Sutnar Faculty of Design and Art at the University of West Bohemia in Plzen focuses on current research and creative approaches of students in the doctoral study program Interdisciplinary Research through Visual Artistic Creation. The aim of the meeting is to present ongoing results of dissertation projects, stimulate professional discussion, and create space for mutual exchange of experiences between emerging researchers, faculty, and the professional community.

The conference is divided into two sections:

Fine Arts – contributions reflecting intermedial practices, corporeality, photography, religious iconography, or the role of digital media in shaping identity and experience.

Design – contributions addressing the integration of new technologies, architectural innovations, and material experiments, with emphasis on sustainability, functionality, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Presentations by doctoral students cover a wide range of topics – from electronics integration into textiles, ecological architecture, and ceramic firing experiments to questions of corporeality, intermedial imagery, interpretation of religious motifs, or transformations in the perception of photography in the era of information chaos. The common denominator is the search for new methods of artistic and design research and their reflection in the context of contemporary society.

Please confirm your participation by sending an email to Michaela Pfeiferová: mpfeife@fdu.zcu.cz by October 23rd.

Registration: 9:30 – 10:00

Conference Opening: 10:00 – 10:15

Opening speech:

• MgA. Vojtěch Aubrecht, Dean of Faculty of Design and Art
• Assoc. Prof. Mgr. Lenka Sýkorová, Ph.D.

Moderator: Assoc. Prof. Mgr. Lenka Sýkorová, Ph.D.

I. Block: Visual Arts

10:15 – 12:30

10:15 MgA. Mgr. Michal Poustka

10:30 MgA. Kristina Zejkanová

10:45 MgA. Andrea Uhliarová

11:00 – 11:15 Break

11:15 MgA. Anna-Marie Pavelková Mišterová

11:30 Mgr. MgA. Michaela Šimonová

Expert Panel Discussion: 11:45 – 12:30

12:30 – 13:15

Lunch

II. Block: Design

13:15 – 14:45

13:15 MgA. Adéla Fröhlich

13:30 MgA. Petr Stehlík

13:45 MgA. Bc. Jan Popelka

Expert Panel Discussion: 14:00 – 14:45

14:45 Closing Remarks

14:50 – 16:00

Networking