ISTP 2026 Conference: Theorizing in Dark Times – Art, Narrative, Politics

STP 2026 Conference – “Theorizing in Dark Times – Art, Narrative, Politics”

June 8 – June 12, 2026

Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY, USA

www.pratt.edu/ISTP-2026

CALL FOR CONTRIBUTIONS

The International Society for Theoretical Psychology (ISTP, www.istpsychology.org) will host its 2026 conference at Pratt Institute’s Brooklyn, New York Campus, which is located on Lenapehoking, the traditional and unceded homeland of the Lenape people, past, present, and future.

The conference theme “Theorizing in Dark Times – Art, Narrative, Politics” invites scholars, artists, and practitioners to critically reflect on the ways in which theory operates not only as an intellectual tool but as a form of political engagement.

At the heart of the conference lies the question: What is the role of theory in dark times? Theoretical psychology has long sought to understand the human condition, yet in moments of global crisis, theory itself becomes a site of political resistance. The conference will examine how theory functions as a political force, shaping narratives of power, ideology, and agency. It will address the political implications of psychological theory, asking how psychological concepts, often regarded as neutral or apolitical, become entangled with broader social and political dynamics.

The conference will also provide the room to explore how the arts, through their ability to create alternative narratives and question existing power structures, play a pivotal role in advancing theoretical inquiry in times of crisis. Art, in this context, is not merely reflective; it is transformative, offering new ways to theorize human experience and political realities.

We warmly invite scholars from theoretical psychology and neighboring disciplines—philosophy, sociology, anthropology, literature, the arts, and beyond—to submit their contributions and join us at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, from June 8 to June 12, 2026. Whether through theoretical reflection, conceptual analyses, or creative interventions, we seek diverse perspectives that critically engage with the conference theme. Contributions beyond the conference theme are also welcome. Submit here: www.pratt.edu/ISTP-2026. The deadline is October 1, 2025.

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The Conference Registration Opens September 2025

Registration Fees: Regular $630/ISTP Member $570/Reduced $310

Pratt Institute provides affordable accommodations: Single: $135 first night, $65 each additional night/Full conference stay $510/ Double accommodation: $125 first night, $55 each additional night/Full conference stay $400 per person.

Website: www.pratt.edu/ISTP-2026

Contact: [email protected]