CFP: 2026 Southern Aesthetics Workshop

The Southern Division of the American Society for Aesthetics is pleased to announce a two-day, pre-read workshop at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC, October 9-10, 2026. Each paper will have two commentators. The program will include a performance and keynote by a local artist.

Work in any area of aesthetics or the philosophy of art is welcome. We especially encourage submissions that explore issues of special concern in the South, broadly construed, and issues pertaining particularly to the southeastern region, such as local food and food culture, poetry, music, or sites of conflict. Scholars are welcome to submit no matter where they live or work, and members of traditionally underrepresented groups in philosophy are especially encouraged to apply.

The deadline for papers of no more than 3500 words (including footnotes, excluding references) is June 15, 2026. Decisions will be made by late July. Submissions should be prepared for anonymous review and sent to [email protected]. Submissions will be reviewed by members of the SAW conference committee. Those who presented papers at the 2025 Southern Aesthetics Workshop are not eligible to submit papers to the upcoming event. Papers presented at the ASA Annual Meeting are not eligible for presentation at SAW. All presentations and commentaries must be in-person.

All persons on the program other than the invited keynote—including presenters, commentators, and chairs—must have active ASA membership before the conference program is announced. Registration will be $30; $15 for students. The workshop will be open to anyone registered. Presenters with no other access to travel funds may be considered for Irene H. Chayes Travel grants from the American Society for Aesthetics. To apply for travel funding, please note in your submission email that you wish to be considered and include an estimate of your travel costs.

Queries can be sent to [email protected].