Investigate, question and expand the transformative potential of illustration.
Illustration is a powerful form of visual communication that transcends linguistic, cultural and social barriers, offering a unique platform to explore the essential issues of our time and open them to public discussion.
In this context, we propose that this call for papers be seen as an invitation to reflect on the ethical dimension of the act of illustrating: in what ways can this artistic and technical expression also be understood as an expression of citizenship, as a tool that allows us to collectively imagine and construct new possibilities for the world.
We invite researchers, illustrators, designers and image professionals to submit contributions that investigate, question and expand the transformative potential of illustration.
Subthemes to Consider
- Ecology and Sustainability: Relations between the global response to the climate crisis and illustration as a tool for ecological awareness. How can this practice denounce environmental collapse and raise awareness for more sustainable practices?
- Decolonisation: The relationship of illustration with colonial legacies. How is it possible to subvert colonial narratives and rethink representations from a decolonial perspective? We welcome works that reflect on the ways through which illustration can be used to deconstruct stereotypes and promote a more pluralistic, inclusive and decolonial vision of cultures, diaspora and miscegenation.
- Representation and Inclusion: How has illustration contributed to the visibility of historically and socially marginalised groups? The role and participation of illustration in building a more inclusive and diverse society. Submissions dealing with representation related to gender identity, queer, ethnicities, disabilities, and cultural identities are strongly encouraged.
- Destigmatising Mental Health: What is the role of illustration in the destigmatisation associated with mental health problems? Mental health is still surrounded by stigma. How can illustration contribute to demystifying mental illness and help promote open dialogue about mental health?
- Illustrating a Better World for Children: Illustration in children’s books can play a crucial role in shaping the social values of the next generations. How can illustration foster citizenship, diversity and empathy, appealing to the gaze of children?
Programme (Provisional)
16 September
(Location determined for ECIA classes)
- 10:00 – 13:00 - Welcome session for new ECIA students
- Coordination: Susana Pires and Gilberto Colaço, Gabriel Colaço, Catarina Lira Pereira
- Location: Lusófona University Campus, Drawing Room — Y1.6 or F3.1)
- 15:00 – 17:00 - Illustration Masterclass for students
- Speaker: Joana Afonso
- Coordination: Susana Pires and Teresa Projecto
*Participation on this day is optional for speakers.
17 September
(Professor José Araújo Auditorium, Vítor de Sá Library Building)
- 10:00 – 13:00 - Official Opening of the Conference + Conferences - Panel 1: Making Visible
- Speakers: Pedro Cunha, Orlando Franco, Teresa Palma Rodrigues
- Moderation: Susana Pires and Catarina Lira Pereira
- 15:00 – 17:00 - Conferences - Panel 2: Belonging
- Speakers: Teresa Palma Rodrigues, Rita Carvalho and Paulo Dias
- Moderation: Maria Teresa Projecto and Francisco Lourenço
18 September
(Professor José Araújo Auditorium, Vítor de Sá Library Building)
- 10:00 – 13:00 - Conferences - Panel 3: The Exact and the Ambiguous
- Speakers: Ana Margarida Chaves and Sílvia Pinto (online), Lúcia Antunes, Ana Meirelles and Ema M
- Moderation: Sara Belo, Gabriel Colaço
- (FilmEU Auditorium, K4, Lusófona University Campus)
- 15:00 – 17:00 - CECAM Round Table - With the world in our hands: responsibilities, sensibilities, actions, commitments, challenges?
- Participants: lecturers and students from IPLUSO/Lusófona (Master’s and Undergraduate) and other invited institutions
- Guests: Ana Matilde Sousa, Diana Costa, Joana Maia, Rita Carvalho
19 September
(Professor José Araújo Auditorium, Vítor de Sá Library Building)
- 10:30 – 12:30 - Closing Session
- Moderation: Organising Committee + moderators (screen print offered)
- 10:30 – 12:30 - Talk around the book *Dita Dor* (Democracy Collection)
- Speaker: António Jorge Gonçalves
- 15:00 – 17:00 - FLECHA Workshop (Laura Falésia and André Tecedeiro)
Event Website
