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2026





8-9 JULY 2026, SCHOOL OF DIGITAL ARTS


MANCHESTER METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY


SODA, Manchester Met Uni

CONFERENCE THEME:

THE END OF A.I.
THE BEGINNING OF...


The cultural and creative disruption of the first two years of generative AI technology was captured by Storytellers + Machines 2024 performers, artists and academics. Now as an artistic and academic community we speculate, imagine and perhaps plot the end of A.I. and wonder what might come after.   
WATCH

EXHIBITS AND INTERVIEWS FROM STORYTELLERS + MACHINES 2024



See work from the exhibition and hear from keynotes - NY artist Janet Biggs and Ersin han Ersin (Creative Director, Marshmallow Laser Feast) - as well as performance researcher Amy Spencer (University of Exeter) and independent artist and technologist Adam Trella. 


NEXT YEAR’S THEME:

THE END OF CREATIVE A.I.
THE BEGINNING OF...


 

The theme can be interpreted variously, including, but not restricted to:

(LOSS OF) ZEITGEIST
As generative technology begins to find its place in the digital ecosystem, will it become indistinct as a phenomenon? How does cultural production change as A.I. becomes an unremarkable part of our creative lives?

ECOLOGICAL BURNOUT
Increasingly, A.I. infrastructure contributes to ecological crises. Will creative A.I. in its current form become unsustainable or unacceptable as a form of practice? How else should we navigate the harms of algorithmic production?

ARTISTIC LIMITS
Mass adoption of creative A.I. seem to be related to automation and efficiency, rather than new types of art and culture. Are we discovering artistic limits to generative tools? And what emerging forms of experience and interaction in the arts are being made possible by these new technologies. 

COMMUNITY REJECTION
Many practitioners see little to gain but much to lose from in the market rollout of creative A.I. tools and reject them as a way of working. Should we fantasise (murderously) about a future without it, learn to love it, or find a third way? 





THIS YEAR’S THEME:

TYPES OF PRESENTATION



Speakers will present: 

  • Paper presentations
  • Technical demonstrations
  • Presented artworks and performances. 
 

1. FIFTEEN-MINUTE PRESENTATIONS


Papers and presentations from both academics and creative practitioners. If you are an academic you might be more familiar with presenting a paper and if you are a practitioner you might be more accustomed to presenting your work in a talk.

For further guidance, papers and presentations may emphasise the following key aspects: 

  • Objectives or central research question(s) 
  • Any theoretical models or frameworks employed 
  • Description of any data used 
  • Presentation of key findings 
  • Conclusions and implications
  • Next steps and suggestions for future research and practice 


We recommend using Microsoft PowerPoint for your presentation, limiting it to a maximum of 8 slides, and adhering to a 15-minute presentation time. You will be required to send your presentation in advance of the conference. 

Following the conference, you will have the opportunity to submit a full paper on your presentation topic of between 4,000 to 6,000 words to be considered via peer review for a solicited edited collection.

2. PRESENTED ARTWORKS & PERFORMANCE SHOWCASE

The curatorial team will be in touch with all accepted artists and performers. Where there are practical constraints, such as with artworks, we will also consider the practicality of proposals. Where an original proposal cannot be supported our curatorial team may be in touch for further discussion on alternate presentation format that better suits the conference and our resources.
 

3. TECHNICAL AND INDUSTRY DEMONSTRATIONS AND LIGHTNING TALKS


Technical and industry demonstrations and lighting talks should include:

  • An overview of the proposed demonstration with details of any anticipated audience interactions
  • Any technical requirements necessary for the demonstration (that you cannot provide yourself)

The key implications of the demonstration for researchers, practitioners and digital arts audiences
During the conference, each demonstration will consist of a concise lightning talk, not exceeding 5 minutes, followed by a technical demonstration lasting no more than 10 minutes. 




UNDER REPRESENTED VOICES


The Storytellers + Machines organising team and everyone at Manchester Metropolitan University are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.

We promote submissions and attendance from all interested presenters, artists and attendees, irrespective of background, belief or identity. In particular, we strongly encourage, and offer practical support, where possible, to applications from groups which are underrepresented in the field. 

We are keen to feature presenters producing relevant creative work and research outside of academia, both as independent practitioners and those in industry.

Practical measures include:

  • Discounted tickets for a selection of low-income, independent practitioner and student attendees
  • Some application support and guidance for first-time conference submissions
  • Giving equal value to artist, industry and academic submissions when considering the work you submit 

Please indicate in your application if you require access to any of these measures in order to take part, or get in touch via email.