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International Network for Cognition, Theatre and Performance (INCTP)
Cognitive Futures in the Arts and Humanities

26-27 May 2025

In partnership with the University of Messina and the Cognitive Futures in the Arts and Humanities Conference, “Cognitive Tools in Action,” INCTP will be hosting a welcome gathering and 1-day preconference. The welcome gathering will be hosted the evening of 26 May and the preconference will take place on 27 May.

We invite proposals for activities that explore the connections between cognition, theatre, and performance in general, or activities that take the conference theme, “Cognitive Tools in Action” into account. This preconference seeks to provide the environment for explorations in the practice of theatre and performance broadly understood: theatrical practice, spectatorial practice, historical performance practice, etc. Because we are open to a wider variety of formats (reading group roundtable, exercise participation/demonstration, etc.), we invite all modes. Activities that would not or could not normally take place in the Cognitive Futures conference (such as workshop activities, etc.) will be prioritized. We hope that members will also be presenting at the main conference, so we encourage presenters to think of this as an additional opportunity rather than a replacement opportunity. We are planning for 45- minute and/or 60-minute activity slots. If you envision that your workshop might take 2 slots, please feel free to propose it as such. Both presenters and those who wish to only attend will be invited to participate in this preconference on the University of Messina campus.  There is no fee for this preconference workshop.

Please submit your proposals (limited to 300 words) along with any technical requests (computer, etc.) by 30 March 2025, the same deadline as the Cognitive Futures main conference deadline, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. If you wish to attend without presenting, please RSVP at by 30 March 2025 at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. so that we know how many participants to expect.


Where?

COSPECS - Department of COgnitive Sciences, Psychology, Education, and Cultural Studies, Via Concezione, 6, Messina (check the conference map here).