Update: 23 March 2020

Due to current public health concerns, we have decided to postpone the Art of Handwriting conference.

We very much hope to reschedule the event. Further updates will be posted via the project website and social media accounts in due course.

Thank you for your interest in the conference. 

‌Handwriting is a skill as fundamental today as it has been for millennia. Despite increasing technological and digital advances, handwriting continues to be a mode of recording and relaying information, artistic and personal expression, pedagogy, and has a range of broader social and cultural functions. The popularity of calligraphy and other handwritten crafts continues to grow. Does the continued success of handwriting lie in its ability to embrace and adapt to technological and social change?

This two-day conference at Newcastle University brings together scholars from various disciplines with calligraphers, creative practitioners, educators, health professionals, and those working with handwriting in other contexts to explore the art of handwriting from a broad range of perspectives. Possible themes may include (but are not limited to):

Alongside traditional research presentations, the organisers welcome proposals to present creative or practical projects, stimulate discussion around relevant themes, or lead hands-on workshops. Contributions can be: 

• a 20-minute research presentation
• a 10-minute ‘exhibition presentation’ presenting a creative or practical project
• a 5-minute ‘lightning talk’, geared towards starting conversations and piquing interest
• a 60-minute practical workshop

Please send proposals of 250 words and a 100-word biography to mss.afterprint@newcastle.ac.uk by 20 April 2020. Details of travel and accommodation bursaries will be announced nearer the time.