Making, Creating, and Encoding: Crafting Possibilities in Appalachia
March 17-20, 2022 West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
Or April 22 – 24, 2022, Virtual Contingency
The 45th annual Appalachian Studies Association Conference will explore the theme “Making, Creating, and Encoding: Crafting Possibilities in Appalachia” by focusing on the work of makers, builders, cultivators, and creators who are (re)interpreting existing traditions and forging new creative places, practices, and politics for contemporary contexts. In particular, this conference will highlight the work of individuals and organizations in the region who are engaged in creative action that challenges us to consider new possibilities for the region’s future. We seek papers, presentations, and performances that spark our ability to imagine and enact Appalachian futures that are economically, politically, and socially just. In particular, we seek contributions from historically marginalized individuals and groups, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) presenters and youth.
Conference registration will be open September 15, 2021. Registration opens at 3:00 pm and closes at 6 pm on Thursday, March 17 and continues through the duration of the conference. Sessions begin Friday, March 18. The Call for Participation, with more details, will be distributed September 15.
To renew your membership or become a new member, please visit http://www.press.uillinois.edu/journals/jas/subscription.html.
Virtual Contingency Plan
At this time, our plan is to present in person at West Virginia University. In the event that we cannot meet in person due to COVID circumstances that include restrictions at WVU, feedback from speakers and attendees, and/or local public health guidance, the conference will move to virtual and be rescheduled for April 22 – 24, 2022. That will allow everyone time to make the shift. Virtual participation instructions will be shared at that time. With that in mind, please note, that when submitting your proposal, we ask that you indicate whether you are willing to present virtually (there is a check box on the proposal form for that purpose). Should we need to pivot to a virtual conference, exhibitors, advertisers, sponsors, and posters will be hosted virtually on the conference website. Virtual presentations and performances may be live or recorded. Please check social media and this website frequently for updates. Registering for the conference means you understand that it may be a virtual meeting.