NEUC-CMEI, The Center of Multi-Ethnic Interaction

“Living Legacies: Arts and Heritage in Multi-Ethnic Dialogue” Conference

Introduction Call for Papers Registration and Submission Contact Us

Introduction

Arts and Heritage are living, evolving expressions of our collective identities. They reflect the values and aspirations of communities while shaping how we connect across cultures. In today’s interconnected world, the voices of multiple ethnicities weave together a rich tapestry of traditions, narratives, and innovations.

To celebrate and explore these connections, the Center of Multi-Ethnic Interaction at New Era University College will host an international conference, “Living Legacies: Arts and Heritage in Multi-Ethnic Dialogue.” This event will bring together scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and community leaders to examine how diverse cultural interactions preserve traditions, foster creativity, and promote inclusivity.

By showcasing dialogue, case studies, and artistic practices, the conference will highlight how cultural legacies can be sustained while adapting to change. The conference ultimately seeks to demonstrate how arts and heritage can serve as bridges across difference, nurturing creativity and resilience in a multi-ethnic world.

Conference Date

12-19 June 2026

Conference

12-14 June 2026 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday)

Exhibition

12-19 June 2026

Conference Venue

New Era University College

Objectives

To foster cross-ethnic dialogue on the role of arts and heritage in identity formation.
To highlight multi-ethnic contributions to cultural preservation and innovation.
To explore the challenges and opportunities of globalization, migration, and digital transformation in shaping heritage.
To encourage collaboration projects among artists, researchers, and communities.

Welcome to the conference “Living Legacies: Arts and Heritage in Multi-Ethnic Dialogue.” We hope this conference creates space for meaningful discussions and fosters ongoing collaboration in upholding arts and heritage in today’s world.

Call for Papers

Sub-themes

Interwoven Identities: Heritage Across Ethnic Boundaries
- Exploring how cultural identities intersect, overlap, and evolve in multi-ethnic societies.

Case studies of cultural hybridity and shared traditions.

Arts as Common Language: Creativity in Diversity
- The role of music, dance, theater, and visual arts in fostering cross-cultural understanding.
- Multi-ethnic artistic collaborations as spaces of dialogue.
Memory, Migration, and Belonging
- How migrant and diaspora communities preserve, adapt, and reimagine heritage.
- Intergenerational storytelling and the transmission of living legacies.
Digital Dialogues: Technology and the Future of Heritage
- Virtual archives, AI, VR/AR, and digital curation as tools for inclusion.
- Ensuring accessibility of heritage to diverse ethnic groups through digital means.
Heritage and Social Cohesion in Multi-Ethnic Societies
- Policy frameworks, community-based heritage work, and inclusive governance.
- The role of arts and heritage in peacebuilding, reconciliation, and cultural diplomacy.
Resilience and Sustainability of Living Traditions
- Safeguarding intangible heritage (languages, rituals, crafts, festivals) in diverse communities.
- Adapting traditional practices to modern challenges like climate change and urbanization.
Youth and Intergenerational Exchange
- Engaging young people in sustaining cultural legacies.
- Bridging generational gaps in multi-ethnic contexts through creative initiatives.
Globalization and the Transformation of Heritage
- Negotiating between local traditions and global cultural flows.
- Opportunities and risks of commodification, tourism, and cultural industries.

Important Dates

February 28, 2026: Abstract submission
March 30, 2026: Notification of acceptance
May 15, 2026: Full paper submission
June 12, 2026: Exhibition starts
June 13, 14, 2026: Paper presentation
June 15, 2026: Field Trip (optional)
June 19, 2026: Last day of Exhibition