The Kent Arts Conference 2026

The 13th annual Kent Arts Conference is scheduled for July 14-17, 2026 at the Medway School of Arts, The Historic Dockyard Chatham.

Art: Starting a Conversation

Art has always been more than just aesthetics—it is humanity’s greatest motivator for dialogue, reflection, and change. The 2026 KArtsCon theme “Art: Starting a Conversation” invites artists, educators, performers, and audiences alike to explore how creative expression opens up new avenues of communication. Whether it’s a canvas that challenges social norms, a sculpture that reimagines public space, a poem that gives voice to the unheard, or a performance that sparks community debate, art holds the unique power to initiate meaningful conversations between individuals, across cultures, and through time.

At its core, this theme recognises that art is inherently conversational. Every piece begins a dialogue—between artist and audience, between tradition and innovation, between the personal and the universal. It asks questions without demanding answers, presents perspectives without insisting on agreement, and creates spaces where difficult topics can be explored safely. Art doesn’t just reflect conversations happening in society; it actively generates them, giving voice to the unspoken and visibility to the overlooked.

Participants are encouraged to interpret this theme in their own way. You might reflect on conversations between the past and present, engage with difficult social or political questions, or highlight underrepresented voices. Perhaps, you may focus on dialogue between disciplines e.g. art and science, tradition and innovation, audience and creator.

Consider art’s role in healing, reconciliation, education, and activism. Whether your work is bold and provocative or quiet and intimate, we invite you to consider: what conversations are you starting—and with whom?

Potential areas of focus may include (but are not limited to):

• Exploring how emerging technologies can enable new artistic forms, mediums, and genres that initiate conversations about our world.
• Investigating how art can address pressing social, environmental, and humanitarian issues, encouraging dialogue and action.
• Developing innovative strategies and immersive experiences that transform passive viewing into active, conversational engagement with art.
• Cultivating the creative workforce of tomorrow by exploring how dynamic arts education can prepare individuals to create and interpret art that sparks meaningful discussions.
• Examining the intersection of art, science, and technology to generate novel solutions and open new avenues for interdisciplinary dialogue.
• Discussing how the application of AI in art creation might redefine our understanding of “art” and initiate conversations about its future.
• Exploring how equitable and inclusive artistic practices can empower marginalised communities and amplify their voices through art.
• Re-evaluating art, cultural institutions, arts funding, and distribution models to foster broader public conversations about art’s role in society.
• Imagining how art can inspire hope and shape a better world, serving as a starting point for conversations about positive change.

We welcome proposals that challenge conventional thinking, showcase visionary projects, and spark lively discussions about the transformative potential of the arts. Whether you are an established artist, a rising creative, an arts administrator, an educator, or a passionate advocate, we invite you to
join us in charting the “futurescape” of artistic expression.

FAQs

What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?

Visit https://www.kartscon.com/getting-to-chatham/

Note that the car park charges £3.50 for parking up to 7 hours. £10, if you exceed 7 hours.

IMPORTANT: How do I access KArtsCon?

Details will be provided closer to the dates.

How can I contact the organiser with any questions?

Email info@kartscon.com or call 01227 762 107 for more information.

What's the refund policy?

Refunds will not be made if you cancel with less than 7 days' notice.

Why are you charging Kent residents a fee?

The fee ensures we can maintain the high quality of the event while covering the significant resources required to host it. Previously, free registration led to a high number of 'no-shows' without notice, which unfortunately prevented others from attending. This small commitment ensures that places go to those truly able to join us.

Can I update my registration information?

Yes, you can. This is important because all participants can choose to receive a certificate of participation. The name that we have on the registration is important.

Is my registration fee or ticket transferable?

Yes. If you can't make it, you can nominate someone else to go in your place. Just let us know.

Is it ok if the name on my ticket or registration doesn't match the person who attends?

Only if you inform us beforehand.