CALACS conference – May 2026

The challenges facing Latin American and Caribbean cities and societies in the twenty-first century are immense, but so too are the efforts of peoples of the region to create practices and policies that address them.  The 2026 CALACS congress will open an interdisciplinary dialogue among scholars, practitioners, and non-profit organizations to examine creative responses, resilient practices, and forms of solidarity that have emerged over time within the region and across its diasporas in Canada and elsewhere. By centering these practices, we aim to move beyond deficit-based narratives toward an exploration of transformative possibilities. This approach offers a deeper understanding of how communities navigate socio-economic, political, and environmental insecurities while envisioning pathways to more just and sustainable societies.

We invite contributions that situate these dynamics within hemispheric interconnections, emphasizing the role of transnational networks and diasporic engagements in shaping innovative responses to systemic crises. In doing so, we ask: How do creative practices and solidarities challenge dominant narratives of crisis in Latin America and the Caribbean? In what ways do diasporic communities contribute to resilience and innovation across borders? How can interdisciplinary collaboration inform policy and social action for more equitable futures? These questions and others will animate the discussions at this annual meeting.

In addition to panels, papers, and workshops exploring the abovementioned themes, we invite proposals on any subject regarding Latin America and the Caribbean. Due to the multidisciplinary nature of CALACS, we are especially interested in addressing these topics from an inter-or-multidisciplinary point of view. We also encourage submitting individual proposals. 

For more information, contact calacs@yorku.ca or congress@can-latam.org