NOWNET ARTS CONFERENCE 2026

Future Environments Through Network Arts
August 18-20, 2026 (NZST) New Zealand Standard Time

CALL FOR PROPOSALS
Due: May 1, 2026
Notification: May 15, 2026

NowNet Arts Conference is an annual event for artists, technologists, researchers, educators, and industry professionals advancing topics in contemporary network arts for the ongoing development of the field. The theme for our 9th Annual Conference "Future Environments Through Network Arts" explores network arts as a catalyst for new realities. What are the creative potentials of network arts environments? How can network arts innovate cultural connections for the future? What are visions of network arts technology infrastructure ahead? How do future environments in network arts and in the world intersect? The NowNet Arts Conference 2026 invites papers, panels, presentations, workshops, performance demonstrations, and innovations that explore future environments through the lens of network arts.

AFFILIATES
Auckland University of Technology Te Wānanga Aronui o Tāmaki Makau Rau, School of Future Environments Te Ara Auaha, Faculty of Design + Creative Technologies Te Wānanga Aronui O Tāmaki Makau Rau, New Zealand Aotearoa 
Audio Foundation, Auckland, New Zealand
Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics (CCRMA), Stanford University, California, USA
Institute for Advanced Computational Science (IACS), Stony Brook University, New York, USA
LASALLE | University of the Arts, Singapore
Orpheus Institute, Ghent, Belgium
The University of Melbourne, Australia
Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), Edith Cowan University, Australia
Zurich University of the Arts, Switzerland

LOCATIONS
Presenters and attendees can participate in-person from hybrid conference sites or virtually from any individual site via Zoom. Contact the conference director for information on sites.

Hybrid Sites: August 18-20, 2026 (NZST) New Zealand Standard Time
Auckland University of Technology Te Wānanga Aronui o Tāmaki Makau Rau, School of Future Environments Te Ara Auaha, Faculty of Design + Creative Technologies Te Wānanga Aronui O Tāmaki Makau Rau, New Zealand Aotearoa 
Audio Foundation, Auckland, New Zealand
Clinton Watkins and Andrew McMillan, Site Hosts

DETAILS
Software and hardware for network arts will be utilized including JackTrip, LOLA, UltraGrid, VDO.Ninja, Zoom, Jitsi, OBS, and others. The NowNet Arts Virtual Venue is available for performance demonstrations. Research papers are eligible upon peer review for the Journal of Network Music and Arts (JONMA) published by Stony Brook University.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Proposals are due by May 1, 2026
Submit via the Google Form: https://forms.gle/f7DMb5KVuMv3naqx9
If there are difficulties with the Google Form, email proposal to: info@nownetarts.org
Notification: May 15, 2026
Research Papers: 500-Word Abstract, Technology Requirements, Presenter Biography
Panels, Presentations, Workshops: 1-Page Description, Technology Requirements, Presenter Biography
Performance Demonstrations: 1-Page Description, Technology Requirements, Link to Work Sample, Presenter Biography

CONFERENCE FEES
There is no fee to submit a proposal. Accepted presenters pay a reduced conference fee of $120 USD ($60 USD Students/Seniors). International presenters can contact the conference director to arrange a reduced fee scaled to their country economy. Any additional expenses are the responsibility of the presenter.

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
Director: Sarah Rose Weaver, NowNet Arts Inc.
Chris Chafe, Stanford University
Margaret Schedel, Stony Brook University

CONTACT
Sarah Rose Weaver, Conference Director