Call for Papers: Co-Authored Narratives

The Opportunity

How can co-authored creative practices challenge dominant ways of making and telling stories?

This summer, Side will host Co-Authored Narratives, a symposium exploring collective authorship approaches to film and photography as a distinctive artistic practice embedded in the North of England (and across other areas of the UK) - highlighting it as a globally relevant method for social and cultural engagement.

Drawing inspiration from pioneering models such as the Amber Film & Photography Collective, whose decades-long practice defined how stories are told with communities rather than about them in the North East of England - the symposium will focus on how co-authorship creates space for new perspectives, particularly those often overlooked in mainstream art and media.

We’re calling for presentations on artistic and documentary methods that prioritise shared narratives, emotional truth, and long-term engagement over detached observation. This includes work in both photography and docudrama film, where creative collaboration and long-term social engagement are used to produce emotionally resonant and authentic representations of lived experience.

We welcome proposals from artists, researchers, curators, educators, and collectives working across disciplines. Presentations may take the form of artistic research, community projects, films, installations, or provocations. We particularly encourage voices from working-class, post-industrial, and regional backgrounds, and those exploring how creative collaboration can speak to contemporary issues - from climate justice to inequality.

This is an opportunity to come together, reflect on methods of making that centre care, trust, and collaboration - and consider how these practices can shape the future of socially engaged art.

How To Apply

Submissions should be made using our online form, only complete applications will be accepted.

Key Dates:

Deadline for Submissions: Midnight Monday 30th June, 2025

Confirmation of Submission Acceptance: Monday 14th July, 2025

Final Deadline for Full Paper & Presentation Supply: Monday 11th August, 2025

Symposium: Friday 29th August, 2025

FAQs

The work I want to submit was done in partnership with others. Can we present as a group?
Yes! We welcome projects made by collaborators and collectives. You must include these details as part of your proposal and it will be reviewed in line with our format and other speakers.

Do I have to be in Newcastle or the UK to apply?
We welcome submissions from all areas - especially those from working-class, post-industrial, and regional backgrounds. As part of the application you'll need to confirm you'll be present in person at the symposium on Friday 29th August, 2025, in Newcastle upon Tyne for the submission to be accepted. We aren’t able to pay for travel or accommodation.

Is there a fee paid for papers?

Will pay an honorarium of £150 per paper/presentation for selected participants joining us who are not from research funded institutions/educational establishments/museums or collections.

Can you pay my travel costs?
No, we are unable to pay travel or accommodation. However, if you are applying for additional funds through your university or employer, we can supply a letter of support.

How can I attend the symposium?
If you are selected to present, you’ll also receive a free ticket to the symposium. Otherwise, keep an eye on our events page, mailing list and social media where we’ll announce booking to attend as a visitor soon.

Will there be a publication?
After the symposium Side will be creating a newspaper style publication which includes papers and presentations from across the day. All speakers will receive a copy of this publication free of charge.

With support from the Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art