On April 24, Alberta University of the Arts welcomed artists, designers, researchers and cultural workers from across Calgary and beyond for the inaugural Works in Progress Conference, a day of interdisciplinary exchange that celebrated research as an evolving and collaborative process.
Originally envisioned as a small symposium, the research conference quickly grew into something much larger.
Bringing together 125 registrants — including 48 students — the conference drew participants from institutions across the city, including Alberta University of the Arts, the University of Calgary, Mount Royal University, Athabasca University and independent arts communities, creating space for dialogue across disciplines, practices and perspectives.
This inaugural initiative brought interest and engagement and fostered a robust day of discussion, inquiry and connection. The notion of featuring works in progress became the conference’s theme as its collaborative planning unfolded. That emphasis on unfinished, evolving work became the conference’s defining strength.
“Featuring works in progress was a good idea because so much research and artistic practice is in progress. It's ever evolving and presenting it as in progress (rather than a finished work) helps with gathering feedback and ideas.”
Dr. Yoke-Sum Wong (Professor, Liberal Studies)
Across five panel sessions, workshops and a closing film screening, presenters explored a wide range of themes including environmental art and design, gender and material culture, collaborative making, reciprocal pedagogies, digital economies, creative writing, colonial ecologies and experimental research methods. Together, the presentations reflected the breadth of creative inquiry taking place across Calgary’s academic and artistic communities.
For participants, the conference offered an opportunity to connect through process rather than polished outcomes.
“It’s meaningful to hear what people are working on right now. It made me feel connected to a larger creative community, and the process itself felt more open and shared.”
Phoenix Ning, (AUArts alumni, BDes ‘26)
For organizing committee member Xahra Hafeez, the event highlighted the value of bringing together emerging and established voices.
“It was a privilege to present my paper, chair a panel, and serve on the organizing committee for this intimate conference. Hosting a dialogue between young and established artists and academia was rewarding. I left inspired by the rich and diverse perspectives on art, design and media arts.”
Xahra Hafeez (Assistant Professor, Visual Communications)
The positive response to the conference reflects AUArts’ growing role as a hub for creative research, experimentation and interdisciplinary collaboration — a place where ideas are shared and shaped through conversation.
Works in Progress was a celebration of creative inquiry in motion, and a reminder that some of the most meaningful discoveries happen while the work is still unfolding.
Photos by AUArts student Nahanni McKay.
