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.
The event welcomed 129 registrants, including students, faculty, artists and researchers from Alberta University of the Arts, the University of Calgary, Mount Royal University, Athabasca University and independent arts communities. With 39 presentations across 14 sessions and a faculty exhibition featuring work by 12 artists, the conference created space for dialogue across disciplines, practices and perspectives.
The inaugural initiative generated strong interest and engagement while fostering a full day of discussion, inquiry and connection. As planning evolved, the idea of showcasing works in progress became the conference's central theme. That emphasis on unfinished, evolving work became one of its defining strengths, encouraging presenters to share ideas in development and invite conversation rather than focusing solely on finished outcomes.
“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 14 sessions, 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. The diverse, lively discussions drew strong participation throughout the day, with many sessions reaching capacity. 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 conference also underscored the importance of creating opportunities for collaboration within and beyond the University.
“This was an ambitious and exceptionally well-attended conference with participants from across Calgary's post-secondary institutions and arts community. Events like this are incredibly important to a university because they foster a thriving research culture while creating opportunities for dialogue and collaboration within and beyond our scholarly and creative community.”
Dr. Dawn Johnston (Vice-President, Academic)
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.
