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Andrew Tubbs performing stand-up comedy at the 2019 Symposium, Misfitting: Disability Broadly Considered
Opportunity to explore an important topic in the arts & humanities
The Obermann Arts & Humanities Symposium is an opportunity for UI scholars to explore an important topic using the lens of the arts and humanities. Co-directors invite national and international speakers who provide an interdisciplinary response to the theme, and also highlight the work of UI and local experts. The symposium often includes an arts component, as well as opportunities to share pedagogical approaches.
Recent symposia have explored the role of the humanities in understanding and communicating the new age known as the Anthropocene, celebrating and forming a cohesive vision for the study of Latinos in the Midwest, and an examination of Don Quixote as one of literature's most famous exemplars of parody and plagiarism.
This is an award of up to $15,000, including significant staff support. Proposals for the 25–26 Arts & Humanities Symposium are due October 30, 2024. Read more and apply.
2024–25 Obermann Arts and Humanities Symposium
As calls for transnational solidarity among reproductive justice movements emerge, communities are asking how reproductive liberation is tethered to struggles for democracy, environmental justice, migrant justice, trans and queer justice, and other social movements. Directed by Lina-Maria Murillo (Gender, Women's, & Sexuality Studies and History) and Natalie Fixmer-Oraiz (Communication Studies and Gender, Women's, & Sexuality Studies), this symposium brings together scholars and artists with local, regional, and global perspectives to bear on the pursuit of reproductive justice as we launch a new book series from the University of Iowa Press: “Locating Reproductive Justice: Global and Regional Perspectives."
Join us for transnational, cross-disciplinary conversations featuring readings, seminars, and discussions on March 27–28, 2025, in Iowa City. All symposium events are free and open to the public.
Apply
Applications to direct the 2025–26 Arts & Humanities Symposium are due October 30, 2024 (5:00 p.m.).
Past Symposia
List of Obermann Humanities Symposia and their accompanying Obermann Courses since 1983.
Planning Resources
Obermann Humanities Symposium Planning Guide
Accessible & Inclusive Events Resource Guide (courtesy of the University of Michigan)