ADLES 2026: expression and meaning in superdiverse contexts

International Interdisciplinary Research and Arts Symposium

22–23 October 2026 | Kaunas (Lithuania) & online

Hosted and organised by: Faculty of Arts and Education
Kauno kolegija, Kaunas, Lithuania 

Partners: UNINOVIS Alliance, University of Tirana, Kaunas City Social Services Centre

ADLES 2026 overview

How do we express meaning in a world shaped by growing diversity, complexity, and technological change? In 2026, ADLES (Art, Design, Languages, Education and Social Work: Innovations in Theory and Practice) invites researchers, educators, artists, and practitioners to explore these questions together in an open, interdisciplinary environment where research meets creative practice.

As an interdisciplinary research and arts symposium, ADLES 2026 brings together participants from across Europe and beyond, offering a space for exchanging ideas, testing new approaches, and building meaningful connections across the fields of art, design, languages, education, and social work.

Central Subtopics:

• Navigating Care, Justice, and Ethics Across Complex Societies
• Communication and Multilingualism in AI Era
• Artistic Practices as Sites of Encounter in Superdiverse Worlds
• Learning, Inclusion and Knowledge Pluralism

Format and programme

ADLES 2026 will take place in a hybrid format, combining on-site activities in Kaunas with online participation.

Day 1 (on-site, Kaunas):

• Conference plenary session with international speakers 
• Workshop for researchers: AI and research ethics – a friend or a foe
• Scientific-practical discussion Professional well-being in social services
• Welcome reception and cultural programme for participants, partners, and guests in Kauno Kolegija Arts Academy – first art school in Kaunas 

Day 2 (online):

• Conference panel sessions featuring research presentations and interdisciplinary discussions 

Ways to participate

ADLES 2026 welcomes different forms of participation:

• Present a paper in the online panel sessions
• Exhibit artistic work in the virtual exhibition
• Join the researchers’ workshop on AI and research ethics
• Join scientific-practical discussion on professional well-being in social services
• Participate as a guest and engage in discussions and networking opportunities

While there will be no formal conference proceedings, panel session participants will be invited to submit their original research to the peer-reviewed journal Applied Research that is funded by Kauno Kolegija HEI (indexed in DOAJ, with DOI assignment, free of charge).

Additional programme

Participants attending in Kaunas will also have access to a cultural and networking programme, including:

• guided visits to the International Photography and Media Festival (IPMA)
• excursions to the M. K. Čiurlionis Gallery and Pelėdų kalnas (Hill of Owls) Gallery
• and artistic workshops

Why join ADLES 2026?

By joining ADLES 2026 on-site, you will not only take part in an international academic symposium, but also experience Kaunas – a city where modern culture, artistic heritage, and emerging ideas meet. With its vibrant creative scene and strong academic community, Kaunas provides an inspiring setting for dialogue, reflection, and new partnerships.

Practical Information

ADLES 2026 is open to a wide range of participants – whether you wish to present, exhibit, learn, or simply join the discussions. Registration is simple and tailored to different forms of participation.

• Event language: English 
• Participation fee: 50 EUR (waived for UNINOVIS partners)

Registration:

• Guests / attendees of the symposium are welcome to join by filling in the participation form here by 30 September 2026 (inclusive).
  Please note that all participants attending the on-site programme in Kaunas are kindly asked to complete the guest registration form. Participants presenting papers, joining the workshop or discussion, or exhibiting artwork are additionally required to complete the relevant activity-specific registration forms, indicated below.
• Conference panel session presenters are invited to submit their proposals by completing the registration form here by 17 September 2026 (inclusive).
• Artists are invited to submit digital copies of their artworks (video or other formats) by 17 September 2026 (inclusive) by email: aine.jacyte@go.kauko.lt. Follow the requirements published on ADLES website.
• Researchers (workshop participants) can register by completing the workshop registration form hereby 17 September 2026 (inclusive).
• Participants of scientific-practical discussion can register by completing the discussion registration form here by 17 September 2026 (inclusive).

Contacts:
Dr Justina Petrulionytė-Sabonienė
Vice Dean For Science and Arts
Faculty of Arts and Education at Kauno kolegija
justina.petrulionyte@go.kauko.lt
adles@go.kauko.lt