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Call for proposals

© Ellie Kurttz

In 2026 our annual Summer Showcase is changing its name to the British Academy Ideas Festival.

We are seeking creative proposals for exhibits, workshops, drop-in activities and screenings, from researchers who have been funded by the British Academy and the British International Research Institutes (BIRI) in the last three years, to form the 2026 British Academy Ideas Festival programme.

Our annual public engagement festival engages diverse and wide-ranging audiences with the exciting social sciences and humanities research that is shaping our world, and only researchers funded in the last three years may apply.

Our Open Call is now live and we invite you to submit an application.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Monday 17 November, 9am

Researchers must be available on Thursday 18 – Saturday 20 June 2026, and those proposing exhibits must be available on Tuesday 16 and/or Wednesday 17 June to set up.

We are looking for proposals that will bring to life SHAPE research (Social Sciences, Humanities and the Arts for People and the Economy), and help us to tell a story about the role and purpose of the British Academy.

Please download and read our guidelines for exhibitors and FAQs before applying. A large print version of the guidelines for exhibitors and FAQs is also available.

An 'Application form summary' can be downloaded to help you prepare your application – the online forms cannot be saved to return to. You may submit one application for each area of the programme (screening, workshop and exhibit), but please ensure each application is relevant.

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