Call for presentation proposals

Critical animal studies scholars and animal advocacy activists have long argued that human-animal relations are in a profound state of crisis. Humans continue to exploit other animals on a massive scale. This has devastating consequences for nonhuman animals themselves, as well as for human societies and ecosystems. This has become painfully evident with the current pandemic, which is taking a massive toll on individual lives and societies. Many viruses, such as the coronavirus originate from nonhuman animals and are transmitted to humans largely due to the fact that humans continue to use other animals for food, entertainment and other purposes stemming from human interests. Such pandemics are expected to continue, as human exploitation of non-human animals continues. In this predicament, there is an urgent need to develop a more viable and non-exploitative relationship to other species and ecosystems. This conference focuses on imagining futures for human-animal relations, in a world that is rapidly transforming. We invite papers to engage for example, with the following issues, from critical animal studies perspectives:

• What challenges and opportunities do global crises present for theorising and working towards animal liberation?

• What should and could be some new directions in animal advocacy activism?

• How can feminist, queer, disability, postcolonial and other perspectives inform our understanding of other animals and our relations to them?

• Etc.

We are looking forward to contributions from academics and activists.

Please send your abstract (max 300 words) to conference@loomus.ee by September, 30, 2020. 

The conference will also be live streamed. It is possible to deliver a presentation via Skype.  

All the practical information (including speakers, registration, food, accommodation, fees) will be published later in 2020. 

Organized by Loomus, Estonian Vegan Society and Kuulitalu OÜ

Venue: Pärimusmuusika Ait, Viljandi, Estonia

Date: May 8th 2021 – May 9th 2021

https://www.facebook.com/events/916549622101201