Australian Screen Production
Education & Research Association
2026 ANNUAL CONFERENCE
ASPERA Annual Conference 2026
Theme: Sustainable Screens
Conference Dates: 23-25 November 2026
Location: Curtin University, School of Media, Creative Arts and Social Inquiry
Call for Papers: ASPERA Annual Conference 2026
Theme: Sustainable Screens
Dates: 23-25 November 2026
Location: Curtin University, School of Media, Creative Arts and Social Inquiry
EXTENDED Abstract Submission Deadline: Monday 6th July, 2026
Contact: conference@aspera.org.au
“The production of a film is a collective effort, a collaboration of minds and spirits. To make it sustainable, we must not only protect our resources but nurture the creative environment that allows the workforce to thrive and the work to endure.” –Agnes Varda
As screen industries navigate rapid technological, cultural, environmental and geopolitical change, sustainability has become the critical challenge shaping the future viability of screen production and education.
The ASPERA 2026 conference explores sustainability, inviting researchers, educators and practitioners to examine how screen media production research, and learning and teaching strategies, can support ecological responsibility, ethical innovation, inclusive creative practices, and socially engaged storytelling across diverse contexts.
We ask,
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How can the screen industries adapt to ecological change while sustaining creative possibility?
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What does sustainable screen production look like in an era of GenAI, automation and digital disruption?
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How can screen education cultivate resilience, ethical practices, flexible and adaptable practitioners able to adjust to constant change?
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How can screen storytelling contribute to sustainable cultural, social and community change?
We invite scholars, practitioner and educators to submit abstracts for presentations on key themes/perspectives including (but not limited to):
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New Directions in Film Production Research
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Sustainable and Ethical Screen Practices
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Teaching and Learning Design and Innovations
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Inclusive Storytelling & Diverse Creative Pedagogies
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Workforce, Industry and Policy Challenges
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Emerging Screen Forms
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Geopolitical Contexts and Transitions
Submission Guidelines:
Abstract submissions due: Monday 6th July, 2026 to conference@aspera.org.au
Individual or co-presented research papers (up to 20 minutes)
Please submit a 300-word abstract (in PDF format) outlining your proposed paper and a short bio (100 words).
Themed panels - presentations for 90mins - Panels of 3 x 20mins OR 4 x 15mins thematically linked solo or co-presented research papers followed by questions.
Please submit a single 400-word abstract (in PDF format) outlining panel theme and proposed papers and a short bio (100 words) for each presenter.
Roundtable - discussions for 90 minutes - led by a chair bringing together 4 to 6 participants (including the chair as a participant if speaking as well as chairing) to offer short (up to 6 minute) position statements to lead discussion. The roundtable will be designed to create a discussion forum. The format is flexible and can be adapted to allow members of the roundtable to introduce exercises or other activities.
Please submit a 400-word abstract (in PDF format) outlining your proposed panel and a short bio (100 words) for each participant.
Practice-based research presentations (up to 20mins)
Please submit a 300-word abstract (in PDF form) outlining your type of presentation, any specific technical needs for the presentation (AV, internet access) and short bio (100 words). Work-in-progress and presentations on practice by HDR candidates are encouraged.
Workshops, masterclasses or demonstrations (up to 60mins)
Please submit a 300-word abstract (in PDF form) indicating if your proposal is a workshop, masterclass or demonstration and the session focus, objectives, and format. Clearly state what participants will learn or achieve by attending the session. Other considerations are methods or techniques to be used (i.e. hands-on activities, group work, live demonstrates, interactive). Include any specific needs (AV, space requirements, internet access) and short bio (100 words).
Industry- Academic collaborative sessions (up to 20mins)
Sessions aimed at bridging the gap between industry practice and academic research, fostering dialogue, knowledge sharing and collaborative problem solving. Address a sustainability challenge or opportunity within the film industry and tertiary sector that can lead to innovation solutions. Proposals should outline the details of the collaboration, such as co-design, training initiatives, technology advancement or policy development. Please submit a 300-word abstract and the format (workshop, panel, demonstration etc.) Include any specific needs (AV, space requirements, internet access) and short bio (100 words).
Key Dates:
• Abstract Submission Deadline: Monday 6th July 2026 (EXTENDED)
• Notification of Acceptance: Monday 27th July 2026
• Conference Dates: Monday 23rd November – Wednesday 25th November 2026
For inquiries and further information, please contact:
Dr Kerreen Ely-Harper
School of Media, Creative Arts and Social Inquiry
Curtin University, Perth, Australia
ACCOMMODATION
NESUTO CURTIN
LINK | Discount code: ASPERA
Located on Curtin campus and walking distance to conference venues. 30% discount on best available rates. Active for bookings from the 20th of November 2026 – 27th of November 2026. To ensure booking has been received, please contact the hotel to confirm your booking.
QUEST – SOUTH PERTH
LINK | Discount code: CONFERENCE
Located in South Perth, 5km from Curtin University. A small boutique hotel close to the river foreshore, ferry terminal, public transport, restaurants and shops. Easy access to the city and to Curtin campus with buses and a ferry close by. The code will be available for stays between 20th – 29th of November 2026, and will be bookable up until the 1st of November 2026.
PENINSULA HOTEL/APARTMENTS
LINK | Discount code: Penmem365
Located in South Perth, 5km from Curtin University. A small boutique hotel close to the river foreshore, ferry terminal, public transport, restaurants and shops. Easy access to the city and to Curtin campus with buses and a ferry close by.
PAGODA RESORT
LINK | Username: Curtin Uni Conference 2026. Password: CurtinUni2026!
Located in Como, a quiet suburb, less than 5kms from Curtin University. Close to buses and a short walk to Preston Street shops and restaurants.
BROADWATER RESORT COMO
LINK | Discount: Use ‘Book Direct’ link on website for 10% discount.
Located in Como, a quiet suburb, less than 5kms from Curtin University. Close to buses and a short walk to Preston Street shops and restaurants.
METRO HOTEL – SOUTH PERTH & CITY
Discount code: CURTIN
OR
LINK: Metro Perth City is located in the CBD and close to the city bus station.
Guests have the choice of calling and booking direct or using the following links. Valid for stays 20th – 30th November 2026. The dates can be adjusted to dates required.
Room Type & Rate | Room Size | Description | Bedding |
|---|---|---|---|
Two-bedroom apartment
$375 per night – Breakfast for 2 pax only | 73 sqm | Fully self-contained and serviced daily, offering a spacious 73sqm area. Featuring two bedrooms each with its own private en-suite bathroom with spa bath, individual laundry facilities and 32-inch LCD TVs.
The shared living area encompasses a lounge, dining table and chairs, 42-inch LCD TV with Foxtel, Fully equipped kitchen with oven, microwave, dishwasher, WiFi and 4 bottles of water & 4 confectionery free in the room. | King / King OR King / Twin OR Twin Twin |
One bedroom apartment
$305 per night | 50 sqm | Fully self-contained and serviced daily. Hosting up to 3 guests with added bedding at additional fee.
The apartment features a living area with lounge, dining table/chairs, 42-inch LCD TV with Foxtel, fully equipped kitchen with oven, microwave, dishwasher, Wi-Fi, 2 bottles of water & 2 confectionery free in the room, laundry facilities with washing machine/dryer.
The private bedroom features a king bed and en-suite bathroom with spa bath. | King bed only. Extra bed can be placed upon request in the lounge room for an extra person (fees will apply) |
Pagoda Suite
$265 per night | 44sqm | Pagoda Suites offers a 44sqm elegant room containing a lounge area with LED TV with Foxtel/Cable TV and satellite channels, Nespresso coffee maker with capsules, small dining table and chairs, lounge suite, work desk, tea and coffee making facilities, air-conditioning/heating, iron with ironing board, hair dryer, amenities, telephone, radio with alarm clock, WiFi and 2 bottles of water & 2 confectionery items free in the room. -Please note NO cooking facilities available in this room type. | King bed only. Extra bed can be placed upon request in the lounge room for an extra person (fees will apply) |
Deluxe Room
$255 per night | 36 sqm | Spacious 36sqm room with king bed or 2 x single beds max 3 guests with added bedding, ensuite with spa bath, LCD TV with Foxtel / Cable TV Channels, work desk, tea/coffee making facilities, WiFi and 2 bottles of water & 2 confectionery free in room. | King bed or 2 x singles + extra bed for 3rd person (fees will apply) |
Superior Room
$235 per night | 29 sqm | Standard room with king bed or 2 x singles - ensuite with spa bath, 42-inch LCD TV with Foxtel / Cable TV Channels, work desk with chair, tea/coffee making facilities, WiFi and 2 bottles of water & 2 confectionery free in the room. | King bed or 2 x singles |