How are comics forms and practices are integrated into scholarly research?

This first-of-its kind symposium and retreat seeks to germinate a broad cross-campus discussion, relationship building, and hands-on opportunities focused on the transformative potential, opportunities, and challenges of Comics-Based Research (CBR). It is based on a partnership between three members of the New England Humanities Consortium universities (UVM, UMass Amherst, UNH), a comics college (Center for Cartoon Studies), and a folklore organization (Vermont Folklife).

Please note this gathering is for faculty members and graduate students at NEHC member institutions, and space is limited to ensure a high level of interaction among participants. We are also inviting a small number of professional cartoonists and folklorists.

All activities will be held in the historic Billings Library on the UVM campus. A general overview of our two-day plan is:

• June 2, 2026 (10am-5pm): Symposium sessions, with panels and talks led by project PIs, collaborators, and willing symposium participants on:
  • Defining CBR and taking stock of recent debates and innovations
  • Comics and/as a research modality; and/as research communication
  • Applied cartooning, graphic history and ethnography, data comics, and other frameworks
  • Peer review systems, promotion, career pathways, and overcoming institutional barriers
  • Keynote speaker (CBR pioneer Marcus Weaver-Hightower, Virginia Tech).
• June 3, 2026 (10am-5pm): Retreat and practice sessions, as well as informal work groups focused on:
  • Exhibiting and sharing of work
  • Technique-focused workshops
  • Work group to begin planning an interdisciplinary and multi-modal handbook or edited volume addressing trends in CBR practice.
  • Concluding discussion focused on evaluation/impact assessment, and collaborative exploration of how to maintain and deepen relationships between individuals and our institutions.

Upon acceptance, participants will be sent a brief questionnaire that will help shape the actual agenda and priorities for the gathering, which will be finalized in May.

We will provide lunch and coffee breaks on both days. Participants will be expected cover their own travel to and from Burlington as well as lodging. We have arranged discounted-rate hotel accommodations in downtown Burlington for a minimum two-night stay (details to be provided at a later date).

Questions? Email symposium coordinator Luis Vivanco (lvivanco@uvm.edu)