The International Committee of Design History and Design Studies (ICDHS) is calling for papers for their Design and Craft: A History of Convergences and Divergences conference. The event will be held in Brussels Belgium in September 2010 and will focus on the relationship between design and craft.

This theme offers an excellent opportunity to gather new design historical and theoretical research from over the world in a focused discussion on regional specificities as well as the impact of global processes of industrialisation. If, until now, design history has been largely dominated by the Western narratives of industrialisation, then moving the focus towards non-industrial design practice might bring non-Western scholars to the forefront. Moreover, previously marginalised design histories in industrialised countries can finally get a voice.

The Brussels’ ICDHS conference program will have on emphasis on presentations of about 20 minutes each and workshops with an emphasis on debate and discussion.

Original papers are invited to consider subject areas including the following themes or strands:

1. The Impact of International Organisations
2. Craft and Tourism
3. Towards an Aesthetic of Objects
4. The Design Critic, a Lost Profession?
5. Revival of Traditional Techniques
6. Craft, Design and Postmodernity
7. Fashion and Craft
8. Ruptures and Continuities: The Historiographic Understanding of Craft and Design
9. Craft and Technological Innovation

Alongside these strands, there will be two workshops with an emphasis on debate and discussion. The workshop themes are Design Centres and Design Exhibitions and Craft and Gender.

Submissions are due 31 December 2009. Extracts of papers should be no more than 300 words.

For more information and to submit an entry visit here.

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