Conference Overview
TaPRA 2026 will feature two main types of sessions: plenary events open to all delegates, and parallel sessions comprising panels, performances, and interventions.
Full details on the schedule will be available at the start of summer.
Academic Programme
Most delegates present their work within one of TaPRA’s thirteen working groups, each of which issues its own call for presentations. These groups meet across multiple sessions during the conference. Attendees may also participate by exhibiting practice research in the TaPRA Gallery or by presenting as part of an open panel running alongside the working group sessions.
Performance Programme
TaPRA 2026 is pleased to be part of the first edition of Backyard Biennial, hosted by Whitechapel Gallery.
Backyard Biennial is an 8-week, free, summer arts festival initiated by Whitechapel Gallery in collaboration with more than 40 local partners across East London. Titled East and featuring exhibitions, installations, screenings, performances, workshops, residencies, walks, open studios and special events, this first iteration of Backyard Biennial will celebrate the unique historic, cultural and creative identity of the East End, and pay tribute to its many diverse communities and industries.
As part of Backyard Biennial, TaPRA 2026 will present two performance events. Conference delegates will have free access to both events, with priority booking.
How to Build a Body
1 September
6:30PM–8:00PM
Whitechapel Gallery
A performance-lecture opening the conference from Broderick Chow about muscles and men, exploring building a body as a site to work through disappearing certainties about work, gender, and the roles we think we’re meant to play.
Live Art Evening
2 September
6:30PM–9:00PM
Queen Mary University of London
A sprawling evening of live art at venues across Queen Mary University of London, showcasing work by artists including Julia Bardsley, Ansuman Biswas, Samra Mayanja, Martin O’Brien, Florence Peake, Eve Stainton and others to be announced.