Dear Colleagues and Friends,

On behalf of the International Committee for Museums and Collections of Ethnography (ICME), it is my great pleasure to warmly invite you to participate in the ICME 2026 Annual Conference, to be held from October 18 to 24, 2026, in Taiwan.

We are delighted to announce that the Call for Papers is now officially open, and we warmly welcome submissions from colleagues around the world. Full details and submission guidelines are available on the conference website:
https://2026icme.org.tw/
⸻

Conference Theme

Recovery and Regeneration: Museums as Spaces of Healing, Continuity, and Transformation
This conference marks an important moment as ICME returns to the Asia–Pacific region for the first time in nearly two decades. Taiwan, shaped by layered histories, Indigenous presence, and vibrant cultural diversity, provides a meaningful context to explore how museums can recover marginalized voices, regenerate cultural knowledge, and support communities in times of transformation.
⸻

Conference Schedule & Locations

The conference is designed as a journey across Taiwan, connecting professional exchange with cultural engagement:

⸻
Call for ContributionsWe invite submissions in a variety of formats, including:

Abstract submission deadline: May 10, 2026
Notification of acceptance: June 15, 2026
⸻
Experience Taiwan: Where Cultures Meet, Heal, and RenewWe warmly invite you to Taiwan—a place where Indigenous heritage, historical encounters, and contemporary creativity come together. Beyond the conference sessions, participants will have opportunities to engage with museums and communities across different regions of the island, fostering meaningful dialogue and exchange.
⸻
Travel Grants for the ICOM ICME 2026 Taiwan Annual Meeting

Application Period: 15 June – 31 July 2026
Announcement of Results: 15 August 2026

ICOM ICME will award one (1) travel grant to a member who has been accepted to present a paper at the ICOM ICME 2026 Taiwan Annual Meeting.

One (1) grant will be awarded (1 × 1,200 €).

Priority may be given to early-career scholars and applicants from underrepresented regions, in line with ICOM principles.

⸻
Note:
The grant may only be used for travel-related expenses (e.g., airfare and accommodation) and may not be used for conference-related social events. The grant will be reimbursed after the conference, based on valid receipts submitted, and only up to the awarded amount. The grantee is responsible for paying their expenses in advance and submitting all receipts after the event for reimbursement.
⸻
Eligibility Criteria:
• Has been accepted to present at the ICOM ICME 2026 Taiwan Annual Meeting
• Is able to understand and communicate in English
• Is a museum professional or equivalent
• Is an individual member of ICOM and ICME
• Is in good standing with membership dues
• Has not received an ICME travel grant in the past three years
⸻
Application Materials:
Please submit your application via the designated link, including:
• Completed and signed application form
• A statement (max. 500 words) outlining your motivation for attending and expected benefits
• Curriculum vitae (maximum one page), including education, work experience, publications, and current responsibilities
• A copy of a valid travel document (passport or ID card)
⸻
The grantee will be required to submit a brief report and/or complete a questionnaire within two weeks after the meeting, describing their experience and contributions to ICOM activities.
We sincerely hope you will join us in Taiwan for this important gathering. Your participation will help shape critical conversations and future directions for museums and cultural institutions worldwide.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you to Taiwan in October 2026.
Sing-Da Huang
Conference Chair
ICME 2026 Annual Conference