We are pleased to invite submissions for papers to the ACM Creativity and Cognition 2026 conference, which will be held in person from 13-16 July 2026. We encourage submissions that contribute with knowledge on various forms of creativity with topics ranging from designing or evaluating creativity-support environments and technologies to studying or reflecting on the experiences, practices, and cognitive processes in art, craft and design.

This year’s theme, Creativity for Change, responds to the rapid pace of change in our world and emphasizes the power of creativity in driving positive transformations.

Our conference will explore how creativity can inspire and enable sustainable approaches for societal transformation, decolonization, tackling climate action, preservation of cultural heritage and supporting place-making and peace-making in urban and cultural contexts.

We invite submissions across a range of categories that examine how interactive systems, design, and creative processes can foster positive change and respond to global challenges. Creativity will be the lens through which we view societal issues, showcasing how creative approaches can open up new possibilities.

Accepted papers will be included in the Proceedings of the ACM Creativity and Cognition 2026 conference, and will be made available in the ACM Digital Library. At least one author of an accepted paper must register for the conference and present the work.


Creativity as a driver of positive change

Keywords: #inclusion, #accessibility, #socialjustice, #climatechange, #criticaldesign, #archive

    Studies assessing creativity in diverse contexts such as work with underserved communities and cross-cultural contexts
    Innovative platforms and digital environments that support the preservation, curation, and access to cultural heritage in museums and archives, especially in response to societal challenges like decolonization and digital inclusion.
    Exploring and supporting creativity in the context of environmental, social and technical changes.

Theoretical and empirical reflections on creativity and cognition and it’s potential for transformation

Keywords: #co-creativity, #embodiedcognition, #spatialcognition, #somaesthetics, #materiality, #sensemaking

    New methodologies and theories for evaluating the impact of computing on creativity and cognition, or designing technologies for creative contexts, including first-person methods or longitudinal studies among others.
    Frameworks to structure the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and environment in creative ideation.
    Methods for capturing, representing, and analyzing creative processes and cognition.
    Studies of creativity applications applied to different domains such as learning, work, wellbeing, health, entertainment and Arts.

Creativity at the intersection of Arts and Technology

Keywords: #GenAI, #art, #music, #performance, #design, #robotics

    Investigating how sensory feedback systems, wearables, or generative AI can deepen engagement and enhance co-creativity among performers, machines, and audiences.
    Examining the role of generative AI in composing, performing, and personalizing dynamic compositions or workflows within music, performance, fine arts or design.
    Investigations into how smart and biomaterials are being used to expand creative repertoires or alter creative process.
    Examining the collaborative and creative processes between interdisciplinary teams or crowdwork.

Creativity Support Tools

Keywords: #ideation, #sustainability, #AR/VR, #computationaldesign, #digitalfabrication

    Tools that enable creative approaches to sustainable computing and design.
    Investigations in AI-driven co-creativity including but not limited to ideation, iteration, and production.
    Tools that enhance creative environments like studios, makerspaces, digital platforms or support creativity within gaming, virtual and mixed reality environments.
    Creative systems and tools that cater to specific fields, workflows, and practitioners of all abilities.
    Creative systems and tools that facilitate the creation of virtual, physical, and hybrid artifacts and experiences, and offering new avenues for artistic expression and creativity support.