A conference exploring and celebrating the multi and interdisciplinary crossings of Gothic and Horror Studies.
Manchester Centre for Gothic Studies,
Manchester Metropolitan University, 25th-27th June, 2025
Plenary Speakers
Prof Rosario Arias (University of Malaga, Spain)
Dr Maisha Wester (Global Professor, University of Sheffield, UK)
Physical crossroads have long been sites where the human, divine and demonic were felt to converge and potent sites for magical, religious encounters, rituals of transformation, binding of undesirable spirits, siting of gallows and links to ancient cosmology. This conference also considers the crossroads as a space where the boundaries between differing spheres are negotiable, asking what it means to walk in the interdisciplinary pathways and cross currents of the Gothic.
The crossroad is a geographical location and ancient symbol closely associated with folklore where two or more realms touch. It is historically and imaginatively connected with travellers and travelling, strange encounters, omens, choice and indecision, danger, suicide, criminality, apocalypse and renewal, guilt and judgement, punishment, ritual and ceremony, lovers’ meetings, hanging, summoning, access to Gods, devil dealing, casting out and death. The choice between paths can also lead to repercussions and consequences of “the wrong path”, “the path not taken” and “straying from the path”.
This conference invites creative and scholarly consideration of any aspect of these areas or any other creative/critical spin on themes of crossing/crossover/cross currents, travelling, intersection, interception, (con)junction, incursion, deviation and transitioning in any/all aspects of cultural production as it relates to Gothic and horror.
It also proposes the crossing as a metaphor for presenting and thinking on the interdisciplinary work of the Gothic and the intersectional/transnational spaces where the gothic is engaged and approached. Thus, we are particularly interested in “paths less travelled” and contributions from scholars and ECRs working in the intersections where the cultural work of Gothic and horror studies crosses boundaries and spheres, engaging with fields and disciplines beyond the traditional, and where new “crossings” can be discovered. This includes, but is not limited to: Gothic and horror in gaming, architecture and heritage, creative writing and practice, comics and graphic novels, scriptwriting, theatre, music, geography, plant studies and environmentalism, anthropology, libraries and archives, sociology and social studies, broadcasting, publishing, media and graphic design. We are sure there are more, so feel free to surprise us with your wanders, crossings, and encounters!
Submission Instructions
Please submit a 250-word abstract for 15-minute presentations by 28th February 2025 to Dr Emma Liggins and Dr Eleanor Beal at [email protected]
For all submissions, be sure to include your name, a short (50-word) biographical sketch, institutional affiliation (if any), and contact details. Please send your submission as an attachment (as opposed to a link to a server such as Googledocs).
Submissions for panels should be sent as a single submission with three to four 250-word abstracts, a brief statement of the theme of the panel and the information above about each of the presenters.
Submissions for workshops should indicate the length of the workshop (max. 45 minutes).
Creative event submissions, for example, exhibitions and installations or any event where facilitation help may be needed before and on the day should try to highlight requirements in the abstract.
Gothic Heritage Fair
We will be hosting a Gothic and Heritage fair on the first day of the conference, with stalls from libraries, museums, galleries and historic houses in the UK. If you’re a local heritage organisation who’d like to offer a stall, you can sign up via this form or email [email protected] for more information.
Contact for Gothic Heritage Fair
Registration
A link to register for the conference coming soon!
Venue
The conference takes place at:
Chester Street
Manchester
M1 5GD
United Kingdom , United Kingdom.
The link to the venue contains further information on access and travel (see also below) and some suggestions on places to eat. However, we will be updating this page with information, including information on accommodation, very soon.
Accessibility Notes
This is an in-person conference with some recorded sessions available after the date. However, we want to work with all contributors to make sure that the conference is physically accessible for them. If you classify yourself as having a disability, please select this at registration and we will be in touch for details. We have a clear code of conduct which is used to maintain a welcoming atmosphere and a comfortable space for all participants. We aim to be an inclusive conference for all. If you have any questions, queries or requests at this stage or at a later stage, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected]
Financial Support for Postgraduates
If accepted to deliver a paper or workshop, a number of travel bursaries up to £100 are available for selected international and UK postgraduates, and fractional, low/unwaged ECRs on application. Please download the form for instructions on how to claim.
Download the Travel Bursary Form