Date: 7–8 September 2026
Venue: The Studio, 51 Lever St, Manchester M1 1FN
"Researchers who use creative methods are at risk of finding ways to express themselves, learn, and have fun." (Kara 2020:237)
Our Keynote Speakers for 2026
The call for proposals for the ICRMC 2026 conference is now open.
The International Creative Research Methods Conference is back for 2026, and we are inviting submissions from researchers, practitioners, and activists across all sectors and disciplines. Share your work through presentations, workshops, or creative outdoor sessions, and be part of a vibrant, supportive community exploring innovative research methods.
The 2026 keynote presentations will be by Ranjita Dhital, a creative international health researcher, and Alastair Roy, a creative interdisciplinary scholar. We particularly welcome contributions exploring creative methods beyond traditional data gathering, as well as related topics such as funding, ethics, and publishing opportunities.
The call for contributions is now live! Please see the full document for submission guidelines and details.
In response to feedback from delegates in previous years, and as we don't have room for posters at ICRMC, we are trialling a new initiative at ICRMC26: One Slide Five Minutes. Presenters may prepare a single slide and speak for up to five minutes, after which they have five minutes for questions. After the presentations there will be a structured networking session for everyone in the room. For more information on this new initiative, please see the full document here.
The conference programme should be available to view online here in late February 2026.
Ticket Prices and Booking
Ticket prices for 2026 will be unchanged from the 2023 and 2024 conferences, and will go on sale in March:
Live Streaming
The conference keynotes and all the sessions from two of the five conference venues will be live-streamed, so that online delegates can attend these sessions. Our live streaming uses the Zoom Meetings app, which is available for all popular computer and mobile devices. The app includes a "Chat" area, which allows online delegates to interact with the session presenter and others in the room.
Recordings of the keynote presentations will be available on Helen Kara's YouTube channel after the conference.
Memories of the 2025 Conference
Feedback from delegates at the 2025 International Creative Research Methods Conference (#ICRMC25) in Manchester highlights just how inspiring, inclusive, and engaging this event is. Across two days, participants explored innovative research methods—from theatre, dance, and zines to participatory arts, sandtray therapy, and more—while sharing ideas, making new connections, and learning from one another.
Delegates described the conference as "one of the best conferences I have attended" and praised the welcoming, supportive atmosphere.
- Diverse, thought-provoking sessions sparking new ideas for research and practice.
- A vibrant, engaged community of academics, artists, and practitioners.
- Inclusive and accessible organisation, including clear pre-conference information, helpful handbooks, smooth tech support, and a Quiet Room.
- Opportunities to co-create, reflect, and connect, both in-person and online.
Whether you’re an early career researcher, an established academic, or a practitioner exploring creative methods, ICRMC provides a space to present your work, discover new approaches, and be part of a supportive, boundary-pushing community.
As promised, here are the links to our 2025 Keynote recordings:
We would also like to share some feedback our 2025 delegates have posted on LinkedIn. Click on their names to see the full posts.
- Ruth Flanagan:
"I've just returned from the 2025 International Creative Research Methods Conference and wow, what an adventure! Two days of inspiration, deep conversations, and boundary-pushing creativity." - Melissa Kirby:
"I had such a fabulous time at #ICRMC25 this week. It was such a fun and friendly conference, and truly wonderful to meet so many people using creative methods in such thoughtful, daring and inspiring ways." - Stephaine Zihms:
Back at work after 2 amazing days attending (and presenting) at #ICRMC25. Thanks to Helen Kara for creating such a diverse and welcoming space. The amount of times people shared parts of themselves openly and unapologetically is truly amazing. It shows the care that goes into the planning from the energy friendly schedule to having a quiet room. - Sonia Quintero:
"Just back from a truly inspiring first day at the International Creative Research Methods Conference in Manchester. It is an honour to be surrounded by such talented and generous artists, academics, and practitioners — each one sharing knowledge, creativity, and inspiration." - Pamoja Communications LTD:
"We have loved EVERY session at the International Creative Research Methods Conference in #Manchester. The hosts have thought of every comfort, and there is an abundance of learning on display across themes and disciplines." - Charlotte Marshall:
"Embodied Knowing with Dr Elsa Urmston and Restorative Textiles with Dr Suzy Tutchell has been the most wonderful hour. #icrmc25 is incredible. I am devastated not to be there in person but absolutely loving the deep thought that has gone into ensuring online participants can engage and be included." - Donna Stokes:
"The conference was wonderful, Helen. Thank you so much and to all of your support staff and speakers. I have so many take-aways and reminders about reminders for jobs, reading and new ways of working!" - Tina Haux:
"…reflecting about the joyful and supportive atmosphere at the conference."
For more information about ICRMC 2025 and about our previous conferences, with links to the programmes and recordings of the keynote presentations, please see our Previous Conferences page.
We are hugely grateful to our sponsors for their support:
If you would be interested in sponsoring next year's or future conferences, please contact us by email.
Conference hashtags: #ICRMC #ICRMC25
ICRMC is a Creative Research Methods Ltd project