International Congress on Medieval Studies
Kalamazoo, Michigan
May 13-15, 2027
The medieval parish church was a place of architectural wonder, artistic power, and community life for worshipers across social strata. Thousands of medieval parish churches throughout Europe hold compelling evidence of artistic and architectural innovation, though they are often overlooked in broader histories of medieval art. In order to raise the profile of these important structures, the long-running parish church panels at Kalamazoo have provided space for new and established scholars to share research, test theories, and try out new methodologies in the study of parish church art and architecture. The conversation will continue at the 2027 International Congress on Medieval Studies with both in-person and virtual panels.
Scholars are invited to propose presentations on any aspect of the art and architecture of the medieval parish church. Possible research questions include, but are not limited to:
-How did the architecture, art, or visual culture of the parish define the medieval worship experience?
-How did individual churches change over time—and what can these changes reveal about each parish community?
-How can in-depth study of a local parish church expand or contradict broader national narratives?
-What new methodologies can 21c researchers use to tell the story of the medieval parish?
Speakers who incorporate art and architectural analysis, archaeology, archival research, landscape studies, interdisciplinary approaches, and other methodologies in their work are encouraged to submit a proposal for either an in-person or virtual presentation.
To submit a proposal for the in-person session: https://icms.confex.com/icms/2027/prelim.cgi/Session/8924
To submit a proposal for the virtual session: https://icms.confex.com/icms/2027/prelim.cgi/Session/8938
Proposals should consist of a title, an abstract (300 words or less), and a short description (50 words or less) which may be made public if the proposal is accepted. Please also include the author’s name and contact information.
For general information on the International Congress on Medieval Studies CFP process, see https://wmich.edu/medievalcongress/call .
For questions related to this panel contact the session organizer, Catherine E. Hundley, at medievalchurches@pm.me .
Proposals are due September 15, 2026.
Limited travel funding is available. For more information, see https://wmich.edu/medievalcongress/awards/travelawards .
