The Summer School in Critical Theory and Praxis: Literature and Society is a seven-day intensive programme held on the island of Cres, Croatia. It brings together scholars, students, researchers, artists, educators, activists, cultural workers, and policymakers for interdisciplinary exchange through lectures, workshops, and cultural events. The programme connects theoretical inquiry with literary and artistic practice, addressing pressing social and political issues while exploring creative and innovative responses.

Presentation

The Summer School in Critical Theory and Praxis : Literature and Society is a seven-day intensive programme held on the island of Cres, Croatia. It brings together scholars, students, researchers, artists, educators, activists, cultural workers, and policymakers for interdisciplinary exchange through lectures, workshops, and cultural events. The programme connects theoretical inquiry with literary and artistic practice, addressing pressing social and political issues while exploring creative and innovative responses.

Thirty participants and around fifteen lecturers and workshop leaders will spend six working days engaging with this year’s theme : the relationship between literature and politics. The programme will also feature artists whose work thoughtfully integrates theoretical, historical, and social research with experimental artistic practice. There will be no parallel sessions ; all participants will work collectively to foster an open, focused, and collegial environment. The group includes students, doctoral researchers, academics, cultural workers, activists, artists, policymakers, teachers, and informal educators, positioning the School as a dynamic meeting point between academia and wider society.

Recognising that literature is deeply embedded in its social context, the programme will examine its role in interpreting and shaping political, economic, and cultural processes, as well as public understandings of social relations and change. Particular attention will be given to the shifting functions of literature throughout history – from a repository of cultural values to an agent of social transformation.

Applications are welcome from MA and PhD students in arts, humanities and social sciences, teachers and educators, scholars, policy makers, activists, artists and workers in cultural and creative industries.

The working language will be English.

How to apply

Please apply with a CV (1–3 pages) and a letter of motivation (1–2 pages) indicating a description of your interests in and expectations from the Summer School. Please submit your application in one PDF file to caponeu@ffzg.hr by 15 April 2026.

Practical information

Costs : 750 euros participation fee.

The fee includes : reading and teaching materials, welcome drink, daily lunches throughout the Summer School, excursion (with lunch included), museum ticket, closing dinner.

À : Palace Moise, Cres, Croatia

Selection Committee

• Branimir Janković (University of Zagreb)
• Zvonimir Glavaš (University of Zagreb)
• Mirela Dakić Kučeković (University of Zagreb)
• Zrinka Božić (University of Zagreb)