6–9 July 2026
School of Digital Arts (SODA), Manchester Metropolitan University

Storytellers + Machines is a transdisciplinary creative AI event series exploring the evolving relationships between generative technologies, artists, and contemporary storytelling cultures. Led by members of the Speculative Technologies Research Group at SODA, the programme situates creative AI within artistic practice, critical thinking, and cultural discourse, bringing together voices from the arts, industry, and academia.

Building on previous editions hosted at Manchester Metropolitan University, the 2026 gathering continues to examine how emerging machine‑assisted systems reshape narrative form, authorship, and creative production, while fostering collaborative dialogue across disciplines.

THE END OF A.I. THE BEGINNING OF...

The cultural and creative disruption of the first two years of generative AI technology was captured by Storytellers + Machines 2024 performers, artists and academics. Now as an artistic and academic community we speculate, imagine and perhaps plot the end of A.I. and wonder what might come after.

The theme can be interpreted variously, including, but not restricted to:

(LOSS OF) ZEITGEIST
As generative technology begins to find its place in the digital ecosystem, will it become indistinct as a phenomenon? How does cultural production change as A.I. becomes an unremarkable part of our creative lives?

ECOLOGICAL BURNOUT
Increasingly, A.I. infrastructure contributes to ecological crises. Will creative A.I. in its current form become unsustainable or unacceptable as a form of practice? How else should we navigate the harms of algorithmic production?

ARTISTIC LIMITS
Mass adoption of creative A.I. seem to be related to automation and efficiency, rather than new types of art and culture. Are we discovering artistic limits to generative tools? And what emerging forms of experience and interaction in the arts are being made possible by these new technologies. 

COMMUNITY REJECTION
Many practitioners see little to gain but much to lose from in the market rollout of creative A.I. tools and reject them as a way of working. Should we fantasise (murderously) about a future without it, learn to love it, or find a third way? 

TYPES OF PRESENTATION

• Paper presentations

• Technical demonstrations

• Presented artworks and performances. 

UNDER REPRESENTED VOICES

The Storytellers + Machines organising team and everyone at Manchester Metropolitan University are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.

We promote submissions and attendance from all interested presenters, artists and attendees, irrespective of background, belief or identity. In particular, we strongly encourage, and offer practical support, where possible, to applications from groups which are underrepresented in the field. 

We are keen to feature presenters producing relevant creative work and research outside of academia, both as independent practitioners and those in industry.

Practical measures include:

• Discounted tickets for a selection of low-income, independent practitioner and student attendees

• Some application support and guidance for first-time conference submissions

• Giving equal value to artist, industry and academic submissions when considering the work you submit 

Please indicate in your application if you require access to any of these measures in order to take part, or get in touch via email.