COMMISSION ON POLICY : CULTURE, EDUCATION AND MEDIA
20 - 24 July, 2026
Commission On Policy : Culture, Education And Media
ISME Commission Pre-Conference Seminar 2026
Theme
Dates
Venue
TBA
Welcome message from Commission Chairs
This seminar presents a unique opportunity to examine how music education is shaped by, and responds to, political forces and efforts to maintain neutrality. Rather than assumingeither an overtly self-consciously activist political role to achieve meaning, drive change and solve problems or advancing the widespread notion that maintaining neutrality is a productive position, we propose that examining the variety of neutral, subtle and conspicuous actions that music educators and other stakeholders use to influence and shape policy is a fruitful area for theoretical and analytical exploration and discourse. By exploring the impact of both political and apolitical forces on music education and the tensions between them, we aim to inspire music education professionals to eagerly examine the interconnections of policy, politics, and the daily work of music teaching in light of the global and local challenges they face (e.g., equity, accessibility, censorship, political hegemony, conflicting cultural practices, rapid technological advancements.). This commission seeks to foster collaborative dialogues, critical inquiry, practical problem solving and a framework for future collaborations. We look forward to learning from you and with you.
Policy Chair
Policy Co-chair
Welcome Message from Local Host
About Policy Commission
Culture, Education and Mediaserves as a global platform that brings together educators, scholars, researchers, and other policy stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue and critical analysis of current policy research in music education. Its mission is to advance understanding and innovation in policy in music education, particular as it relates to culture, education, and media through informed debate and collaboration.
To fulfil its mission, the Policy Commission hosts a seminar immediately before each biennial world conference, providing an opportunity for participants to present research, exchange ideas, and engage in deep policy discussions. The proceedings from these seminars provide a valuable resource for music education researchers and other interested in policy in music education.
In addition to the biennial conference, the commission also organize periodic online events and sessions at regional ISME conferences that provide opportunities for the dissemination of and dialog on policy research among music educators and researchers.
AIM
The aim of the Commission on Policy: Culture, Education, and Mediais to advance the understanding and impact of policy in music educationby fostering critical dialogue, collaboration and the advancement of music education. Through its global forums, the Commission seeks to address the complex intersections of culture, education, and media with a focus on equity, accessibility, and sustainability. By bringing together a diverse community of educators, scholars, and policymakers, the Commission aims to shape theory and research that uses policy as a framework to advance the inclusive and forward-thinking approachesto music education worldwide.
ABOUT THE SEMINAR
The 2026 Commission on Policy: Culture, Education and Media encourages submissions related to the theme of “Exploring music education through political and apolitical lenses in a changing world.” This theme complements the main conference theme of “Unity in music education: Building bridges for all.” The conference will feature papers, symposia, and lightning talk-poster presentations that are accepted from around the world. These presentations will foster dialogue on the political and apolitical forces that are impacting music education and how these forces relate to intersection of policy, politics and the work of music teaching. Through the collaborative and synergistic nature of this seminar, participants will engage in problem posing and problem solving aimed on the current and forthcoming challenges facing music education such as equity, accessibility, censorship, political hegemony, conflicting cultural practices, rapid technological advancements and other issues presented by participants. The seminar will also seek to develop a global collaboration network among participants that can continue work on these important issues between seminars. Presenters are strongly encouraged to attend and participate actively as this seminar as the collaborative nature of this conference intended to cultivate a sense of shared purpose of the issues facing music education across the world and empower forward thinking, research, and action.
As part of the commission’s commitment to an inclusive seminar, limited opportunities for virtual presentation and limited support for speakers of languages other than English are available. This is a face-to-face conference, and all activities from the conference cannot be made available to online participants. This is intended to make the conference possible for participants who have no possible way of attending the conference in person. Presenters are encouraged to present in English, if possible. Information on support for speakers of languages other than English will be distributed to accepted presenters in February 2026.
Program Highlights
- Keynote Presentations: Insights from leading experts within and beyond the field of music education.
- Deliberative Dialogues: Opportunities for in-depth discussion of thematic issues.
- Research and Cases: Showcasing inspiring conceptual and empirical examples from diverse global contexts.
- Network Formation Sessions: Interactive spaces to create sustainable, action-oriented policy networks.
Each element of the conference is designed to promote collaborative learning, inspire innovation, and empower collaboration.
Important Information
Key Resources & links
2026 ISME Pre-Conference Seminar Guidelines
Contact
Event Partners / Sponsors
